Committing to the natural hair journey from relaxed hair was one of the best things I ever did, not just for my hair health but for my personal growth and acceptance.
However, transitioning from damaged and relaxed hair to natural hair is a scary and complicated process and there are a few things I wish I had known ahead of beginning my journey which, by sharing, will hopefully be valuable, or at the very least relatable.
1. Buy from beginner-friendly brands
The most difficult thing to figure out is where to start. I made the mistake of thinking I needed to try and buy every product from every brand on planet Earth; I’m here to tell you you do not need to do this!
I’d recommend starting your journey with brands that lend themselves to beginners such as:
Imbue Curls
Imbue has simplified curly hair care by offering a visible step-by-step system with numbered and coloured products, so you know exactly which are to be used at what stage of your routine.
Wakati
Wakati, which is Swahili for ‘time,’ is a brand created to embrace the tradition of ‘wash day,’ but also to make the process as simple and fast as possible in order to save you time and stress. Its collection of products is small but effective for hydrating and moisturising curly hair.
Swipe and shop: Wakati
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Shea Moisture
Shea Moisture was one of the first brands I used, and I still recommend it to beginners now because not only is it a rite of passage, it’s also a good base brand to learn how products typically feel in texture and what to expect when someone says ‘curl cream’ or ‘hair masque.’
Swipe and shop: Shea Moisture
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2. Oils will not solve all of your problems
A common misconception is that oils can solve all of your hair problems; they can’t and they won’t.
The practice of oiling and greasing the scalp has been passed down through generations of women and it’s only now we’re realising that perhaps this is why our scalps are built-up and struggling for air.
Instead of going down this route, I would recommend using these oils in your routine, only as and when needed:
Amika Water Sign Hydrating Hair Oil, £31
A little bit goes a long way with this Amika oil. It has a lightweight formula and similar feeling to wearing a dry-oil sun cream; it’s easily absorbed, helps minimise frizz, encourages curl definition and adds shine.
Nylah’s Naturals Super Seed Hair Oil, £16
The Nylah Super Seeds oil is slightly heavier than Amika’s, but can be used in multiple ways, including to relieve an itchy scalp, seal in moisture or to use as a hot oil treatment. If you love a citrus scent, this is a great option for you.
Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Original Hair Oil, £45.80
This oil feels like silk between your fingertips. It definitely acts more like a serum than an oil in that it adds a glossy effect and shine to your hair and makes it smell insanely good. The brand really needs to make it into body cream or perfume!
3. Your hair will probably grow with different textures
The texture of hair around your face will probably be a different texture to the hair at your crown. Some sections might be naturally frizzier than others, so you may want to apply more product to these areas when defining your curls.
But, it’s important to ensure the gels used will not produce a white cast when layered. Some of my favourite buildable gels are featured below.
Swipe and shop: Buildable gels
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The most important thing to remember when starting on this journey is not to stress. Always take your time when introducing new products and methods into your hair care routine – and don’t worry about ‘following the crowd.’
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