Newly Natural, so overwhelmed !!!

Ok So, I BC (11/30/10 & 12/8/10) twice in a one week period. I've brought more products with my 1/4 inch hair than I have bought in my life. I'm not sure how or what to do if anything because my hair at this point is so short. I know I have to find my own regime, but I need help! How often do I wash/co-wash, DC ( by the way,I've use Cantu leave-in over-night with a plastic cap, but it made my scalp itch like crazy), use leave-in, gel, oil, is there something that can define short twwa curls, etc...
By the way all the info I have found is great and all the support is very helpful. Thanks

Hi new b new me,

First: let me say this, everyone's hair reacts differently to different products. you have to find what works for you. also, just because two people have the same texture of hair, it doesn't mean that the products will work the same on them. I wash my hair twice a week and cowash everyday, but that is what works for me. My hair is really fine so if I don't it gets gross. I deep condition once a week. For me, my products of choice are mixed chicks leave in conditioner, deep conditioner, and their shampoo. I have also tried and enjoyed giovanni tea tree triple treat and smooth as silk shampoo and conditioner. For sealing, I use kemi oyl and shea butter. I personally don't like gels because of the film they leave on my hair. Anyway, I hope that helps

Thanks candycane,
I will keep trying until I get the right combo. I have tried Giovanni tea tree triple treat and their 50/50 conditioners and their protein treatment. So far I like it. I have decided to go with natural products and I guess when my hair grows longer, I can begin to experiment different products to actually see what my hair type is and what it likes. Since I BC with not very much growth, I kind of want to get a good start with caring for my hair. Although it's only been about 2 weeks I'm happy w/ going natural!

WELCOME!!!

I am only 5 months natural and started very cheap.

I used basically VO5 mixed with oil after a BS wash.
This was great during the summer months, but as it
started to cool off, I knew I would need more moisture.

I now use Qhemet Burdock Root Butter Cream
(you will love their ingreds!)
followed by either Eco Styler (Olive) OR
FX Curls Up (loves this stuff- makes curls POP!).

It is hard to tell which products will be "right" for your hair until you try them. Luckily most of the online products have samples for purchase so you can try them before you spend money-money.

I also have a few random items here & there...

That's as deep as I'll go in the pocket right now,
and it seems to be working so far.

I suggest read as much as you can,
ask as many questions as you need,
get samples when you can,
then make up your mind about big purchases.

Hey!

When I first BC'd I would co-wash my hair twice a week and then shampoo and Deep condition once a week. I just started using Eco styler gel with olive oil for buns...but I've heard that it's great for defining TWA curls.

Congrats on the BC!

Hey NewB!! And congrats on your BC!!!!! I LOVE Cantu Leave in. It has never bothered me. Maybe you're allergic to something in it...??? But yeah, just trial and error. You'll find what works for you. Maybe just start off simple (as to avoid becoming a PJ-product junkie!! LOL). I also like the Giovanni products. Also like Trader Joe's (if you have one in your area).
I would say just a good moisturizer and a sealing oil for now will do you just fine since your hair is so short (and very cute by the way!) Good luck on your natural hair journey!!! I have been on mine for about 15 years now and loving it!!!

Thanks Everyone all you info is very helpful. I think I'm going to keep it simple like you all did. I noticed that there are some basic rules for naturals, co-wash, DC, moisturize and seal. Styling is a whole other animal that I will tackle at a later date when my hair grow longer.
Thanks Again!

New B New Me wrote:Thanks Everyone all you info is very helpful. I think I'm going to keep it simple like you all did. I noticed that there are some basic rules for naturals, co-wash, DC, moisturize and seal. Styling is a whole other animal that I will tackle at a later date when my hair grow longer.
Thanks Again!

I actually made a post a while back called "Are you a product Junkie, but realized that you hair is Low-maintenence"...

So yes, start out simple, because your hair may NOT need as much as you think...

I just found out that my hair loves co-washes and hates shampoo...

CONGRATS

Thanks cupcake
Teenatty, I feel the same way!

Congratulations on your BC!

It is very easy to get caught up and become a product junkie when you're beginning your hair journey. At this stage I think its best to keep it simple. Since you've recently bc'd you may experience some initial dryness so you definitely want to use some moisturizing products. I'm not sure where you live and if you are able to co-wash daily at this time of the year.

I bc'd in September of last year and co-washed daily for about a month and eventually moved it to twice a week. You will find out what routine works best for your hair through trial and error. I would recommend deep conditioning at least once a week to help with any dryness and to keep your hair moisturized.


The only thing that will define twa curls is gel and that can eventually lead to dryness. What other conditioners and stylers have you used besides the Cantu?

Hi Krazy coils,
Thanks for your reply. I living in NYC where is exactly 29 degrees!! Burr so going out with wet hair is not an option, for me anyway. It's only been 3 weeks, so far I have used the cantu, giovanni tea tree triple treat shampoo, and 50/50 balance conditioner and their smooth as silk xtreme protein hair fusion. Shea moisture curl smoothie and organic shea butter and hot six oil. I'm always at the computer with a pen and paper for all the product reviews but when the list gets too long I end up doing nothing. I need a good DC, conditioner for co-washing, a good moisturizer (oil does nothing but sit on top of my hair with out a moisturizer 1st.) Do you have any suggestions that i might try?

The Giovanni xtreme protein hair fusion is a light protein treatment if I remember correctly so be careful how often you use it. Did the shea moisture curl smoothie not work as a moisturizer for you? Usually moisturizing with a creamy water-based leave-in conditioner is good for the hair also.

As for conditioners for co-washes a lot of curlies like the Herbal Essence conditioners. I myself love Aussie Moist conditioner. The hot six oil can be used to seal and also as a hot oil treatment. If you want something more natural as an oil there is alway EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

Deep conditioners - Giovanni Smooth as silk conditioner ( has protein so I don't use often). Also Aubrey Organics White Camellia. I always add Olive Oil to my deep conditioners. Again keep it simple at this stage because you don't want to collect a lot of products that you won't be able to finish.

Thanks Krazy Coils
For the heads up on the protein.
I actually tried the shea moisture smoothie, shea butter and the hot six oil last night with the plastic cap for a moisturizing condition and my hair was very soft and moisturized in the morning. Trial and Error, huh! I hear you on the product collection! I think I'm learning I have no regrets on my BC
Thanks!