Although ultimately Afrobella is about afros and naturally curly hair, I have to show my chemically straightened sisters some love. It’s not easy slathering the creamy crack on your scalp. Trust me, I know. I had one hairdresser who didn’t even grease my scalp to protect it from the burn. Every time I went to see her, I’d leave with my head raw and scabbed. My hair care needs definitely changed as I became natural. Products that work for me now definitely would have just weighed down my straightened tresses. My hair felt so much thinner and more fragile then.
I noticed this article on iVillage about Keeping African-American Hair in Shape. Much to my delight, the expert interviewed was none other than my fellow Trinidadian Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998.
Her advice is pretty much on point for women who undergo chemical treatments.There are very few products that made the transition from relaxed to natural with me. One of those is African Pride Magical Gro. I always liked the smell, and the product was light and not as gloppy as other hair greases.
Another thing that doesn’t change much from being relaxed to natural is the need for deep conditioning treatments. I do one at least every two weeks. By deep conditioning, I mean slathering on a thick deep conditioner like Motions CPR Conditioning Treatment, or the incredible Beyond the Zone Last Call Hair Masque and using a steam cap.
When I slip on this laughably antiquated looking device, I maximize my ridiculous appearance by wearing a green clay mask. Then I get a kick out of scaring the bejesus out of my husband.
Another example of products that can transition with you is the Pantene Relaxed and Natural collection. I’ve read quite a bit of opposition to the packaging and ingredients.
I guess it’s a perfect example of not-everything-works-for-everybody. I used the Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask and it worked great for me.
I’m transitioning now and have about 7 inches of relaxed hair and 1 inch of new growth (I’m a newbie) I have a long way to go. I hear alot about Pantene’s products. I might give them a try, for now I use Profectiv’s 3 in 1. Its messy but it works. Before i buy anything new i have to use up all my old stuff. I tend to go overboard. I have one of those conditioning caps too, which i only used once in a years time. I’m still learning…
i love to hear transitioning stories, i am also growing out my wave nouveau, i can’t wait until i sm working with one texture
Thank you so much Bella! I plan on making the transition soon but right now I’m relaxed. I need to cop one of those heat caps, the hot towel thing can be really bothersome. One product I recommend for relaxed sistas for shine is Optimum Therapy Shine Booster. I SWEAR by this stuff. It gives your hair instant shine but remember, a dab will do you. it also may work for natural sistas too. Another product I love is Elasta QP’s Mango Butter for dyrness, it works well for both natural and relaxed sistas. I have a fondness for most of Elasta QP products. Also try Hollywood Beauty’s Olive Cream, it combats dryness as well.
Hahaha… my “laughably antiquated looking device is pink. I’m sure when I get married my husband will be in hysterics when he checks out all of the things I do – but he’ll get over it!
Oh my…mine is actually white with gold trim..HA HA!!! It is actually a REQUIREMENT that you wear some type of mask on your face while said device is on your head…
I did NOT like the Pantene Relaxed and Natural Collection, while reading those ladies oppositions to the product I have to agree with everything they said. I don’t think this product was made for woman with processed hair. It made my hair feel brittle and I think the mineral oil had something to do with that. I give that product 2 thumbs DOWN. Way DOWN. I actually think I was hurting my hair more then helping it.
p.s. I need to get a Steam Cap also, thanks for providing the link I’ll check my local Sallys after work today!!! I live in a predominatly white town so Sally’s is the only hair care place we have next to Wal-mart. Boo
i had the same problem with the pantene products. i try as much as possible to stay away from mineral oil, petroleum, and glycerin. they seem to be in everything.
you are so right not everything is for everybody.As much as i would love the natural look i know it will not work for me. the left side of my head is very curly and the right is an unruly spike which not even a perm can lay flat.so until i can find a solution i will continue to perm it.hey try not to be so hard on us non naturals.