Healthy Natural Hair Beginnings

I came about this natural hair journey “testing the waters” instead of a full nosedive of the the “big chop.”  It’s been about four years and once all the relaxed hair had grown out, I was in limb of how to maintain this now natural hair in a healthy way.

Needless to say, I didn’t want to keep it straight all the time because I wanted to experience the wonderful versatility of my Type 4A Kinky Natural hair, and I also didn’t have the time or money to go to get it professionally done every week.  So, with the advice of a friend that told me to really figure out what worked for me, I discovered 5 natural hairstyles that indeed kept my hair healthy, vibrant, and growing.  I believe these can work for you too!

Healthy Natural Hairstyle 1 (Home): Wash and Go

This my #1 go-to style usually between hair appointments.  With an active 19-month old plus work and home responsibilities, this style, for the time required to achieve it, has bang for its buck.

Knowing that to maintain the health of my natural hair type, I needed to have lots of moisture, I experimented with dozens of products, and this is what works best for me.

          Wash and Go Steps:

1. Wash and condition hair with RN Moisture New Shampoo and RN No Commitment Moisturizing Conditioner (I noticed a huge difference in the softness and managebility of my hair when I used these products).
2. Splitting hair into at least 4 sections, add RN Simply Amazing section by section (I sometimes subdivide the sections).
3. Add a curl enhancing creme or souffle to those 4 sections (my creme of choice right now is the Shea Moisture).
4. Simply 3-strand braid each section (I usually subdivide and have 8 sections).
5. Put on a bonnet and let dry overnight.
6. In the a.m., undo braids, spray RN Simply Amazing on hair, and go.

                   For 1 Week Maintenance of Wash and Go

1. You can rebraid each night…honestly, sometimes fall asleep and just put my bonnet on.
2. In the a.m., put RN Simply Amazing on each of the 4 sections of the hair and massage in to instantly restore curl pattern.

Healthy Natural Hairstyle 2 (Home): Protective Updo

After a blowout, when my natural pattern is starting to pop back up, quick and easy without looking quick and easy is the name of game.  So, I often use this style.  It’s pretty simple

          Protective Updo Steps:

1. Using a gel of your choice (my go-to currently is Eco Styler gel), put your hair into a ponytail towards the top center of your head in a ball (a little more towards the front).
2. Take usually 2-4 packs (depending on how full you want it) of Afro Kinky hair. With each pack, create 2-strand ponytails and tie a rubber band at the ends.
3. Then, simply start with the 1st pack and wrap it around your natural hair ponytail ball (pinning along the way).
4. Now, take the other packs and add to your ponytail wrap…you can play around with it…overlap…bring to the front until you get your desired look.

Healthy Natural Hairstyle 3 (Stylist Recommended): Blow Out

Yes ladies, I still enjoy letting my straight hair blow in the wind but without the effects of thin, limpless hair I was having with relaxed hair.  So, I go to a stylist that does the following:

Steps for a Blow Out

1. Wash hair with RN products.
2. Apply RN No Commitment Smoothing Serum to each section.
3. Blow dry each section.
4. Flat iron and off I go!

*Check out RN No Commitment Treatment video for more details*

*To maintain your blowout, check out my blog, “How to Maintain Blowouts”*

My blowouts usually last 3-4 weeks, ladies…for real…even in the summer!

Healthy Natural Hairstyle 4 (Stylist Recommended): Twist Updo

I usually alternate and do one month (blow out) and one month natural.  I’ve noticed that updo twists hairstyles protect my sensitive edges and last longer.  I usually buy 2 packs of the Afro Kinky for each style.  For these styles, ladies, I visit Hairfro and Company...you can go to her website to see some of the styles.

Healthy Natural Hairstyle 5 (Stylist Recommended): Sew-in

Let me begin by saying, every sew-in is not equal.  The quality of the hair affects how long it lasts and how good it looks.  I don’t know about you, but I like when ther hair is so good people have to wonder whether it’s real hair or not.  I usually use sew-ins when pregnant, right before delivery, and/or in the winter.  The type of hair that has worked for me has been Virgin Brazilian Natural Wave to keep me from having to curl (only braid into sections nightly and lightly moisturize (RN Afterglow Oil Sheen) 1-2x a week.