I really appreciate you taking the time to sign up for my newsletter.
No worries. I won’t be blowing up your email account with unnecessary messages. You should receive one more follow-up email for confirming.
After that, you will only get emails regarding new styles or other important updates related to the natural hair world.
In the meantime, feel free to get acquainted with my site!
One of the most popular pages on this site is my Hairstyle Gallery. Make sure you check it out so you can get ideas for transitioning or even natural styling.
Also, if you’re looking for product suggestions, see what worked for me when transitioning and also see what I now use for my natural hair.
hmmm….I just did my BC today
I actually transitioned for just 7 months but the hair was okay manageable though I may send a picture to you.
all I need are tips to curl it cause it doesn’t have any curls in it.
I also need tips on growing it long and fast.
also products for a good regime.
excuse me ife, are you from Nigeria?
Can i trim my hair then box braid it if i dont want to leave my hair out, or must my hair be worn out for the transitioning journey?
You sure can. Just remember to keep your hair moisturized. Google “moisture sprits for extensions” and there are home remedies for maintaining your hair in box braids. A lot of people neglect their hair when they have extensions or braids because it’s “put away” but remember your hair is under stress (make sure they aren’t too tight) and it still needs moisture. Otherwise your hair can be in worse condition when you take it down.
Hi Lisa,
The stress from years of wearing braids is now causing balding. I now have locs, what can I do for the balding?
You have to take the stress off your scalp. Locs are only going to make the problem worse if they are still pulling on your hair. What you have is traction alopecia. It can be reversed if you eliminate the stress. I would suggest taking the locs out and starting over with twists instead. They don’t pull on the scalp as much, especially if they aren’t tight.
Hello Lisa,
I forgot to mention in my first post, I have watched so many You Tube videos on transitioning to natural hair, the coconut relaxer, pre-poo, and
co-washing, use this, don’t use that…it’s overwhelming.
Help!
Thank-you,
LadyJ0012
Hello Lisa,
I have been relaxer free for almost 3 years. I did Keratin treatment 2 times 1 year ago. I am natural but blow dry(low to medium setting on cool) and flat iron once a week or once every two weeks and wrap every night and sleep on satin pillows. After about 1 week, my hair smells and I have to shampoo. I try to stretch it to 2 weeks but its hard not too mention humidity reeks havoc and my hair gets very frizzy (I live in Florida, need I say more?)
I have noticed breakage around the edges and some thinning in the crown area….which I have been using coconut oil and massaging my scalp.
My hair length is a few inches above my bra (across my back).
I have been using Wen products for about 3 years and have experienced Great results until now. Not sure if breakage and thinning are due to Wen or heat damage. My hair is thick and a combination of every type from wavy at the root, curly mid-shaft to kinky in some areas and straight on the ends.
Recently, I shompooed, conditioned, sectioned and twisted my wet hair using Shea Moisture Curl Souffle. My hair ended up looking ALMOST like the pic of the lady on your page advertising I❤my curls. The problem is with so many textures it didn’t look as beautiful.
I’m looking for a new shampoo and conditioner(Sulfate and Cone free).
Also, thinking of setting using rods or flexi rods to end the blow dry/flat iron routine..
A wash and go will not work…too many different textures…would be a mess ?
I have considered the Aphogee 2 Step, but those products contain silicone.
Any suggestions or advice you have would be appreciated.
Thank-you,
Thanks LadyJ
Someone just mentioned there is a lawsuit out about Wen. I’ve never used them but don’t know about them now.
As far as products, I just have to say keep experimenting as what works for me may not work for you.
Have you checked with your doctor about your breakage? It could also be hormonal. I had the same issues with my crown and edges and it was due to anemia, fibroids, etc.
The other issue is those are the dryest areas of your hair and they can be the most delicate. It’s very important to wrap your edges up at night and keep them moisturized. My crown is the most delicate part of my head. My hair is kinkier and drier. So what I have to do is really take my time and make sure I keep that area trimmed (split ends) and moisturized or it won’t grow and breaks off.
I’m sorry, I forgot to mention that on the Dr. Oz Show, they were talking about how bad it is to use Keratin treatments on your hair because it has Formaldehyde in it and when you flat iron your hair at a high temperature of about 350 degrees and above, the heat releases the Formaldehyde and that’s not a good thing.
Lori G.
Hi LadyJ.
My name is Lori and I also live in Florida. I couldn’t help but chime in on your conversation with Lisa :). Lisa is correct, there is a lawsuit against Chaz Dean, the maker of Wen Conditioning Shampoo. I don’t your nationality, but Many african americans have complained about it taking their hair out or them going bald! I just saw someone on the Dr. Oz Show today 5/30/2016) talking about Wen. I apologize for not knowing her name but she did say that it is a good thing to use a sulfate free shampoo on your hair at least once a month just to clean it more thoroughly. I use to use Wen but I stopped because it felt like my hair was drying out. I now use the Cantu line…it seems to do very good on my hair. I too have 3-4 textures in my hair (aggravating) 🙂 but I love my natural hair and will NEVER go back to a relaxer!! I love the Aphogee 2-step but you’re right, it does have silicone in it. Try the Cantu line, the shampoo, the leave in repairing conditioner, and the curling cream. STAY AWAY FROM THE WEN! 🙂 I hope that I have been of some help to you. We are all in this together and we should pass things along to one another. Lisa…I love your information and I think you are awesome…YOU ROCK!
Lori thank you so much for chiming in!!
You’re welcome Lisa…I like to help where I can ?
Hi, am impressed with ur work so far…… Pls i want to transit from relaxed to natural hair what should be my first step??
Hi I decided to transition from relaxed hair this week. I have thin edges what can I do to get them to thicken?
I want to go natural with out loosing my hair or cutting it off
I made the decision this past week to make the transition and go natural. I’m looking forward to making this change. I just hope I’m able to style my hair. Thanks to this site I should be ok. Here I go!
Hi Denise. First congrats on transitioning from perm to natural. It’s a big step!
I suggest you read all the posts, forums and articles on Lisa’s site (this one) as well as looking at some YouTube videos. You need to invest in some good products that are specific to your hair “type.” CURLYNIKKI.COM talks about hair types. Start out with a good shampoo (or conditioner wash), conditioner, deep conditioner and styling product. Learn to two strand twist your hair, depending on how long it is. If you have a twa (teeny weeny afro) then you can do a “wash n’ go.” The main thing to remember is to KEEP YOUR HAIR MOISTURIZED! Our hair is dry and needs to be kept moisturized. First moisture, then sealing in that moisture.
That’s the beginning. Get to reading and watching and you’ll be okay!
Hi napturallycurly I’m so glad I found this web sight u inspired me a lot about going natural I’ve been natural for a year. My question is after every deep conditioning do I need to follow with a shampoo wash I no it’s a silly question.
It’s not a silly question at all. No, you shampoo then you deep condition and rinse out. Finally you style after the deep condition.
Hi Lisa! I have been reading your blog since 2013 and I just recently subscribed. I am in the stage with not understanding my hair growth. I transitioned for two years and in November of last year I trimmed my ends. I am now at the one year mark since I last trimmed and I don’t see any growth. My hair has gotten thicker and I have a more defined curl pattern, but I haven’t seen any change in my length. Please give me some advice on what to do!
Thanks a lot!
Hey Zakia!
I just wrote about this a few weeks ago. I had his problem and it had to do with me leaving styles in for too long without trimming my ends enough. How do you wear your hair mostly? Here’s my article https://napturallycurly.com/2015/11/natural-hair-growth-plateau/
Lately I have been wearing my hair in protective styles (still moisturizing lol). The only thing that is confusing to me is, is trimming important? My mom has been treating my hair (her hair is about 16in) and she isn’t really a big fan of trimming. She says that it is unnecessary, but if it helps please tell me what I should tell her to persuade otherwise. She normally tells me that when you cut your ends you are damaging the hair shaft and just increasing the breakage. Please enlighten me…lol
Thanks for the quick response!
Zakia
I think it depends. If your hair is not breaking and your ends don’t feel rough then no, you don’t. But I wear my hair in a lot of manipulative hairstyles so I do have to trim almost monthly. And when I say trim I’m talking about a smidgen. Not even a quarter of an inch. So I still maintain and gain length.
I totally understand now…okay and thanks!
I am actually a pasty, white girl with kinky, excessively curly hair who decided 6 months ago to stop keratin/chemical straighteners and have not regretted it for a moment. I found this website looking for products to moisturize & shine my curls, and am thrilled to find so many answers to my how-to questions. THANK YOU!!!!!! I already use some of the products you listed, but I still miss the shine of straight hair. (BTW, kinky/curly is also a Scots inheritance–from my Dad’s side, and many in the family are curly, but I GOT THE FRO!). I’m proud of my hair, and you have offered the wisdom 🙂
Awesome Sue! Glad you found the site helpful. Work that fro, girl! lol
Hi Lisa, I have just recently taken out twisted weave out of my hair , and I realize that it has pulled out a lot of my hair , so I decided to use natural creams , greases , and oils .Do you have any other ideas that will grow my hair back.Thx
Hi Hopetanya, sorry about your hair. Get some castor oil from a health food store (not the kind in the pharmacy) and rub it into your edges every night. Make sure you wear a satin bonnet to further protect them.
I’m soooo thankful for your knowledge and you sharing it! I’m currently doing the 7 day max hydration method, and have already seen amazing results from the first treatment day! I usually don’t comment on any forums, but this regimen is truly life saver! Because of you I’m loving my natural hair much more than I already did! Thank you soooo much!
what is the best treatment to make your hair glory and not to cut any time you womb it
Make sure your ends stay healthy at all times….even if that means dusting (cutting a very small amount) monthly. Deep condition your hair weekly, wear protective styles (styles that don’t require manipulation) and use a protein treatment every 6 weeks like Aphogee. You can get it at most beauty supply stores.
But to me, wearing protective styles is the best tip to grow your hair.
pls help me , wat shld i do? shld i braid again , cos thats wat i normally do.
Am a Ghanaian , so am an african . i started doing natural when after graduating from high school, i always cut down my my hair was a virgin hair , i was in the natural journey for about 8 months , my hair wasnt soft so my sister decided to help by putting in a little relaxing cream in it to soften it a bit. but wat happened was sam part if my hair become a little soft n the others didnt do anything so they were still hard . i hard braids on for 7 weeks after the incident n took them off but my hair is breaking off n i dnt know wat to do, pls help me
I am transitioning for relax to national hair & i want to know what shampoos & conditioner sould i get i go to Walgreen sould i get something from there
Just starting… Is it okay to still use rinses on my new hair?
I would personally try to stay away from as many chemicals as you can during the process but it shouldn’t hurt if you are deep conditioning your hair regularly. Just monitor your hair.
2 years ago i would have never said id love to be natural bbut i love it ive did the big chop in October it was scary to be bald but i love my natural hair my scalps so mich healthier i dont belive ill ever geg another perm
I have been natural for only 3 months. I did a semi-chop now when my hair wet its very soft curly but when its dry its not curly anymore. Is there any product that can actually help me keep my curls even when my hair is dry?
Hi Evee! The “trick” is to hydrate your hair while it’s still damp with a cream or lotion that has the first ingredient as water and then is followed by good moisturizers like coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, cetyl alcohol or shea butter. Even though shea butter is a sealant if included in these ingredients it can be used to moisturize. Then seal it with black castor oil or jojoba or olive oil or any other sealant you may like. Part into sections and band and air dry. If you want to “wash and go” after moisturizing and sealing you could put on a product like Jane Carter’s “Curl Defining Cream” that has natural ingredients and will “curl” up your coils. Some like to use gels like ECO STYLE but I think it’s too harsh (but gives great definition). The bottom line is you have to figure out your hair type and try different products, look stuff up online and look at YouTube videos and come to sites like this one for information! Good luck, sista!
I decided to start my journey to go natural a few days ago. My last relaxer was probably in September of 2014. the strange thing happen my hair was growing really fast and good and has always been thick. I have always loved my thick hair. I trusted my beautician and made a fatal mistake of asking her to trim my hair and did not watch her. When she finished my hair was shorter than I want I know this happens to all of us at one time or another then I noticed my hair was not as thick somehow; she thin it out and I was not happy. Then I noticed my hair did not grow for four months. I am not kidding and of course I did not go back to her. My head started shedding quite a bit and breakage. Even with that disappointment I decided not to do anything. I decided not to do a perm. Then something hit me and said why don’t you educate yourself on transitioning your hair to natural. I came across your website and wow so much great info. I just wanted to thank you not just you but, all the ladies in general for putting up the video and educating me. Keep up the great work.
Please im in Ghana(ashanti region) where can I get the carols daughters transiton kit to buy?
Hello I just started the challenge yesterday and OMG I see a huge difference already but I was just a little curious about if I could use the curl enhancing smoothie as my gel? The info is extremely helpful to me thank you.
Hi Eve! If you go to maxhydrationmethod.com they have a list of the alternate products you can use. I don’t think that’s on the list but check it to make sure.
Please im in ghana(ashanti)region,where can I get the transition kit to buy?
have you tried buying it from the internet.
I would like to know where should I get the yogurt from that is not non-fat or fat free I checked Walmart and shop rite.. where did you purchase yours?
I get mine from Kroger. Almost any store that sells yogurt should have it.
looking for my hair bands right now.
Hello! I have wanted to go natural for several years. I finally decided now is the time. Although I dont have a perm I have been pressing my hair for years. The last time I pressed it was October 25,2014 so I am literally just starting my journey! I want to do a flat twist out but what are the steps. I need step by step directions. I am thinking about getting the Carols Daughter Transition Kit today. I am so excited about going natural! 🙂 Thanks in advance….
Hello Lisa, I’m on day 3 of the MHDM. I do see a big difference in my curls, but my hair feels hard when it’s completely dry. I’m wondering if it could be the leave in and the gel. I bought the Giovanni products. I had my last perm Aug 9, 2013 and cut the perm out Jan 2014. It really wasn’t a big chop I wore my hair short when I had a relaxer.
Hi Avis
It’s probably the gel. Are you shingling it in on every strand? I just distribute very lightly per section (not every strand) so my hair is not very hard. Stiff but not too hard.
Lisa, have you ever heard of a hair product called ” curly twist” ? Its suppose to make the afro curly.
Nope never heard of it.
Hi Linda,
Did you mean CURLY TWIRLS??? “Hair care for Curls” is the tagline. It is a custard and I got it as a sample last year from a beauty salon and liked it for my 4B hair. I am going to look online to see if I can find it.
Hey everyone! I’m sooo glad that I’ve found this site! I started my natural hair journey in Dec 2012. It was tough but I promise it will get better. I’ve even convinced a fellow coworker to go natural. Good luck to you all!!!
I have decided to go natural I put my last relaxer in on 7/25/2014 I wasn’t sure I really want to go natural until a few days ago and I have been researching and watching every video about transitioning. I had some questions: I really need to know when I wash my hair this week this will be the first time washing it since the relaxer what do I do I really don’t want to use heat. I am lost at this point. Should I pre poo, wash, the deep condition, and braid out. Please help I don’t want to stop my journey before it gets going. Thank You
Hi Felicia
Try doing a rod set with small perm rods. You can set your hair with a setting lotion and rod your hair while wet. The wetter the hair, the more the curl will hold. Roll the hair in a sprial motion along the rod so you get a more spiral curl effect. These last forever. I wore my hair like this a LOT while transitioning because it lasts. See more details here https://napturallycurly.com/2010/11/how-to-make-a-rod-set-last/
Hi Felicia,
If you don’t want to do the rod set, try twisting and leaving the twists in for a couple of days.
As for pre=poo vs. shampoo or co-wash, yes it can seem CONFUSING!. It all depends on YOUR hair and what is going on with it. Is it super dry? Is it breaking off? Then you might need to do an overnight deep conditioning treatment using a little protein (yogurt is good) mixed with olive oil and coconut oil. Or any other oil/butter you like. Just smear it on and wrap head with a plastic cap, covered with a terry turban. It can get messy so be sure your pillow is protected with a towel.
Wash out the next morning with a sulfate-free shampoo. While hair is still damp, use a good moisturizer and seal it with a butter or some oil. Just a little bit! Let your hair air dry. When you get ready to twist it, use a gel with moisturizer in it. ECO Gel with Olive Oil is fine.
If your hair is “normal” and not especially dry, do the deep conditioning once a month. But always, always, always condition AFTER you wash your hair, no matter what. Our hair needs the moisture.
You will have to experiment with all of the different products out there. Read the labels! Opt for the more natural ingredients. Cetyl Alcohol is fine…it is a fatty substance good for our hair. Go to CURLY NIKKI or NATURALLY CURLY websites for details on all aspects of our hair, in addition to Lisa’s here. The more you read, the more informed you can be about YOUR hair. Figure out what “type” your hair is, too.
Good luck!
Great advice! Thanks for chiming in Ms. Vyk.
Thank You Ladies
hey I have a question for you. I been transition for a year now and I’m dealing with a lot of not at the roots or curls. It like my hair wrap around. I don’t know what to do because it have a lot shrinking going on it.
Tameka, are you saying you have KNOTS at the roots of your curls? What are you using to shampoo and condition your hair with? What about products? Explain more about the “wrap” style you are talking about. Depending on how long your hair is, you MUST detangle it before styling it. This should help with the knots. And “Kinky Kurl’s” KNOT TODAY is an excellent de-tangler.
Good luck!
Hi Lisa,
The last time I permed my hair was May 25, 2013. I was relaxing my hair every 8 weeks. For about 8- 10 months I was trimming the perm hair until I decided to chop all of the permed hair off (total of 10.5 inches). To date (May 7, 2014), I have 4 inches. I found that the key to my hair is lots of moisture and my hair loves thick creams. I am currently using the “Sofnfree GroHealthy Nothing But” natural hair products. So far it’s ok but of course I will be trying other products to see how they work. Even though this takes some getting used to, I will NOT go back to perming my hair!!! I just want to say THANK YOU for all of your encouraging videos…you are awesome!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah, one more thing: Lisa can you comment about the best products or ingredients to look for in moisturizing our hair and what’s best to “seal” it with? Thanks! 🙂
I’m into my 7th month and FINALLY beginning to see the growth! I can now twist or braid my hair nightly without feeling like there are little burrs on my head. I am now trying out different products for what I have figured out is my 4B/4C hair. So far I am loving the Kinky Curl “No Knots Today” leave in conditioner as well their “Come Clean” shampoo. I use shea butter, coconut oil (Trader Joe’s Virgin), and Bee Mine Curly Crème. I don’t find that it really “holds” the twist well enough for my needs when I untwist for a twist out but it is soft and shiny. A lot of women recommend the Ecco Gel which DOES hold the twist well but it does have carbomer in it which makes my hair hard. I have been experimenting with adding something “soft” to my hair before twisting with this gel. I also like the “Beautiful Curls” line that Whole Foods carries. Their products are ALL NATURAL and definitely *pop* your natural curl/coil definition! Might go back to Carol’s Daughter Loc Butter, too. Years ago when I had twists this worked for me. BOTTOM LINE: hang in there, sistas, and keep experimenting! The one thing I’ve learned thru this journey is the importance of keeping our hair moisturized…can be as simple as a little water with some kind of oil or butter or conditioner on top before you leave the house.
I am in my 2nd week of transition. I know I need patience.
you should try mix chicks shampoo and conditioner it really helps even though you didn’t ask me
hmmmmmm i can’t wait to begin rocking my natural.
me to hang in there
I loss 90% of my hair in 2013 due to illness and medications. After 9 months, in August 2013 I decided to get a “California Curl”. The technician had to cut my hair down to 1 inch, but the “curl” came out great! Now the “curl” has grown out and my hair is 4 inches in the front, but it’s extremely “packed” in the back so I’m guessing about 2 inches. One night out of boredom, I started twisting my dry hair (used the time as a meditation method) and the next day I took out the twists and my hair looked “interesting”. I never thought of seriously twisting my hair, but was searching the internet for natural hair products and I came upon your website….and it was great! I’m wondering if I should go to an expert (natural hair stylist), or if I should get the products and try to do it myself? Any suggestions?
I think if you can find a good “expert” who can twist your hair for you that is great. This is what I did in January before I went in for hip replacement surgery. I didn’t want to have to worry about my teeny weeny Afro while I was recuperating so I had a professional twist and coil my hair (for the shorter areas). She did a beautiful job and I was able to leave my twists in for about 4 weeks. I think my hair grew as a result of leaving it alone. I concocted a mixture of distilled water, jojoba oil, aloe vera oil and a little black castor oil to spray on my hair every morning. Seemed to help keep it moisturized while in twists.
Good luck and just hang in there! 🙂
I am 2 months chemical free and I was wondering what styles do u recommend for short hair? I can rod the front and top but the back is too short to rod. Please help!
Hi Michelle, I have BEEN THERE, sistagirl! Hair longer in the front and tightly coiled in the back. I would suggest that after you shampoo your hair you just slather a good leave in conditioner in the back after you’ve combed it out. Top that off with a natural curl activator product. Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue, Kinky Curls or Beautiful Curls (Whole Foods). It will give you a “texturized look” in the back where it’s short, and it will be cute.
Good luck.
Hi. I was wondering how long will it take for me to go natural since I have a relaxer on my hair?
It depends on how much you want your hair to grow out. Figure that your hair grows 1/2″ per month on average but natural hair shrinks. So 3″ of natural hair is 1 1/2″ in hang time (give or take depending on texture) So it comes down to how much hair do you want to have before you are comfortable chopping off the relaxer. Or if you want to do as I did and grow it all the way out then it would take longer. It depends on the length you want.
I use a leave-in conditioner followed by olive oil and finish with cantu shea butter daily oil moisturizer as my wash and go style. Is this ok or not my hair seems to like this method?
Tee, my friend up in Oakland uses Cantu Shea Butter. Hmmm….I may have to try it. I am SUCH a product junkie, lol.
Im in the start of my transition, just about 5 weeks out of my last relaxer. I am very encourged by your website, going to try and hang there i know it will take time and patience.
Hey Lisa im 4 months into transitioning and im wearing braids are they good r should I just wrar my hair?
After using the carols daughter kit do I still have to use shampoos and conditioners ? Or does the three products contain it?
No there is a gentle shampoo product that is part of the kit. You could follow up with a conditioner if you like but it’s not necessary.
Well today (Dec. 4, 2013) is my first day of beginning my transtion. I’ve been wanting to go natural for awhile now so after going online and viewing your website I happily went to my beauty supply store and sought out my hair products I had decided to use before hand. I was just as excited as can be….had my rod roller and was all set to go.
I watched your youtube video one last time and said to myself…..aight girl you got this.it isnt going to be that hard….
Honey, sista girl! I’m almost half way done with the back and my arms and fingers are about to fall off!!! Omg! Child this is some serioussss stuff. Lol
LOL, girl hang in there. It will get easier and it’s soooooo worth it in the end.
your information and videos have been great so helpful I have been viewing them off and on now for bout 6 months this jan 4 2014 will be my 1 year anniversary free from the chemical bondage!!! so far so good no chopping at all…..thank the Lord my hair is so much stronger and the bald spot I had is gone…thanks for all the good info again