Things I wanted to know as a new Natural

Well, you've made the decision to become Natural:Congrats. Now what do you do???



I'm going to tell you some things that I had to ask & research to understand natural hair care.

First, you are going to see A LOT about moisturizing & styling your hair.* I don't know which one more*. Here's the first thing you need to know:

JUST BECAUSE IT WORKED FOR THEM DOES NOT MEAN IT WILL WORK FOR YOU!

Your hair is your hair and will not like the things that other peoples hair does. For instance, women love & swear by Cantu Shea Leave-in but Popcorn (My hair has a name Lol) does not like it. I've tried it many different ways and it's a no go. smh...So you're gonna have to experiment because this is all trial & error till you find out what your hair likes.

My next rule is to CONDUCT RESEARCH, even if that's just reading ingredients on things you've always used. Since chances are you're going to be using new natural products, know what you're using, just in case there's a reaction or you love it!

*Now here's the list* =)

1.Always moisturize your hair. The first ingredient should be water.

2. Stay away from mineral oil & petroleum products. They just lay around up there; the serve no purpose.

3.The infamous SULFATES...dun dun dun.......

These are the harshest of them all:

Ammonim Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonim Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate

These are a less harsh:

Sodium Trideceth Sulfate
Sodium Myreth Sulfate
Tea Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates

Now, you will see people say stay away from them all together (because they penetrate your hair shaft and can really dry them out) and if your hair thrives on that method, then do it. BUT this is where it's about your hair and your hair only. There may be times when you have to use a sulfate shampoo and that brings me to the next one:

4. Cones(Silicones) these are ingredients found in almost every conditioner, moisturizer or lotion you have right now *now check because I did. lol* These basically coat your hair to make it appear smooth & shiny and can also block out other moisture to your hair shaft. Here's the kicker: if your hair still thrives using cones in moderation: do it! As long as you:

5.Clarify- your hair. This is usually done with ACV rinses or baking soda. YOu do this remove build up off the hair and close the cuticles (this seals in moisture) Too much of this can cause scalp irritation or hair dryness. You will have to play with the measurements.

6. Cowashing! This is funnnnnnn. This is washing your hair with conditioner only. This feels great and your hair will appreciate it. You basically wash the same way you do with shampoo, massaging your scalp with your finger pads ( not your nails)and yes, you can do this instead of using shampoo for however long you want.

7. If you already don't ( I had for years) sleep with a satin bonnet and/or pillowcase. You do this cause less friction to your hair during sleep.

8. Deep condition your tresses at least once a month (some do it weekly) totally up to you.

9. Always seal your hair. This is done with butters( shea, mango, avocado) or oils (olive, shea, jojoba, castor coconut & others) because there particles are too big to penetrate, so they keep in the water based moisturizer you put in already.

10. Only detangle hair that is lather with conditioner and only comb wet hair with a wide tooth comb.

Okay.....I think I'm gonna do a part TWO....

Stay tuned...............................