With natural hair taking over the hair scene, you or someone you know may have been thinking about going natural. If so, there are a few things you should know before you start.
Going natural is a journey and it takes work and dedication. You have two options when making the decision to go natural.
1. The “Big Chop” which is cutting off all the relaxed portion of your hair.
2. “The Journey” which is growing you hair until the relaxer is gone. This can take a year or longer.
When you start your journey, you want to make sure you keep your hair moisturized and well conditioned. As your hair grows, there will be a line of demarcation – the point at which two different hair textures meet on one strand. That point is very fragile and must be handled with care.
Protective styling is highly recommended. It puts less stress on the hair and allows for minimal manipulation of the strands. Braids, weaves, and updos are great protective styles if done correctly. Co-washing is also recommended, however co-washing does not clean the hair it just helps to aid in moisture retention which is important for healthy hair growth.
Although natural hair is a journey it can be fun and styling options are limitless!