Expert advice for those day one natural hair questions
There are so many natural hair questions! So many things Naturalistas want to get to the bottom of before taking the big step, or big chop. Today I share answers from an expert because I am the first to admit that unlike my eyeliner, I’m winging this.
THE Amanda Cooke, better known as Mandy from Cape Town Curly (one of the organisers of the annual The Cape Town Natural Hair Fest and my personal hair crush) has answered the top natural hair questions that seem to be plaguing newbies (judging by my inbox) so here goes
Five natural hair questions, for newbies….
1. What do you do with flattening hair after your commute? (Driving in the car, or traveling by bus/plain/train/even sitting on a couch can hurt the curls, apart from the fluff out and check as you get up, what can you do especially on long trips?)
The trick to avoid flattened hair while commuting is to plan ahead.
Pineapple is life! A pineapple is when you pile your hair on top of your head to preserve the curls.
I usually wrap a bandana or scarf around my edges to keep them tame.
Another option is to twist up your hair if you travel long distance.
2. DO YOU REALLY NEED SO MANY PRODUCTS? (YOU SCROLL THROUGH THE INSTA FEEDS OF YOUR FAVOURITE NATURALISTA AND ARE SURE TO SEE MORE PRODUCTS IN THEIR BATHROOM THAN MOST PEOPLE HAVE IN THEIR KITCHEN, IS THIS NEEDED?)
I am a self-proclaimed product junkie and I want to shout “YASSS” at the top of my lungs.
Truth be told the real answer is no. Get yourself a good shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner and styler (curl cream)
They really don’t have to be expensive products. In saying that, there is nothing wrong with spoiling yourself with a high-end product every once in awhile
3. HOW DO YOU REVIVE YOUR HAIR IN THE MORNING? (IT’S WINTER GUYS! I CAN’T BE WASHING EVERYDAY AND I AM WEARING SCARVES SO OFTEN PEOPLE THINK I HAVE HAD A RELIGION CHANGE…SALAM AUNTIE)
I take my pineapple down, spritz my hair with a little water, add some leave in conditioner, curl cream, style and I am good to go!
4. WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH BONNETS AND SILK PILLOWS? (I HAVE A BONNET, BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BONNETS, DO I NEED THIS BONNET?)
Okay if you don’t have a satin/silk bonnet or pillowcases in your life right now, go out and get yourself one after reading this post!
Satin/silk bonnets or pillowcases protect your hair from their cotton counterparts. Cotton breaks and dries out your hair. It basically absorbs moisture – and we know how much our hair needs moisture.
5. CAN I STILL BLOWDRY MY HAIR? (WILL I BE GOING BACK TO STEP ONE IF I BLOW DRY MY HAIR?)
I am all for a good blowout, as long as it is done properly. If excessive heat is used, you will notice that your curl pattern will change. It loses its bounce. Keep blowouts or flat-irons to a minimum of twice per year.- A big giant thank you to Mandy , you should totally stalk her on INSTAGRAM, me too, stalk ME
Great interview. I’m left with the question “what’s a style cream”? I don’t have that – just shampoo and conditioner.
it’s your leave in, like a aunt jackie curl la la … what do you put on after rinse?