Beginner's natural hairstyle

So a little over a year ago, I did the big chop and once it grew out I began to be bored with my afro although it was bomb!


So I began google searching natural hair styling. 


My first hairstyle I tried was a two strand twist out. it came out perfect. 


Two Strand twist out:
1. You wash (or co-wash) your hair, condition it and towel dry it. 
2. Next you use your favorite moisturizer and you either can apply it throughout your hair or you can apply it to the section of hair you are twisting. 

3. I section my hair with my finger, grabbing a small section of hair, starting in the front and I apply a small amount of hair care product, which I used SheaMoisture, and you split the hair section into two and you twist the hair around each other. 

4. Repeat though out the entire head. 
5. Once your finished you place a silk bonnet or scarf and go to sleep.
6. The next morning or later in the day, once your hair is completely dry, you start at the root of your hair and you untwist your. You don't pull it apart because you will create frizz. 
7. After you take all of the twist down, you go through the entire head untwisting the strands further. 
8. Style it as you like. 






Another style that I used quite often was a rubber band less headband. On days I don't twist my hair or its a day or two before I plan to wash my hair and it begins to act up, I pull it back with a non breakage  stretchy headband. 

With headband

Co-Washing

Have you tried co-washing? 


I have tried it and with the right conditioner my hair feels great. I don't feel like my hair is unclean and has build up as I originally thought co-washing would cause. 


So you ask, what is co-washing? Co-washing is when you use conditioner instead of shampooing your hair. Many people Co-wash because washing your hair with a shampoo, dries your hair out and causes it to be frizzy. 


It is recommended to co-wash once or twice a week with a rinse out conditioner. Avoid using a conditioner containing silicone as to not dry out your hair or cause build up. Not every conditioner will be great for co-washing. Do your research and find the best conditioner for your hair. My hair tends to be very dry so I had to do trial and error until I found the conditioner that works for me. The conditioner that works best for me right now is Kinky Curly's Knot today. I absolutely love that leave in conditioner. I also use SheaMoisture's rinse out conditioner to co-wash and it leaves my hair feeling soft. 

Hair Strength

Can you believe there is a such thing as too much protein in your hair???


You always hear that protein helps strengthen your hair and prevent breakage but just like finding the right product for your hair, different amounts of protein are necessary. 


There is also a such thing as too much moisture. Moisture is essential in preventing breakage but it can also be a problem and not a solution. You may wonder why a style won't hold or stay and it primarily because there is not enough moisture or too much. 


Everyone has to experiment with their hair to see what it likes. What works for me may not work for you. If you find something that works perfect for your hair, don't switch to the new popular hair care product that is released. If it's not broke, don't fix. 


You have to get into the habit of looking at the ingredients of your hair care products. If a product has petroleum or mineral oil as it's first listed ingredients, more then likely it will not be a good product for moisture. Look for a moisturizer with water as its first ingredient instead. 


If you find your hair to become limp and easily looses its curls, your hair is asking for protein. Find a protein treatment but start small. Don't use a extra strength protein treatment right away. Also remember that protein will not moisturize your hair, you also have to use a deep moisture conditioner to balance your hair. A great way to add protein to your hair is an egg treatment. Place it on your hair and next place a shower cap on your hair for about 60 minutes. Avoid using heat. 


For those of you washing your hair and not co-washing, avoid these ingredients: 
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate 
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
TEA Laureth Sulfate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate 

Find a gentle shampoo, as shampoo with these forms of sulfate dry out your hair, leaving it clean and stripping away your moisture. A leave in conditioner is always a great product in keep your hair moisturized and healthy. 

Pressure

Absolutely cannot fold to pressure. 


Never been a person stuck on appearances and opinions of others. 


I never allow other's perception of me decide the choices and routes I take in life. 


Now is no different. 


Sometimes I feel a need to conform or tone down my over the top personality but I had to check myself. 


I am not for everyone. 


Everyone won't care for me or appreciate my opinion but you won't pressure me to be a replica of your collective opinions and ideas. 


I am me for a reason just as you are you for a reason. 


What I say or believe should not affect if you. 


Why get up in arms because my thinking is different than yours? 


I am who I am because I don't fold to pressure and now is no different. 


Stop pressuring me to conform into your reality and allow me to live mine as I afford you the same opportunity. 


I cannot say I understand and know everything you experience and nor do I pretend to. 


If you haven't experienced the same as I have, how can you tell me my perception is not the truth?


Stop pressuring me to change my beliefs, because I won't. 


I am heavily opinionated  and will voice my opinions when I feel it is appropriate but I am not trying to convince anyone. 


I have a voice and I will project it when I choose to. 


Please feel free to disagree but don't pressure me to change because I absolutely won't. 

Suspect

My beautiful baby boy who is spoiled and sheltered is already a suspect. He was born a suspect in this world. It is hard for me to listen to my peers who justify stereotyping blacks when they have never had to be black a day in their life. I do not want to be that angry black woman. It is not me but I am that WOMAN who will speak out against stereotypes and racism everyday of my life. I love human kind. I am not racist. You can't be on the outside looking in passing judgment against me who you don't know struggles. 


I would speak out for anyone whether they are brown, white, green, yellow or red. When I speak out or speak up for the African American community then I am being overly sensitive. 


Walk in my skin and see how long your views stay the same.