These are just the first ten things I could think of that helped me start off on my journey:
1. The line of demarcation. This is the part of your hair where newgrowth meets relaxed/heat damaged hair. It is very delicate and prone to breakage. This area needs moisture and a delicate hand. Incorporating a protein treatment can minimize breakage and to avoid having to do a big chop before you're ready.
2. Deep Conditioning Treatments. These should be done one to two times per week. They aid in returning moisture to your hair as well as improving manageablility.
3. Use a gentle shampoo. Shampoos can strip your hair of its natural oil. Moisturizing, gentle shampoos can help remove debris without stripping your hair. Many have found that baking soda added to conditioner proves to be a good substitute for shampoo altogether. On the other hand, if you find that some of the products you love aren't working as well, you might want to try a clarifying shampoo.A good clarifying shampoo will gently cleanse your hair.
4.All hair is unique. One person's staple may be in someone esle's trash! Hair needs differ from person to person. Experiment with different products (samples are inexpensive and great) until you find what works for you.
5.You don't have to do the Big Chop. People often B/C out of the frustration of dealing with the different textures. I think the two most important things to think about before doing the B/C are: Will I be comfortable with my new length and am I prepared to style the new length? Your hair is growing so eventually you will trim off the damaged pieces.
6.Healthy hair starts from the inside. These vitamins are essential to healthy hair:
Vitamin B-3 promotes blood circulation to your scalp.
Vitamin B-5 prevents hair loss and helps your hair regrowth
Vitamin B-6 and B-12 aid in healthy hair growth
Vitamin A helps with lubrication of the hair follicle
Vitamin E has recently been found to be beneficial to hair growth
B vitamins can be found in whole grains, fresh fruit, brewer's yeast, eggs, fish, turkey, meat, and milk.Vitamin a can be found in eggs, red, yellow, and veggies, green leafy veggies and liver. Since B vitamins are water soluble, adequate water intake it vital. Since Vitamin E causes more oxygen to reach the blood it may cause blood to thin or clot depending on wheter you're taking too much of it. Consult with a physician before you go on a Vitamin E supplement. Vitamin E oil added directly to hair is a great alternative.
7. Protein/Moisture balance. Chemically processes and coloring deplete hair's protein leaving the hair dry, strawlike and prone to breakage. Protein treatments are great at repairing damaged hair and overall making hair stronger. Major protein treatments should be done every 6 weeks. Keratin treatments are the strongest proteint treatments and should fall into the six week category.Too many of these treatments can make your hair hard and dry so it is always important to follow up with a moisturizer or better yet a conditioner. Eggs, yougrt, mayonaise and avacado are all good mild proteing treatments that can be done once a week.
8. Heat protectant! If you don't already use one, start. They provide an important barrier between your hair and heat. Going natural doesn't mean you can't wear your hair straight, it just requires more protection. Straightening natural hair may take more time but the results will look better and feel better.
9. Do your research! Whatever it is, try to find someone that has tried it before and ask questions. Testing on a small section of hair is also a good way to try something with a minimal amount of risk.
10. Don't get discouraged. Transitioning can be difficult at times but it is also very rewarding. You are on your way to unlocking your hair's full potential! Finding a support systems is also highly beneficial to this journey. If your friends and family aren't on board, there are many
online communities where naturals share tips, stories and techniques to help make your journey easier. These are only a few of the many things new naturals need to know. I hope this is a good starting point for you and please feel free to comment and add any of your own tips.
