I wish I could've had access to a guide like this when I first went natural. I bought any and everything I saw YouTubers use, so I basically wasted a lot of my money. I'm going to give you a list of products, methods, tips, and tricks that you should know if you're going natural (or are already natural and just want some new ideas). Almost all of my advice can be applied to all type 3 and type 4 hair types.
This blog post will be text-only. I want to give you as much information as possible without having to throw in 10 images that might not even interest you.
Disclaimer: I never had to transition from relaxed to natural hair--only from straightened to completely natural. I also have type 4B/4C hair.
Warnings and Good Advice
1. Not all YouTuber hair gurus have your hair type, so products that work for them might not work for you.
2. Your hair type is BEAUTIFUL, and don't let ignorant people tell you otherwise.
3. There's no such thing as "bad hair." There's healthy and unhealthy. As long as your hair is healthy, it's "good hair" in my book.
4. Expensive products aren't always the best products.
5. Find a routine that works for YOU. Who says wash day always has to be on a weekend?
6. Hair growth comes along with healthy hair. That means you need to keep your ends trimmed (although trimming your ends doesn't make your hair grow on its own; regularly trimmed ends prevent split ends, which causes breakage and fallout); stay hydrated; eat a balanced diet (lol but who does that?).
7. People with weaves shouldn't be frowned upon. Wearing a weave is actually a protective style. And...just mind your business! Let people enjoy things.
8. Not everyone's hair grows at the same pace to the same length. Be proud of your growth and just be happy you have a head of healthy hair.
9. Afros, afro puffs, dreadlocks, box braids, senegalese twists, etc. are not unprofessional for the workplace. (I'm not gonna lie though; when I had interviews, I either would straighten my hair or put it up in a twisted bun just in case).
10. Deep condition at least twice a month (but some of us really don't have the time, so deep condition when you can and just make sure you don't do it overnight--I've heard horror stories about that; 30 minutes will do just fine).
11. Don't comb you hair while dry. Water is your friend.
12. There's nothing wrong with blow drying your hair. Just make sure you detangle it first and put a heat protectant on it. Also, don't put your hair dryer on the highest setting.
13. There's also nothing wrong with wanting to straighten your hair sometimes. However, make sure the temperature is under 400. Even thick, coily hair has its limits.
Holy Grail Products
These are the products I can't live without as a naturalista:
1. Leave-in conditioner: Cantu, Renpure
2. Co-wash: Cantu, Renpure
3. Conditioner: TGIN Replenishing Conditioner, OGX Shea Soft
4. Styling gel: TGIN (edge control and the twist and define cream), EcoStyler (Aragon Oil)
5. Moisturizer: TGIN daily moisturizer, Oliology nutrient-rich oil moisturizer
6. Detangling: Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla 4-in-1 combing creme
7. Other styling products: LUSH Queen Bee hair honey (y'all, this is the TRUTH), Shea Moisture (oops) Curl Enhancing Smoothie
8. Shampoo: OGX Shea Soft, Head & Shoulders (I know a lot of sites and YouTubers will tell you not to use products with sulfates because they're harsh, but I use Head & Shoulders because it reduces my dandruff and helps my scalp to not be as itchy)
9. Deep conditioner: Shea Moisture (raw shea butter deep treatment mask)
10. Staple product: water
The Tools You'll Need (& Some Luxury Items)
1. Wide tooth comb for detangling
2. Toothbrush for your edges and baby hairs
3. Brush
4. Perm rods for twist outs or more defined curls
5. Bobby pins
6. Satin scarf/satin pillow case (I don't use a satin pillow case--my bonnet works just fine)
7. Shower cap (because my hair is not immune to water and the shrinkage caused by water)
8. Flexi rods for twist outs or more defined curls
9. Satin head wrap(s)
10. Satin bonnet (I also usually wear a bonnet under my winter hats to prevent breakage and dry hair)
11. A mirror you don't mind getting fingerprints on
12. Deep conditioning cap (I can heat my cap in the microwave for 90 seconds, then place it on my head for up to 30 minutes)
13. A positive attitude: When I went natural, I noticed that fewer guys approached me. Maybe they're intimidated--I don't know and I don't care. As long as I'm comfortable in my skin, that's all that matters.