
Styling and maintaining curly, wavy and coily coifs are definitely time consuming and much more work than relaxed hair. However, sporting curly or wavy textures - be they twisted, coiled, braided or soften for manageability leaves your tresses healthier, full of body and with more bounce to the ounce!
You'll get more versatility out of wearing your textured hair natural or softened, than wearing totally relaxed straight hair. Curly girls have the option of wearing their hair in an array of natural set styles, then turn around and go straight again. The beauty in today's world is that product companies have developed a vast inventory of botanical and botanically infused synthetic beauty products that address the needs of curly, wavy and coily girl's tresses. The ingredients and holding power of curl boosters, definers, enhancers and smoothing products are quite amazing.
What are the top five ways to achieve healthy natural hair?
- Always shampoo and condition with a hydrating or moisturizing system. Locs and braids require a cleansing or detoxifying shampoo first, then follow up with a hydrating shampoo. Try a steam herbal conditioning treatment at least once a month. Relaxer shampoo and conditioning systems generally contain too much protein to soften natural hair and are really not the best, unless they are botanical in nature. Natural hair thirst for moisture and humectants.
- Never comb through your tresses while completely dry. Always mist with water first, then apply a light leave-in-conditioner or mist like, Tai Texture Lavender Mist or Jane Carters Solution Revitalizing Leave-in-conditioner.
- Always use a wide tooth wooden or hard plastic comb to dangle and style. This is one of the number one reasons why natural hair breaks--combing through with a fine tooth comb. Remember NATURAL does not mean maintenance free. You still have to comb through your hair at least by using your hands as a claw comb or tool.
- Try to schedule a cut or shaping at least every 2 - 3 month. Curly hair can be very tricky!! Most times you can't recognize split ends until you have around 2 inches of damaged hair. Any time you are combing your mane from root to ends and you notice the comb struggling to easily pass through the hair strands, then you have split ends and they must go. If not, they will continue to ride up the hair shaft creating more damage. Don't wait until the last minute to handle this matter.
- Protect your tresses at night with a silk or satin scarf, satin pillow case or a satin pillow. For natural set styles, especially twisted out styles, always wear a shower cap in the bath or shower and use your hands, not a comb to style your perfectly spiral curly look. Combs and picks will ultimately disturb the curl pattern of the fresh set.

Comments: (39)
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By: Mystique on 2/06/2008 11:22PM
I am just now starting of locking my hair by doing the two strand twists (by a licensed loctician). I have done some research about this but I would like to hear some information from someone who has been in my shoes. If anyone has started this way can you provide me with helpful tips on how to keep it healthy (right foods to eat, shampoos, visits to salon, etc.). Thanks!
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By: R. Carter on 2/13/2008 2:25PM
My 12 year old daughter hopes to go to the olympics someday as a champion swimmer. You can imagine the problems she's having with her hair. She finally decided to cut it off, it is now very short and natural (It has been natural forever but she routinely wore braids or pressed it). I'm still having a hard time keeping it moisturized, we use a shampoo specifically designed to remove the cholrine but her hair is always dry and brittle. I'm using Carol's Hair Care products and Optimum. Any suggestions? She swims 4-5 times a week.
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By: anonymous on 9/29/2009 12:48PM
You should go to a caucasian hair salon and ask for a swimmer's shampoo, and conditioner. Also Extra Virgin (not pure, or refined) Extra virgiin olive oil on the hair will help moisturize and protect her hair.
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By: Shea on 12/25/2009 1:14PM
Aubrey organics has a great shampoo for removing chlorine and it leaves your hair really moisturized. They have a ton of products that is really good for natural hair b/c its all natural.
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By: jacky on 5/20/2009 8:27AM
I have off shoulder length extremely curly hair, my hair is so curly that i look like I have a channel hair cut, donīt use relaxer and try to use mostly brazilian natural produts, I color it black and try to use natural water mix die,but
would love to find a product that would make my hair less curly, though I like it as it is and just want it little soft...
Please ...
Thanks
Jchey
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By: Felicia on 11/03/2007 10:19AM
Has anyone ever used or heard of scalpmeds? Im bolding around my sides from years of abusing ponytails and I was wondering if anyone knew of something that could regrow my hair.
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By: Dre on 11/03/2007 12:30PM
Finally, some advice we can use. Unlike the other blog this one doesnt list enough advice or product recommendation.
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By: Spicycopper on 11/03/2007 2:36PM
Yes Felicia I have heard of Scalpmed my mother is using it for her female pattern baldness and she says that it is working. My sister is also a hairstylist who specializes in natural and healthy hair. I also am experiencing thinness around my edges and she suggested templebond. That is the name of the product. Organic Root has their own brand.
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By: Clara on 11/03/2007 5:25PM
Yes Felicia I myself use Dr. Miracle's he has a temple treatment and all over hair care system,
I also have thinning hair lose due from medication
so far its working great, I have been using it for about 3 months and I love it !!!!!
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By: laiconna on 11/03/2007 8:45PM
I used Dr. Miracle products for the first time two months ago. I used the no lye relaxer to take some of the kinks out of my hair. I must look at some of the other products.
I have truly tight hair. It hurts to comb it without a relaxer or softener. I don't remember it being this way before I started using chemical relaxers on it. It was always tight, but no as difficult to comb out as it is now without a relaxer.
I found something called Satinique Moisturising Detangler that helped tremendously. I don't wash my hair with it anymore. They have a complete array of hair care products that I use to try and help me keep it smooth. They may seem a little pricey to some, but it was worth the price for me. If anyone would like to try these products, you may check them out at the site below. I copied it from the page for the detangler. You can navigate the site and find the other products.
http://esmith35.qhealthbeauty.com/products/product.aspx?itemno=E5050
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