Off Topic: Natural hair...

[LipstickLez]

After years of wearing my hair in a short crop (see pic at side) I recently decided to grow out my natural hair. Mostly because I really like change, and I wanted to try a few braids and weaving options and (hopefully) eventually really COLD, Erykah Badu type afro.

I'm wondering: Has anyone here grown out their natural, fluffy hair and if so, what styles did you find worked best during the transitional period - or as I call it, "The Webster Phase"?

*I especially want to hear from folks with extra resistant hair lol*

Right now I'm in comb twists colored deep red.

 

[NaturallyME]

YAY! I just became natural myself at the beginning of the summer, and im one of those resistant heads. if your hair is long enough to transition in braids i wouls suggest that so you dont have to deal with the 2 different textures. you already have short hair so your transition process should be short and simple because your already used to having short hair. if your hair isn't long enough for braids then i would try wash and go's to try to grow out the cut
I dont know if i have many product recommendations because im trying to work that out for myself but theres a few natural women on the board who im sure could be of more help

 

[LipstickLez]

I should be more honest: My "transition" is more about transitioning from very short to length lol I haven't had a full on perm in a looooong time. But of course I've been going to barbers, so any perm I did have would be cut off every two weeks.

I miss barbers

I did do some braids - actually, that was originally my goal - to get braids - and then to cut my hair again. But I had fun with my new hair options, and decided to grow my hair out in hopes of reaching my afro goals. I'm after a Leela James sorta deal so I got a loooooong way to go! My only concern with braids is that you end up with that George Jefferson hairline after a while!

 

[Sundae]

check out nappturality.com that should help you with styles and maintenance. That site helped me look after my hair. I have been natural for over 5 years now.

 

[Twinkle_Twinkle]

Definately check out Nappturality. There is an entire forum for transitioners. I transitioned for about three months. I'd planned to transition for about 6, but I could no longer take it, so I had to go ahead and Big Chop.
The styles that worked best for me were just roller and rod sets that I had done at a salon. (You could try them on your own, it just didn't work for me) Unfortunately, I rarely had time to get to the salon, so what I did most often was just to wear twistouts, which only lasted for a few days, if that. I'd just brush it back, pin it up, and wear a headband.

I alot of people transition with braids. I am not a braid person, plus often braiders are to tight with edges, which can cause you to loose hair there. Sew in weaves are another option. But I have never worn a weave and don't want to start.

I just celebrated my 6 month nappervisary last month, so that was exciting. Good luck to you!

 

[MsButterfli]

naani.com is also a great site. Im currently loc'ed and loving it...october makes 4 yrs. i guess rock u some 2 strand twists as an option as well as cornrollin while wet and take em out when they are dry. and girrrrrrrrrrrrl i love leela's hair.. but i doubt i can cut my locs off to start over to get it lol..maybe tho lol..hope that helps

 

[makeba]

I would wear some comb coils then move into two strand twists when it's long enough to hold. Nappturality.com is the bomb, this site helped me transition from relaxed hair to natural smoothly. I am loced now and the site still helps a lot. it provides a wealth of information like this site does.

 

[BinkysBaby]

I actually just did the big chop about a month and a half ago.
I had a wave nouveau and initially, I would do twist outs which was cool.
I wanted to grow it a little and then cut it but I couldn't deal anymore.
My hair is about 3/4" long and I love it.
I condtioner wash it everyday and apply a lot of moisture.
I wear it out (no braids or weaves) and it's great.
I comb it out in the shower with conditioner in it while it's wet and then I put product in after I get out.
Once it grows a little longer, I will do twist outs again and my plan is to get dreads.
Good luck!!

 

[NaturalSister19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinkle_Twinkle Definately check out Nappturality. There is an entire forum for transitioners. I transitioned for about three months. I'd planned to transition for about 6, but I could no longer take it, so I had to go ahead and Big Chop. The styles that worked best for me were just roller and rod sets that I had done at a salon. (You could try them on your own, it just didn't work for me) Unfortunately, I rarely had time to get to the salon, so what I did most often was just to wear twistouts, which only lasted for a few days, if that. I'd just brush it back, pin it up, and wear a headband. I alot of people transition with braids. I am not a braid person, plus often braiders are to tight with edges, which can cause you to loose hair there. Sew in weaves are another option. But I have never worn a weave and don't want to start. I just celebrated my 6 month nappervisary last month, so that was exciting. Good luck to you!

Great advice. I agree.

My screen name NaturalSister19 - that's how long I've been natural, 19 years. I have been doing my own hair since the beginning. I have opted for a crinkly fro mostly, (long before most people thought it was attractive) using a two-strand twist set done in large sections. I also have a huge neat bun that I like to wear.

Advice: Keep your hair super moisturized. Test products to see what your hair 'likes'. Look for shine, texture enhancing, and elasticity. Kiehls (Silk Groom), Frizz-Ease (Secret Weapon, Extra-Strength Hair Serum, 5 Minute Miracle), Aveda (Brilliant Pomade, Elixir, Sap Moss Shampoo & Conditioner), Sebastian Potion 9 and Elasta QP (H2) are lines & products that I have tried that work well for me!

 

[lsperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaturalSister19

Oh, girrrllll; you are beautiful!

 

[LipstickLez]

I guess my last reply didn't go through...

Anyhow, I covet ^^^^ the above afro. I am pretty short right now, just about two or three inches, so my options are limited. I didn't want the comb twists, but when I got them, I liked them. I will be getting another set this weekend, and then I will hopefully have enough hair for a sew in. This is all new for me, since when I grew up I had a JC *yeah I said it!* and I didn't get a perm until I was 13. My mom wasn't the type to drop a bunch of money on styles, so I never had the experience of being able to play around with my hair. RIght now it's a new (albeit somewhat costly) hobby.

I'm still getting to know my hair. I know it's thick. I would like it to be curly, but past attempts at that have gone like this:

Me: Hey hair, here's some water on a brush.
My Hair:

Me: 'Sup hair, let's try this Paul Mitchell stuff.
My Hair:

Me: Alright, you're gonna do what the hell I tell you to do. I'm the boss here, got it?!

My Hair::booty:

And so forth. But it did respond very well to the comb twists, so I am hopeful.

 

[LipstickLez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaturalSister19 Great advice. I agree. My screen name NaturalSister19 - that's how long I've been natural, 19 years. I have been doing my own hair since the beginning. I have opted for a crinkly fro mostly, (long before most people thought it was attractive) using a two-strand twist set done in large sections. I also have a huge neat bun that I like to wear. Advice: Keep your hair super moisturized. Test products to see what your hair 'likes'. Look for shine, texture enhancing, and elasticity. Kiehls (Silk Groom), Frizz-Ease (Secret Weapon, Extra-Strength Hair Serum, 5 Minute Miracle), Aveda (Brilliant Pomade, Elixir, Sap Moss Shampoo & Conditioner), Sebastian Potion 9 and Elasta QP (H2) are lines & products that I have tried that work well for me!

I definitely will look into those products. I know I keep hearing about Elasta QP. I guess in all the time I had my very short hair, it never occured to me that it might need as much care as permed hair. I know my hair and scalp are very susceptible to dryness.

One thing I'm wondering, though, is will my Angry Black Hair respond to a twist out?

 

[This Is Mine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundae check out nappturality.com that should help you with styles and maintenance. That site helped me look after my hair. I have been natural for over 5 years now.

I agree. Nappturality is a great resource for women interested in natural hair. NaturalSister19 is soooo on point about the moisture. I've found products from Qhemet Biologics and Anita Grant to work great on my hair but there are many easy to find products like honey, apple cider vinegar, shea butter and olive oil that many nappturals swear by to keep their hair in tip top shape. It's all about what your hair needs and how it reacts to certain products. Have fun experimenting!

 

[Twinkle_Twinkle]

I confused OP, have you already cut off your permed ends? Are you completely natural now or are still transitioning? If you are wearing a TWA (teeny weeny afro) I would suggest a wash & go/shake & co, where you wash with conditioner (also known as co-washing or noo pooing) rinse, put of on a leave-in shake, and go. You could also add a styling agent, but that isn't necessary. I co wash with a combo of Paul Mitchell's Instant Daily Moisturizer and Trader Joe's Nourish SPA conditioner. I use Aveda Elixir as a leave-in (however it's been discontinued, and you prob wont be able to find it easily or at all).

 

[captodometer]

I have been natural for 9 years. I am wearing untwisted two strands in my profile picture.

If you haven't already done the big chop, go for it. I went from mid-back length to 1/2 inch. Work the TWA, it's freedom hair! Wash and go, or maybe a little bit of gel to curl if your hair is the right texture. Warning: it takes more effort as your hair gets longer.

I don't do much with my hair most days. I'll wear twists most of the time, but I go for the mighty 'fro every once in a while

I use an oil sheen spray every couple of days, and I deep condition every week. I love the L'Oreal Nature's therapy deep conditioner; you can buy it at Sally Beauty for about $12; it lasts forever.

I do my twists and let them air dry; I don't use any gel to set them. My hair is of sufficient texture and thickness to hold the twists and not come unraveled; this may or may not work for you. Use a sturdy wide tooth comb when your hair is wet; afro pick or fingers when it is dry.

Enjoy your new hair

EDIT: Changed avatar pic. Those are afro puffs now, not two-stranded twists

 

[BinkysBaby]

You guys all have such great suggestions.
I'm also going to look into some of the products that you guys recommended.

 

[spectrolite]

Omg this thread rocks!! Thanks for all of the useful tips and product suggestions girls. I'm definately going to check some of those out. I'll just add that right now my all natural hair is loving pure, organic coconut oil. I rub it in to my hair and scalp after washing and normally do 2 strand twists and spritz in some Matrix Biolage leave in elixir. During the week I apply more coconut oil for moisture as well as shea butter when I can afford it. Seriously my hair just drinks it up and the smell of coconut oil is intoxicating.

 

[LipstickLez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinkle_Twinkle I confused OP, have you already cut off your permed ends? Are you completely natural now or are still transitioning? If you are wearing a TWA (teeny weeny afro) I would suggest a wash & go/shake & co, where you wash with conditioner (also known as co-washing or noo pooing) rinse, put of on a leave-in shake, and go. You could also add a styling agent, but that isn't necessary. I co wash with a combo of Paul Mitchell's Instant Daily Moisturizer and Trader Joe's Nourish SPA conditioner. I use Aveda Elixir as a leave-in (however it's been discontinued, and you prob wont be able to find it easily or at all).

For clarity: I've worn my hair natural for several years. The issue is it was never longer than a man's length - you could usually see my scalp. I've decided to grow out some because I want to have a Leela James look in the not too distant future.

So no "big chop" - I don't have any permed hair to get rid of. But I'm just getting length to my natural hair, so I am still adjusting to its texture, needs and what my styling options are. Right now I'm in comb twists. I despise TWAs (sorry, I'm just being honest) so that's a non option for me, unfortunately.

 

[Starr1]

you should also check out longhaircareforum.com there are a lot of naturals on there with some great advice. I myself am a curly but I love sweet almond oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

NaturalSister19- you are just too gorgeous! And I love your hair!

 

[Sundae]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LipstickLez I guess my last reply didn't go through... Anyhow, I covet ^^^^ the above afro. I am pretty short right now, just about two or three inches, so my options are limited. I didn't want the comb twists, but when I got them, I liked them. I will be getting another set this weekend, and then I will hopefully have enough hair for a sew in. This is all new for me, since when I grew up I had a JC *yeah I said it!* and I didn't get a perm until I was 13. My mom wasn't the type to drop a bunch of money on styles, so I never had the experience of being able to play around with my hair. RIght now it's a new (albeit somewhat costly) hobby. I'm still getting to know my hair. I know it's thick. I would like it to be curly, but past attempts at that have gone like this: Me: Hey hair, here's some water on a brush. My Hair: Me: 'Sup hair, let's try this Paul Mitchell stuff. My Hair: Me: Alright, you're gonna do what the hell I tell you to do. I'm the boss here, got it?! My Hair::booty: And so forth. But it did respond very well to the comb twists, so I am hopeful.

Hilarious

my hair did that to paul mitchel stuff too but it kinda went like what is stuff supposed to do? Not sure I bought i back to the shop. Now my hair loves braid spray and olive oil lotion from organic root stimilator. That's it.