Hello Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious!
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed from all the information that is out there for Natural Hair? There are so many products to choose from and just as many ways to use it. How on earth can anyone decide what works best on their hair when there are hundreds of options out there?? You could really spend a WHOLE LOTTA time (excuse my southern-ebonics-LOL!) on the “trial and error” merry-go-round! Well, this post is to help you decipher through the options, so you can be a little ‘smarter’ with product selections. My Motto ---WORK SMART-NOT HARD!
As always --- here’s my disclaimer: These are only general guidelines (it is NOT the bible folks...LOL!!). However, it has helped me have more “wins” than “losses” with my product selection. Just thought I'd share...
Four things you may want to consider when choosing products:
1. Hair Porosity – How well does your hair absorb & retain moisture?
This is HUGE! Although I tend to be a lazy natural...my #1 Goal is to keep my hair moisturized at all times, at any cost! Why??? Because dry curly-kinky hair looks, feels, and acts like a completely different animal from well moisturized hair! Basically, I start looking like a "cotton picker" REAL quick….(LOL, but I’m Dead Serious!!) My hair has high porosity – it absorbs and looses moisture quickly! This is why I use thicker, custard-like products on my hair in the winter. This is also why I DON’T need these products in the summer as my hair naturally absorbs moisture from the humidity in the atmosphere….Check out this article on hair porosity for more details: http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/02/so-fine-natural-hair-part-3.html
2. Hair Strand Thickness – (do you have fine strands or thick strands?)
I have fine hair strands (super FINE…like one strand is really hard to see with the naked eye). For me, this means that some thick & heavy products will typically weigh my hair down. I may also experience more dryness, as it tends to block moisture. As mentioned, the only time I use thick-based products is during the winter time. I make sure I moisturize my hair VERY well (with water) before applying. This typically “seals” the moisture (water) IN my hair and it will usually stay moisturized for a few days. People with thicker hair strands are thought to have “coarse” hair and they tend to NEED heavier products year round. Check out this article on Curly Nikki.com for more details: http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/01/so-fine-natural-hair.html
The next two points for considerations actually affect how your hair styles may LOOK. This is important to note so that you don’t misjudge a product that may still work, but not work well with your hair style.
3. Hair Density – (how much hair do you have?)
Hair Density can affect how some hair styles LOOK on you. For example, I have fine hair strands. However, I have LOTS of hair! My hair appears to be thick/full when I wear it in an afro/twistouts, but it looks thin when I wear twists. Before learning this, I gravitated towards some products for thick hair that didn't work for me. Keep in mind that thick hair doesn't necessary mean its coarse. Hair Density also affects how much product you use. So, keep this in mind when evaluating more expensive products.
4. Curl Pattern/Hair Texture – How “defined” is your natural (un-manipulated) curl pattern?
Your natural un-manipulated curl pattern can also affect how your hair LOOKS and responds to certain products. Let’s say your hair doesn’t have a defined curl pattern and let's say you prefer hair styles with curl definition. Then you may want to add some products that have some holding qualities, such as gels, curl defining creams, etc. Even if you aren't looking for hold, keep in mind that some products that aren’t meant for “curl definition" may still have some holding qualities that could affect your hairstyle.
Understanding these factors will help you get to the “LazyNatural” zone much quicker as you’ll be able to better evaluate what corners you can cut – making your life much easier! #WORK SMART-NOT HARD
I’m also leaving another link from the curly nikki site (can you tell who’s my favorite blogger??? LOL!). I found this very helpful when I first got started! http://www.curlynikki.com/2010/09/curlynikki-approved-recommended.html
Anyhoo – Good Luck and Happy Discovery!
Bee Franklin!
I discovered curly nikki a few weeks ago and i love her too!
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