How to Identify Shedding vs Breakage

Shedding is apart of your hairs "cycle of life" if you would. It is imperative for the growth of fresh new, healthy hair. Breakage however, is not. It is your hair's response to damage or too much use of a particular product or ingredient. So how do you distinguish between breakage and shedding? I'm so glad you asked!

Shedding:
This is a natural occurrence hair sheds at the end of its growth cycle and one should only be worried if you have LOADS of hair falling out (use your discretion to determine loads). If your hair is falling out dramatically it might be due to high levels of stress or hormonal changes e.g. post-partum shedding.


Breakage:
This is what you should be worried about, breakage can be due to an excess or lack of moisture or protein. Manhandling (tight braids, heat damage, styles that cause strain on your edges can also lead to breakage.


Shedding: The hair strand is white at one end and the length of the fallen hair closely matches the length of your hair. So if the hair is short but has a white bulb on 1 end, it probably means a broken strand is now falling. If it is long enough but does not have the white bulb then it's not shedding.

magnified hair strand with white bulb
                                                          











hair strands w/ white bulb











Breakage: These strands are usually shorter in length and should not have a white bulb attached, if they do then refer to above

Shedding Solutions:
If shedding is extreme and prolonged see a doctor it might be indication of something else. Also since shedding is connected with hair growth, if you are taking supplements to speed up hair growth you may experience more shedding.


Adding garlic to your deep conditioner or hot oil treatment, using garlic conditioners or taking garlic supplements.

• Rinsing your hair with Black tea or Coffee.
• Applying Castor Oil to your scalp.

Breakage Solutions:
There are different solutions to breakage but to know the right one you need to find the cause of your breakage

• Rectifying the Moisture content through regular deep conditioning, co-washing and moisturising
• Adding protein to your hair as needed
• Fixing protein overloads by clarifying, moisturising and deep conditioning.

Why wearing a Satin Bonnett/Scarf is beneficial to your Hair!

Protecting your hair at night is important no matter who you are, and what hair type you have. If you're trying to grow your hair longer, this is a must. Protecting your hair at night means: keeping your hair from rubbing against your pillows and sheets (and getting tangled with your hair!) at night while you are sleeping. You must use either 100% silk (I recommend the most) or satin- which is a silky-like, smooth texture, but it is not silk. You must use one of these two because they are the only material that slides against your hair without catching it in its fibers and causing breakage, it holds in your hair's moisture (instead of drawing moisture out like cotton and other materials do) and also allows your head to breathe (if it didn't, you could end up with some scalp issues).

 

These are different methods for different people.

• If you have a straight style, and wrap your hair at night to protect it: I would recommend wrapping your hair, and then tying a silk or satin scarf around your head. Then, cover with a satin bonnet to prevent the scarf from falling off.
• If you have naturally wavy, curly or kinky hair, or you styled your hair that way and want to preserve it for the next day: you can either put your hair in a loose ponytail on top of your head and cover it with a silk or satin bonnet, if you did a twist out, braid out, or bantu knot out, you can re-do those twists, braids, bantu knots, and cover with a satin or silk bonnet.
• If you have any type hair and your scarf or bonnet will just not stay on, or you just do not want to put something on your head at night- you can purchase a silk or satin pillowcase so your hair gets the same benfits as wearing a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. Some women wear a bonnet or scarf, and sleep on the pillowcase as double protection in case their scarf or bonnet slips off.

Top Foods For Healthy HAIR!

You are what You eat!!!

Just like every other part of your body, the cells and processes that support strong, vibrant hair depend on a balanced diet," says New York nutritionist Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet.The nutrients you eat today help fortify the hair follicle -- from which each strand is born -- and the scalp that surrounds it. "Healthier follicles? Healthier hair. Healthier scalp? Healthier hair!" Drayer says.
It can take longer to notice changes (both good or bad!) in your hair than in your skin. For example, "just one week with a poor diet can yield acne flare-ups or dry, sallow skin within days," says New York City dermatologist Cybele Fishman, MD, "but with hair, it can take a few months for a nutritional deficiency or the effects of a crash diet to show up
Of course, there's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels.

1. Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids, Drayer says. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
Other options: If salmon doesn't thrill you, you can also get essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.

2. Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great, Drayer says. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous, Fishman says.

3. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. "Remember, hair is about 97% protein," Drayer says. Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak.
Other options: Get your fill of zinc with nuts, beef, and eggs.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A," Fishman says. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff.
Other options: Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all good sources of beta carotene.

5. Eggs

A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women, Drayer says.
Other options: You can also boost your iron stores with animal sources, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef. When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.
They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.






6. Lentils
Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, says Fishman, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters.
Other options: Toss other beans such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans into your soup or salad.

7. Greek yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but exactly how that works isn't clear, Fishman says.
Other options: Cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk also fit the bill.

8. Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to Vitamin C, "It's hard to top this nutrient superhero," Drayer says.Vitamin C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.
Other options: Kiwis, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries.

9. Poultry

This everyday entree is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, "foods rich in protein are literally giving you the building blocks for hair," Drayer says.
Other options: Lean cuts of beef are another good source of lean protein.


*Contributed by Honey Darvas

To Co-Wash or Not to Co-wash,That is the Question!

Cowashing, Cowashing!!!

I am an absolute believer in co-washing- which is the process of cleansing the hair without the use of a shampoo, instead you are using a conditioner. However another issue that I run into as a stylist is buildup! buildup!buildup! as a result of constant co-washing. Lets talk about the effects build up has on the hair and scalp.

Buildup is a the deposit of styling products that is left on the hair.Buildup on hair tends to choke the hair making it heavy, lifeless and dull. Rinsing your hair in hard water produces a mineral buildup, which makes your hair weak, brittle and lusterless, and more prone to breakage.When the residue from styling products combine  with the mineral build up, the hair can become susceptible to hair loss and the accumulation of dirt and grime. All of this buildup needs to be cleared from the hair at least once a month to continue the growth of long healthy hair. The use of a clarifying, or detox shampoo can remove all this excess buildup returning the hair back to its original state.

Effects of Buildup

• Lack of Luster and shine
• Heavy and lifeless
• Growth of dry brittle hair, that is hard to manage and style
• Easily tangled and rough
• Hair has a sticky coating
• Appearance of flaky substance that is not dandruff
• Hindrance in cleaning and conditioning the hair
• The hair looks damaged and coarse
• Hair gets electrified on combing or brushing

Treatments and Solutions

• Use clarifying or detox shampoo to restore the sheen and beauty of your hair.
• Use water soluble waxes.
• Do not use 2n1 shampoo and conditioner
• Diluted soda bicarbonate can be used to rinse the hair and remove hair spray build up.

Product Recommendations

One of the key factors to healthy hair are the products you use. So here is a list of product recommendations that I suggest from personal use: This list will continue to grow as well!

Moisture

Aveda's Dry Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner

 

 

Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Treatment

 

Curl Defining

Hawaiin Silky 14 n 1 Mircale Worker

 

Kim Kimble Curl Revitalizer

 

Moveable Hold

 

Aveda's Air Control

 

 Co-Washing

 

V05 Clarifying Conditioner

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

Flat Iron VS Relaxer.. A Must Read!!

Something that has been the topic of discussion, what I have come across lately is the Flat Iron vs The Relaxer.  Recently going Natural for African American women, has been the thing to do. Millions of African American women are ditching their relaxers and, growing their Natural hair out. Now, Alot of these Natural women still want sleek, straight hair, so instead of Relaxing their hair, the flat Iron has become apart of their daily routine. Now we all know that Flat ironing your Natural hair, enough times at a high enough temperature can alter your natural curl pattern. So is going Natural actually better than getting a Relaxer if you are the type of women who loves the sleek smooth, tamed look. Better Yet, The real question would be, What do you prefer Heat Damge, or Chemical Damage??

Heat Damaged        
Dry Looking Hair
Straggly Ends
Thinning
Breaking
Shedding
Straight Ends That Will Not Revert Back To Natural Curl Pattern                                                                    

Chemical Damage
Hair Looses Its Natural Moisturizers
Dried-Out, Frizzy Hair
Dull Appearance
Breaking
Shedding
Hair Tangles Often

The main thing to realize is that heat and chemically damaged hair  really cannot be reversed. At some point,the damaged, straight ends would need to be trimmed away so your hair won’t continue to break, look dry, dull and gray and thin out. The same goes for split ends. Split ends are a problem that is common, but there are no productsthat truly remedy split ends, besides the hair cutting shears.

Your goal should be to care for your hair in the best possible way. Always remeber less is always better! Too much of anything can be harmful!

Effects of Hair Color!

Once dyed, hair cannot be restored and will never revert back to its natural, virgin state. Color changes the hair on your head until it grows completely out or is cut away.

When you color your hair, you are essentially removing or adding color pigment depending on whether you want to go lighter or darker.

The hair's cortex layer, or middle layer, houses the hair color

During the coloring process, the cuticle layer is opened so pigment can be removed or added.

                  Once the cuticle layer of the hair has been opened, it never fully closes again.

Once colored, your hair will always be color treated unless you cut off all the hair that has been colored. Many people falsely believe that if they cover over highlights or bleached hair with a darker color, the highlights are no longer present. Color can be a very fun, and one of the purest forms of self expression, but if not used the correct way, it can also have very adverse effects on your hair. Educate yourself, before you use any type of color application.

Helpful Tips for Healthy Hair!!!!

Choose the right shampoo for your type of hair (ask your stylist). Normal, dry or chemically treated hair will benefit from a weekly intensive conditioning treatment. Always comb intensive treatment through to the ends of your hair. Cover with plastic and a towel around the hair for up to 30 minutes (to help trap heat in). If you are short on time look for an instant conditioner to use after each shampoo.

Treatments are a MUST at least twice a month.

Let your hair air dry as often as you can.

A balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables help to ensure your hair receives all it's vitamins and minerals which it requires for healthy growth. If you know your diet is not quite as good, supplement with vitamins and minerals. They must both be used together to benefit your hair and body. Consult a nutritionist if you are feeling uncomfortable choosing your own.

Avoid rough towel drying, gently press hair down after washing. If you have long hair use a comb to remove snags, not a brush.
Limit the use of hot blow drying, crimpers, and curling irons. Before using them protect the hair by applying a heat buffering spray such as K.M.S thermal spray.
Rinse shampoo out of your hair thoroughly and wash and condition it well after swimming in a chlorine filled pool.

Whats Your Natural Curl PAttern???

Natural Hair Type Guide: Which Type Are You?

 

Type 4 – Kinky Hair

• Type 4 is kinky, or very tightly curled, with a clearly visible curl pattern
• Circumference: Crochet needle or even smaller
• The hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very, very fragile
• Type 4 hair can range from fine/thin to wiry/coarse with lots and lots of strands densely packed together
• Type 4 hair has fewer cuticle layers than any other hair type, which means that it has less natural protection from the damage you inflict by combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening it
• Type 4 hair is known to shrink up to 75% of the actual hair length
There are two Type 4 subtypes:
•4b: Has a “Z” pattern, less of a defined curl pattern. Instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter “Z”; has a cotton-like feel
•4a: Tightly coiled hair that, when stretched, has an “S” pattern, much like curly hair. It tends to have more moisture than 4b; has a definite curl pattern
Tips
• Use styling creams, butters and oils for type 4 hair
• This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile
• Detangle hair with a lot of conditioner in your hair and use a comb or detangling brush
• Let hair air dry or use a hood dryer
• Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls
• Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrap hair in a satin cap

Type 3c – Curly Kinky Hair

Subtype 3c is really more than a subtype. It’s a type NaturallyCurly members developed because the original system left out this hair type, which falls between 3b and 4a, having its own special characteristics.
• Type 3c hair has tight curls in corkscrews
• Circumference: Pencil or straw
• The curls can be either kinky, or very tightly curled, with lots and lots of strands densely packed together
• Getting this type of hair to blow dry straight is more challenging than for 3a or 3b, but it usually can be done
• The very tight curls are usually fine in texture
Tips
• Use styling creams, butters and oils for type 3c hair
• This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile
• Detangle hair with a lot of conditioner in your hair and use a comb or detangling brush
• Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls
• Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrap hair in a satin cap

Type 3 – Curly Hair

• There is a definite loopy “S” pattern
• Curls are well-defined and springy
• Type 3 hair has a lot of body; it is easily styled in its natural state or straightened with a blow-dryer
• It isn’t coarse, like many believe, but soft and very fine—there’s just a lot of it
• Combinations of Type 3a and 3b curls are common
There are two Type 3 subtypes:
•3b: Medium amount of curl, from bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews.
Circumference: Sharpie size
•3a: Curls are naturally big, loose and usually very shiny.
Circumference: sidewalk-chalk size
Tips
• 3a’s: Use gels and creams that offer light moisture and curl definition
• 3b’s: Use gels and styling creams with extra moisture and serious frizz control
• Use duckbill clips on the crown of your head to lift top curls
• Let hair air dry or use a diffuser
• Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair gently
• Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls
• Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase

Type 2 – Wavy Hair

• The wave or curl forms throughout the hair in the shape of the letter “S”
• Type 2 hair sticks close to the head; it won’t bounce up, even when layered
There are three Type 2 subtypes:
•2c: Thick and coarse and more resistant to styling and will frizz easily
•2c celebrities: Jennifer Nettles, Daisy Fuentes, Brittany Snow
•2b: Medium-textured and a little resistant to styling; has a tendency to frizz
•2b celebrities: Joss Stone, Nelly Furtado, Carrie Underwood
•2a: Fine, thin and very easy to handle; easily straightened or curled
•2a celebrities: Scarlett Johansson, Naomi Watts, Cate Blanchett
Tips
• Use lighter products such as mousses or gels that enhance curls, but don’t weigh them down
• Use duckbill clips on the crown of your head to lift top curls
• Let hair air dry or use a diffuser
• Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair gently
• Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls
• Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase

What to look For When Shopping for Oils for Your Hair

Shopping for Oils

When shopping for hair oils, be sure to look for oils that are 100% pure extract and not chemical reproductions. Pure oils are known to be the most effective conditioners for the hair and can be found in health food stores, online and in stores that sell organic products. When shopping locally, be on the look out for dust on the bottles, which can indicate that the oil has been sitting around for awhile. Also steer clear of  oils that are not blends of two or more oils and that have no additives.

• Processing Method: Shop for carrier oils that have been cold pressed or cold expeller pressed. This indicates that the oil has been pressed from the fatty portions of the botanical without the use of added heat (or minimal heat). Oils that simply say expeller pressed have not been processed to maintain low heat levels. When oils are processed without cool conditions, the high temperature of the processing method can be harmful to the natural properties of the oil.

• Price: Carrier oils can vary greatly in price based on several factors: the botanical it is made from, how it was processed, if it is organic, the quantity that you are purchasing, and the source that you’re purchasing it from.

• Organic: Organic carrier oils generally cost more than conventional oils. When purchasing organic carrier oils, verify if the oil is certified.

• Color: Color doesn’t always matter when selecting a carrier oil for simple blends, but it can matter if you are making more elaborate recipes where the color of your final product is important to you.

• Aroma: The aroma of some carrier oils can compete or conflict with the aroma of the essential oils in your desired blend.

• Absorption/Feel: This is a rather subjective evaluation of how thoroughly and quickly an oil penetrates the skin, and if it makes the skin feel oily after application.

Carrier oils vary in how long they last before oxidizing and becoming rancid. When purchasing carrier oils, estimate the quantity of oil that you think you’ll use within the lifetime of the oil. For fragile carrier oils or for those that you will be keeping for a long duration, store them in dark glass bottles with tight fitting tops, in a cool, dark place.  If you will be using up an oil well before its lifespan, it really doesn’t need to be transferred to dark glass. Unlike with essential oils which should always be stored in glass (essential oils can dissolve the plastic), carrier oils can be stored in plastic.  Most carrier oils can be stored in the refrigerator, and this can help prolong the lifespan.  Note, oils stored in the refrigerator may solidify or turn cloudy and will need time to return to room temperature prior to use.

Homemade Dry Scalp Remedy!!

Outdoor cold and wind can chap your skin, including your scalp. In addition, dry heat indoors has a drying effect on your hair and skin, including the sensitive skin of your scalp. Massage olive oil into your scalp to counteract the drying effects of winter, suggests Alexa Fleckenstein, M.D., in her book, "Own Your Health: Healthy to 100." Olive oil provides a natural treatment to help retain moisture and soothe dryness. Lavender essential oil is an optional ingredient. It may encourage hair growth and treat dry, scaly skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center's website. Pamper your scalp with your own scalp soother.

Step 1

Place a funnel in the neck of an empty shampoo bottle or other unbreakable container. Hold the bottle to prevent it from tipping over. Pour a 1/2 cup of olive oil into the bottle.

 

Step 2

Add 1/4 tsp. of lavender essential oil to the olive oil. Shake the bottle to mix the oils for the dry scalp oil treatment.

Step 3

Pour a quarter-size amount of the winter scalp soother into the palm of your hand and apply it with your fingertips. Work the oil into your scalp from the front of your hairline to the back of your neck. Massaging your scalp in small circles with your fingertips helps to increase circulation.

Step 4

Leave the oil on your scalp for at least a half an hour. It's fine to leave it on all evening. For example, apply it after dinner on an evening when you're staying home and leave it on until bedtime to allow your scalp to absorb the oil.

Step 5

Shampoo as usual. It may be necessary to shampoo twice to remove the oil.

Tips and Warnings

• Warm the olive oil before applying it by setting the bottle in a pan of hot water for 10 minutes. Hot water from the tap works well -- be aware that excessively hot water could melt the bottle. Taking longer or hotter showers in the winter can strip away your scalp's natural oils. Use warm, not hot, water for shampooing your hair. The scent of lavender has the added bonus of providing a soothing effect. Health food stores carry lavender essential oil.
• Rub a small amount of the olive oil and lavender mixture on your wrist and leave it there overnight before you use the treatment on your scalp. Examine the skin in daylight to check for any reaction, such as a rash. If the oil causes any irritation, don't use it on your scalp. Consult your doctor about scalp irritation before attempting a homemade treatment. Conditions that affect the scalp include dandruff, psoriasis and fungal infections such as ringworm.

What to Expect When You Transition To Natural Hair!

Once you decide you want to stop chemically straightening your hair, you may wonder what the process will be like. You may have heard stories, some of which may have you feeling anxious. If you don't want to do the "big chop" and get rid of your processed hair in one fell swoop, here's a transition timeline outlining what you can expect, and what you can do to make the process easier, month to month.

1. Think About a Time Frame

Once you make the decision to transition, think about how long you want your process to last. Whatever you decide at this point doesn't have to be a firm commitment. You may think you want to transition for a year, and after three months, get tired of dealing with two different textures, and simply cut all your relaxed hair off. It happens.

It's good to have a tentative plan in place if you can, especially if you're the type of person who likes to have goals and milestones to work toward. Do you want to transition for half a year or one year? Or would you rather transition until you have three to four inches of new growth? It's up to you.

 

2. Months One and Two

These may be easy months if you stuck to the general relaxer guideline of touch-ups every eight weeks. It's not too early to start thinking of good transition styles for the months ahead. Women who aren't particularly confident in their hairstyling abilities should take this time to practice various styles and see if there's one or two that you can master and become your fallback 'dos on days when you need to style your hair in a hurry.

 

3. Months Three and Four

This is where transitions can get more challenging, as you'll need to be very diligent taking care of your hair at the line of demarcation, or where your relaxed hair meets the new growth. This is an extremely fragile area and where you'll experience the most breakage.

If you haven't already, begin using protein treatments once or twice a month. Alternate these with moisturizing deep conditioning treatments. It's important to keep the balance of protein and moisture in your hair at optimal levels to minimize breakage. Trim one to two inches of your hair.

 

4. Months Five and Six

By now, you may have between two and three inches of new growth. Your relaxed hair will look markedly different from your curls and coils (if you had a texturizer instead of a relaxer, you probably won't notice as much of a difference). Daily styling may be a challenge, which is why you should try styles that make the most of your curls, not fight to straighten this new growth.

Trim one to two inches of hair and continue with protein and deep conditioning treatments. Consider extensions a way to get through the next few months. Many women obsess over how little it seems their hair is growing; wearing braid extensions is a good way to get your mind off of growth and to reduce daily styling.

 

 

5. Six Months+

You'll probably have about three inches of new growth, with the ends of your hair seeming to hang on for dear life. The sooner you get rid of your relaxed ends, the sooner you can begin to understand your hair's unique texture and work with it. If your relaxed hair is shorter in length than your new growth, consider cutting the processed ends away. This can be tough for women who like to wear their hair long, but straggly ends do nothing for your look.

Beyond six months, your relaxed hair is on its last legs. You'll be more familiar (and maybe more comfortable) with your natural texture. When you cut off the rest of your relaxed hair, you'll see how your hair is unique to you. Enjoy the possibilities that natural hair brings you!

Transitioning Tips: From Relaxed to Natural Hair!

When you want to return to your natural hair, you have two choices on how to get there: cut all of the processed hair off (also known as doing the "big chop") or transition, cutting off the straightened hair bit by bit while your new growth comes in. While cutting off all of the relaxed hair may be easier – it will certainly get you used to dealing with your natural hair in a hurry – not every woman wants to go that route. You may not like how you look with short hair, you may worry about other people's reactions or you may simply prefer longer hair.
To make it through the transition phase with a minimum of frustration, try these tips:

Choose the Right Styles
One of the biggest issues for you may be what hairstyles you can turn to during this period. There are going to be 'dos that are simpler for transitioning hair, while others will be hard to maintain and will probably lead to frustration. The easiest styles will either highlight your new, curly texture or protect your hair in some fashion instead of hairdos that force you to deal with two very different textures.
Have Realistic Expectations
Don't expect natural hair to behave like straightened hair. You'll have to learn different ways of dealing with your hair to get satisfactory results. Otherwise, you can experience a lot of frustration when your natural curls seem to be "unruly." They're not unruly; they're simply doing what they naturally do. Once you accept that your hair is frizzy, puffy or "big," you'll be better able to work with it instead of against it.
Treat Your Hair with Care
Exercise care where the relaxed and natural hair meet. The place where your new growth meets the relaxed hair is especially fragile. If you experience any breakage, chances are high that this will be where it takes place. This is why too much heat styling and manipulation should be avoided. Instead of constantly flat ironing your new growth to match the straight texture, try wet sets and curly styles that make the relaxed hair match your new curls instead.
Be Patient
There may be times when it seems that your hair is simply not growing. It can be frustrating to try and deal with two different textures. You may contemplate returning to relaxed hair because that's what you're familiar with and it seems so much easier. However, if you're really committed to your natural texture, some patience will be required. Your hair is probably growing an average of ½ inch per month, just like everyone else's. Your curly new growth may shrink up, making it appear as if your hair isn't gaining any length.
Just remember that your hair is growing and it's growing in healthy and strong. Put your hair in protective styles where you're not obsessing about hair length every minute of the day. Before you know it, you'll have a head full of natural curls that won't rely on chemicals or heat styling to get you ready for the day.

Bantu Knot Out and Bantu Knot Guide

Bantu Knot Guide Things you will need: Shampoo and Conditioner Wide Tooth Comb                                                              Shea Butter Coconut Oil (optional) Spray Bottle of Water De-tangle your hair by washing and conditioning with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. Apply Shea Butter and coconut oil (optional) for more shiny and manageable hair. Create small or large sections of your hair depending on how you would like it. You can also be creative when parting each section. You can part your sections in a triangle or diamond shape if you’d like. De-tangle your section with a spray bottle of water and a wide tooth comb if need be. Remember to comb from the bottom up. This will prevent unnecessary breakage. Apply less tension as possible when detangling. Tightly twist your section from root to end, and then wrap it around itself into a firm knot. You can also choose to braid or double twist the hair in each section before knotting. This will give your Bantu knots more texture. Repeat this technique on all sections of your hair until complete. Bantu Knot Out Guide: Things you will need: Wide Tooth Comb Shea Butter Coconut Oil (optional) Spray Bottle of Water Elastic Bands (optional) Hair Cap or Hair Scarf It is best to do this before bed and let the Bantu knots stay overnight. You will achieve a nice and completed style for the following day. Apply Shea butter and coconut oil (optional) for more shiny and easier to manage hair. Create a part in the middle or side of your hair. However you’d like your part to be. Create large or small sections of your hair. The larger the section, the fluffier and fuller your hair will be. The smaller the section, the tighter it will be. Take one section and de-tangle with a spray bottle of water and a wide tooth comb. Remember to comb from the bottom up. This will prevent unnecessary breakage. Twist the section tightly from root to end. You also have the option to braid or double twist each section of your hair to give your Bantu knots a more textured look. Wrap the twist around itself into a Bantu knot then tuck the end in. You can also use an elastic band for additional security. Repeat in all sections of your hair. After completion, cover your hair with a hair cap or scarf. The following morning, gently take each Bantu knot apart. Finger style your hair into the shape and movement you prefer. Use bobby pins or accessories to help style your hair as you see fit.

Super Oils for Natural Hair

1. Jojoba Oil-  Great For Moisture-  is very similar to the molecular structure to sebum, the natural oil your scalp produces.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Great For Moisture- great for hair that is dry or damaged,  recommended for very coarse or thick. Great to be used as treatment of the scalp. It does have a very distinct color and odor, that may or may not appease to your senses. 

3. Castor Oil- Great for Moisture or Hair Loss-Can be used as a hot oil treatment for dry hair. It is also considered a humectant, which means it draws in moisture.The ricinoleic acid found in castor oil has a high level of anti fungal properties and is a great remedy to use on mild or severe cases of dandruff.Castor oil also has a high concentration of Omega 9 fatty acids providing rich moisture to your hair and scalp, preventing hair breakage/loss and also keeping your scalp from being dry and flaky.

4.Coconut Oil- Great for Shine/ Damaged Hair/Hair Loss-  Hair is just like a hose or tube, it is hollow from the inside, coconut oil is fully able to penetrate this hollow space , filling it up, giving the hair more body. This in turn makes the hair appear more dense and full.Regular application of coconut oil as a hair pre-wash and post-wash treatment results in significant reduction of protein loss from both damaged and undamaged hair.Microbial infections can affect the scalp and hair follicles resulting in weak dry hair. Lauric acid found in coconut oil is  antimicrobial, protecting the hair follicle resulting in less breakage/hair loss.

5. Sweet Almond Oil- Great For Moisture- Sweet almond oil is rich in Vitamins A,B1,B6 and E. Vitamin E contains good antioxidants that promote the circulation of the scalp. Vitamin B complex has been shown to promote hair growth.. Vitamin A contain antioxidants necessary to maintain healthy cell and membrane growth. This oil is also rich in magnesium, a mineral that is necessary to maintain hair growth, it is also a good source of iron , which is necessary for Strong healthy hair. Sweet Almond Oil is also moisture rich oil the penetrates  well into the hair shaft and follicles, helping to relieve dry itchy scalp.