Possible 2c, trying to embrace waviness...

Fluffris

I'm trying to ditch hairdryer and straighteners and have natural hair. Its getting super crispy and doesn't even look that great when I straighten it.

I've hardly ever let anyone see me with natural hair since I was a kid except by accident, when it rains and I can't get to a hairdryer! I can't seem to get my waves/curls to be civilised though. Fluffy 80s mess.

Can anyone help me diagnose my hair problem? I am so new to this, but I think I have 2c hair, maybe? I have tried to upload a pic (did that work?!), it was taken after overnight air-drying in a pineapple on top of my head. This made it a bit better than air-drying down but still totally 80s fluffy.

Any advice much appreciated

naturecat

I see some great curl potential there. I *highly* recommend reading Curly Girl: The Handbook by Lorraine Massey. That will tell you so much of what you need to know about curly hair care. The right products will help. Also, hair that has been straightened repeatedly will be damaged. It must be grown out. But, what helps damaged hair is both deep conditioning treatments and protein treatments. I suspect with your issues your hair needs more moisture. You can seal your hair after applying product to help keep moisture in your hair. There's a lot to digest, but I believe on the other side of it you will have gorgeous hair.

Fluffris

Thankyou just googling Lorraine Massey.

Wondering what a sealer is though! Would that be an oil type thing?

naturecat

Yes, that's the right idea. People whose hair can tolerate it might even use butters. Some people use straight up oil (usually a drop or two applied to the palms and then worked gently into the hair), whilst others might use a product that has oils/butters. It will take a lot of experimenting, but don't give up. Most people take a few months to hit their learning curve and see definite improvement, but what's on the other side is worth it.

Fluffris

thank you again. I've now got another question, promise I'll stop after this one!

I was reading about conditioner-only washing, and wondered if you can do that but also use oils as a sealer? would you not need to use a shampoo to wash that out?

naturecat

Fluffris wrote: »

thank you again. I've now got another question, promise I'll stop after this one!

I was reading about conditioner-only washing, and wondered if you can do that but also use oils as a sealer? would you not need to use a shampoo to wash that out?

No problem. Ask away.

I don't see why not, if your hair can tolerate it. Some people CO wash but occasionally lo-poo etc. It takes experimenting to find out what your hair will take. Actually, CO washing in and of itself may give your hair lots of moisture. Sealing usually takes a lot of trial and error because each oil acts so differently in each head of hair. I've also heard of people using aloe vera juice/gel as a very lightweight sealer.