The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Natural Hair Journey

Embracing your natural hair can be an exciting and transformative experience! Whether transitioning from relaxed hair or starting fresh with a big chop, going natural is all about learning to care for your unique texture and building a routine that works for you. While the journey can initially feel overwhelming, with the proper knowledge and consistency, you’ll fall in love with your natural curls, coils, or kinks. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start your natural hair journey, from understanding your hair type to building a solid routine and choosing the best products.

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Decide How You Want to Start

Two ways to begin your natural hair journey are transitioning or a big chop. Transitioning is when you gradually grow out your hair and trim your ends over time. The big chop involves cutting off all relaxed/ damaged hair, leaving only your natural new growth. With transitioning, you’ll work with two different hair textures, which can be challenging, but it gives you more time to learn about caring for your natural hair before fully committing. The big chop requires patience as your hair grows back, but you’ll be starting your journey with completely natural hair. There’s no right or wrong way to start your natural hair journey. Choose the path that feels best for you.

Understand Your Hair Type

Knowing your hair type and porosity will help you choose the right products and routine. Your hair type is your curl pattern. Type 2 is wavy hair, type 3 is curly, and type 4 is kinky/coily. Most of the time you’ll see or hear numbers followed by letters when referring to hair type. The letters represent the width or density of your curls. Letter A is for loose curls, b for medium curls, and c for tight curls. For example: I have a 3c curl pattern.

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Learn Your Hair Porosity

Porosity determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.

  • Low Porosity: Hair repels water and takes longer to absorb products. Needs lightweight, water-based products.
  • Medium Porosity: Absorbs and retains moisture well. Most products work effectively.
  • High Porosity: Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Needs heavy creams and butters to seal in hydration.

Do a water strand test by dropping a strand of clean hair in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity; if it floats, you have low porosity.

Build a Simple Hair Care Routine

A consistent routine is key to healthy natural hair.

A. Cleansing. Cleanse your hair as least once a week, or as needed. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp without stripping natural oils.

B. Conditioning & Deep Conditioning. Use a moisturizing conditioner after every wash, and deep condition at least once a week to strengthen and hydrate your hair.

C. Moisturizing. Moisturize your hair daily or as needed. Follow the LCO (liquid, cream, oil), or LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method for moisture retention.

D. Protective Styling. Low manipulation styles like braids, twists, and buns help retain length. Avoid excessive heat and tight styles to minimize breakage.

E. Nighttime Protection. Sleep with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase to prevent moisture loss.

Choose the Right Products for Natural Hair

Finding the best products can be trial and error. It’s important to avoid products with sulfates, silicones, and mineral oil that can dry your hair out. Here are a few products to get you started.

  • Shampoo: Sulfate-free cleanser (Shea Moisture, As I Am)
  • Conditioner: Moisturizing and detangling conditioner (TGIN, Camille Rose)
  • Deep Conditioner: Protein/moisture balance (Alikay Naturals)
  • Leave-in Conditioner: Hydrating and lightweight (Kinky-Curly KeraCare)
  • Styling Cream/Gel: Defines curls and reduces frizz (Eco Styler, Aunt Jackie’s)
  • Hair Oil: Seals in moisture (Jojoba oil, Castor oil, Coconut oil)

Be Patient & Embrace the Process

Your natural hair journey is unique to you! Be patient and focus on your hair’s health over length. Learn what products and methods work best for your hair type and porosity. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different styles, products, and techniques to see what your hair likes. Stay consistent! A good routine will give you the results you’re seeking. Embrace your curls, coils, or kinks and remember this is a journey!

Starting your natural hair journey is an empowering decision that will teach you patience and confidence. Whether you big chop or transition, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and learn what makes your hair thrive. Are you starting your natural hair journey? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!

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