Natural Hair is Easy: Bunning with Ease

Strangers stop me on the streets to compliment my hair. Girls, guys, whoever. Some have even asked me to feel my hair. It's funny to me that the compliments come from so many different nationalities of people. Lots of young ladies (sisters) ask me questions about how they can transition. That always makes my day. The one thing I hear often is "that looks like a lot of work", even for a simple wash n go. 

Funny thing is, my hair just "does what it does". I don't "make" my coils, they just happen. I don't have too much time these days to play with my hair. Pretty much, 30 minutes is the max for texture creation/definition, and about 15 minutes needed to style (I'm not a big deal styler) LOL. 

This easy high bun was created with stretched hair (6 plait braidout). It took me about 15 minutes to do 6 plaits on freshly co-washed hair. It took me about 15 minutes to do this bun. 

Played around with Carol's Daughter Macadamia Hold & Control Smoother

What do I think can make Natural Hair "Hard to Manage"?

Dryness. The moisture level has to be right.

Watch the shampooing (ingredients, frequency)

Don't forget to deep condition at least once every 2 weeks (or as needed)

Product Buildup (be mindful of the products put on the hair, they can cause dryness)

High Bun: Hair Stretched by a 6 Plait Braidout

 Those issues are like the top 3 culprits of dry hair (unprocessed or processed). What's frustrating about these problems are that they sometimes take a while to rectify. Meanwhile, dealing with styling dry hair is pretty difficult and upsetting.

My sister called me the other day to tell me that she's going to chop off her (15'' or more of natural hair). She said it's "nappy". I had to laugh, because her hair may very well be nappy because she's been slapping on Hair Mayonnaise from Organics or Africa's Best or whatever. I read the ingredients to that product and told her to "stop playing around" and get rid of that bottle. She laughed at me and kept using it. That was about 2 weeks before I got this call. 

Long story short--she's listening now. I told her to clarify with an apple cider vinegar mix (2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and about 3 ounces of water in a spray bottle), and then deep condition with a conditioner I recommended (and to add some olive oil). This is going to take some time to rectify. A few sessions of using the right product, and her hair will be back to normal. LOL Nappy hair is a user problem. Any texture of hair can become "nappy" if it's lacking something/ or if something's going in the wrong direction.

Dealing with natural hair with the right moisture level makes styling so easy. I was playing around with my newest purchase: Carol's Daughter Macadamia Hold and Control Smoother. The jury is still out, as I don't think I know exactly how to use it. I spritzed my hairline with water (to dampen), so maybe that could have caused it to not lay down my edges as perfectly as I visioned. I will keep playing around with it. 

I had fun with this high bun. Played with the make up a little (I am a newbie with make-up, since I'm allergic to everything that doesn't have natural ingredients--since I was 18 years old). I especially love low buns that are placed off to the side some. Something nice and laid back about that look.

How do you wear your bun?

Is your natural hair Easy To Style?

Endless Days of Moisturized Natural Hair: How We Do IT!!

How We Achieve Moisturized, Soft, Bouncy, Healthy, Pliable Hair that will Achieve Length Retention...

BEFORE

Coily, Fine Hair Thrives on Continuous Moisture

_______________________________________________________________________________

AFTER

Wash N Go Natural Hair with Conditioner Only

Moisturized and easily manipulated for styling

HERE'S A LIST OF PRODUCTS I WAS USING THAT WERE DRYING TO HER FINE, NATURAL HAIR:

1) Commercial Shampoos

2) Shea Butter

3) Pomade

 I wasn't using many products, I was just using the wrong things. Her hair would be moisturized and lustrous--and then 2 days later it would be dry again.

HERE ARE THE CHANGES I MADE TO HER REGIMEN THAT ENSURE MOIST, BOUNCY, LUSTROUS AND SOFT HAIR

1) Deep Condition Hair (steam and/or plastic cap only for 30 mins minimum: 1x month minimum, typically 2x month)

2) Cleanse 1x month with Amla Paste (cleansing is done after her deep conditioning)

 3) Detangle with Fingers first, then with Goody Finish Paddle Brush

4) Use Oils Only (many such as: avocado, hemp seed, olive oils)

5) Refresh EVERY NIGHT with WATER

NOTE: There's nothing on her hair shaft to weigh it down. Remember, this is fine natural hair with a tendency to break if manipulated incorrectly while sopping wet. This type of hair is also ready to break if it's in a dry state and manipulated incorrectly.

NOTE: When her hair is moisturized properly, then manipulating it will not cause breakage. Especially the ends. Notice her ends in the pictures (AFTER), they are moist and can be easily separated for styling.

NOTE: This formula of haircare has been tried and true. Both fine and medium/fine textured hair has repeatedly benefited from this simple regimen. If the hair is kept moisturized (conditioner only wash n go), and then cleansed with water only OR a mud wash with natural ingredients, it will be ready to accept water only and seal with oil. The water will ensure that the hair keeps bond to whatever texture you are seeking (braidout, twistout, bantu knot out, etc).

First Start With the Wash & Go. I get about 3 days with this textured styling!

Next, Co Wash or Wash With a Natural Mud type Cleanser

Then Section and Apply your Favorite Oil to Damp/Wet hair. Braid or Twist your Sectioned Hair (approx. 6-8 braids). Let Dry overnight.