Reader E-Mail: Going Natural

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I, Christina Patrice would like to apologize for completely SUCKING at responding to reader e-mails as of late. I've really been buried in small business stuff for BGLH since mid-August -- but I *think* that will be slowing down soon. Maybe. Anywho, if you've emailed me within the past month, expect a reply from me really soon. Don't stop e-mailing me with questions, guys. I don't want to be one of those bloggers who acts like they don't have time for the people that take the time to read/view their stuff.

Anywho, moving on. Like always -- I hope this helps someone who may have a similar question!


Hi! Let me start off by saying u have gorgeous hair!!! My name is S and I am one of your IG followers. I have been interested in going natural for about 2 months now. I have been getting my hair pressed and relaxed pretty much my whole life (since age 11). I have a sew in now and I want to take this out and start the process. What is the first step? Also I want to transition before I BC! Please help and suggest some products and what I need to do first. Thank u sooo much!

Hi S!!!

Thanks so much for reaching out and being a follower. I truly appreciate all the support. Congratulations on your decision to go natural! The journey will definitely be a rewarding one. For your transition, you will definitely need to hone in on a few things:
First, begin developing good hair care habits for yourself. If you don't already, begin sleeping in a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase. Learn how to moisturize (water based product or water) and seal hair (butter or oil based product).
Second, begin cleaning house in terms of products. If you still have relaxer around and relaxer related products, get rid of them. Also, hide your flat iron from yourself. This will serve you better during those times when you're frustrated with your hair, and want to go back to what you know.
Third, decide what you want for your hair in terms of products -- will you continue using products with sulfates, silicones, etc? If so, then you don't need to make any major changes. If not, you need to begin investing in a few key products. This is not the time to become a product junkie, because your hair will still be mostly straight/relaxed/heat damaged -- and just because the products work for that hair doesn't mean they will for the natural hair. Besides, you'll be gradually getting rid of that hair anyway :)
Here are a few things you'll definitely need to adopt in your regimen, but it is up to you how frequently:

Predetangle and pre-poo at the same time. Anything that keeps that line between relaxed and natural hair nice and moisturized is ideal. My favorite pre-poo products right now are Soultanicals Knot Sauce (www.soultanicals.com) and Kurlee Belle Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment (www.kurleebelle.com). Store-brand wise, Trader Joe's Nourish Spa or Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner works well for pre-poo as well.
Detangle: You can probably still fairly easily detangle at this point, so the products mentioned above should work quite well. The aforementioned Trader Joe's conditioners work well for wet-shower detangling, as does Tresemme Split Remedy Conditioner.
Cleanse: If you're still okay using shampoo, I recommend anything from the Giovanni line -- especially from the 2Chic Avocado & Olive Oil line. If you're interested in sulfate free, you can cowash with the Trader Joe's conditioners, or a cowash like As I Am or from Shea Moisture. I personally am a fan of shampoo bars - Obia Natural Hair Care has great ones (www.obianaturalhair.com) as does Brown Butter Beauty (www.brownbutterbeautyshop.com)
Condition: You can also alternate between conditioning and deep conditioning treatments as you see fit. Shea Moisture conditioners are all great. Aussie Moist is also another good one. As far as deep conditioners go, I am a fan palmer's Coconut Protein Deep Conditioning Pack. Giovanni also makes great conditioners -- most naturals go for Deeper Moisture or the 2Chic Avocado & Olive Oil Conditioner and Hair Mask. Just set yourself up for moisture, and you should be fine. Protein treatments are also good, just on about a monthly basis. 
As far as styling goes, that's up to you. Be sure to check out the Transitioner Tips and Hairstyles under the Healthy Hair tab on the blog -- I have information about styles and tutorials there. This email is pretty long, but I hope it helps.
Be sure to let me know if you have any other questions!!!
Here's more info about what to expect when transitioning:
-Christina Patrice
Do you have a question about your hair? E-Mail me at info@maneobjective.com!

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