Relaxed Hair Vs. Natural Hair: What You Need to Know



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I feel like alot of people want to go natural but don't always fully understand what they're walking into. Likewise, many people who are natural for a while get frustrated and decide they want to return to relaxers on a whim--forgetting ultimately why they chose to go natural in the first place! Meaning, they've forgotten what effects relaxers had on their hair.

Some people also love to debate as to whether one state is easier to deal with than the other.

To me, that answer is not straight forward.

Review: Koji Spring Heart Eyelash Glue

So I already posted about the eyelash glue I currently use, which is amazing by the way. But before choosing it, I tried Koji's glue. I think I should review this cause I remember being seriously at a loss at finding reviews on this product before I bought it.

Koji is a Japanese cosmetic company that is famous for it's Dollywink line of products, include the amazing long and glamorous dolly lashes popular among the Gyaru/Gal community. So naturally I assumed any glue made by them would be awesome as well.

It's also pretty much a well known fact that the Japanese make great cosmetics in general. Well I don't know that it is a fact fact but it's what I've been hearing...

Review: Joico K-Pak Smoothing Balm vs. Organics Thermal Radiance Heatguard with Cutiseal Thermal Styling Protectant

So this is a pretty random...and pretty accidental comparison. Basically I was flat ironing my hair to smooth out my new growth. My hair was pretty balanced but I noticed after flat ironing with the Joico for a little bit, my hair seemed a little dry. I decided to then finish the other half of my hair with a sample of the Organics Thermal Radiance Heatguard I had sitting around.

Both products are creamy heat protectants that are designed to also smooth the hair. Usually I would use the Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer. This time I chose creamy (water-based) protectants to reduce my need for additional creamy moisturizers post wash. BUT because I did a protein treatment during my wash, my hair was prone to that "hard feeling". As a precaution, I prepped my hair with the a protein-free creamy leave-in (Darcy's Transistioning Cream) before applying either protectant. I also finished with a few dabs of wheat germ+camellia oil after flat ironing. Wheat germ is rich in ceramides, while camellia is a great light oil that adds silkiness and some shine to hair.

The Best Comb Ever

One important but often overlooked aspect of a hair journey is the comb you use. The common advice when selecting a comb--natural or relaxed--is to make sure of two things:

1. Your comb is wide-tooth
2. Your comb is seamless

The spacing in wide tooth combs help to aid detangling without ripping out the hair. Seamless combs, unlike your standard plastic comb, do not have the lines from molding in between the teeth which can snag strands. Popular seamless combs include resin "bone" combs and wooden combs. I can say I've tried every kind of comb out there--expensive seamless resin combs, wooden combs, shower combs, fine, medium and wide. I still find use for all my combs. Among my favourites is a Goody shower comb which is great for detangling damp and dry hair.

By far--the BEST comb I have ever tried?

DIY: Making the Most of Your Deep Conditioner

One problem with relying on online products is the fact that replacing them can be difficult at times. Products can be out of stock, take a while to ship, or simply be unaffordable at the moment.So I'm running low on my Bee Mine --which has so far been my holy grail protein-free deep conditioner. What to do? Well the thing is you simply have to be resourceful and make the most of what you DO have.

Here's how to do this.

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care: Finding the Best Shampoo for Your Hair

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care: Finding the Best Shampoo for Your Hair: by Nicole Harmon of Hair Liberty In my opinion, your shampoo may be the most important product in your arsenal. I say that because a goo...

Is It Okay to Hate Your Hair Texture?

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The natural hair movement is well and alive. Though I'm not natural, I do fully support being natural and natural hair. After all, I myself was natural for years and I was even a bit of a so-called "natural-nazi" for a little while, staunchly against ever relaxing again. Nonetheless by the time my hair reached armpit length (APL), I gave in and relaxed out of convenience. I will explain that later.

Many naturals, in their attempt to give themselves the courage to remain a natural and not give up, cling to the virtues of embracing natural curls, coils and kinks. They say all hair is good hair and as long as hair is healthy that is the most important. Sometimes I wonder, however--is this true? Is it possible to just  not have good hair? When I say this I don't mean 3a vs 4z kind of the comparisons, or mixed-race hair versus continental African hair. Some people have strands that are hopelessly thin and a texture that is rough. Hair that is no matter how well you moisturise it, still dry and rough feeling.