"Why Wont My Hair Grow !"

I hear a lot of my friends say, "my hair won't grow" and I often just look at like them like their crazy. A wide misconception about our hair is that it either doesn't grow or grows slower than other ethnicities, however that's just not true. It's all in the care. The sad truth of the matter is that a majority of black women just don't know how to do that.

A common theme you will come to learn about me is self-education. I always suggest books, articles and websites to my friends and yet a lot of my words fall on deaf ears. See the problem is a lot of people, my friends more specifically, aren't willing to change. For years it has been ingrained in us to manipulate our natural curl pattern which puts a lot of stress on our hair.

Our hair is by far the most fragile of all hair types and yet we apply a great amount of stress on our hair daily which results in breakage. Like anything else, hair can only take so much abuse.

If you want your hair to grow, you need to embrace your naps. You don't have to necessarily rock an afro but in general limit the amount of heat you put in your hair and keep your hair moisturized.

Taming Your Nappy Roots 101

After you decide you want to grow your hair naturally, it's in your best interest to prepare for the journey ahead.

First things first, Read, Read, Read!

If you're here, you are already on the right track but don't just stop here. I highly recommend you visit
http://www.nappturality.com/, http://www.longhaircareforum.com/,
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/ , http://www.motowngirl.com/ and http://forum.blackhairplanet.com/

It's important to learn the how-tos, what-donts and basics of what our hair requires before you start.

I know, I know you just want to get started but knowledge is power and more importantly it'll save you a lot of time, money, and disappointment. When I decided to "go natural" 4 years ago, I literally read a couple of articles and postings and said "okay I know what to do" and went out and bought so much stuff because I heard it worked. In my haste to begin my journey, I wasted so much money and my hair didn't get any healthier. Take the time to learn about not only african american hair in general but your hair specifically. Also, have realistic expectations. There are no wonder products that are going to transform your hair overnight. IT TAKES TIME, PATIENCE AND CONSISTENCY!

Naptural Beauty 313's Tips for "Going Natural"

Start off with 2 or 3 products: a shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer/leave-in to start. See how your hair responds initially as well as over time to these products. Give your hair a reasonable amount time too not something crazy like 3 days. Wait a few weeks, then decide if they are giving you the results you desire. It's been 4 years and I'm still learning what does and doesn't work, so don't get discouraged if you don't figure everything out right away. I don't use heat but if you do you will need a few more products.

Use the proper styling tools properly!
I can't stress this point enough. Wide tooth combs are your friend but not on dry hair. Your hair should you be wet or damp in order to prevent breakage. When you comb your hair start from the ends, not the roots! Boar bristle brushes are good but I rarely use a brush. I find between using my wide tooth comb and fingers (finger combing), I do a pretty good job. Just like with the comb start from the ends. The ends of our hair are very fragile so handle with care.

MOISTURIZE!
(If you've done your homework you know that oil doesn't equal moisture, only water does).
Due to the coily, curly, nappy (or whatever you would term it as) nature of our hair, the sebum on our scalp doesn't effectively reach the ends of our hair. As a result our tresses tend to be the driest of all hair types. It is essential then that if you want long and healthy hair that you moisturize daily. My hair personally loves a homemade vegetable glycerin spray but there are many commercial products with a good reputation including qhemet biologics, carol's daughter, oyin handmade, keracare and elasta qp.

Remember that patience and consistency are the key.

Who is Naptural Beauty 313?

Naptural Beauty 313 is alot of things!

... a woman, a mother, a wife , a student, a sister, a friend, and a long list of other things. But who I am NOT is an expert. I don't pretend to be the know-all-be-all, so my one-time disclaimer is this, "I am speaking on what I know from personal experience, what I've read or what I've been told. Take it for what it is! "

So what is "Love Your Naptural Beauty" about?

This blog will primarily focus on hair but from time to time may touch on other topics. I am a self-proclaimed (Nappy+Natural=)Naptural Beauty who believes that there is nothing wrong with wigs and weaves but that sistas need to embrace that they are just as beautiful without them. I will primairly focus on healthy hair tips, product recommendations and excerpts from my own hair journey.

Hope you enjoy!