What does it really mean to have "Natural Hair" Nowadays?

I get alot of questions from women who either are transitioning from a relaxer, or already have a full head of hair in its natural state. First thing let me say, if you still have relaxer, perm, or color on any part of your hair shaft, then your hair is not technically in its natural state. Natural hair is hair that has not been chemically altered in texture or color. I find that both women who are transitioning and women who already made the "Big Chop" are experiencing the same problems.

• "My hair is so dry, it snaps off at the end when I comb it...."
• "My hair tangles so much, it's a chore, so I only shampoo it every 3 weeks or so....."
• "No matter how much I flat-iron my hair, it won't get straight...."
• "I don't like all the ingredients in regular shampoos, so I make my own..."
• "Why won't my hair curl up like hers?"
  

These are just a number of things I hear when people come to visit me.
What I want to know is , what was the purpose of you letting your hair grow back in its natural state? Did you think you would have to work as hard? Was this a cost issue? Either way, why let your hair grow out and you don't plan on taking care of it?

Specifically speaking to women with a coily hair texture there are some things we have to do get back to the basics. Like grease and water....HELLO!!! Well oil if you prefer.... I have never seen so many women in distraught about this issue. It's like they forgot how to get the brush, dip it in some water and tame the naps.

We have to realize that textured hair is naturally dry. And in order to have the healthiest hair possible we have to infuse moisture into the cuticles. Already we have a number of things that are working against us pulling moisture out of the hair and other things that disturb the growth cycle.

1. The Elements. (the air pollution outside, weather conditions....etc)
2. Your Diet (what you put in, is what comes out....If you don't have a health diet, it will show)
3. Stress (Family, work, personal, financial stress all take a toll on your hair)
4. Maintenance (Too much shampooing not good, Not enough not good either)
5. Styling Products (Do you know what you're putting on your hair, it may be working against you)
6. Thermal ( Improper and Frequent use of Curling Irons, Straighteners, and Blow-dryers)
7. Extensions (Frequent use of hair extensions w/out protective styling and recommended time between application)
   

There are a number of things we can do to improve the quality of our hair and make sure that we have the best results each time. Throughout the next two months I will be writing on some of the issues addressed earlier in this blog. In the meantime if you can.

1. Get at least 6-8 hours of rest each day or night(whichever you prefer)
2. Drink plenty of water (Water is you friend, remember your body is 70% water)
3. Start taking a multivitamin (Not recommending anything, but anything is better than nothing)
4. Shampoo and Condition your hair at least once every 10 days, Twice every 10 days if you have over productive oil glands, or if you use heavy styling products to tame your hair.
5. Meditate (take about 15-30 minutes outside of your sleep schedule to clear your mind, focus on your breathing, and thing happy thoughts : ) )
6. Hide the thermal irons (One slight touch up is the Max after the initial straightening, Curling or straightening dirty hair is a NO-NO, plus if you don't have them sitting out, you wont be prompted to crunch off that baby hair just because they are sitting on the sink)