Satisfy your Dreadlock and Afro curiosity

By M.Allen

Hey, guy’s, it’s your natural hair section here to give you all you need to know about dreadlocks and the afro hair. I will be showing you how to care, nourish and style your hair and filling you in on the culture and social aspects of this natural hair society or natural hair wave or whatever floats your boat! Call it!

So the natural hair trend is popping right now. Don’t let the wigs and weaves fool you because these ladies are often wearing these styles whilst protecting and nourishing their beautiful afro hair underneath the protective hairstyle such as weave or wigs. A good hairdresser will make sure your natural hair is being looked after correctly whilst wearing these styles. So if you find you are losing hair or your hair becoming damaged, it is likely that you need to find a hairdresser who cares for your hair as much as the styles you require.

Not all hair is healthy enough or in the right condition for all styles, in such cases, the hairdresser should give consultation and a plan to strengthen the hair before partaking in certain hairstyles in order not to cause further damage. But like I was saying natural hair has taken off whether it be on show or hidden under a protective hairstyle it looks like it’s here to stay by popular demand. With this association we are learning more and more about the afro hair, what hair products work in different textured hairs, how to style and keep on-trend. There are so many online tutorials where you can teach yourself quick easy hairstyles for all occasions. There is so much going on if you are intrigued or curious about going natural.

SteffLon Don was seen trending the dreadlock style of recent and she looked fabulous! This look is becoming more and more popular. Many people after wearing their natural hair and protective hairstyles are transitioning to the dreadlocks lately, as this is a good style which you can finally say goodbye to combs and is one of few styles where you can grow your hair effortlessly with minimal to zero damage if it’s the natural authentic dreadlocks using your hair. The Locs Steph London was wearing are called faux locks and are a super trendy protective hairstyle but if worn continuously can cause damage to your natural hair due to the tightness and weight, it can cause thinning of the hair, especially hairline when it comes to these kinds of braiding technique styles. So take care and be cautious when styling!

In this edition, I will be giving tips on transitioning from chemical hair ( relaxer or curly permed) to natural hair. For anyone thinking about it or curious about it. This will give you the basic knowledge of what you need to know and how to start the process for it to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Also to let you know what to look out for so you don’t worry and know that it’s all apart of the journey.

Transitioning from Relaxer or Chemically processed hair to natural hair.

Firstly you need to decide if you want to grow it out with the perm or if not the first stage would be the big chop. Some people decide they do not want the struggle of dealing with the two different textures of hair while growing it out. So if you are brave enough and don’t mind short hair you could just go for the big chop once you have a bit of regrowth. Or you could take a trip to the barbershop and have it shaved off real low.

So if you are not ready for the chop and wish to grow your afro with the relaxed ends, your advice starts from here. Firstly you need to get the hair into it’s best possible condition by treating and steaming it up to twice a month to ensure the hair has moisture and to keep it hydrated to ensure the least amount of breakage. As when the hair is moist it becomes more elastic and bouncy, a good sign of it being healthy. Damaged hair is often dry and brittle making it easy to snap and break off.

Hot oil treatments, coconut oil, and castor oil are hot for steaming the hair or intense treatments that fix the hair cuticles strengthening the hair with keratin and repairing the hair strands one by one. So as well as the treatments, the hair needs to be kept moisturised on a daily using whichever oil or moisturising product you find suitable for your hair type. It is advisable to use a sulphur-free shampoo and use a conditioner after.

Co-wash! Co-wash is the process of washing the hair with just conditioner meaning the absence of shampoo. The conditioner should be free of silicones, examples of silicone are dimethicone and Cyclomethicone. After co-washing you can use a leave-in conditioner.

You are now ready to wear your natural hair in the desired style or protective hairstyle. But do remember to moisturise the hair daily or every other day according to your hair preference using natural oils or butter. Drink plenty of water as this is highly beneficial health-wise and will directly have an impact on hair growth and quality.

So now you’ve been equipped with the basic knowledge of transitioning from chemical to natural, you need to think about how you will wear your hair throughout the year to sustain the growth and protect it from damage.

Protective Hairstyles to wear whilst growing out chemically processed hair:

Braids with or without extensions

Micro braids

Twist out

Bantu knots/China bumps

Two strand twist

Flat twist

Comb twist

Kinky twist

Straw set

Perm rod or curler set

Cornrows with or without extensions

Weaves

Lace wigs

These are many options to wear the hair when growing out the relaxer or chemically processed hair. I will be following up on this subject in future editions, so make sure to keep reading for all your natural hair remedies. So, stay sweet and stay blessed by my loyal readers.

Peace & Love

Melanie

Hairstylist / loctician

@satisfysalon

1satisfysalon@gmail.com  #SatisfySalon

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