5 WAYS TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR LOCS

Locs, also called dreadlocks, dreads, or “dada” (by our Nigerian people) is a great way to carry your natural hair. When done right, they are beautiful, versatile, and unique. You will be able to rock your natural hair in so many different ways and also, nurture them to attain an impressive length. Locs are not your easy-way-out to treating your natural hair. If you don’t take care of your locs, they end up looking unhealthy, unattractive, and most importantly, like the dreaded local dada. You don’t want that. 

Locs need as much TLC as your normal natural hair, maybe even more. Following a regular regimen for caring for your locs will leave you with healthy, beautiful, and enviable locs. Below are some tips to help you on your journey to locs that people want to copy!

Why I chose to go Natural

Going off of the previous two posts here and here, I thought it would be interesting to share why I went natural, and also to hear why YOU decided to choose natural hair.

This year marks my 10th year of going without relaxers. When I used to relax my hair, I wasn't taking good care of it. I didn't know the beginning of what a healthy hair care regimen was. My hair suffered and was quite choppy. My cousin and a friend both had natural hair and I thought to myself, "Maybe if I go natural, my hair will stop breaking and grow."

Unbeknownst to me, I had a lot of learning to do in order to have long natural hair.

So that's my story.

What's your story? What made you decide to stick with your natural hair?

Berry Dakara.

When You Finally Decide To Go Natural

                                                                            source

Hi ladies

In recent times, the number of enquries I've received concerning natural hair has been on the rise. A lot of ladies are clueless as to the procedures of going natural. They want to know how to manage the texture of their hair when they finally decide to big chop or transition, the products to use and so on.
  So today I'm gonna be giving guidelines to live by when you finally gather courage to stop the use of relaxers

1. Make up your mind
Don't join the train because it's becoming a fad or anything, make up your mind and stand by your decision.

2. Decide on Big Chopping or Transitioning.
Are you bold enough to rock your TWA? Or would you rather grow your hair out to an extent before big chopping? [Some people transition up to 3years]

3. Create A Hair Regimen.
That is if you don't have one already. Start with the simple basic products like Shea butter and Olive oil. Don't be too hasty to try out products. Let your regimen be stress-free and convenient. Set aside some time or a day in a week for deep conditioning.

4. Study your hair.
As a beginner, it might be too soon to determine your hair type so don't bother yourself with it YET but study it. Does your hair have a high or low porosity? That would determine the method of moisturizing. How often do you need to shampoo and so on.

5. Be Patient.
Don't expect too much. You just started. Be patient.

6. Love your hair and rock it!
Why else would you be going natural if not to flaunt it? LOL.

7. Read, read and read!!!!
There are tons of hair blogs and videos on the internet, you have no excuse.

If you still have any problems, contact us here @ AN. We would love to here from you.

Till next time.
Stay beautiful
@eBunite

Mane Matters with Adebambo Oluyombo

Good Day Naturalistas.

AN: Whats your name and what do you do?

Bambo: I'm Adebambo Oluyombo, a consultant with a training & consulting firm

AN: When did you start growing your natural hair?

Bambo: October 2011

BC - Dec 2011

AN: What was/were the events that led to your decision to go natural?

Bambo: My permed hair was so weak and scanty, plus the front was chopped, it became annoying to me so I cut it off.

AN: How have you managed your hair so far? Any difficulties?

Bambo: Initially I was cool with my low cut till hubby decided he wanted hair. My major challenge is styling as I prefer to go on my Afro, but that gets tiring and once I wash the hair, it shrinks and that's bye bye to my Afro.

Rocking the 'fro

AN: I know there are some friends/family that just don’t get, what are your responses to negative comments about your hair?

Bambo: I've learnt to ignore them since the hair is on my head not theirs. lol. But I've got a lot of cute comments too.

Comb twist-outs

AN: What does your husband think about your hair? 

Bambo: He doesn't like it but has learnt to live with it. Hehehehe

Bambo goes to school

AN: I also notice that you have your hair in locks, when did you decide to lock it and why?

Bambo: My locks are almost two weeks old and I decided to go this path because I really need to treat my chopped hairline. Wanted to stay off braids and Ghana weaving for as long as I can to see if the lost hair can will grow again.

Hair-line :(

AN: What is your must have hair treatment and accessory?

Bambo: Hair treatment would be my Jamaican Black Castor Oil! I love the smell and I can see changes in my hair line already.

Accessories? naaaa. I'm a typical tomboy.

AN: Advice for anyone trying to go natural? (Something you wish someone told you before you made your decision)

Bambo: I'll advise anyone who wants to go natural to read up and do a lot of research on products, styling and all. Its amazing all the stuff I read online and even the natural hair blogs out there. Didn't know I could do that when I did the big chop cos I did that out of frustration. Wish I knew all about deep conditioning, hot oil treatments, moisturizing and hair porosity. It's never too late though.

Early dreadlocks *Fingers crossed*

AN: Thanks a lot for your time.

Bambo: You're most welcome! My pleasure

Diary of an Honest Naturalista: Week 1

Whatever day this is...I'm not gonna start putting the date tags.
Let me count it my own way anyway

                                                                         

Week 1
Dear natural Hair Dairy
I'm keeping you to see how far I can go.
This is the day i decide to start doing something about my hair. it's hair alright. But it's part of me too. I didnt transition and no, I didnt do the BigChop. i just decided to pay attention to what is on my head and nurture it.
Okay, so i've watched so many videos, I've read so many blogs, my writing pad is filled with what to do and what not to do.
But majorly, what not to do. i'm trying to estimate cost and oh no! it's looking like i'm gonna spend quite a number of cash. Money...oh no! Money...I'm sure if I was relaxed I wouldn't be spending so much on hair. I just read this blog that listed the number of things I can buy and where i can get it from.
I'm in Nigeria, where and when will Amazon ship it over...
and then i watched this amazing hair video of this pretty chica who's still nurturing her teeny weeny natural hair and i 'm seeing entirely different products.
Now, what do i do? where do i even start from?
How do i know what my hair likes and am i even going to survive this whole Natural Hair Revolution thing? cos with the way everything is going, i think i might just have to pass on somethings..
Oh and by the way, i'm thinking of how crunchy my hair feels after washing whereas i see soft curly hair on those girls on Youtube.
Tomorrow is another day...
as for those products and other much ado about this natural hair thing, we'll see next week.
..........

Making your Big Chop look stylish

Hi everyone! I recently decided to take the big step and go natural with the big chop, because my hair got seriously damaged from relaxing and it was falling out and was uneven and generally unhealthy. It was scary and adrenalin pumping for me to take this step because I love having long weaves on with my hair out.

So to prepare for my big chop, I decided to have fun with my hair first and I got the Rihanna one sided hair cut and rocked that for a while since I was going to cut it anyway. This helped prepare my mind for the big chop. So you can do something fun at first before you start your journey.

I did the big chop two months ago, and so far my hair has been growing great. Also, until you are comfortable with the length of your hair, you could "mat" it and get your weave fixed, while daily moisturising till it grows and you feel more comfortable carrying short hair. 

You may wonder what to do with you short hair look after the BC to look classy. Feminine looks for your short hair are:

1) Wearing make up that defines your facial features. Arched brows, bright lipstick etc.
2) Styling the hair with a clear gel mixed with castor oil for moisturising to avoid breakage, and bring out natural waves and curls.
3) Getting artificial lashes. Lashes are simple girly!
4) Getting a side part, like Solange Knowles did.

5) Wearing big/long earrings and accessorizing generally!!!
6) Get the twist/ bantu knot curls like Nse Ikpe- Etim does!

7) Get dread twist and gel locks !!!

Dont forget to moisturise alot and Enjoy your look! Be natural!!!

By Mabel

Twitter: @BellaAlubo

Mane Matters with Akibo Tobiloba

Hello Naturalistas, We are here again with Mane matters, Today we are going to be featuring a student 'Tobiloba

Q: Whats your name?

 'Tobiloba

Q: What do you do for a living?

I'm a Student

Q: How long have you had your natural hair?

July Last year, so.. 10 months now.

Q: What was the motivation behind it?

 nothing really, I just cut my hair and didn't want to grow it back but my fickle nature made me start again and I decided to try the natural hair route.

Q: so big chop or transition?

A great big chop

Big Chop

Q: What were your fears?

 I was just worried I will get tired of taking care of my hair and I wont be able to maintain it.

Q: do you have a regimen that you follow for your hair? 

 really I don't I usually go with the flow. wash and condition occasionally.

Q:Whats your must have product?

 well, water and oil. I always have Shea butter and conditioner

Q:Enjoying your journey so far?

I kind of am, when I'm not trying to pull my hair out.

Hair length now

Q: Advice for anyone that wants to go natural?

It will be great to know exactly what you are trying to get into.

Thanks for your time.

Transitioning to Natural Hair? Tips for maintenance

Hello Kinylets!

So are you thinking of going natural but scared of doing the BIG CHOP? If your answer is yes, then this post is for you! I have had many ladies come up to me asking for tips to go natural. The first thing I ask them is if they are ready and can be committed to their hair. Then secondly, I ask them if they want to do the BC or transition. If they want to transition then I give them tips for maintenance and useful hairstyles below...

TIP # 1 :BE PREPARED FOR TWO DIFFERENT TEXTURES
 Are you prepared for the two different textures? My advice is be patient and try and manage them. Remember to treat your relaxed ends and the demarcation between the relaxed and natural hair with extra caution, oil them constantly because they are prone to breakage. Also, keep your new growth moist and healthy at all times.

TIP # 2: EMBRACE PROTECTIVE STYLES
In other for you to remain sane and not yank your hair out because of the different textures, try doing different protective hair styles, this will help keep your hair looking neat and tidy, also preventing breakage. Below are a few simple hairstyles you can imitate.

Flat cornrows with a flower by the side

Curlouts/ braidouts with side parting and a flower on the side

TIP #3: AVOID HEAT
Heat from straighteners, tonging iron, and blow dryers can cause your hair to be brittle and frail. Blow dryers and not necessarily bad if its on low-medium heat. The reason I think using heating tools for your hair is bad is because the demarcation between your natural and relaxed hair is very weak, and if heat is applied to it constantly it will cause breakage and spilt ends. If you have to apply heat to your hair, then its best to use heat protective serum before and after heating, this will seal your hair and prevent heat from penetrating directly to your hair.

Heat Protectant  sprays

TIP #4: DRINK LOTS OF WATER
This cannot be overly emphasized! Water is the key agent for growth and healthy hair. If you want a healthy head of hair water should be your best friend. It not only nourishes your body but it extends its nurtients to your hair keep it moist and healthy! So sisters start drinking gallons of water today!

I hope this helps and gives you insight on how to handle transitioning!

How to go natural: Transition or do the big chop ASAP?

Hi Naturalistas!
Going natural simply means caring for your hair with natural products as opposed to processing it with chemicals. People usually process their hair to modify the texture for easy management and styling.
Natural hair products will not alter the normal structure of your hair. As Africans, our hair was created to be kinky and nappy naturally. Being able to retain this sort of hair type will prevent undue damage to the hair. The hair from the roots to the ends has to be maintained in such a way that it follows this natural pattern, which is why people usually need to start things afresh whenever they become aware that they didn't do it right initially.

I know most people do not like to do the big chop leaving behind an extremely short hair. I personally did not quite appreciate it at a point in my life so I can understand if it bothers a lot of people when they have to shave their whole head off to ensure a good start off. The very short hair might not sit so well on some faces, thus making them dread the whole natural hair idea. A lot of people have adopted the technique of transitioning and it has worked for them. The end however is to have a full head of unprocessed and undamaged hair and it does not really matter what methods you take to ensure that. Some people prefer to nurture their short hair from the 'no hair on the head' stage to the days of glory - beautiful, full, thick and long hair. In my opinion, it doesn't really matter, what matters most is what works for you.

I must be sincere with you, both methods have their peculiar pros and cons, and in my opinion, these should be the basis for your preferences.
With the extremely short hair, you have to be very careful with your outfit and makeup. It is almost like you need to work harder to emphasize your persona.
You also have to go through the stress of growing your hair slowly from very short to long again. Styling your short hair can also be strange for people who are not well equipped, as well as it's management.
It could also be very depressing whenever you touch your full head and realize that it has changed a lot from what it used to be. Some people have to work extremely hard to come to terms with their new image after a big chop.
A gradual change through transitioning would be an effective way to manage the social and emotional hiccups.

Contrary to the popular belief, you do not really need to scrape all the hair off to welcome your natural hair. I know it has become some sort of a status quo to show off your big chop video, mark the date you had it and celebrate it like an anniversary. Do not be compelled to it if it is not your cup of tea. This certainly is a case of "different strokes for different folks". I did not do all of that abd you really do not have to. Work with what you are comfortable with.

I cannot over emphasize the need to be comfortable with your hair. During the first days, you might feel some pressure and it is worse if you were already having some basic struggles like trying to come to terms with accepting the new image. I'm not saying your journey would be void of struggles, I'm only saying some of them, like this one can be carefully avoided.
With transitioning, you can allow your hair grow like it has always done except that you have to stop adding restructuring chemicals to your hair. After a certain point, when you believe you have grown enough hair to help you handle your worries well, you can trim the processed/damaged parts off. It is a win - win situation because you always have your full head of hair while still embarking on your natural hair journey (only trim it off when you are well convinced you are ready).
I will intimate you on how to care for transitioned hair next time because it is a different ball game.
Until then, keep your heads high and rock your kinks with pride

JB
Twitter: @janylbenyl 

Big Chop Video by Sisi Yemmie

Hi everyone, hope you are all doing fine.

Sisi Yemmie  has graciously offered her BC video as a guest post. What amazed me is the way she cut her hair like a pro.

To all who want healthy hair, and want to do the BC, here's hoping the video below inspires you.

P.S: We now have a facebook page. We would appreciate it if you please, click the Like button, on the Facebook  Like box on the right. 

P.P.S: In the meantime, don’t forget to enter for the chance to win one of our giveaway prizes in our African Naturalistas 10-Mega giveaway, if you haven’t already done that.

Before you do the Big Chop… Steps you need to take

I realised that before a lot of ladies who want to go natural cut their hair, they hardly prepare themselves for that next phase. This is analogous to taking a leap over a wall without looking over the fence to have an idea of what to expect. Not advisable at all. Below are a few things we suggest you do before taking that bold step to cut you hair and going natural.

KNOW EXACTLY WHY YOU ARE GOIN NATURAL.

Are you going natural because it is currently a fashion trend in your local vicinity? Is it because your hair got damaged, or is it just a temporary measure, so your hair can become healthy again before you relax? There are loads of reasons why people go natural. Know your own specific purpose for going natural. This will help you in your natural hair journey and will help you know whether you are seeing your desired results or not.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH AND RESEARCH.

Before doing the BC, do a lot of research on the various ways you can maintain your natural hair. Come up with a regimen you will start up with. This will help you not to get confused and overwhelmed when your hair begins to grow into a very disobedient afro. Even with the pre-BC research, you will still have difficulties, talk less of when you don’t research. I am surprised how people cut of their hair without even having an idea of what they are going to do when the natural finally begins to grow.

ASK QUESTIONS

Ask other naturalistas about how they maintain their hair. Let them share their experiences with you. Have a list of naturalistas you can run to in times of hair difficulties

KNOW THIS FACT.

Everyone’s hair is different. That something worked for your friend’s hair when she cut off her relaxed hair does not mean it would work for you. You have to work out your own hair salvation with fear and trembling determination and diligence. So don’t be quick to stock your hair closet with the same products that have been working for your friend before you do the BC. Be patient and find what works for you after you do the BC.

If you have more guidelines for ladies who want to take the bold step of doing a BC, please, let’s know in the comment section. If we come up with more points, we will update

In the meantime, please vote on the gadget on the right hand side, in order to let us know what your greatest natural hair challenge is. The poll ends next month. This will help us know what problems most naturalistas have and we will therefore be able to carry out more research and do posts on what we have found out.

Also, follow us on twitter. The twitter handle is @africanaturalis