Naturally, Mary

It's been a little over 2 years now since I have gone natural!! *claps* It has surely been a JOURNEY!! I initially begin the process after speaking with my boyfriend about it... Actually, he was the one that encouraged me to go natural. I was hesitant at first, but now, I am REALLY glad I did! Let me just say, I did NOT do the big chop, my head is entirely too big for that, lol. So I decided to transition. I went to this VERY good stylist to begin with. She was a co-worker/classmate/friend of mine who is amazing. She could see how bad my hair was being damaged by the perms and colors I was putting in it, so she was excited to help me jump this journey off. As I sat in her chair, I remembered how I had heard about her being scissor happy, lol, I got kind of nervous but she did me right! I did have my back shaved down and my hair was probably as long as middle finger length. I was good with that! After that, it was up hill!

I found the best YouTube channel to follow : Hazel Goddess. She had SO many videos that gave me inspiration on how to take care of my natural hair. I would literally buy all the products from her videos. Well, let me not tell that fib, lol, I bought the ones I could afford at the time! But they all worked so good! From perm rod sets, to twist outs, and braid outs... I was able to copy them, and like they say, practice makes perfect! I had those down in no time and begin to really fall in love with this whole natural thing! After a year and a half, I had fully transitioned, NO MORE PERM!! I was so excited! I went to my stylist to have her wash and silk press it for me. She mentioned to me how she could also tell how going natural was really working for my hair and how my texture had completely changed! It felt so good to know that the transition struggle was all worth it.

Now I know the natural thing isn't for everybody, but for those that have gone through it, I'm sure you understand and can relate. If you're thinking about it, or are currently going through the process, I have some helpful information and links below. Check them out and let me know what you think! The pictures attached are from late last year and this year. I don't know my hair type (hadn't really tried to figure it out) but I also have my hair routines below as well! Enjoy!

HELPFUL INFORMATION

1 - To big chop or to transition? That is the question...

For me, it was a no brainer, "transition with your big head ahh"!! LOL! While the big chop wasn't for me, I truly admire people that decide to big chop! That (to me) takes great will power to do! In my opinion, it is always good to know you, and your natural hair, to better determine which option would be better for you. You can also consult with a natural stylist and let them guide you as well. If you do decide to transition, here are some links that helped me

a. Hazel Goddess of COURSE! (more info on my referral page)

b. Black Naps (gives str8 forward steps)

c. Naturally Curly (gives great details on to do/avoid during transition

2 - It's okay to NOT know!

This can pertain to not knowing what to do to your hair as well as not knowing your hair type! It's REALLY okay not to know. I would get so frustrated some times seeing videos only for people with 3C or 4B hair, and I didn't know my hair type. So finally I just said forget it and started looking at any and all videos, lol. And what I realized, is it's okay NOT to know because ultimately you will have to determine what works for you and your hair! Trust me, your hair will tell you. And when you don't know what to do with your hair style wise, a cute large twist or a braid(s), never hurt anyone. When in doubt, YouTube is your friend!

PRODUCT JUNKY!

FAV TOPIC!!! Okay! I LOVE products! I have products on my counter, products in my drawer, products in the cabinet, and I think a few have spilled over to just being in my room! What started out as buying a few products from the videos I watched, quickly grew into me seeing products in the store and just grabbing them! I have had to pull back, BUT that will not stop me from sharing with you the products that have worked for me as well as the products on my "To Get" list!

a. Shea Moisture - I LOVE it! Now there are MANY types of Shea Moisture products but I mainly use the Coconut and Hibiscus line, the Jamaican Black Castor Oil line, and Raw Shea Butter line. There are others but these are the ones I have personally tried.

b. Mielle Organics - This line is everything to meeee *Monica voice*!! Let me tell y'all! The leave in conditioner?!! Keep it on deck! The Mint Almond oil?! The same! They also have a great co wash. *I forgot to mention I don't use shampoo often, but when I do, theirs is one that I do use*

c. Mane Choice - I really like their 3-n-1 conditioner and their oil.

d. Eden Bodyworks-Coconut Shea - Their pudding soufflé is the BOMB! I use this for my twist outs and have even used it on some of my perm rod sets as well. The texture of it gets me excited!!

Like I said earlier, I have too many to just do this for all, but my cabinet must haves also extend to Aussie (their conditioner is bomb!), Dark & Lovely Au Naturale (ERRthang!), and Camille Rose (moisture milk and gel *thumbs up*).

e. Products on my To Get list are : Berry Curly Berry Natural, 2 Curls 1 Mission, & Hairfinity

MY ROUTINE

Weekly (when my hair is not in braids)

I make sure to wash and deep condition! I like to switch my products up every now and then. I go for the product that I'm in the mood for or the product that I've missed the scent of (lol). I also determine my product use by the style I plan to do after my wash. I alternate the weeks I use shampoo and the weeks I only co wash. I must admit, sometimes I do co wash on weeks I should shampoo wash when I don't feel my hair has a ton of build up. To deep condition, I either use my Aussie conditioner or a Shea Moisture masque. During this time, I sometimes do a hot oil treatment to give my hair a little treat! I also make sure to use an old shirt to dry my hair VS a towel. I make sure to use the LCO (liquid, cream, oil) method in order to give my hair the moisture it needs and to seal it in. I also switch my oils up! I alternate the Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil, Argon Oil, JBCO-Coconut scent or peppermint scent, Peppermint oil, Mane Choice oil, etc. I try my best to allow my hair to air dry, but I have used a dryer in times I didn't start on my hair soon enough.

Now I am in NO way an expert at this natural thing, but the things I have shared with you are really good starting places if it's something you're considering. Natural hair is a topic I can literally talk about ALL day, so if you have any questions about ANYTHING, shoot me an email! And if you have some advice for me, please do the same! Until next time...

Honestly,

MARY