I'm new and I need some advice

darlene8 · 06-20-2012, 11:51 PM

So I was born with naturally curly hair (I'm Dominican btw if that makes a difference). It's very curly and frizzy (3b). In middle and high school I would put gel in it everyday and wear it in a tight bun. Then In college I started to go to the salon and get a dominican blowout every 2 weeks (and straighten it every day in between each visit) eventually I got the brazilian keratin treatment and straightened it everyday both these things happened all in one year.

I wash my hair once a week because my dry hair can sustain it and recently switched to straightening my hair once a week with a touch up in the middle of the week.

The thing is I don't feel like myself. I'm damaging my hair with the straightening and I'm ready to embrace my natural curls but I have no idea where to start.

I want to wear my hair long (maybe an inch above my belly button) right now it is an inch below my boobs. The thing is I have lots of split ends, I've been cutting them every six weeks but I know that once I keep my hair curly the ends will look super dried out.

I need all types of advice starting from washing my hair and going from there

How much shampoo should I use?
How much conditioner should I use?
Is there any alternatives to gel because I hate scrunchy curls or the wet look?
What products are important to have (ex. leave-in conditioner)
What products should I stay away from?
Etc.

Any advice you can give me will be great.

Rimi · 06-21-2012, 12:06 AM

What is your hair density (thick, thin, 'normal')? Are your individual strands fine? Coarse?

How much shampoo should I use?
However much you need to get your scalp and hair clean! Also, what kind do you use?
How much conditioner should I use?
Same as above, and what kind do you use?
Is there any alternatives to gel because I hate scrunchy curls or the wet look?
Not sure about this one, sorry!
What products are important to have (ex. leave-in conditioner)
In general, 3b gals use cleanser, conditioner, leave-in, styler and deep treatment(s)
What products should I stay away from?
Etc.
All that depends on your hair properties!

kiwi0686 · 06-21-2012, 12:41 AM

This is a starting point point for new naturals...I was inspired so here you go!
#1 Decide what type of "Natural" are you?
#2 Invest in Conditioner
#3 Adopt a wash day
#4 Invest in a good leave in conditioner
#5 Water is your best friend!
#6 Apply all products before styling
#7 If you are transitioning embrace twist-outs and braid-outs as a styling method
#8 Do a protein treatment once a month/ Do a deep condition once a week
#9 Invest in some oils and butters
#10 DO YOUR RESEARCH!

a couple of videos that may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQDBL7mBsC4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGjlNjw8VYg

bleuyteuy · 06-21-2012, 04:55 AM

I think everyone got to everything but an alternative to gel would be a curl pudding. There's a lot of different kinds from different brands. I never thought id be into them but they're pretty good. They give you hold without crunchiness. Also mouse might be another option.

darlene8 · 06-21-2012, 02:23 PM

In response to Rimi.

Hair density- thick
individual strands- not too fine or coarse more in the middle

Right now im using a keratin shampoo and conditioner. Because I still have the Keratin treatment in my hair. I've been told that your supposed to use a quarter size amount of shampoo but I use 3 times that lol.

So everyone can get an idea my hair looks almost exactly like this:

A Curly Summer Night! - Completed Look - YouTube

Just shorter.