borednschooled:

Caprice Green was the personal stylist to Prince for many years. She has styled the tresses of Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, Nia Long, Mya, 3LW, Cherish and Teena Marie among others.

1. The key factor to maintaining natural hair is MOISTURE, MOISTURE, and MOISTURE! Curly or kinky hair tends to deflect light and appear dry. Locking in moisture will also help prevent frizz. Prep twists, knots, and braids with KeraCare Conditioning Cream. It imparts a healthy shine and won’t leave a greasy residue. If your are not daring and can’t bare the whole grow out phase  cut of the old relaxed hair and usher in the natural new hair and the new you.

2. Growing out a relaxer requires special care since the point where the two textures meet is fragile.

• Bi-weekly protein treatments will help strengthen hair and prevent excessive breakage.
• If you are still using heat on your hair, make sure and use a thermal protectant like the one by CHI. Of course giving the flatiron a break altogether is ideal!
• As you start your journey into the au-naturel try to keep your styles as free as possible until all the old relaxer has been cut off. Try double strand twists to set your style. Twists are less likely to snap hair at “stress” points since they can be done looser than braids or knots.

3. Depending on texture, some of my favorite products are:

• Design Essentials Essential Oil is amazing at keeping the scalp from flaking.
• Mixed Chicks shampoo, conditioner. and leave-in is wonderful on naturally curly textures.
• Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding is perfect for coercing unruly hair into shape while maintaining shine.
• Kera Care’s First Shampoo lifts any heavy residue left behind by styling products. Follow with their Hydrating/ Detangling Shampoo. This shampoo works exceptionally well on both textures and discourages tangling from taking place.
• For locs, try Hicks Transformations. I recently tried it on locs and it has the perfect weight and hold for freshening locs and twists! Just a dab will do!

4. The best advice for finding a natural hair specialist is to do your homework! Research products and styles so that you already have an idea of what you want. Steer clear of heavy-handed stylists! Super tight is not always right (unless it’s for wash-board abs). When dealing with fragile or “virgin” hair, handle with care. No one salon is full proof, just be clear with your needs and desires when “interviewing” a new stylist.

Overall, the process of going natural requires patience and care. Don’t worry; it will all pay off in the end.