Naturally Obsessed

Cassel writes...

I'm a white girl who googled "Thayer's witch hazel review" and quite randomly came across your blog. Your stories moved me enough to anonymously praise your work- you've inspired me as a woman! Natural hair is a majestic, powerful thing. Glorious! I have no place to say this but, I don't understand why more people don't embrace their natural gifts. Keep up the great work.

My name is Bintou Camara, I am from Guinea-Conakry, West Africa.  I don't speak English very well, but I am trying my best. I am 23 years old and I am a young business woman in mining. I discovered your blog when I was searching how Corinne Bailey Ray maintains her beautiful hair, because until May 2011 I decided to let my hair grow naturally, now its short, but I like it! I like your blog and hope that I will learn more about beautiful black natural hair. Best, Bintou. 

Nicole writes -

Hi, I love your YouTube channel and blog. I wanted to know do you blow dry your hair really straight before you twist? I have a problem with shrinkage with my twist. And do what product do you use to straighten if you blow dry? I've seen you and "Pretty Dimples" do the "mini" twist tutorial before, but I haven't been able to get my hair that straight. I don't want to use too much heat. I try my best to stay away from a lot of heat. Thanks for your time and I appreciate and enjoy you!!

Loeski writes...

Hi Shana! Let me start by giving you props for having such a successful blog and YouTube channel! Your natural journey has helped me out a lot, but I'm sure you can tell by the subject line that I'm having some hair issues. Around April this year, I began to notice my hair getting more frizzy and a lot drier. I was doing deep conditions every 3 weeks due to protective styling (mini twists and such) after washes, but nothing seemed to help. I trim my ends once a month, because I have loads of damage and split ends (too much heat on my hair) and I think I may have heat damage as well. I try to talk to people about my hair and no one seems to recognize the big deal because my twist outs and styles "look good" but the frizz and lack of curl pattern are really beginning to worry me. My hair only curls when wet (which didn't used to be the case) and even if I allow my hair to air dry and apply moisturizer it is still dry!!! I  am debating cutting off my shoulder length 4a hair and starting over *insert sad face here*. I don't know what to do! I feel like I have tried everything but to no avail. If you can be of assistance, I would really appreciate it! You are one of my hair idols so whatever you have to say will be taken into consideration with the utmost respect. 
Hopefully, Loeski 

Hi Loeski! I think you've already diagnosed the problem correctly all by yourself lol! From what you've written, it seems your issue is heat damage. You have all the classic symptoms; frizz, lack of curl pattern and hair that is just not behaving as it normally does. Your efforts to treat the issue are commendable, but unfortunately if it's heat damage there isn't much you can do to fix it. The only options you really have is to either grow it out or cut it off. Also the dryness could be a result of the products you're using. Make sure that if it claims to moisturizing, that it is water based (meaning water should 1st on the ingredients list). Try to avoid sulfate shampoos and check to see if your products contain proteins or not. Your hair maybe sensitive to protein which could also be the cause of your dryness. I hope this helps you Loeski and thank you for supporting my blog and YouTube channel. The love is truly appreciated :)
-Shana

 Kendra writes- 

Hey Mrs. KinkyKurlyQueen, (Sorry I don't know your real name). First - I love your channel and blogs. I've been following you for over 2 years and you are such an inspiration!

Now, I am in dire need of help. About a month ago, I straightened my hair for the first time this year. I got it bone straight and used heat protectants. The last day I wore my hair straight, I straightened some hair too much and when I washed my hair, two parts of my hair did not curl back! It has gotten better, they're curly but it's a 3c curl instead of 4b. I tried Aphogee treatment (but didn't do it right). I don't know what to do. I feel like I messed up my hair forever and I don't know how to repair it? Can you please give me advice on how to nurse my hair back to health? And my hair is braids now so is there anything I could do to make it healthier?

Hey Kendra! Thanks for the kind words and support sis. Also my real name is Shana :) Now about this heat damage of yours, I'll be real straight forward with you...in my opinion there is no quick fix for heat damage. Once the damage is done, it's done! Just like a getting a split end or a single strand knot, is really no way around it, but to cut off the damaged areas and unfortunately start over. But if cutting your hair is out the question, you can always let the damaged areas grow out (like a 2nd transition) and make small snips until all the damage is gone. Heat damage is no joke! Although I'm always extremely cautious when I apply heat to my hair, I know that there is a chance (small or big)  that I too can get heat damage. To use heat is a gamble.

If any of you ladies have experienced this issue,and have any advice and/or encouragement please share below!

Kayla writes -

Hi! My hair is shedding and to me it is a lot. I'm not sure if the amount is normal to others or not. I put henna in my hair back in June and I'm wondering if that was the cause. My hair was a lot less defined and frizzy right after I did the henna. It had pretty much returned to its original state but then I noticed shedding. I wear my hair in a big bun for a week then wash it on the weekend. I notice when I take the bun down, wash, de-tangle, and style my hair comes out. Do you think the henna is causing the shedding?

Hi Kayla! The experts claim that the average person shed about a 100 strands per day.  So when you bun your hair up for a week, that's 7 days of built up shed hair. When it comes time for you to wash it may seem like a ton of hair is coming out, but it's really just built up shed hair. I can't really say if using Henna is causing you excessive shedding, because I've never used it on my hair...and don't plan to. However, from what I've read some have experience some shedding the first couple of times they've used Henna. Also if your not following your Henna treatments with a deep condition immediately afterwards, your hair can be left feeling dry and brittle. Some even compare Henna to protein treatments...read more about that >>HERE<<.

Unusual amounts of shedding can cause by a number of things. Causes like stress and poor diet are the most common triggers. If the shedding starts to become too much of an issue, I would highly suggest you talk to a physician.

I hope this helps you...keep me updated on your progress! -KKQ

KinkyKurlyQueen, I wanted to contact you and let you know that your YouTube videos, Fotki, and website have helped me so much during the process of becoming natural. I am not a member of any of these sites, hence you receiving an E-Mail from me :). Beginning my journey my hair short and brittle, with help from ladies like you willing to share your hair stories, my hair is now healthy, completely natural and longer. I went natural January 2007 (NO BIG CHOP!) to begin the journey of learning more about myself, not as a hair journey. Friends supported me going natural, because they saw an internal change in me, that was suited for such. Family on the other hand was skeptical and wasn't entirely comfortable with my...nappy roots.lol. What helped kept me motivated was inspiring youtube videos from women just like me. I come from a small town in Upstate,NY where there aren't many black Americans, let alone black Americans that embraced their natural hair.

I currently do not have any hair goals, except to keep my hair healthy by any means. My favorite style would have to be...my afro puff :) but people say its young looking so I'm constantly in and out of braids (which has actually saved my hair, seeing otherwise I cannot keep my hands out of it). Curly girls have more fun, because any other way...just isn't natural =D

Thank you Nana! You definitely put a a smile on my face this morning :) Such a sweet message to wake up to. To inspire other women has always been my goal through my videos, fotki, blog, etc. Even if I inspire only one, I know that I've done something. So your letter is very much appreciated :) Your hair regime is pretty simple and to the point and from what you've said, it's thriving. My only advice is to stick with what works for you. It can only get better!! Be blessed -KKQ
 

This letter was not a question and answer type of message, but I wanted to share it with you guys to hopefully encourage anyone going through the same thing. There some things you just can't find answers to by reading a blog, sometimes you must seek professional help. So, if your blessed to have healthcare and you recognize some of the same issues with your own hair, make an appointment asap. The sooner the better!

Tsahai writes -

Hello, just wanted to stop by and say thank you. I read your post about hair loss, seeing that I'm having that issue. Being a young black woman it's hard dealing with being natural on the whole when it's not accepted since it's not "in". But dealing with hair loss as well is hard, and I honestly never had the strength or guts to go to the dermatologist, I researched sites to see who would have info and no one did at least when it came to kinky hair. Reading your post and different things you can try inspired me to see a doctor. I did and was told I had early stages Alopecia, today was my first session of Cortizone (steroids) injection shots to my scalp it's just a small section of my hair but mainly in the middle. The shots I got was of mild dose, 25 shots to be exact, a little uncomfortable feeling. My doctor said more Black women are affected by it due to perm, weaves, braids, etc. I've always had long thick hair and I received my first perm at 9 because of that. She informed me that perm basically burns off your hair after a time. In the section where I'm affected it looks as though I never had hair there ever. I'm 25 now and my last perm was 2009, just made a year with my Big Chop. My treatment is once a month for 6 moths however if it takes 6 months to grow back the shots aren't working. Hopefully I see a change within 2 months. *Crosses fingers. Just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement, you and many other sisters out their really make a difference. Thank you. :-)

Your very welcomed, thanks for allowing me to share your story!!

Enjoli writes...

First, I enjoy your blog and Tumblr and follow you on Twitter. You are my hair crush so I’m reaching out for some help.
I just started wearing my hair naturally after years of using a flat iron. I wondered whether you had a regimen that you could suggest. I was trying to cull information from your site but didn’t see where there was one post where you broke down from shampoo to style. If a post like that does exist, please direct me to it. I’m just looking for some direction as I begin this journey.
Last night, I washed/conditioned my hair and used Aussie Moist as a leave-in for a braid out. This morning I had nice texture and curls but my hair is hard and stiff… It might have been the Taliah Wajiid gel I added at the very end. Do you have any suggestions? Also what do I do tonight? Re braid it. And what should I use to hopefully soften it up for tomorrow. I guess I’m reaching out because you seem to be very well-versed and while I realize my hair is different from yours, I am feeling lost as to where to even begin. Thanks for taking the time out to read.

Thanks for the blog love and compliments. I actually broke down my hair regimen HERE, so take a look at it and feel free to substitute my favorite products with your own. I think your first mistake was using the Aussie Moist conditioner as a leave in. Some rinse out conditioners just don't like to be left in lol! I've never used Taliah Wajiid gel before, but layering that with the conditioner is probably why your hair felt so stiff. Next time  rinse out the conditioner, apply a leave in or oil or moisturizer, and then apply the gel. If you don't have time to wash, then I suggest spritzing your hair with a moisturizing spray and re-braid. This should soften your hair and at the same time maintain the look you were going for.

This message was sent to me via Tumblr...

Hi. I'm currently transitioning and I'm having the hardest time detangling my hair. Like when I detangle, the relaxed part gets tangled again. I also moisturized my hair after washing, but it's still very very dry. Do you have any suggestions on how to maintain moisture and properly wash and detangle my hair? Also, whats your weekly regimen like? I washed my hair today and I have no idea what to do to it tomorrow. Do I moisturize it? Co-wash it? I'm clueless lol thanks :)

Hello :) When transitioning, detangling through the two textures (relaxed and natural) is one of the most difficult things to master. But here's a few things that should make this part of your hair journey much easier...

• Always detangle your hair wet and saturated with conditioner that gives you lots of slip. If money is tight you can always use cheap conditioners like Sauve or VO5, which retail for about $1-$2 and add your favorite oils to give them more slip when co-washing and detangling.
•Detangling after deep conditioning has greatly helped me to keep my hair on my head and not on the floor lol! DC'in first allows the conditioner to soak in and soften the hair.
• Section your hair when detangling. Sectioning may seem like an extra step that will take up more time, but in my experience it has made the process go by quicker. You'll be able to get through smaller sections much quicker, rather than trying to get your comb/brush though a bigger one.
•After you detangle one section...before moving on, braid that section so it doesn't get tangled again.
•Use a wide tooth comb and always take your time. Never try to rush through it.

When it comes down to maintaining moisture, a lot of it has to do with the products you use and of course your regimen. Make sure your using products that are water based and try to stay away from sulfates, because that can strip your hair leaving it with a dry feel. Don't just grab the product that says its moisturizing, turn it around and read the ingredients list for yourself. And always apply a sealant to your hair keep the moisture locked in. You can find my hair regimen >> HERE!


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"I'm basically confused and fed-up to a point of no end!  I'm currently transitioning (I think) from relaxed to natural. But I don't want to stop there. I always wanted a dry curly, wavy look, somewhat like what you have. But unlike you I was not blessed with such great quality natural hair. I was thinking of putting in a wave nouveau to try to get that curly look, but have been getting such bad reviews about the product. I was wondering if you could help me or at least advice me on how to get such healthy, long, curly hair such as yours. I am desperate at this point because my hair is in need of some serious help. please keep in mind that I was not born with naturally curly hair, but rather very coarse and hard hair. Thanks in advance". -Tanzz91210

Hi! First things first...there is absolutely no product, besides texturizers or silkners, on the market that can give you someone else's hair texture. It's just not possible. The textures that each and everyone of us has, was not something that we got to choose ourselves, but was already planned for us to have. I can't give you any advice or product recommendations to achieve my look, because it's mine. I think the bigger issue is your acceptance of self or lack thereof. When one decides to go natural and is going through the transitioning phase, she must first be in it for herself. To look like herself. To be herself. To appreciate and love herself the way she is naturally. Beginning your journey and wishing for someone else's texture is not going to do anything for you except make you even more frustrated with your own texture. I don't think my hair is perfect at all, but I work with it. Be creative with your hair and try some new things. In the meantime, you sure to find some inspiration specific to your texture just by searching YouTube. Based on your description of your hair I found this video while I was typing this response lol...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INXVLWkSn5k.

You see it's not so much about what kind of texture a woman has, it's how she rocks it. If you have enough confidence in yourself, than you can rock just about any look and get a way with it!

If any of you have any words of advice please share them below :) 

N.O. reader Destiny writes....

KKQ, I LOVE your blog, and your hair is beautiful. Your hairstyles are so creative. Question--when you were relaxed, did you know how do to your hair? How much skill does your styling take? I LOVED the teeny tiny twists, and I don't think I have the skill to do them, at least not in the back. How much do you think stylists would charge for that kind of style? Anyway, I just wanted to say hello, and that your blog is my favorite right now, from the hair pix to the cute pix of NieceyPoo. I am a sucker for a cute picture of a kid...Keep up the good work!

KKQ: Hi Destiny! Since I was maybe 13 or 14 I've been doing my own hair. I did my own relaxers, perms and I used to color my hair. I've been jet black, reddish tones and bronzey brownish colors. After a failed sew-in by a professional, I taught myself how to do them by correcting her mistakes. Boy oh boy how I used to love my weave lol! I had a lot of fun with my hair back then and I always kept it "looking" good. But eventually all that pressing, weaving and dyeing broke my hair off really bad...and that's why I'm natural!

As far as skill goes, I really don't look at the way I do my hair as having a ton of skill. It's all quite simple actually. Like when I do my updos, for the most part I just gather up my hair pins and just start pinning until it starts to look like something. I like to experiement and challenge myself to learn new things. Practice really does make perfect.  I take my time when I do my hair, because if I rush through it and it turns out a hot mess I'm gonna want to do it all over again. 

I have no idea how much a stylists would charge for tiny twists, but I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap. If the average price for micro braids is around $150(+) then it's probably close to that number. I know my services wouldn't be cheap...lol!!

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ATTN Readers - Hey guys! Lately I've been getting bombarded with tons of mail. Not just on the blog, but on YouTube as well and it's getting hard to keep up. I'm only one person and I need your help with answering some of the Obsessed Mail that comes through. I'll be posting 1 or 2 letters a week and all I ask is that you share your insight with your fellow readers. A lot of you have great info to share and I look forward to reading your responses. If you have a question and would like to have it answer feel free to send a private message or email me at NaturallyObsessed@yahoo.com. View this week's Obsessed Mail below....

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Good Morning,  I've been reading your blog for quite some time.  I just BC'd at the end of June.  My friend comb twisted little sections of my hair and when I took them down it gave me the most beautiful curls! My question is, since I have tybe 4 hair, very tightly coiled is there a way to "train" my hair to grow into manageable curls? I only have about two inches of hair all over and I can't see myself comb twisting sections for 1-2 once a week. if this is what it takes all do it...i've also tried braid outs on my daughters hair who also has the same hair type as me but they end up "poofing" by the middle of the day...any suggestions? what can i use to keep her hair in the freshly twist out state? Does that take training her hair, twisting it 1-2 times a week? Also, I'm in desperate need of a moisturizer...we're in Austin Texas where the seasons are hot, and hot and dry, and hotter! Please help!!!  Thank you for all that you do...you truly inspire me with your creativity.  Kynthia

Your Thoughts?!?

Hi KinkyKurlyQueen!

I wanted to know what product you used to get that this color in the link: http://naturallyobsessed.onsugar.com/search/cassia
like with the red/auburn at the ends of your hair...
 
Please & Thank You!

-TextraMixtress

KKQ: Definitely one of the most asked questions....Before and during my transition colored my hair with Feria by L'Oreal in Bronze Shimmer(click the image). I loved this color on me! It complimented my skin nicely and it was perfect for the summer months. For most of my transition I wore my hair in micro braids and would color my hair to match the extensions. I was getting my hair rebraided every 2-3 months and every time I would freshen up the color. It was a lot of wear and tear on my hair, but I didn't know ant better. As long as the outcome was cute, that's all that mattered. Many lessons learned lol! 

Don't judge me for the baby hair slicked down and swooped....lol!

SS: Hey!  My name is Shelley and I thought I'd let you know that your website and hair are truly an inspiration.  I look at your site daily for updates and hope that you will be updating it soon :-)  I have two questions to ask; I know your a fan of Bee Mine Products, especially the Curly Butter.  You never gave us an update on how you like the Strawberry Kiwi Growth Serum and with continued use if you noticed any growth.  Are you still using it?  Anymore reviews on it?  My second question is, how much time a week do you spend doing your hair?  My hair is almost as long as yours.  I love your hair and Im a product junkie, but sometimes....I get discouraged and don't feel like doing it.  That's when I come to your site for motivation.  Thanks! -Shelley S.

KKQ:  First off thanks for the reminder because I totally forgot to review this product.  I've never been into growth aides, but last year back in November or December Tracey from bee Mine approached me about trying her brand.  She let me pick out the products that I wanted to try as well as the ones she recommended.  The Growth Serum was one of those recommendations.  When I finally got it home I couldn't figure out how to fit it into my hair routine.  It wasn't until I did my first set of tiny twist that I began to really test it out.  The smell is great just like all the other Bee Mine products and the ingredients were pretty simlple....100% Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sulfur Powder, Essential Oils and Fragrance.  I began applying it to my scalp every other day and massaging it in.  The first couple days I used it everything was fine, but after a while my scalp became really dry.  I'm pretty sure it was the sulfur, it may have to strong for my scalp.  After a few more tries me and the serum were over.  My testing of the serum was very brief, a little less than two weeks to be exact.  So I don't think that I achieve any extra growth because of it.  Most of the reviews on Youtube suggest that it takes up to month to really see results.  Bee Mine does sell the serum without the sulfur and in various other formulations, but I rather just grow my hair my hair the old fashioned way.  And that's all I have to say about that lol!  On to the next question....

I don't think I spend that much time doing my hair, my routine is quite simple.  Here's an example....Monday evening I co-wash and apply a deep conditioner and leave it in overnight.  Tuesday morning I rinse the dc out and set my hair in twists or braids for a style out.  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday I'll wear the twist/braids in various different updo's.  My updos take about 5 minutes or less to do , just grab a bunch of bobby pins and go awf...lol!!!  The on Saturday and Sunday I wear a twist or braid out.  On Monday you start over again...That's it!  The less manipulation the better your hair will be.

And I think most naturals, especially as their hair grows longer, go through periods where they don't feel like being bothered with their hair.  Even me.  But that's what puffs, buns, ponytails and scarves are for, be creative!  I hope this helps sis :-) 

First off let me say I L.O.V.E your blog!  It's so informative and organized with great updates!  I am currently in the process of transitioning, I am about 3 1/2 months post relaxer and it's getting harder to style my hair.  I have been getting it pressed once a month, to help better manage it while I'm in school.  Since classes are over this week, I would like to experiment more this summer.  I love your twist outs and was wondering if they will work on hair that is partially permed as well as natural??  Your results are amazing!  Also, do you have any other suggestions for protective styles, (no weave) while I'm transitioning?
Thank you! -Stacia

Hi Stacia

There are many style options for those in  transition, the possibilities are endless.  It really comes down to how creative you are.  Twists and twist outs, braids and braid outs are great style options whether full natural or not.  These styles stretch the hair and will give a continuous hair pattern to disguise the kinks and the straight hair.  To add sass to the look try Curly Nikki's twist and curl style, it will add fullness and give your straight ends more shape.  Flat twists, rod/roller sets and buns are a few other looks as well.

When I transitioned I didn't have a clue as to how to deal with the different textures growing from my head and as a result I just wore micro braids until I was ready to chopped the ends.  It wasn't until after I BC'ed that I discovered a ton of other ways I could have made my transitioning period more enjoyable lol! 

Below is a link to tons of transistioning  YouTubers doing style tutorials and reviews.  These ladies can show you better than I can type it so check them out!

Transitioning Styles http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=transitioning+styles&aq=8

A letter from Juanita...

I absolutely love your site.  You have inspired me to go au natural....LOL!!  I literally cried looking at some of the stories on your site.  I have seen how many women embraced being natural and I was always ashamed.  Years after having completely damaged hair I am almost bald and have finally
decided to embrace my natural hair.  My family does not agree with it which makes me scared, but you and your site are truly inspirational. I would just like to thank you. When I finally get the courage (which will be sooner than later) to do the big chop you will definitely see me on your site pictures, smiles, and all!

Wow!! Your very welcome and at the the same time, Thank You!  I don't blog for myself, I blog to inspire other women to love and be confident about themselves.  Your letter just let me know that I'm doing my job and I truly appreciate your support.  Also I would love for you to share your Big Chop/TWA story with us, those are my fav.  Just make sure you take that step when your ready!  Stay Blessed....KKQ :-)

And to all of my readers, subscribers, followers and supporters....

Q: Hey, love what your doing with your hair, its so beautiful. The reason why I'm writing is because I need your help to get my hair back healthy again. I have rather long African American hair that goes a little past my shoulders. I perm it every three months, but I want to stop doing that and go natural. I recently dyed my hair black with a box treatment and now my ends are breaking off and looking dry.  I have a good grade of hair but after I dyed it, but its struggling to be healthy again.  I try everything and nothing seems to work . Please help!! -Alexis

A: I had this very problem before I decided to go natural.  My hair was thick and healthy and had a ton of volume and body.  But then I started experimenting with color.  At first I only used rinses to color my hair, but then I started using permanent color and my hair began to fall apart.  The combination of relaxing and dying your hair can be very damaging to your hair.  And if your not properly moisturizing and taking care of your hair, like I was, it makes it worse.  In a nutshell your hair needs a break!  Lay off the perm and dye and nurse your hair back to good health.  Deep conditioning is a must!  I'm not sure how often your doing it, but I suggest DC'ing once a week.  Also you may want to add a protein treatment into your routine as well.  I use the Aubrey Organics GPB  (Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner) every other week when my hair is loose to strengthen my hair.

If you can no longer take the breakage and if your bold enough to Big Chop then go for it.  But if you're scared of the TWA, like I was, you can transition until you feel more comfortable.  I hope this advice helps you and take care :-)

KKQ

A N.O. reader writes-

I was just browsing through FabSugar because I'm thinking about joining the network to publish a fashion/style blog and I came across your blog and I love it.  Just the other day a girlfriend and I broke down and got perms and we got an earful from our friends who have natural hair minus the perms.  LOL!  We both are against weaves and have naturally long hair..but when it comes to taming our locks, we go for the "conks" as my friend Monica the dread lock diva calls them.  I go about two - three months without a perm and tend to give up on the thick long hair challenge..the harder it gets for me to manage.  For one, I would have to learn about products and how to style my hair.  It's always been easier for me to manage and tame my locks with a perm and heat.  However when I look at Corrine Bailey Rae or anyone else with natural long locks I always wonder.."wow, could mine look like that too if I just leave it alone and learn to care for it minus the heat and chemicals?"

Your blog is inspirational and who knows..by this time next year I may not be getting perms anymore..let's hope that I make it through the summer
getting less of them, first:-)

All the best,
N. Turner

Being natural is an awesome thing.  But It has to be something you want for yourself, not to please anyone else.  If you can't honestly say that your ready for this than wait until the time is right.  Natural hair is less about styling and saying you have "natural hair".  Its more about finally be comfortable and honest with self.  I transitioned for a year and a half for that very reason...I just was not ready.  That long transition gave me time to prepare myself for all the things life seems to throw at you when you go natural.  The stares and rude comments from family, co-workers...etc.  All that combined can break a chick down if she's mentally prepared for it.  When I finally wore my natural hair to work for the first time I was nervous, but confident at the same time.  Nothing they could say could break me down.  I felt free and sure of myself for the first time as an adult and I still feel that way today. 

Learning how to style and maintain you hair is a learning process.  But with a lot of practice, patience and trial & error, you'll be able to figure out what works best for your hair.

Good Luck to you :-)

KKQ

If you have any other advice please leave in the comments below :)

A Naturally Obsessed reader asks:

Q: What is the best way to go about detangling my natural hair?

The first thing you want to do is to divide your hair into sections.  However many sections you do will depend on the length, thickness and texture of your hair.  I usually do 4-6 sections because my hair is very thick and highly textured.  Next rinse your hair thoroughly, the conditioner allows more slip when the hair is soaking wet.  The next step is to soften the hair.  If you have tight curls like mine than you know that just loading the hair with conditioner is just not enough sometimes.  Apply your conditioner one section at a time then braid the hair.  The braids will help to stretch the hair and prevent it from getting even more tangled.  Cover the hair with a plastic cap and let it set for a few hours or even overnight.   This will loosen up the curls a bit, making it a lot easier for your wide toothed comb or denman to get through.  When it comes time to detangle you'll do one section at a time.  Unbraid it and begin to comb or brush it slowly from the ends up to the roots.  If you come across a knot, work it out carefully with your fingers.  Repeat, rinse and style!

*If you'd like to share your detangling process please do so below :-)