Top Questions I Get About My Natural Hair

1.   What products do you use?

I use a variety of products depending on what my goal is.  You will have to determine which product line works for you but regardless of the line, here are the essentials:

·         Non sulfate shampoo

·         Moisturizing conditioner

·         Leave in conditioner

·         Styler cream – depends on season, hairstyle, etc.

·         Oil and shea butter to seal in moisture

·         Deep conditioner

I usually tell people to start off with a less expensive product, such as Shea Moisture, or sample size products, for the following reasons:

·         Experimentation should never be costly.  That way if for some reason they don’t work out, you haven’t lost a fortune.

·         Accessibility - You can obtain many on the ground at Target or Walgreens for instant gratification.

2.    How do you deal with your edges (while transitioning)?  *look of distain on face*

Define “deal with”….this will probably only be an issue if you desire a straight look during your transition, which I would not recommend.  Yes I can speak on it because that is what I did.  I recommend doing braid outs and twist outs exclusively during this period and “edges” are not necessarily an issue. I use eco styler gel to tame the hair around the perimiter of my face.

3.   How long did it take you to grow your hair completely out?

I transitioned for 2 years.  It was not easy but absolutely worth it.  My hair basically looked a hot ass mess the entire time (in my eyes) but I worked it out.  My stylist would gradually clip off an inch or so whenever I would get it done (every 2 weeks) until eventually all of the relaxer was gone completely.  Then I had an entirely new head of hair that I had to learn.  Again, I would not recommend transitioning the way I did, which was wearing it straight.  My hair survived but I had zero length retention and I wanted my hair to grow. 

4.   How do you wear your hair to work?

The same way you see it right now.  I do tone it down a bit for work but that has more to do with the time of day, the occasion, how I’m dressed, etc. I am not afraid of my hair anymore.  The great DMX once said, and yes I’m quoting DMX, #dontjudge, “people are afraid of honesty. They are afraid to be who they really are”.  I am completely honest about my hair, meaning, I’m not ashamed that it kinks up and I’m not afraid to let the curls do what they do.  So if I want to wear my hair out, I do. 

5.   How do you get it straight?

I wear my hair straight twice per year, this time it will end up being three because of a photo session I am doing.  Nothing at all against wearing it straight, it looks nice but I usually grow bored and long for my curls.  Plus, me and my color may never part ways so the less damage the better.  Anyway, the last time I straightened my hair I applied a leave in conditioner after blowing it dry, sprayed on some heat protector before flat ironing and that’s it.

6.   Why won’t my hair grow?

This is such a general question as there are a lot of contributing factors but generally speaking if you are doing the following, you should definitely experience some growth. At least this is what worked for me.

·         Trims as needed

I don’t have a “trim clock” so to speak.  I trim as necessary.

·         Much of length retention is dependent on how well you nurture your ends. Sealing your ends is a crucial step in your process. 

·         Maintain moisture levels

Add moisture and keep the moisture in.

·         Wrap it up!

A satin scarf and pillow case are a must!  I can’t tell you the feeling of panic that comes over me when I can’t find my scarf!

7.   Do you have to wash it every day?

Absolutely not!  When it was shorter, I was partial to wash and  go’s which for me meant daily cleansing.  As my hair grew, the wash and go was no longer conducive so I started trying other styles, such as braid outs and twist outs and I started cleansing once per week.  Now, I sometimes go two weeks before I shampoo.  Honestly it depends on the weather, how I’ve been wearing my hair and how much product I’ve used throughout the week.  

8.   My hair would look super short like that.  *points at my hair* How do you get it to not shrink up?

Shrinkage – battle of the naturals J . Depending on the look I’m going for I don’t mind shrinkage.  I sometimes want certain parts to shrink and others to hang a little more.  When I want to combat shrinkage I stretch my hair.  What does that mean?  After shampooing/conditioning I braid my hair into 4-6 sections and allow it to air dry, typically overnight, before styling.  The next day when it’s completely dry, the curls are more relaxed and stretched.  I then proceed with whatever style I choose.  Another way to stretch is through heat which I don’t do often but when I do, I blow it dry and then proceed with styling on dry hair.

9.    So you don’t put any relaxer in it …..ever? (Emphasis on “ever”)

This is the question I get mostly when it’s straight.  People usually don’t believe me when I tell them I’m relaxer free.  I’ve had someone actually go behind my back and ask my stylist if I really had a relaxer.  *Side eye* Really? Like who really cares that much?  But anyway.

What questions do you get about your natural hair? If you have questions for me about my hair, email me at curlychictg@gmail.com with "you've got mail" in the subject line.