Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Secret To 4b Curl Definition

     My natural hair is of a 4b/4c texture, it is very tightly coiled and naturally turns into an Afro after it air dries. Many people with this hair texture are under the misconception that Afro styles are the only types that they can achieve with their hair types.  After trying multiple times to do a twist out that didn't turn out the way I wanted, I came across a YouTube video that suggested Eco Styler Gel.  I tried using the product on my hair the way it was demonstrated in the video but it left my hair crunchy, tangled and full of white residue.  After many different attempts I finally came to the conclusion that I was doing something wrong.  4b textured hair doesn't always agree with applying product while the hair is wet which is exactly what I was doing.  Many YouTube tutorials about using Eco Styler Gel will suggest using the product on wet or damp hair. The secret is, the gel has to be applied to dry hair and generally requires that the hair be almost saturated in the gel to achieve certain desired looks. The gel is water based (I personally prefer the Eco Styler Gel with Olive Oil) so it causes the hair to curl then the gel locks the curl into place creating a defined curl as an end result.  This method can be used on the hair after it has been stretched or simply after allowing the hair to air dry to create a curly TWA.  Eco Styler Gel is also a great product to use for twist outs by just applying the product to your twists, letting them dry and then taking the twists down.

Monday, March 21, 2011

My Transition to Natural

     One year, two months, and eight days ago I applied a box relaxer to my hair.  I was so tired of the damage and the constant disappointment I felt because I could never obtain or retain the length that I wanted.  I decided I'd had enough and that relaxer was going to be my last.  I was not comfortable with cutting off the hair that I had so I grew it out for seven months and in July I cut off the remainder of my relaxer.  Now I am one hundred percent natural and I love my curls! So, I have dedicated this blog to helping people transitioning to natural with or without the big chop.