Natural Hair Series -.''My Hair Rocks Since I Began This Journey''

I started my natural hair journey on the 21st of October 2014. It wasn't a sunny day when I walked to the barbing salon amidst the stares to take it all off because I had a very strong conviction to start all over. 

Before my big chop, I had an average looking hair. The length was long but my edges were "mama iyabo-ish" mostly rat chop following a long period of braiding.

 Now I'm not saying braiding your hair is wrong but take breaks in between braids for people who really prefer braiding or you can alternate with crochet, lots of crotchet styles that look like real braids if done properly. 

Note that the natural hair journey isn't for everyone and it is not as expensive as most of us assume. I rarely do most of these things online naturalistas promote but every time I let my hair out, I get asked if it's my real hair. The deal is to know your hair type and what works for your hair. Hair products works for some and not everyone, I know someone who bought an hair product following so many people's testimonies but after 7months of use the persons hair remained the same and she threw it out.
These are guaranteed tips for natural hair:


1. Water: get a spraying bottle and let it be your go to each time you need to wet your hair once it feels dry. Oil should be used sparsely and preferably use coconut oil,argan oil, Shea butter or other organic oils. Avoid hair creams with sulphur(sulphate) as one of its ingredients especially. Coconut oil is your best bet, I use it as my body cream and on my hair with no extras.


2. Deep condition: You can do a DIY (do it yourself) by mixing honey, mayonnaise, Shea butter, olive oil, raw eggs etc. to soften your hair if you have stubborn hair. Leave the mixture in dirty hair overnight and wash off in the morning. If it's urgent to have your hair washed then you can leave in mixture for 2hours or less. Use cool water to rinse off, cool water helps to lock in moisture else you may end up washing off all the rich products you used in conditioning. Use hair products like dark and Lovely, Cantu leave in conditioners, you need to keep hair moisturized to avoid breakage.


3. Protective styling: I have installed crotchet all year long. It's faster to install, long lasting and reusable. Invest in crotchets. It also helps your hair instead of tugging at it all the time to have them braided. Wigs too are a must have,you don't need to break the bank to own 1 or 2.



4. Stay away from heat: Natural hair hates heat. When you wash your hair, dry it with a towel or air it till it dries instead of going under a dryer. You can stretch your hair once in a while to check length/growth, I haven't done this in 2 years though.


5. Avoid washing your hair all the time, if you can do twice a month it's okay. The reason your hair would need to be washed often is if you keep soaking it with oil. Many people are fond of this, you are damaging your hair and it will invite dandruffs. Use tea tree oil to treat dandruff. Dry scalp and dandruff are not the same. If your scalp is dry then apply water as earlier stated or coconut oil.


It is not entirely true that applying dye spoils hair whether retouched or natural, just avoid dying from the root and keep it moisturized. I love highlights and I retouch my highlights once a year, some people do it every 6 months and you can have it done yourself like I do mine. 

Section your hair and follow instructions on the pack of product.
These tips can also be used by people with retouched hair too, they are all natural anyway.

BY BV Doppelgaenger.


If you have a natural hair story and tips,please send it in and if you dont want your lovely face showing,i will plaster it,na your story we want cos some of us also have natural hair....