By definition, natural hair hasn't been subjected to chemical straightening, such as relaxers and texturizers. Pressed hair may still be regarded as natural since, assuming no heat damage has occurred, the texture typically returns to normal after washing.
Natural Hair: What Is It?
There is no one size fits all when it comes to the texture and growth patterns of natural Black hair, but on average, natural Black hair tends to range from wavy to kinky-coily, with a lot of variance between the two. (Yes, some Black folks do also have naturally straight hair.) In actuality, texture variations can be found on the same head of hair as well as within families, including between brothers. Typically, Black hair types include:
1.Touch feels drier than other hair types
2.Incredibly challenging to over-condition
3.Fragile
Natural hair can appear robust, but it has a very delicate nature and must be treated with care. To ensure optimum health, this entails periodic conditioning and moisturizing and as little direct heat as possible.
Favorite Natural Hairstyles
Being able to choose from a vast variety of styles is one of the best things about having natural hair. While some of these hairstyles are exact replicas of chemically straightened hair, many are distinctive due to the lack of chemically altered hair in them. The following hairstyles work very well with natural textures:
1.Twists Braids
2.cornrows Â
3.TWA or AfroÂ
4.Bantu Knots
How Can Natural Hair Be Colored?
Pat Grant Williams, a Creme of Nature hairstylist and hair educator, argues that coloring natural hair is acceptable. Semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent are the three basic types of color. To preserve the integrity of the hair, pick a color that complements your hair care routine, from semi-permanent to permanent. Based on a weekly shampoo and conditioner, semi-permanent colors last six to eight weeks. These hues are designed to deposit color and slowly fade away without lightening the hair.
Grant claims that without harming the hair, these colors may bring out the color in your hair and provide you fun color options ranging from black to colorful tones. The semi-permanent colors can last up to 12 weeks and are combined with a low volume developer. These color compositions are able to provide a little lift. Because semi-permanent hair dyes might change the shade of your natural hair, it's crucial to follow up with a weekly deep conditioner.
Permanent colors can harm hair if not properly cared for, thus thorough hair treatments are necessary. Permanent colors endure until they grow out or are clipped away. Grant suggests using conditioners to aid in the bonding of colored hair. "After coloring natural hair, stay away from blow dryers and 450 degrees flat irons," she states. "Allow [the hair] to air dry as often as possible [and] always use a leave-in conditioner."
Texturizing Natural Hair: Is It Safe?
Chemicals known as texturizers are used to permanently alter the texture of your hair by dissolving the protein links in your hair.2 Some products promote themselves as "natural texturizers" or assert that application and heat will make your hair more manageable. Typically, they have lesser concentrations of the same active chemicals found in relaxers. Unfortunately, some women with natural hair have complained of being taken advantage of by hairstylists who use these chemicals on their clients' hair in an effort to make it "more manageable" without fully explaining what the product actually includes.
"Texturizing, removing 50 % or less of the natural curl can be safe when done correctly," Grant explains. "Texturizing can stretch the natural curl for elongation [and] soften the hair and add more manageability to very curly hair." Before beginning the procedure, discuss all of this with your stylist and ask any questions you may have.
Is Natural Hair Safe For Heat Styling?
Thermal styling is preferred to texturizing as a straightening technique since, in theory, you can wet your hair and it will revert to its original form. However, some women frequently press their hair, which over time causes their manes to develop a heat-trained appearance. The texture of heat-trained hair differs from hair that hasn't undergone this "controlled damage," thus despite how it may appear, it isn't completely natural.
"Heat styling can straighten natural hair after repeated services," Grant explains. According to Grant, blow drying and frequently using a flat iron (450 degrees) can permanently straighten natural hair. This process is known as heat training. Use a heat protectant to avert harm. Grant also offers some recommendations for avoiding heat damage.
Using a leave-in conditioner is a must right away. Next, be careful when blow-drying your hair and how. "Avoid blow-drying really wet hair. Wet hair is at its most fragile. Always allow some air to dry before using a blow dryer. The next three suggestions—reduce the flat iron's heat, wrap the hair, and use a satin pillowcase—are probably ones you are already aware of.