Help!!! So much info, I don't know where to start!

Hello everyone!

Last week I decided to go natural after removing a weave. In the past eight months I have used little to no heat on my hair, but after washing and conditioning it still seems lifeless and severely damaged. So with that said, that's why I want to go natural. I have read a lot of information on various blogs (this one being the most informational) and have decided that I do not want to do a BC. Oh by the way, I am eight weeks post relaxer. I would like to transition until May. I am planning to get a short cut this weekend to even out my lengths. I have read the blogs, looked at ll of the styles and have even looked at the products mentioned but I still feel lost. I don't know where to start. What do I do first? Please help!

First, I applaud you for seeing the damage and being committed to doing something about it instead of covering it up and also, for being on a search for knowledge. Keep it simple, hair needs moisture, moisture, moisture. You've read alot, so here are the basics.

KEEP A LOG of what you use in your hair, what other products are used with it, if hair is dry, damp, wet, and the first 5 ingredients in the product. With this you will see patterns and not end up buying and using products randomly.
Keeping the moisture, moisture, moisture in mind all the time, you should

detangle (if tangles are an issue, many detangle in the shower, using the force of the water after applying lots of conditioner). Pre-made detanglers, pre-poo with oil, and marshmallow spritz are other options to assist with detangling.
cleanse - Do this in the shower, with the hair having been put in sections and wash in sections. I use the term "wash" loosely to mean cleanse. You choose whether a moisturizing shampoo, shampoo bar, apple cider vinegar (ACV), conditioner (co-wash), or clay as clarifier (when there is buildup) is your preferred method.
condition/moisture Use a solid conditioner after every cleansing. Moisturizing condish is important, but since you have damage, protein condish will be helpful too. In addition to wash out conditioner, using a leave in conditioner is helpful in maintaining moisturized hair, especially in the colder months.

Everything else is optional or a preference, or the result of correcting a problem.



NOTE: I have underlined terms you can put in the internal search engine and learn more about these terms/methods, etc. Good luck!

Thank you for taking the time to help me. How often should conditioning and moisturizing be done? I live in Houston, Texas and our weather changes so much it's ridiculous. Is there any special products that I would need to arm myself with to combat the Houston humidity?

I am of the opinion your hair will give you hints to the frequency b/c of course, no 2 heads of hair are exactly alike and environmental factors also play a part. IMHO, minimally, deep condish each week after your cleansing, apply a leave in, and moisturize during the wk according to your hair needs. For those who cowash daily or several times per week, may not always use a leave-in. What month of transition are you in? Personally, my wash day carries me for about 3 days. then I need to moisturize.

Now, the humidity issue is a good one. Hopefully, some others will chime in with their ideas. I have lived in high humidity climates most of my life and they are an issue. My issue is the silicon laden and otherwise other synthetic chemical products that are useful for preventing frizz (I assume that is the problem), I avoid. How are you wearing your hair, what is your routine, and what are you using currently. That information would be helpful.