Can you help a newbie out?

[MangaManiac]

Hey Ladies!

This is the first time I've posted, but I've been reading since March. I love this forum, but wanted to finally ask for a little help.

I'm trying to figure out what hair type I am and what would be the best protective style. I used to wear my hair in braids and would love to go back to them, but have no idea of how to keep my hair moisturized (I oil my scalp almost every night).

Oh! I'm 100% natural due to a set back in my childhood, a BC, and every stylist telling me a relaxer can NEVER get within 50 feet of my hair. But, it seems natural is the way to go anyway! I like the fulness!

Hopefully the picture attachments work! I flat ironed a small section of hair on the left. I think I'm about 3 inches away from APL, which is my goal for New Years.

Thanks ladies!

 

[Sapphire_chic]

is the rest of your hair blown out/brushed or combed in this pic (the part that isn't flat ironed)? or is this your texture unmanipulated after a wash? your hair is very full

 

[MangaManiac]

I used a blow dryer about a week ago. I haven't washed it yet (gross...I know), but it's just brushed back. I usually keep it in two buns with a middle or side part.

 

[changedname]

Hi MangaManiac. Welcome to the forum!

I'm fairly new myself but there was a thread put up not long ago describing the hair types, and if you type black hair types into Google, there will be loads of websites describing them. Typically 3a is loose curly and 3b is slightly more curly (like mixed textured). 4a and 4b are typically for black hair, with slight differences between the two types in terms of shine and tightness of coils etc.

In terms of protective styles for naturals, most people recommend braids or twists. Or Bantu knots if you're feeling adventurous! To keep your hair moisturised, oiling the scalp is good, but you could also spray your hair daily with a leave in. Taking the braids out and deep conditioning, or co washing would also be ideal.

Hope this helps and I'm sure there are loads of other suggestions on here from other naturals - it might be worth just doing a search with the key words and trawling through the information available.

Good luck with your hair journey!

 

[Sapphire_chic]

oh ok, i'm not that good with the hair typing but your hair does need to be freshly washed or at least unmanipulated after a wash. this means no brushing or combing so you dont disturb your curl pattern. the reason being we need to be able to see how your hair naturally grows and what it looks like unmanipulated to able to determine your pattern/hair type. stretched hair via blow drying isn't actually a good reflection of your true texture.
try again the next time you wash your hair and i'm sure the ladies will be able to help.

 

[Sapphire_chic]

i forgot about the second part of the question lol i've been flat twisting my hair for the past month and wearing a twist out on wash days. i like flat twists because my ends are protected (i pin the ends up) and i can jazz the style up with hair accessories.

 

[Platinum]

 

[msa]

:welcome3:

We would need to see your hair unmanipulated (like right after a wash with no product, not soaking wet) to try and help you figure out your hair type.

As far as protective styles, if braids work for you, you can surely use them. You just have to make sure to keep your hair moisturized. Many people do that by using a braid spray on their hair daily. You can also still wash and condition in braids, which many people do. Check out www.growafrohairlong.com for more tips.

 

[ms.lisab]

First of all welcome. I used the information from this web site growafrohairlong.com, to help me better care for my braids. She has tons of information on how to manage your braids on a daily bases from putting them in to taking them out and everything else.

 

[isabella09]

to the forum. Wishing you a successful hair journey.