Quick Summary
Going natural means choosing to grow and style your hair without chemical relaxers. It is a big decision and it comes with a learning curve. This guide breaks it all down for you in simple steps so you can start your natural hair journey with confidence.
What Does Going Natural Mean?
Going natural means letting your hair grow in its original, unrelaxed texture. No more perms or relaxers. Your hair grows out in its natural curl, coil, or wave pattern. For many Nigerian women, this is a big shift from what they grew up with. But more and more women are making the switch and loving it.
Why Are So Many Women Going Natural?
There are real, practical reasons. Relaxers contain chemicals that can damage the scalp over time. Natural hair, when cared for properly, tends to be stronger and more flexible. It also retains length better when it is not being processed. Beyond that, going natural is a way many women are reconnecting with their roots and expressing who they are.
How to Transition from Relaxed to Natural Hair
Option 1: The Big Chop
The big chop means cutting off all your relaxed ends at once. You are left with your natural new growth. It is quick. It is bold. And it removes all the guesswork about where your natural hair ends and your relaxed hair begins. Many women find it liberating.
Option 2: Gradual Transition
You stop applying relaxers and let your natural hair grow out while keeping the relaxed ends. You trim them off a little at a time over months. This takes longer but lets you adjust slowly to your new texture.
Both methods work. The right one depends on your comfort level and how patient you want to be.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Natural hair is grouped into four main types: 1, 2, 3, and 4. Most Nigerian women have type 4 hair, which is coily and kinky. Type 4 is then broken into 4A, 4B, and 4C based on the tightness of the curl.
- 4A: Defined coils with a visible curl pattern
- 4B: Z-shaped coils that are less defined
- 4C: Very tight coils that shrink a lot and can be harder to define
Knowing your hair type helps you choose the right products and techniques. But do not let your type limit you. Many of the same care rules apply across all natural hair types.
The Most Important Thing: Moisture
Natural hair needs moisture more than anything else. Type 4 hair has a coily structure that makes it harder for scalp oils to travel down the hair shaft. That means it dries out faster. Your whole routine should be built around keeping moisture in.
The Leave In Treatment 500g is a great daily option. Apply it to damp hair after washing and it keeps your strands soft and flexible throughout the day.
Building Your Natural Hair Routine
Step 1: Cleanse
Wash your hair once or twice a week. Use a sulfate-free or gentle shampoo that cleans without stripping your natural oils. Dry, itchy scalps need clean scalps.
The Mentholated Shampoo 390ml is a good option for anyone dealing with scalp buildup or dandruff. The menthol formula keeps the scalp fresh and clean.
Step 2: Condition
Never skip conditioner. Apply it after every wash. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle while the conditioner is still in your hair. This prevents breakage during the detangling process.
The Detangling Conditioner 370ml is designed specifically for this. It provides slip, which makes detangling easier and less painful.
Step 3: Deep Condition
Do a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks. This is not optional. It is what keeps your hair from getting dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Apply generously, cover with a plastic cap, and leave for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing.
Use the Deep Conditioner 500g for the best results. It is rich, penetrating, and makes your hair feel new again after every use.
Step 4: Moisturise and Seal
After washing, apply your leave-in conditioner. Then seal with a light oil. This locks the moisture in and prevents your hair from drying out between washes. Repeat this every two to three days.
Step 5: Protect
Protective styles reduce manipulation and protect your ends. Less touching means less breakage. More length retention over time.
Best Protective Styles for Beginners
Protective styles are a core part of natural hair care. They keep your ends tucked away and your hair safe. The Braids collection at Lush Hair has a range of braiding hair options perfect for beginners.
Some easy beginner styles include:
- Box braids
- Kinky twists
- Cornrows
- Crochet braids
Try the Kinky Twist extension for a style that looks great and keeps your natural hair safe underneath.
Or explore the Crochets collection if you want something quicker to install with a full, natural look.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Mistake 1: Over-Washing
Washing too often strips your hair of moisture. Stick to once or twice a week unless you have scalp issues that require more frequent washing.
Mistake 2: Skipping Deep Conditioning
Many beginners do regular conditioning but skip deep conditioning. This is a mistake. Deep conditioning is what keeps your hair elastic and prevents breakage.
Mistake 3: Combing Dry Hair
Never detangle dry natural hair. Always add water or a leave-in product first. Dry detangling snaps your hair and creates more tangles, not fewer.
Mistake 4: Too Much Product
More product does not mean more moisture. Too much product causes buildup, which blocks moisture from getting in. Use the right amount and focus on consistency.
Mistake 5: Giving Up Too Early
The first few months of going natural can feel hard. Your hair is adjusting. Your technique is adjusting. Give it time. Results show up when you are consistent.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Most people see a real difference in three to six months of consistent care. Hair grows about 1.25cm a month on average. But it feels faster when your hair is not breaking. Retention is the goal, not just growth.
If you want to support hair growth from the scalp, try the Indian Herb Hair Growth 250ml. It nourishes the scalp and helps create the right conditions for healthy growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should do when going natural?
Start by deciding whether you want to do the big chop or transition gradually. Then build a basic routine with a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, and leave-in treatment. Start simple and add more as you learn what your hair needs.
How do I know my natural hair type?
Wash your hair without any product and let it air dry. Look at the pattern it forms. Tight coils with almost no defined curl are 4C. More defined coils are 4A or 4B. Most Nigerian women fall somewhere in the 4B or 4C range.
Can I go natural without cutting my hair?
Yes. This is called a transition. You grow out your natural roots while keeping your relaxed ends. You trim the relaxed parts away gradually over months until your hair is fully natural.
How often should I wash natural hair?
Once or twice a week is ideal for most natural hair types. More than that can strip moisture. Less than that can lead to scalp buildup.
What are the best braids for natural hair beginners?
Knotless box braids and kinky twists are great for beginners. They put less tension on your scalp and look neat. Check out the Braids collection at Lush Hair for braiding hair that works with your natural texture.
Do I need a lot of products for natural hair?
No. You need four basics: a shampoo, a conditioner, a deep conditioner, and a leave-in treatment. Once you have mastered your routine with those, you can add more if needed.
Where can I get natural hair products delivered in Nigeria?
Lush Hair Nigeria delivers nationwide. Shop the full Hair Care range online and get your products delivered directly to you.
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