Once you make a decison to go natural, be ready to free your mind. It is a journey that requires a strong determinationand boldness. Unfortunateley, many women have been taught to believe that the European Standard of Beauty is the way to go. The media constantly presents beauty as being tall and slender with straight hair. This is your chance to set yourself apart from the norm. Natural Hair is beautiful, so hold yor head up high and show off what God has given you.Let me not decieve you, going natural and STAYING natural will require tremendous commitment. Also be prepared for questions from those who are curious about natural hair. Be well informed and and ready to teach.Here are a few things to consider as you start your journey:

• Surround yourself with people who have natural hair as well, this will give you motivation and encouragement
• Go on Natural Hair Websites where you can form a social network with people that have natural hair. You are bound to learn a lot from the forums and be inspired by pictures. I started with the Nappturality Website, where I learnt a lot about caring for my delicate napps. The most exciting thing about these sites is that you are allowed to keep a journal of your hair journey, this gives you an opportunity to encourage others who wants to learn how to care for their hair and also see your progress
• Read articles and books that have rich quality information about natural hair care
• Learn about different styling options that you can use for your hair

1. The big Chop: Cutting off your relaxed hair and being left with no other option but to wear a really short tiny weeny afro
2. Transitioning: Letting your relaxed hair grow out until you have reached your desired length and cutting off the relaxed part.

• Water: Natural Hair thrives on water. You need it internally and externally
• Shampoos with no sodium lauryl sulfates
• Conditioners with no ingredient that end with “cones”, which can dry out your hair
• A leave in conditioner
• A wide tooth comb
• A good detangler, I swear by qhemet biologics cocoa detangling ghee.
• A good mosturizer
• Hair Accessories such as clips, headbands, scarves, flowers etc.

• Use heat sparingly as it can alter the natural state of your coils, besides it can make your hair brittle and break off. Use it when deep conditioning, however, wear a plastic cap to keep the moisture in your hair
• When detangling, use a wide tooth comb and start from the ends to the roots
• Don’t be bashful using Conditioners and Mosturizers, your hair will be thirsty for them
• Your natural hair is easy to comb while wet
• PLEASE DO NOT WEAR EXTENSIONS. THESE THINGS DO NOT LIKE YOUR HAIRLINE
• Wear a silk scarf to protect your hair at night
• Try to wear Protective styles for about two weeks. This helps you to retain length
• Mosturize and oil your ends very often ( helps length retention)