5. Get your basic tools together
You should have a collection of detangling combs, rat-tail combs, bobby pins*, butter fly clips, and shower cap*. These basic tools are just as important as the products that you’ll be using in your hair.
6. Understand that detangling your roots will require a new set of skills
A comb or any detangling tool could be your hair’s worst enemy when not used properly. It’s important that you choose the right set of comb to use and only comb out your hair after it has been softened with conditioner. Any pain or pull that you might experience while combing your hair is a sign that you’re not combing your hair properly
7. Drop the heat!
In your relaxed days, you probably had a variety of heat styling tools that you used to keep your hair looking straight and silky. However, since your natural hair is naturally coily, you want to stay away from blow dryers*, curling wands*, heat straighteners and any other heat styling appliances.
Unlike relaxed hair, heat damage in natural hair is very obvious and it does not look good. When it comes to drying your hair, you can wash your hair at night so that it dries by the next morning. Also, natural hair looks good when poofy, though you can use an edge-control to get sleek edges, if that’s the look that you’re going for.
8. Wear natural hair styles as often as possible
This means that you engage in hairstyles that are popular in the natural hair community, even if it that means braided extensions* and natural hair wigs*.
Since you’re on a journey from straight to coily, you want to start adopting a coily hair lifestyle in the early stages of your journey. This way, when you finally go natural, things will be much more easier for you.
9. Practice the 80/20 rule
The 80/20 rule simply states that 20% of your effort will yield 80% of your results. So when it comes to your natural hair, less is more. All you need to do to have healthy hair is to keep your hair and scalp clean and you also want to wear a low manipulation style such as corn rows, flat twists or even a wig*.
10. Use common sense
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t and you should consider alternate option.
If you read something online and it just doesn’t feel or sound right, there’s a good chance that it isn’t and you should try another hair tip.
There are so many information out there that it’s easy for a newbie to get lost and confused. You should also be cautious of DIY hair recipes that might seem dangerous and questionable.
What else can you add to this list?