Talk about the do’s and don’ts
The “considering-natural” may want to know the do’s and the don’ts of being a naturalista. Suggest some things that would be great for her to consider if she decided to go natural: deep conditioning*, low manipulation styles, checking out hair care forums for support, and keeping a hair diary.
When talking about the don’ts, try not to persuade her to follow all the rules. Instead, tell her not to worry about all the terminology, rules, and principles of having natural hair, just take things one step at a time. We all know how confusing this ‘natural language’ can be.
Show pictures of different styling options
Once you have an idea of her hair goals, show her different styles based on her interests. She may be interested in the tapered cut, but still wants to grow her hair out long.
Show her pictures of flat twists and tuck n rolls for that tapered cut inspiration. If she is interested in protective styles, show her natural and extension styles that she might like.
But in addition to staying within her lane do not hesitate to open her eyes up to other styles like the wash n go, perm rod sets, and twist outs. Let her know that with natural hair, any style is possible.
Do not impose your own ideals
We touched on this above but when you are talking to a natural who needs you to be unbiased try to remain neutral on certain things.
The use of chemicals can be a touchy thing, but it is also someone’s choice that needs to be respected. Chances are your friend came to you for advice and not to be put down for her former/present interest in having relaxers.
Try not to get caught up in your own ideas by convincing her to go natural without her consideration, which could come across as “natural Nazi-ish” or preachy. Try not to be too offensive and don’t be insensitive to her feelings when giving advice on tips and suggestions. Just be as honest with her as you can.
This will be her hair journey and when you are convincing others to go natural don’t think it is your obligation or responsibility, but your privilege to help another sister out with her own hair journey. At the end of the day remember that the decision is hers to make.
Bev says
Good article! I agree with everything. I wanted to go natural but didn’t know exactly how to do it, even when I went online. So I went to my sister who was a year in and see helped me start my journey. These tips are great to help someone considering natural. They surely helped me 🙂
Elise Cromwell says
The number one rule should be don’t pressure her, tell the truth bout ur struggles, and dont be rude if she wants to stay relaxed
Kerimah Rogers says
THANK YOU Candace!!!! I don’t have a desire to be natural because it’s too much work that I honestly don’t want to deal with…..but I try to stretch out my relaxers. My hair is THICK and HEALTHY.