Is it time to go natural?

Lupita Nyong’o, Solange Knowles and Janelle Monae have all done it. Getting off the creamy crack, as black women sometimes call relaxers, can be very difficult for many reasons. Fortunately the recent natural hair movement has seen hundreds of blogs, sites and books offer tips and tutorials to help women.

These may be women who have had no idea or have forgotten what their natural texture feels or looks like because they’ve been relaxing their hair for years and struggle with how to care for, and style their hair. It won’t be a challenge for women who have stayed away from chemicals as for those who are transitioning from years of relaxers or have just done the big chop.

Here are a few tips for those who are still learning:

– If you’re transitioning from relaxed hair, trim the ends as your natural hair grows out. This prevents breakage, gives your hair a healthier look, helps you skip the period of adjusting to shorter hair when you opt for the big chop and gives you time to get used to your natural hair.

– Try different shampoos, conditioners, treatments and oils to find out what works for your hair type and hair needs.

– Try braids and cornrows as a protective style while you wait for your hair to grow to the length you want.

– Be patient. Natural hair is not as easy as it looks. But it’s less painful than scalp scabs and sores post-relaxer burn.

– Detangle natural hair only while wet or damp and use a wide-tooth comb or fingers. Comb from the ends up towards the roots.

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