I started my natural hair journey almost two years ago. Now I wonder why I didn't start sooner. I have watched many videos from different bloggers about their natural hair. I am of the opinion that each person should do what works for them, its not about right or wrong. I am also a frugal person who is always on a budget and gets a kick out of doing good on LESS. In the case of my personal hair care I have begun to keep it simple. Before I get to the basics, let me briefly explain my previous adventures in Hair.
Over all the previous years of my life I thought I had to have my hair straightened, you know silky soft and flowing free like all the ladies on television. I admit I liked it but eventually I found all the chemicals were bad for my scalp and hair. About two and a half years ago I started seeking ways to naturally straighten my hair, though I didn't go too far on that track. The search was more of an idea than an actual in-depth research campaign.
Then it occurred to me that since I was quite young always thought curly hair would be cool, maybe it was the LIONESS in me, since I am a Leo or just that bouncy curls seemed fun and carefree. I'm not sure. It actually took me coming back to myself in personality and purpose, before I realized I was one of my new Hippies. You know the hippies, the love the planet, save the animals, eat vegetarian, protest against war, run through nature barefoot and "hangout" at the Renaissance Faire? Yes, I am one of them. It was almost a natural progression from that point for me to decide NO chemicals on my hair, I will go FREE. That is the short version of how I have come to this point.
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1. Wash my hair ever other week or when I feel its needed.
2. Use Alaffia shampoo, its full of natural ingredients including Rooibos Tea and Shea butter.
3. Use Beautiful Curls leave-in curl activating conditioner, which is Shea butter based.
After washing I sometimes let me hair air dry but at other times I immediately braid it. I have a bottle of spring water that is used to wet/dampen my hair as I separate it and prepare it for the conditioner. Using a quarter size amount I coat my strands to braid. Within a day or more I gently remove the braids, separating with my fingers and I have my natural style ready to go. Optionally, I add olive/argan oil to my scalp and hair while braiding, also when it feels a bit dry.
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NOTE: On videos I have seen that braids are what is called a protective style, meaning it avoids a person having to comb or manipulate the delicate strains of the Naturally Curly hair. I will make another post about the different types of curly/kinky hair.
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Tips:
Be gentle with your hair, avoid pulling and stretching until after its thoroughly moistened with water or conditioner.
Using your hands to manipulate your hair is better for the strands than combs or brushes, if you must use a comb it should be large toothed.
Now here is my routine:
Over all the previous years of my life I thought I had to have my hair straightened, you know silky soft and flowing free like all the ladies on television. I admit I liked it but eventually I found all the chemicals were bad for my scalp and hair. About two and a half years ago I started seeking ways to naturally straighten my hair, though I didn't go too far on that track. The search was more of an idea than an actual in-depth research campaign.
Then it occurred to me that since I was quite young always thought curly hair would be cool, maybe it was the LIONESS in me, since I am a Leo or just that bouncy curls seemed fun and carefree. I'm not sure. It actually took me coming back to myself in personality and purpose, before I realized I was one of my new Hippies. You know the hippies, the love the planet, save the animals, eat vegetarian, protest against war, run through nature barefoot and "hangout" at the Renaissance Faire? Yes, I am one of them. It was almost a natural progression from that point for me to decide NO chemicals on my hair, I will go FREE. That is the short version of how I have come to this point.
-
1. Wash my hair ever other week or when I feel its needed.
2. Use Alaffia shampoo, its full of natural ingredients including Rooibos Tea and Shea butter.
3. Use Beautiful Curls leave-in curl activating conditioner, which is Shea butter based.
After washing I sometimes let me hair air dry but at other times I immediately braid it. I have a bottle of spring water that is used to wet/dampen my hair as I separate it and prepare it for the conditioner. Using a quarter size amount I coat my strands to braid. Within a day or more I gently remove the braids, separating with my fingers and I have my natural style ready to go. Optionally, I add olive/argan oil to my scalp and hair while braiding, also when it feels a bit dry.
--
NOTE: On videos I have seen that braids are what is called a protective style, meaning it avoids a person having to comb or manipulate the delicate strains of the Naturally Curly hair. I will make another post about the different types of curly/kinky hair.
-
Tips:
Be gentle with your hair, avoid pulling and stretching until after its thoroughly moistened with water or conditioner.
Using your hands to manipulate your hair is better for the strands than combs or brushes, if you must use a comb it should be large toothed.
Now here is my routine: