Curl Pattern

Since I don't wear wash and gos, you may be wondering what my curls look like.

Here are some pics of the front and back of my hair with hair wash. I have at least 2- 3 curl patterns in my head. 

The back consists of tighter curls.

My front curls are more loose.

As you can see, even after washing my hair, there is still a lot of friz! My hair also shrinks at least half of its length. This is why I usually wear stretched styles. I will try a wash and go soon!

Chunky Twist Out

I've gotten many questions on how I achieved this look.  I think it is an appropriate time to do a post about it. It's very simple and doesn't take too much time!

Step 1: I started with DRY, stretched hair.

This is what it looked like the day before:

Step 2: I sectioned my hair into about 20 sections, 10 on each side. I then added a little bit of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to each section, focusing on the ends. I followed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and two strand twisted each part.

Step 3: I let my hair sit for about 30-40 minutes and took the twists out. I think the key with this style is not letting your hair sit too long! Plus, it's super humid where I live so when I go outside my hair swells!

Finished product: 

The Dreaded Question.

There is one question that I hesitate to answer every time I hear it. I wouldn't ever lie, but I also don't want anyone to be lead astray. What is that question?

Is being natural hard?

Honestly, being natural is what you make it. It doesn't have to be a time consuming, daunting task. Can I just get up and go without doing anything to my hair? No. You also can't do that with relaxed hair.
Those who like experimenting with products and styles may spend more time with their hair; it is a pleasure. For those who don't, there are many quick and low maintenance styles. As with most things in life, you have to work for what you want. Your hair will require time, but don't be afraid to research and use the blogs and vloggers that are out there to find a routine that works for you.

One of the most difficult times can be learning your hair. I think this is where many new naturals and transitioners get frustrated and revert back to straightening. In the beginning you don't who your hair is. By that, I mean that you don't know what products and methods work for your hair. You'll have to use trial and error to find out what your hair likes. Honestly, many things that you try will not work. Don't be discouraged. You will find things that you love in the process. 

I, too, had that awkward stage of finding what worked for my hair. After many trials, I found a regimen. I couldn't be more happy with how my hair feels and behaves. I shampoo once or twice a month with Terressentials mud hair wash. I deep condition with Anita Grant Rhassoul Deep Condish Cubes once a month. I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie as a moisturizer. I follow with a mixture of shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and a little vitamin E to seal the moisture in. I also found that natural products are the only things that keep my hair healthy and feeling great. The longer my hair gets, the less time I spend on it and the easier it gets to manage.

So, does being natural take work? Yes, of course. Is it a time consuming monster? It doesn't have to be. If you are considering going natural or are already natural and are stuck, I encourage you to use the resources available to you. There are too many blogs and Youtube channels for you to use the excuse that you don't know how to take care of your hair. Don't be afraid to try new products and methods. If you don't try, you'll never know what works. Take a leap of faith!

Are you considering going natural but think it will be too hard? Are you newly natural but thinking of relaxing because nothing is working?