Is Natural Hair Better?

6 Facts to Have In Mind Before Going Natural…

Ok so a number of women around you are ditching relaxers and grooming their natural hair…Then you wonder if you should take the plunge but don’t really know what to expect. Natural black hair is far from relaxed hair when it comes to texture and handling so you need to prepare yourself for this adventurous transition from relaxed to natural hair.

1. There are basically two ways to go natural; wait for some new growth and cut off the permed hair once or go grow your natural hair gradually while maintaining the relaxed top.

2. If you choose to chop off the perm once then you just have one texture to deal with. Your major challenge would be how to handle the new length of hair).

3. If you choose to transition gradually to your natural hair you may want to give yourself a time frame…say 1year? That would be one year of nurturing new growth with no relaxer application. Once you hit that target of one year you can then cut off the relaxed tips.

4.  When you choose to go gradually to natural hair you have the challenge of dealing with two different hair textures and then comes the temptation to “help out” the new growth. You just want the two different textures to meet at some point so you consider using the flat iron or straightener on the new growth. Yes it’s tempting but avoid it all together if you can so you can keep your new growth healthy.

5. During this period of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair choose protective styles like traditional weaving (corn rows), wet sets (wash and set) and weaves.

6. Handle your hair with care especially at the most fragile point; where the natural and relaxed hair meet. To avoid serious breakage be careful with manipulating your hair. One good recommendation is going for wet sets instead of the flat iron. Just be patient you’ll get there.

Photo: Masechaba Ndlovu looking cute in her short natural hairstyle.