Starting my journey

[Kelly Elaine Mitchell]

So I just cut the perm out of my hair. And I wanted some tips on keeping it strong, moisturized and growing. Let me hear some of your stories of when you made the crossover. And some advice on different products great for growing natural hair.

[Gullah*Gotham*Glitter]

What made you go natural? There are a number of products out there to try. I am just now getting into the habit of trying different stuff until I find something that I really like. Some of the top brands that a lot of naturals use and swear by are Oyin, Uncle Funky's Daughter, Kinky Curly, Curl Biz, and more. Definetly check out youtube and continue to to ask people in here questions. Different stuff works for different people so eventually you'll get the hang of it. I'm still working on things myself. I don't wash my hair as often as other chicks but I'm not so sure about the co-washing thing either.

But I went natural because perms where never for me. I don't really know why my mom ever permed my hair but I was never a huge fan of it. I love getting my hair braided. I also felt like getting in touch with my natural hair would also help me to see my natural beauty, which it has. I have a lot more confidence and pride then I did when I was relaxed. Good luck to you on your natural journey

[Mlle d. Sade]

I started slowly, to please my mom bu i trimmed every two weeks and after about a year of transition i had my twa.

I learned to have patience and to use creamy conditioners.

[YamiNoSensei]

I started my first crop of dreadlocks in 1985 after moving from Michigan to San Francisco. I was tired of the constant round of pressing & perming, and had admired people with dreadlocks for a while. Back then there was no going to get dreads "done", you just "throwed away the comb" and hoped for the best! I didn't cut my dreads until 2006, when my hair started thinning due to medication. Was surprised to find that the texture had changed from nappy-as-it-gets to curly and soft... still no idea if this was an aging thing or what! Anyway, I kept it natural for almost 2 years before deciding to lock it again... I like it longer, but it was really hard to manage past "short fro" length, and after 20 years I was just not used to "doing stuff" to my hair. So I got it twisted up about a year & a half ago and am back to loving my locks!

When I started my first dreadlocks there really were no products specifically for natural hair, so I'm just now discovering these products for myself! By the time it was waist-length, it was too hard to wash by myself... no idea what products my stylist was using. I do know that after washing it she would moisturize with an oil blend that included lavender and tea tree oils. She really soaked it, I would have to sleep with a towel on my pillow for a couple nights afterward! Now I moisturize my scalp with almond or other veg-based oil with lavender & tea tree oils added; will probably start doing the soakdown thing as it gets longer.

Not much useful advice there! I will say, avoid products with mineral oil or petrolatum as the main ingredient. They are harsh, clog follicles, and actually interfere with scalp & skin's ability to retain moisture. Stick with vegetable-derived oils and moisturizers. Start reading labels and learn which ingredients work best for you.

Blessed be and congratulations on your choice to go beautifully natural!

[Nyah]

Hey girl, I went natural in May of this year. I went to visit my family in Panama in May and I don't know if any of yall know anything about Panama, but let me tell you... Its 33% natives, 33% Latinos, and 33% Afro Caribbeans. All the black women there wear their hair natural and god are they gorgeous! Were talking looooong natural black hair, something Ive never seen here in the states. And I began to wonder why in the heck Ive been putting my hair through this torture all my life? So I chopped down to 1/2" and left the rest behind. Of course I freaked out at first and threw yarn extensions in because my head is just not meant for short styles :/ Since then it's been all about moisturizing, protective styles, and Biotin supplements :) I lean more towards homemade mixtures because I just don't trust anything else. Guess it's the hippy in me. I follow curlynikki's blog, shes got some treat tips. I do advise against comparing your hair to other naturals who don't share your same hair type. For instance, curlynikki looks like she has 3b/c hair. Mines in 4b/c. HUGE difference. Just love your hair (and yourself!) and it'll love you back!

Washes once a month with baking soda, conditioner, and olive oil mixture.
Deep conditioning weekly with avocado, honey, olive oil, and jojoba oil mixture. Apply to wet hair, use hooded dryer for 20m. (Auntie in Panama gave me this recipe, works miracles!)
Scalp care with Jojoba, a lil bit of glycerine and peppermint oil (only a couple drops) mixture. Style with Shea and seal ends with Castor oil.
Treatments include alternating Indian clay masks, protein conditioners(ApHogee), and henna on a monthly basis. Be waaaay careful with the protein treatments or esle they'll dry your hair out like crazy! Good luck and welcome aboard <3