Putting heat in your natural hair has got to be one of the most controversial topics in most of the hair blogs out there. Should you or shouldn't you?!?! Many naturals frown on the act of even thinking about doing a blow out or flat iron, but I say, as long as one takes extra precautions (deep conditioner, gentle manipulation, heat protection product, etc.) before, during, and after straightening, I don't see a problem with it, periodically. I mean we pride ourselves in having the versatility of curly hair so why not explore all options?? I'm just saying.....
Some naturals use heat often, while others use it a couple of times a year for hair maintenance like trims and length check, but and this is a BIG BUT, I do know using heat on natural hair is a sure way of losing your natural curl, especially after a prolonged period of time.
When I first went natural, I put heat in my hair maybe once a year for a trim and to see my length. Once I started cosmetology school, I was putting heat in my hair more frequently and subsequently damaged my hair. I ended up having straight strands of hair even after shampooing and air drying. I've heard some naturals say that there curl pattern is looser after putting heat on it or that their texture is changing. I don't mean to burst your bubble, but all that is happening is heat damage to your hair. When using heat, it pulls the moisture out of your hair and damages the cuticle in the process. Which is why using a heat protectant is important. So instead of cooking your hair, you cook the product, therefore protecting your hair.
Once you experience heat damage, there is no repairing it. Even though you may see a commercial for a product that claims to "repair" damaged hair, it's only putting a band aid on it. Once you shampoo the product out, your hair is still damaged. Cutting your hair will be the only way to get rid of it.
In the end, the question of whether or not to put heat in your hair is totally up to you. If you are totally in love with your curly texture, then heat is not for you. On the hand, if you have natural hair, but want the effects of having a relaxer, then heat on baby! Just remember to use your moisturizers and protectors.
So you've made the conscious decision to go natural, now what??
It's time to transition. What does transition mean? Transitioning is when you decide to no longer alter your new growth with relaxers or chemicals, you will have to transition from relaxed or straight hair to natural. For some the whole idea of transitioning isn't easy, but for others the decision was made for them when relaxers caused there hair to shed and fall out. The transitioning period is probably the most frustrating part of being natural. I've seen women have doubts or lose patience and say they were going back to the "creamy crack". They find that as their natural hair is growing, they can't treat their hair as if they still have a relaxer. So, their whole mind set has to change. Also, having to deal with two different textures during the transition can be enough to make you relapse.
Now that you're in the transitioning period, how long does it last?
That's totally up to you. I transitioned for maybe 4 or 5 months and got all my relaxer cut out. Doing this is called The Big Chop or BC in the natural hair world. This is ultimately the easiest way to go instead of fighting with the two different textures. Now depending on how much new growth you have a BC could result in either shaving your head or sporting a twa (teeny weeny afro).
The other way to go is to gradually grow the relaxer out and cut a little at a time. This method requires a little bit more work than the BC, but some women don't want to take such a big step. In this case you can choose protective hair styles such as weaves, wigs or braids. If you choose to go this route, make sure you are cutting the relaxer a little at a time, because having two different textures will do more harm than good. You've got the new hair and the relaxed hair fighting against each and the line where they meet is the weakest part of your hair, which is where it will break. However, it is possible to minimize breakage by learning proper combing techniques and with product. I know women who have transitioned for a whole year with great results.
Transitioning doesn't have to be hard. All you need is a little patience and persistence. I know you may go through doubts, frustration and even fear, but hang in there. You'll soon experience excitement once you see those beautiful coils and curls.
It's very easy to fall into the trap of advertisements for products that promise to increase the rate of your hair growth, but sometimes these products aren't the best route to take. Protein, which is essentially what hair is made of, is a natural vitamin found not only in supplements but also in the food we consume.
So, if you have a diet that is low in protein then this can create irregular hair growth or even stunt growth all together. That being said, when you choose to eat a high in protein diet, then your hair will both grow at a faster rate and just be healthier overall.
Some foods to consider when boosting up your protein intake are lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, soy, nuts and grains. If you eat just one of these a day, you can help build your protein levels and therefore promoting the growth of your hair.
You'll find there are many protein hair treatments products on the market, which claim to boost your hair growth and overall appearance. While these products do have their advantages, it's still best to to start with natural protein through your diet and combine it with the products.
With your hair being protein based, IT'S ONLY NATURAL that through putting the proper amounts in your diet and through supplement intake, it just may be all you need to see a dramatic increase in hair growth.
