This week’s feature is a “newbie” to the natural journey, although her decision to return to her roots took shape a year ago. Sunita, or Bulletz, as we lovingly refer to her in the Blogosphere, is a proud tribal member of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape People.  Sunita is also transitioning from a Wave Nouveau system, and being of multi-racial heritage the process can oftentimes be harrowing. But blessedly she is persevering, and is sharing her journey with us!

Idadi: When did you make the decision to go natural and why?

Suni: I decided to go natural last year, toward the end. I got tired of trying to keep up with relaxers that were only damaging my hair. I ended up with more broken than length, so i chopped it. I had also not seen my real hair since I was a teenager, so I wanted to know what it was like. I figured, “I’m 28 years old, I should be able to take care of my own hair [now].”

Idadi: And you’re transitioning, right?

Suni: Yes I still have a bit left from the Wave Nouveau, but most of [my hair] is back to natural. I expect it to be long and wavy by the end of next year. Re-learning how to care for your hair is a trip, as I know I don’t have to tell you.

Idadi: Why did you decide to go this route instead of cutting off the relaxed portion?

Suni: I had cut most of it off, and it actually angered some blood (a.k.a my husband). Then I saw there was more to cut and I was like uh, oh! So I kept my length, even at the expense of a good deal of breakage on the very back of my head. It took a few months to grow out to nearly the same length as the rest of my hair, and I am trimming up as the new growth comes down. Eventually it will all be even and natural.

Idadi: How many processes have you taken your hair through before deciding to go natural?

Suni: Not many. I did Wave Nouveau for a good amount of years. It was the best thing for my hair as far as processes go. I would probably still be getting it if the products were still widely available, which they are not. I also did a number of similar natural based relaxers, and the last thing was New Era, which is also not readily available. I liked the soft results without all the effects of harsh chemicals. It’s like a heat wrap that straightens your hair, but does not do so much damage. It leaves a bit of your natural texture in. After the frustration with trying to locate product and  my hair being so damaged… the snap came… and I said NATURAL here I come!

Idadi: I’ve heard so much about WN… how was it different from the Jheri Curl?

Suni: Firstly, it didn’t leave you dripping all over everything. Once it was dry, it was done dripping. It kept its shape and held up in the heat. It actually got curlier in the humidity. It was durable. I only had to get the process once every nine months I believe, because it blended so naturally with my new growth.

Idadi: But the process was sorta the same?

Suni: I dunno. How long does it take to get a Jheri curl?

Idadi: About an hour to an hour and a half, if I remember correctly.

Suni: [Wave Nouveau] takes three or four hours, and a whole lot of curling, half uncurling, full uncurling with like ten different products. But the end result was so FABULOUS.

Idadi: What products do you use on your hair most often?

Suni: Being that I can still get the after care products for Wave Nouveau — which is crazy since you can’t get the process anymore — I use their moisturizer. It’s very good at keeping your hair soft and not greasy. I also use Profectiv Break Free Leave-In Strengthner, and Profectiv Daily Leave-In Conditioner. As far as the wash goes, I have been using the Dove Intense Damage Therapy but will probably switch to their curly shampoo solution very soon. Deep conditioning I do with Lustrasilk Aloe Vera Cholesterol about once a month.

Idadi: How are those working for you?

Suni: Well, they are working pretty well. I am trying to use the [strengthener] at least once every 3 days and the moisturizer every other day. So far, so good. I just can’t wait to see it all natural and be able to deal with it on its own terms… If that makes any sense.

Idadi: What are you looking forward to on the natural journey?

Suni: I am looking forward to having the length without the chemicals. I am really looking forward to having healthy hair that’s all mine again. I have been resorting to wigs and ponytails because of the horror of my hair. Once I can wear it again as a crown, I will be doubly overjoyed.

Idadi: What has been the most frustrating part so far?

Suni: At first, it was the breakage. Now it’s the waiting. I am having hardly and breakage now, so waiting for it to be like I want it is really hard.

Idadi: Aye… I can truly understand that. I think the time passed so quick for me cause I just left it alone

Suni: It’s an ever present issue for me, because I’m not just trying to please myself. I want it to look decent for my husband, too. He loved the length I had more than I did, and I want to have it back at full strength.

Idadi: How supportive has he been throughout the process?

Suni: At first, he didn’t understand the reason behind me chopping my hair off. He was shocked that after four years of marriage I would do something that drastic. I finally was able to explain and reiterate [that] the issue at hand was that my hair was unhealthy and would have broken off anyway, shorter than where I cut it. Once I reassured him that I would be getting the length back, but this time it would be even better, he warmed up to it more. Now he sees the fruits of my labor starting to burst forth, and he is even more a supporter of what I am doing.

Idadi: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaw…

Suni: *lol* My mom has been the biggest supporter, though. She is by trade a hair dresser, and has been my personal stylist since I was born. My little sister got the ringlet curls, so she has been natural for a looong time with no problems. Me, well… I got the “wavy, dunno if I want to be a curl or not, hair.”

Idadi: LMAO! It’s bi-curlious?

Suni: HAHHAHA!

Idadi: What styles have you tried so far?

Suni: Gurl how can you style bi-curlious hair? *lol* I have been trying different things in order to keep it under control to some extent. The pics you have are from yesterday when I had braided my hair for a few days then took it out. I guess you might call it a braid-out style. Then there was the day I tried to twist… Utter disaster! I have been trying to avoid using my flat iron, but it does work if I need to go to a formal party or something like that. My natural hair actually gives itself over to heat better than when I had it relaxed.

Idadi: What styles are you looking forward to trying now?

Suni: I will be getting some rod curlers (as my mom suggested) so I can ease the ends of my hair to work in with my new growth, so I don’t look like a raving lunatic in the humidity. I can hardly wait to have an actual ponytail again, instead of the brussel sprout I have sticking up.

Idadi: LMAO! Not brussel sprout!

Suni: *lol*

Idadi: Do you frequent any websites or belong to any natural hair groups for support?

Suni: No. Most of the hair groups that I find are for people who do not have my hair texture. I cannot join Nappturality because my hair isn’t “ethnic” enough in texture. I can’t join the sites for mixed chicks because my hair isn’t white/Spanish enough in curl. So I’m stuck in the middle, as always, trying to figure things out on my own. Multi-racial and bi-racial hair is so different from each other, and no one really knows that. They figure it’s all the same.

Idadi: How has your perception of your hair been affected by the natural process?

Suni: It’s more the like the perception of my own beauty changes with the way I perceive my hair. For example, when I did the twists… You said that it was probably my perception of what they looked like, but believe me, they looked like BeBe’s kids had done my hair in my sleep! *lol* I have to get to the point where I’m comfortable enough to say “YES, this is my NATURAL hair and I am beautiful with it”, whether it behaves “properly” or not. Being constantly inundated with images of women of color wearing their hair straight has scaled my eyes to an extent, and seeing women of color who are more ethnically rooted, so to speak — wearing their hair in fros and all the cute things they can do — really disheartens one who has yet to find their natural hair path.

Idadi: So the change in the hair is effecting the change in the woman?

Suni: Very much so, which is why I now understand what my husband was feeling when he saw my hair was cut. With getting back to my natural roots, I have found myself getting back to the root of myself. I have been rediscovering who I am through the process.

Idadi: Your husband’s Native American too, right?

Suni: no, he’s Puerto Rican. [Well], he is Taino Indian, so it is true he is Native American.

Idadi: Well most “Natives” I know have a very strong spiritual connection to hair.

Suni: Funny you should say that. Hair is very near and dear because it symbolizes things. Like in certain tribes, once your hair was long enough to have a braid, you were considered a man, for boys. And women wore their hair as their crowning glory. Natives scalped people not just to kill them, but to take away their honor. Cutting my own hair was a HUGE decision. In the end, I decided it was more honorable to cut it and start over. Can you tell that a lot of things went into my decision? *lol*

Idadi: Yeah… but that’s a good thing.

Suni: I mean it took me four years to decide I wanted to color my hair, then to go through the decision of cutting it? It was almost more than I could bear.

Idadi: But that’s a good thing. The more personally you consider your hair, the better you’re able to make healthy decisions for it, instead of considering it just a thing that covers you head.

Suni: Very, very true.

Idadi: If you could change one thing about your natural start, what would you do differently?

Suni: I think I would have never put a process in my hair to begin with. But being as it is what it is, I probably would have wrapped my hair up so it didn’t all break off in one spot. That’s something VERY important that I never thought much about. WRAP YOUR HEAD in do-rag or handkerchief or something. I cannot stress it enough.

Idadi: Yes, that’s very important. Either that or sleep with a satin pillowcase.

Suni: Yes!

Idad: Well, I know you have to go soon, so I’ll let you go with a thank you, and best wishes for your process.

Suni: I must say this was a fun interview. I hate for it to end!!

~@~

Suni’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Sunita? You can contact via her Website at www.bucketobulletz.com.

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Sunita it has been such a pleasure sharing your story with my readers, and I even learned a thing or two. I empathize with the difficulty it is to find sites that cater to your multiracial hair type, so I scoured the Web to see if I found some that came close. Here they are:

BlendedBeauty.com Hair Tips – These Curly Hair Tips are for adults and children with multiracial, afro and curly textured hair.

My Sky – Multiracial Family Life – I saw at least two entries dedicated to multiracial hair. Quite possibly the author has some tips and tricks to share.

Metisse – An online magazine dedicated to multiracial beauty.

Softress – Products for ethnic and multi-ethnic hair and skin.

Hope that helps, or at least points you in the right direction.

I wish you much success in your journey and can’t wait to see future progress.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted. All right reserved.

I was on the phone with my mother a couple of weeks ago, and she was explaining to me how “horribly” her first attempt at two strand twists turned out. She said, and I’m paraphrasing here, they made her look like “Buckwheat on crack.” She laughed, and I giggled, remembering my initial reaction to my first twists. Of course, my mother’s hair is a whole lot finer than mine, and I’m not quite sure what product she used to set the twists, but I can imagine the results quite vividly. I’m sure they looked just fine, but sight unseen, I can’t say that with any amount of authority.

Suni, a friend of mine also going through the journey from chemically processed to natural, expressed the same sentiment after her first try at twists. Since her hair is a mish-mash of cultural textures, and she didn’t think to take pictures (BAH!), I can’t say one way or the other whether her attempt was a pass or “fail”, but like with my mother, I am sure they looked just fine to the outside eye.

More than anything, it’s the personal perception of natural “do’s” that constitutes a person’s rating of how good they look. Actually, that’s only half true. Most of our qualms about natural hair styles are based on how others will think we look, in the face of society’s “straight” beauty standard. While natural black hair is becoming all the rage in certain sects (maaaaaaaan I can not WAIT to get to DC), it’s still a relatively new and controversial personal concept to grasp. It’s one thing to be openly natural at home, with family members who understand what you’re trying to accomplish and why. But to be natural in the streets… open to all the misconceptions, negative opinions, and criticisms… Let’s just say my wraps are like an American Express card for me. I never leave home without them!

So is this to say we “newbies” live in shame of our nappiness? That we dishonour our natural attributes by not sharing our tresses with the world at large? Do we so prize our vanity boosted by other’s perceptions over being prideful in who we really are from root to tip? I don’t think so. But this journey is such a personal one, and the slope can be a slippery one to climb at times, since self esteem is so closely linked with how we look in the eyes of others (kinda bass ackward, but it is what it is). Often times we have expectations of our hair based on the beautiful stylist result pictures we see in media such as this…

or this

That’s a lot of pressure for hair to live up to when all you have is inexperience and your own two hands, eh?

But all is not lost, my natural sistahs (and brothers, if any of you read this). As I’ve said before, this process takes practice and patience. Remember, you are relearning your hair… getting to know it as it is for quite possibly the first time in years! And like any growing relationship, there is going to be an awkward phase where those “undesirable” qualities show themselves, and you are faced with the decision to accept and deal, or chuck and run. Nowhere is this more evident than when trying a new style out for size, since it changes your appearance in such a drastic manner.

With the right amount of time invested and knowledge of your hair gained, you’ll find your confidence building, and your view of how different styles look on you will gradually change. One day, without even realizing it, you might find yourself stepping out with some Bantu knots or a funky looking Erykah-esque fro, sporting a 100% Nappy Tee, oblivious to the stares.

I’m awaiting the day!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

While cruising the net in search of useful content, I ran across a glossary over at Naturally You! Magazine, which contains the most frequently used terms when it comes to the natural journey.  And like always, I thought I’d share this resource for those of you who may not be in the know.  So here they go…

ACV – Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, used quite often by loc wearers in the baby loc stage to clean the scalp. Also used by freeform naturals to remove build up from the hair.

Baby Locs – Locs that have just been started and have not yet begun to mat.

Bantu Knots – Hair is parted into sections, and twisted until it folds upon itself, creating a “knot” of hair.

Big Chop – Often used to describe a person cutting off all of their permed hair, down to fairly short natural hair.

BradeLocz – Locs formed by braiding the hair in small sections. Locs formed with this method are often tightened with a tool used to weave the new growth in near the root. This type of locing technique avoids unraveling when swimming, shampooing, or working out.

Braid Out – A style created by braiding the hair, usually wet and/or with products, and removing them to create a crinkly/curly effect. Can be done on freeform naturals or locs.

Comb Coils – Single strand twists formed using a comb to twist the hair.

Co-Wash – Washing the hair with conditioner only, instead of shampoo. Also known as the “no-poo” method.

“Creamy Crack” - A term used by many naturals to describe chemical relaxers.

Double Strand Twists – Created on naturally coily hair, this style involves wrapping two strands of hair together like a rope. The hair can be parted in small, medium, or large sections.

EO – Essential oils are potent, concentrated plant extracts used in various applications in cosmetic, medicinal, and some household products.

EVOO – Extra virgin olive oil. Often used as a hair moisturizer by Black women with natural hair.

Flat Twist - The hair is rolled so that it lays flat against the head, similar to a cornrow.

Freeform Natural - Natural hair worn “loose” and un-loced.

Latchin’ – A method of retightening locs requiring the use of a latch hook. Latch hooks are also used to make rugs and attach weaves. They are available at most beauty supply stores, and many craft stores.

Palm Rolling – A technique used to smooth out the shaft of a loc by rolling it, with or without product, between the palms of the hands.

Product Junkie – A person who continually purchases more and more products to try on her hair!

No-Poo – Washing the hair with conditioner only, instead of shampoo. Also known as the “co-washing”.

Root Bed - The new growth at the root of a loc is described as the root bed.

Shake-n-Go - A hairstyle [achieved] by washing the hair, applying products, and shaking it vigorously. This process adds volume and helps separate curls.

Shea Butter – Made from shea nuts, a creamy butter used to smooth skin and soften hair.

Sisterlocks ™ – A method of locing the hair using a patented method of intertwining the hair with a tool. Sisterlocks can be started on permed or natural hair.

Transitioning – Allowing the natural hair to grow, while maintaining the permed/chemically processed ends. Permed ends can be cut off little by little, or all at once when the natural hair has reached the desired length.

TWA - Teeny weeny afro, most often worn right after shaving off the remnants of a perm. This is the no holds barred way of going natural. Recommended as the best way among many natural heads, this is the way to start over completely fresh and get to know the natural you.

Twist-n-Clip – A method of retightening locs involving twisting the new growth while damp, and using hair clips to clip the loc in place until dry.

Twist Out – A style created by double strand twisting the hair, usually wet and/or with products, and removing the twists to create a curly/wavy/crinkly pattern. Can be done on freeform naturals or locs.

Source: www.naturallyyoumagazine.com/content.php?id=4

Healthy Hair Wishes,

Hi Hi Every People!

Time once again to read though the comments and Email, spotlight some readers and answer a few questions!

In response to Sweltering Sunday Retwist Pics, Shaar, asked:

What are some products that you use on your hair?

Well, although I experiment with several recipes for home made products, I most regularly use the commercial products listed HERE. I am becoming very partial to the Avocado and Coconut Milk Conditioner I tried for the second installment of the In the Mix series, and may use it as my regular conditioner from now on.  I’m also looking into making my own shampoos in the very near future.

In addition to the listed products, I use Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel when I do my twist, but will probably switch to aloe vera gel in the future.

***

Richmond offered this tidbit of advice on Journey Special Interest: Slide Some Oil To Me:

Honey too, can act as a good product for taking care of one’s hair.

You are correct, Richmond.  I’ve featured several recipes which utilized honey, and have read many an article proclaiming it’s attributes to hair health.  Thank you so much for sharing!

***

And Eve hit us with a triple comment whammy!

To Considering the BC… Seriously! she offers:

Aww…Sis. Don’t cut it. The fro is beautiful.

On, Journey Feature 04 – Ms. Dani, she replied:

Stunning… I love the texture of [your] hair, Danielle. Another great feature sis… You rock!!

And on Journey Feature 03 – Btrflyed Beauty, so stated:

I know I told [you] personally… but I wanted to be sure to thank [you] here. It was an honor to be featured on[your] site… Thank you. Love ya bunches.

Thank you so much, my seester!  I’m not going to cut my hair, no matter how tempted I get… but there are days when my arms get tired at the mere thought of working with it. *lol*

It’s actually you guys who make the features come to life, so if they are great, it’s because all of you are!

***

In response to Special Interest: From the Journey Mailbag, Lissa commented:

Thanks for the mention. Your site’s great. Very informative.

You’re most welcome, sis.  I enjoy your site as well.

###

Thank you all for the feedback, and the readership.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

One of the “easiest” style to maintain while I transitioned, has been to simple toss my tresses back into a ponytail and throw one of my many bun wraps over it:

Not only is it a “no fuss/no muss” style, it also protects the hair by shielding it from potentially damaging elements, as well as keeps your hands out of it. But the art of tying a proper head wrap can be a bit tricky. I prefer the bun wraps (for now) because they are relatively easy to tie, just gather like a ponytail and wrap the ends around to form the bun. However, there are many other wrap variations to try, and here are some tutorials to demonstrate the versatility of the wrap!

hair wrap 1

hair wrap 2

hair wrap 3

hair wrap 4

hair wrap 5

I also discovered some text wrap tutorials on AfricaImports.com, and on the Anyiams Creation Website.

Do you wrap, or know of other wrap styles? Feel free to share them by either commenting here, or sending an Email to amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

Happy wrapping!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

And here are the results!

Recipes are rated on a scale of 1 – 5 Afro Picks… 1 being the lowest rating, and something I would not use again or recommend, and 5 being the highest rating of something I’d most likely use again within the next five minutes. *lol*

And heeeeeeeeeeeeere we go…

Milk and Oat Mask –

Putting this recipe together is as simple as making a bowl of your favourite breakfast cereal. Simply cook the oat, add the milk and honey, and *VIOLA*! Since the oats are cooked, I didn’t have as difficult a time applying the mask as I did with the Oatmeal and Honey Mask from week one. It was, however, just as messy, so if you dare to try this mask you want to make sure you do it over a sink or at the bathroom counter.

Clean up is relatively easy as well, once you get all the honey off, and the after effects are smooth skin and “small” pores. You want to make sure to use a toner as a follow-up to make sure your pores are open enough to get rid of any of the mask that may have embedded itself, and I found it very necessary to moisturize once all was said and done.

While I won’t be personally using this recipe again, I do recommend it for all skin types, at least once a week.

***

Sugar and Olive Oil Lip Balm – 1/2

This may not replace my beloved Blistix anytime soon, but I do hold a slight affinity for this mixture, simply because I love olive oil. I used turbinado sugar instead of regular granulated sugar, to really get the exfoliation effect going.

Application takes a bit of finesse since olive oil has a somewhat drippy consistency, but once the mixture was on my lips the results were almost instant! Not too “greasy” yet very very smooth, giving my lips a full and sexy softness.

Unfortunately, this was not a long lasting balm. Within about two minutes my lips soaked up most of it, and I needed to reapply. A travel container may be necessary if you take this on the go, because several applications might be in order.

***

Cool Tea Eye Compress –

I really don’t suffer from puffy eye syndrome, but I figured I’d give this recipe a try since I read a lot… to give my eyes a “refresher” of sorts.

As simple as making a cup of tea because essentially, that’s exactly what you’re doing! So this recipe doubles as a thirst quencher as well!

I used green tea, and followed the directions accordingly. Once the time elapsed I can say that my eyes did indeed feel a bit “fresher”, if you can imagine that. Beyond that, this recipe didn’t do much for me, but I’d still recommend it for those who do suffer puffy eyes or constant eye strain.

###

So there you have it. If you do try any of the recipes out, I’d love to hear your results. You can leave a comment here or send them to me via Email at amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

I wish you happy experimenting!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

Keeping in line with the theme of transitioning, again, from the pages of NaturalHairGuide.com, here are some popular protective hair styles ideas that will keep your hair hands free and growing healthily!

Transitioning Styles

by Amy, founder of NaturalHairCareGuide.com

What makes a good transitional hair style? Good questions. A good transitional hairstyle keeps hair handling to a minimum. That doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t comb or brush your hair while you are transitioning. It just means that less in this case really is more.

Always remember to work with your natural hair and not against it. If you keep this in mind during your transition as well as when you hair is completely natural, you and your hair will be much happier.

Pressing it is NOT the answer
You may be thinking to yourself, “I’ll just press the roots so that they will both be straight while it grows out.”

Bad idea. For one thing going natural means that you are beginning to learn how to work with your hear. You will have to start [somewhere]. Why not now? The skills of tender considerate hair care that you learn now will help you when your hair is completely natural.

The other reason is that you will run the risk of snapping it of at the weakest point, the place where the relaxed hair and natural hair meet.

In general it is best to stay [away] from heat. You have so many other options that shouldn’t be a problem.

Transitional Hairstyles
When choosing a transitional natural hair style it is important to think about how you usually wear your hair. One of the biggest mistakes that many people make is thinking that there is a certain look or that their hair has to look a certain way to be natural. Being natural is being chemical free point blank.

Pick a style that suits you. If you are a conservative person you may want to go with conservative style. If you are daring the sky is the limit. Pick a style or combination of styles that are best for you.

Some good transitional styles are :

• Braids with extensions
• Two Strand Twists
• Comb Coils/Twists
• Straw Sets
• Cornrows with or without extensions
• Braid/Twist Outs

Braids with extensions
Braids have been a normal “in” style for a while now. There are lots of braiding gallery magazines that will give you ideas. Although many of the styles may be pushing the limits a little than you may be comfortable with you can get some good ideas.

When going to get braids DO NOT get micro braids or extra tiny individuals. They are not good for you hair to begin with. And they are an absolute pain to take out. Remember you are looking for styles that will require little handling. Tiny braids are prone to get tangled when you try to take them out. As your hair grows your hair will snap off more when you have to untangle it.

Try to stick with braids that you don’t need a tooth pick or pin to pick out. With the wide variety of extension braid styles finding a hair healthy size shouldn’t be a problem.

Cornrows with or without extensions
If you don’t like sitting for a long time to get braids, but want a style that will last for some time, cornrows are a good choice. Like braids they have been in for a while. Even though cornrows have now become associated with men as well as women there are many very feminine cornrow styles. Braiding books are a good place to look for ideas.

Although not as tedious to take out as tiny braids tiny cornrows especially with extensions can be a pain to take out both literally and figuratively.

Curled Two Strand Twists or Twist Out
I honestly think that two strand twists on relaxed hair only look nice if you curl them. I think that plain two strand twists look straight and stringy on relaxed hair. But that is just my opinion do what suits you best.

To do Curled Two Strand Twists you will need:

• Large tooth comb
• Metal free or Ouchless rubber bands
• Banana Clips
• Moisture lotion
• Curlers (optional)
• End papers (if using curlers)
• Bonnet dryer
• Spray bottle with water.

Directions:

This style is best done when your hair is with freshly washed, detangled, and still damp.

Apply moisture lotion generously through out your hair.

If your hair begins to dry out, mist it with the water in the spray bottle.

Depending on how much new growth you have and how manageable your hair is you may want to use the rubber bands to separate your hair into six or eight sections. Doing this will also keep your hair from drying out.

Starting from the back, part or pull of a small (half inch) square of hair from the rest. Clip the rest out of the way.

Separate that section into two parts and crossing one part over the other until you get to the end.

Put a piece of end paper on your hair, roll and secure.

I’ve found it easiest to work in rows left to right top to bottom.

Sit under a bonnet dryer until your hair dries.

When dry unroll carefully and style with fingers.

I’ve found that you can wear this style for a few days as is. The for a softer look you can un twist the twists. And wear it for a few more days.

Lightly mist your hair with a moisture spray or braid spray daily.

Remember to tie your hair up at night with a silk or satin scarf to preserve the style.

Straw Sets
For a straw set you will need:

• Large tooth comb
• Metal free or Ouchless rubber bands
• Banana Clips
• Moisture lotion
• Setting Gel (alcohol free)
• Drinking straws
• Bobby pins
• Bonnet dryer
• Spray bottle with water.

Directions:

This style is best done when your hair is with freshly washed, detangled, and still damp.

Apply moisture lotion and setting gel generously [throughout] your hair.

If your hair begins to dry out, mist it with the water in the spray bottle.

Depending on how much new growth you have and how manageable your hair is you may want to use the rubber bands to separate your hair into six or eight sections. Doing this will also keep your hair from drying out.

Starting from the back, part or pull of a small (half inch) square of hair from the rest. Clip the rest out of the way.

Take one drinking straw start wrapping your hair around the straw from one end of the drinking straw to the other. You are trying to cover the straw with your hair not roll your hair with the straw. Think tight Shirley Temple curls or long coils.

Secure both ends with bobby pins. Repeat until done

I’ve found it easiest to work in rows left to right top to bottom.

Sit under a bonnet dryer until your hair dries.

When it is dry take the bobby pins out of each end and then gently slide the straw off.

Arrange with your fingers.

Lightly mist your hair with a moisture spray or braid spray daily.

Remember to tie your hair up at night with a silk or satin scarf to preserve the style.

Braid Out or Crinkly Set
Braid-outs look cute curled or uncurled. I think curling gives you more options.

To do Curled Two Strand Twists you will need:

• Large tooth comb
• Metal free or Ouchless rubber bands
• Banana Clips
• Moisture lotion
• Curlers (optional)
• End papers (if using curlers)

Directions:

This style is best done when your hair is damp.

Apply moisture lotion generously [throughout] your hair.

If your hair begins to dry out, mist it with the water in the spray bottle.

Depending on how much new growth you have and how manageable your hair is you may want to use the rubber bands to separate your hair into six or eight sections. Doing this will also keep your hair from drying out.

Starting from the back, part or pull of a square of hair from the rest. The larger the section the larger the crinkle and vice versa. Clip the rest out of the way.

Braid that section to the end.

(optional) Put a piece of end paper on your hair, roll and secure.

I’ve found it easiest to work in rows left to right top to bottom.

(optional ) If you are curling, sit under a bonnet dryer until your hair dries.

When dry unroll carefully and style with fingers.

I’ve found that you can wear this style for a few days as is. The for a softer look you can un twist the twists. And wear it for a few more days.

Lightly mist your hair with a moisture spray or braid spray daily.

Remember to tie your hair up at night with a silk or satin scarf to preserve the style.

Flat Twists

Flat twist can be done straight back like cornrows. You can also flat twist the front and straw set or braid/twist out the back.

To do flat twists you will need:

• Rat tail comb
• Metal free or Ouchless rubber bands
• Banana Clips
• Moisture lotion

Directions:

This style is best done when your hair is damp.

Apply moisture lotion generously [throughout] your hair.

Depending on how much new growth you have and how manageable your hair is you may want to use the rubber bands to separate your hair into six or eight sections. Doing this will also keep your hair from drying out.

Use the back end of the rat tail comb to make straight clean parts.

Put a little bit of gel on the section to be twisted.

Starting at the beginning of the row, separate a small section in to two parts.

Cross one strand over another, pick up hair as you work your way back.

When you get to the end, secure your flat twist with a bobby pin.

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Thanks again Amy and NaturalHairGuide.com!

There are a good number of you who are taking the naptural plunge and braving to wearing your natural hair, and for that I applaud you. But for as many of you who are picking up the gauntlet, just as many find themselves back on what diehards call “the creamy crack”, after your first month of sacrifice. The road to natural is not an easy one, nor is it for the faint of heart. But remaining in the know about what you can expect, and how to properly transition in a way that’s right for you, can make all the difference in the world.

So for those of you on the front lines, traveling that first leg of the journey, I have scoured the Net to bring you…

What to Expect (When You’re Transitioning)

by Amy, founder of NaturalHairCareGuide.com

I hate to break it to you but it is better to tell you now at the beginning. Ready? Ok. You will have to cut off your relaxer. You may choose to cut it all off at once, or you may trim it gradually. But it will have to go.

Once you have decided to stop relaxing your hair you will want to be natural ASAP. But transitioning can be a lesson in patience. Don’t believe any product that promises to “revert” your relaxed hair back to kinky again.

[Beware] of those telling you to pour beer or any other substance in your hair in an effort to make it “go back.” Relaxing your hair changes the molecular structure of your hair permanently, [and] the only [way] to get rid of it is to cut it off.

But don’t despair. In the end you will have a head full of healthy hair, if you take care of it during the transition process.

Breakage and Shedding

You will have breakage and shedding. You natural hair is stronger than the chemically treated part. The line where the two types meet is a weak point. Conditioning and wearing styles that limit the amount that you have to style your hair will help. In the end the relaxed ends will need to go anyway.

Opposing Opinions

Everyone will not agree with your decision to stop relaxing your hair. You should be prepared for that. If you haven’t already think about why you want to go natural. If you are solid and confident about your decision most people will respect that.

If you know that you are going to face a lot of opposition from friends or family, you may want to be low key about the whole thing. My mother always told me, “You don’t need to give people a stick to beat you with.” There are several transitioning styles that don’t draw attention to what you are doing with your hair.

If your current stylist is not a supporter of natural hair or only knows how to do chemical/heat styling, you may want to find a stylist who will be supportive of your decision.

Change in Hair Care and Routine

During this in between time you’ll need to take care of your hair differently. It will be important to condition and moisturize your hair regularly. You will need to wash your hair and comb your hair in ways that put tangling to a minimum. You will want to find a protective style that is right for you, if you will be growing your hair out and trimming the ends.

Transitioning Facts

How long should I transition?
That really depends on you. You can cut to the chase, do a Big Chop and wear a teeny weenie afro. Or you can grow your hair out so that you will have a little more to work with and take six months or a year or more trimming a inch off every month. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

What are some good transitioning styles?
Styles that cater to your natural hair, while taking into consideration the fact that you still have perm, are always a good choice. Styles that fall into that category would be: wet sets (roller sets, rod sets, straw sets); braids, twists and cornrows; braid-outs, twist-outs, and cornrow-outs; Bantu knots.

Is it a good idea to press out my new growth? What about transitioning with braids?
If your ultimate goal is to be able to wear/style your hair naturally then, relying [on] pressing is out of the question. You are really working against your hair and you are missing the opportunity to get acquainted with your hair in its natural state. Pressing your hair can also subtly, and not so subtly, change the characteristics of your hair by breaking the natural bonds. No amount of washing will bring it back.

Braids can be helpful in the process if done correctly (not too tight) and redone frequently with trims. However you don’t want to become dependent on braids either. Although wearing your hair in braid will not change your hair’s natural characteristics, you still don’t get the opportunity to work with your hair in its natural state. You have to start learning about your hair some time. What better time is there than during the transition period?

Should I go to a professional to get my hair done?
It really depends on you. If you really want to learn how to take care of your hair yourself then no one will ever know your hair better than you. But if you don’t know anything about doing your hair or work in a profession where you hair needs to have a certain look consistently, then you may want to get some help while you are learning. That help could be your co-worker, friend, or church member who happens to have natural hair that looks nice. Ask them what they do and if they would be willing to show you.

If you do decide to get your hair professionally done, try to find a natural stylist (different than a braider) who is willing to educate you on how to take care of your hair at home. Try to pay attention to what she or the other stylists are doing. Take mental notes.

Going to a salon is a great treat but it is best that it is a treat and not a necessity.

Help! My hair is falling out!
Stay calm. Most likely [you] are just experiencing some shedding. Some people experience a lot [while] others barely have very little shedding at all. Remember to be careful with your hair. The point where the natural and the chemically processed hair meets is very fragile. Those chemical ends will have to go some time, but you probably want it to go on your terms.

Split ends tangle easier that well managed ends so you may want to get a trim. Also, if you are loosing a lot of hair when you try to comb your hair out, try finger combing, using combs with wide teeth or detangling/combing in the shower.

The less you handle your hair during this time the less prone it will be to breakage and shedding.

How often should I trim my hair while I am transitioning?
An inch a month seems to be the norm. If you will be trimming your ends yourself make sure that you invest in a good pair of hair trimming scissors. Remember to only use your hair scissors to trim your hair. Cutting other things will dull them.

Why is my scalp itching?
There are many reason that you scalp could be itching. It could be reacting to the products that you are using. It could be dry. It could be just getting use to your new hair routine.

What products should I be using on my hair?
This is a hard question to answer because everyone’s hair is different. What works for me may not work for you. But I can give you some guidelines of things to look for and things to avoid. Look for products that moisturize, have proteins, and humectants (products that draw moisture from the air.) Avoid products that contain perfumes, dyes, petroleum, sulfates, mineral oils, and list of ingredients that look like the come from a chemist’s lab. After that it will be trial and error seeing what works best with your hair.

What should I look for in a good moisturizer?
Water at the top of the list is a good sign. Some good natural moisturizers are aloe vera gel and shea butter.

How often should I wash my hair?
Natural hair loves water, so you can wash it as much as you like as long as you are not using regular shampoos (those with sulfates). Co-Washing will get your hair clean and leave it soft and easy to detangle (very important when you are working with two different hair types.)

What is a co-wash or no-poo?
This is using conditioner or something other than of shampoo to wash your hair. Shampoos have harsh chemicals that can be drying and damaging to your hair. You can find more information about going shampoo free [on the Website].

Are there any safe shampoos?
Yes there are several sulfate free shampoos and shampoos that are better than what you usually find in the store. You can find a list of them here.

What is ACV and what does it do?
ACV stands for apple cider vinegar. You can make a rinse with it by mixing 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water. You would pour this over you hair as your final rinse. The rinse is mildly acidic so it helps balances {your] scalp’s pH. It closes the cuticle scales on your hair’s surface, which helps your hair to feel softer, and makes light reflect off your hair’s surface giving your hair a natural shine. It also can help to remove products that build up on the hair’s shaft, which can make hair look dull.

What is scab hair?
Scab hair is a term that refers to the hair that is just below the scalp that has been damaged because of the relaxers/perms. This type of hair may be drier and harder to style. It is not your actual hair, but the remnants of the relaxing process. You may or may not experience this condition. It all depends on how often and how long you relaxed your hair before you decided to go natural.

Source: NaturalHairGuide.com

Hey Hey Every People! I did my second twist out today, and here are the results:

Pre-Pick Pics

Definitely got the twisting part down pretty well, as you can see from the squigglie coils that remain when the hair is untwisted. Didn’t like the “uneveness” of it all so I got the pick out and “fluffed” the roots, resulting in this look:

Post- Pick Pics

Got a lil bitta Huey Freeman going on up in there. *lol* But I think I did a fair job this time around. Still the issue of “puffy” roots where some of the twists untwisted close to the scalp prior to setting, but it works.

Not quite confident with the look enough to go wearing it in public, but at least I know how it’s done now, and can work on perfecting it as I go.

Healthy Hair Wishes,