The Natural Hair Journey

I Want to Go Natural But My Hair Is Breaking!

Here's a great question submitted by Tanya, who is transitioning to natural hair:

  

I have a question about taking care of my natural hair. How I would take care of it before I start to twist it, Loc it, etc.? What steps that I can do or what product can I use for my hair without weighing it down? I have been wearing braids for about 7 yrs. off and on and I still haven't found what it is that I want to do with my hair. I'm from Chicago and I've been living in Atlanta for 12 yrs. now and still can't find a hair stylist that I can trust that's why I opt to go natural. Now that I no longer have extension braiding in my hair what can I do? I decided last year that I would take the braids out and try this product called ____ and that product took out the crown of my hair and now, I had to start all over with the growing process with my hair and the crown hasn't fully come back. I've taken out the braids to give a break and now I'm wearing a wig. My hair is so uneven all over and I would like to wear it natural. I thought about cutting it all off but that's a lot of hair around the sides and the back.

Also why is it that my hair can grow so well in the back and take so much longer around the rest of my head.

Need help BAD!
Tanya

 

My dear Tanya,

Thanks for writing! First of all I want to let you know that your natural journey can take a turn for the best. Your immediate concern should be to improve the health of your hair. That means getting hair treatments, such as deep conditioners combined with hot oil treatments.

(View the following for more info: Why is My Hair Breaking Off While I'm Growing Out My Perm? and What Hair Products Should I Be Using? )

If you have not been getting treatments with your braids or in between your braids, your hair can get weaker over time, and may begin to break. I suspect that's what's happening here.

I must say that if your hair is already breaking, tight braids will only make the problem worse.

If you wore relaxers for many years, that could also weaken your hair, especially on the top of the crown. Other causes of hair breakage can be through stress or new medication. You'll have to consider these factors to see where the root of the problem lies. Also, when it seems like your hair is growing faster at the back than the top, thay may also indicate that the top is breaking off more often. (See photo above for an example of breakage in the back.)

Given the extent of the damage you describe, it would be a good idea to consult with a professional who can assess the condition of your hair in person. You mentioned you're in Atlanta. Taliah Wajiid has a Natural Salon in Atlanta and you may want to check them out. She is all about healthy hair. Visit her web site or call (404)753-4555.

As a Natural hair Coach, I offer fee-based coaching sessions over the phone if you are interested in gaining more insight and finding some solutions that best fit your needs, and for ongoing support through your natural hair journey. You can learn more and book your appointment online.

I know how upsetting it is when your hair is breaking. I'm wishing you all the best and hope that no matter which option you choose that you find your solution soon!

Warmly,

Kirigo

Your Natural Hair Coach

Milwaukee Natural Hair Care Expo - June 26, 2011

 

Here's a natural hair event for those of you in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area. At the Milwaukee Natural Hair Care Expo on Saturday, June 26, there will be workshops, vendors, great food, and more. For tickets or more information, visit http://milwaukeenaturalhaircareexpo.com.

D.C.'s Natural Hair Expo: April 16, 2011

Check it out if you can. Just one day.

Kirigo

Your Natural Hair Coach

 

Sis Twists: A Great Style for Transitioning to Natural Hair

The Sis Twist has long been a favorite choice when transitioning from relaxed or texturized hair into a natural hair journey.

Today I find that, those wearing their own natural hair or Afros are also finding Sis Twists a good choice as a protective hair style. It gives their hair and themselves a break from the weekly or biweekly hair care.

It can last up to 3 months looking good, even after hair washing, swimming etc. It is growing in popularity, and happens to be healthier choice, other than the tiny micro braids. 

All of my clients who wear Sis twists said to me, "that the older this style gets, the more complements they get".

I can recall, when I wore my hair like that almost 2 years ago, I had that same experience. I remember enjoying not having to comb my hair for 2 months, then I quickly jumped into another phase of my natural hair journey. To see more about that see "From Locks to Sis Twists!" under My Life.

Sis twists great for transitioning or hair care breaks. For more info, see "What is a Sis Twist?".

 

Kirigo

Your Natural Hair Coach

Guess What Age Group is Locking Their Hair in Big Numbers?

The young girls ages 7 - 12 years.

I have been observing how each couple of years,a different population begins their own natural hair journey.

I think it's because the young girls, have seen their mothers, Aunties, etc. lock their own hair, that they are now confident enough to ask if their own hair can be locked.

My daughter has dreadlocks, and she loves her long hair. She has been locking since the age of 4 years, and she will be 10 years in 2 weeks.

I believe because the role models in her life, such as her mother, her God mother, her Aunties, etc. wear locks and it is a natural part of our lives. So in her world it's life.

I must say it makes me proud to know that our girls will have a closer sense of authentic self, and to know that we opened up those gates when we committed to our natural hair journey.

To all the little girls, stay beautiful, stay natural.

I love You my little sistas!

Kirigo

Your Natural Hair Coach

Do Men with Dreadlocks Catch your Eye?

For me the answer is Yes!

Although, I am a Natural Hair Coach and natural hair always catches my eye in public, I notice when I see brothers with dreadlocks, I have to double take. Especially if their hair is well groomed.

I had a conversation with some of my clients and they seemed to feel the same way. So I figured I might as well be the first to come out publicly with it.

What is that pull? Why does that happen?

I am in a wonderful relationship so I'm not even looking for anything out there, but yet I often feel that pull.

Can anyone else relate out there? Would you happen to have any leads?

I'm curious. Please share, enlighten me.

Kirigo

Natural Hair Coach