FAQ

1. Is there a right or wrong way to transition?

Not at all. As with everything else in life, you must do what is right for you. Big Chopping before you're mentally and physically prepared can be disastrous. Take your time, research, and decide what route (long or short term transition) is right for you.

 2.    I've decided to transition, what hair styles should I try?

Luckily, many of the styles you will wear as a natural, you can start wearing now! Check out the following:

Rod Set

Flexi Rod Set

Curlformer Set

No Heat Roller Set

Curly Fro 1

Curly Fro 2

Dry Braid-n-Curl

Dry Braid-n-Curl 2

Twist-n-Curl

Braid-Out

Bantu Knot-Out

Bantu Knot-Out 2

Flat Twist-Out

Faux Bun

Messy Side Bun

High Bun

Double Buns

 3.  Is shampoo really bad for you or not?

    The first premise of the CG method is that sulfates are bad for most curly hair. Curly hair is often more dry than other hairtypes, and sulfates can just be too harsh for dry, delicate curls. The prime culrpits in this are Sodium Lauyl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. It’s interesting to note that these detergents are also found in many liquid dish detergents. Since most of us do not have hair that is as greasy as our pots and pans, this seems to be a bit of overkill. But, they do produce lots of lather, and we are all taught that lather is good and luxurious, that lather means that we’re getting the dirt off. For the most part, you won’t need these sulfates. 

 4.  If I don’t use shampoo, how do I wash my hair?

    Conditioner! When I first heard of this, I thought it was crazy. I thought that I would have dirty, smelly, oily hair. But, I started using conditioner to wash my hair. My curls looked cute and healthy as oppose to the huge mass of frizz i sported previously. They also felt more like hair and less like dead grass.

You can use any inexpensive conditioners such as the Suave and Vo5 which contain cetrimonium chloride, which is a conditioning agent, but is also a surfactant, which means that normal sweat, dust, and environmental dirt can be removed with this. The key is that you do have to pay some attention to your scalp and rub it properly. 

     5. So, how do I wash my hair with conditioner? 

    If I am using a conditioner to wash my scalp and hair, this is what I do. I get my hair wet, and squish in a few blobs of conditioner into my hair and ends. How many blobs you need depends on the length and thickness of your hair. I work out the large tangles with my fingers, and then use a seamless, wide toothed combed to comb out any other tangles. I then apply another quarter sized blob to my scalp and scrub with the pads of my fingers. Rinse then repeat!

6.     Is there a safe way to flat iron?

    Despite the advertisements, you can not get one hundred percent protection from heat damage with any protectant products. Period. Many flat and curling irons can reach excesses of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no way to prevent that kind of heat from causing some form of damage to your hair. Paula Begoun said it best, "Could you imagine protecting skin from that kind of heat with a hair-care product?" Right...it's not gonna happen.

So you must heat style with caution. Definitely utilize a heat protectant, although you're not completely protected. Also, use the coolest temperature possible to achieve results, and don't pass the iron through each section of your hair more than once. I personally think you should save heat styling for special occasions, it shouldn't be your go-to hairstyle on regular days. 

 7.   How can I restore curl to heat damaged ends?

Unfortunately there is no way to restore curl to heat damaged hair.

You have two options:

A. Chop the ends all at once

B. Chop a little bit over the next year so that its not a drastic loss of length. During this time you could wear bantu knot outs, flexi rod sets, and twist-n-curls to help the ends along. Some people report that a protein treatment followed by a moisturizing DT has restored some of the curl so you can give that a try too.

8.     How can I control shrinkage

Depending on your curl pattern and hair texture, we recommend finding the right product for you hair. Use pineapple, binding or twisting techniques at night to maintain stretch. Many of our Natural Hair sistas have success stories using various products. Its all about finding what works for you. You can visit our Hair Care page to learn more about products. 

9.     How can I combat dry hair woes

Again, what works for me may not work for you. you must find a brand or product or products that work for you. Your hair needs protein and moisture!!! Find and protein and moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Alot of people swear by the LOC method however you can try the LCO method and choose the one that works best for you. 

10.   Why do you change your hair so often?

Listen!!! Talk about versatility with Natural Hair.......its Awesome! I basically change my hairstyle often because I can and you can too!  Hair, like clothing, is a means of self-expression.