For those who have chemically treated your hair and decided to go natural, your biggest challenge is this. The new hair that grows in its natural state at the roots (wavy/curly) whereas the chemically treated hair will remain straight, and you will have mix of curly frizzy hair and straight ends. This might tempt you to go back to your heat/chemical treatment.   The best solution is to go for BIG CHOP and get rid of the damaged hair as the chemically treated hair will never go back to its natural state. If you are not confident of the big chop, trim your hair often in small lengths. Use protective styles like braids on buns during transitioning period.   Embrace the change & stay consistent. "Frizz is a Curl waiting to happen" Says Lorraine Massey. Educate yourself about embracing natural hair. Reach out curly hair community and ask questions. Slowly experiment with different methods & products.   Follow influencers with similar hair type as yours, there are high chances that the methods and products worked for them would work well for you. This could help you in choosing products for you.   At the same time just because it worked for someone doesn't means it will work for you. It’s your hair and you are the best judge. Over time you will understand it's needs, and you can make it work for you.   Don't give up. It’s not easy but it's not impossible. Trust it’s all worth at the end.

Now that you have decided to embrace your natural hair, the biggest question is what do you need to start curly girl method? Here is a comprehensive list of product and accessories you need to start your curly girl journey   A clarifying shampoo - To be used for your first wash to remove buildup from your hair and to be used once in a month (or when required) during you CG method.   Product for wash days: Shampoo or Cleanser to cleanse. Conditioner to detangle & nourish. Leave In Conditioner or Cream to moisturize your hair. Styling Gel to define and hold your curls. Oil to the hair ends to seal the moisture in the hair.   Deep Conditioner - A mask that is to be used at least once a week for 30 minutes prior to your shampoo or after your shampooing your hair.   Co Wash - A 2-in-1 conditioning cleanser that has extra moisturizing property. It gently cleanses your hair without stripping the natural scalp oils. Best suited for people who like to wash their hair every day.   Refresh Spray – A styling spray with or without hold that can be used to revive next day curls.   Microfiber Towel – Unlike regular towels which cause friction and creates frizz, microfiber towels are gentler and has good absorbing capacity. They cut down the diffusing time by absorbing excess water & products and also helps to reduce frizz while you plop your hair.   Satin or Silk Bonnet – A must accessory that helps to extend your washdays. Wearing a bonnet at night prevents your hair from getting tangled while you sleep as well as reduces the frizz for next morning.   Satin or Silk Pillowcase - Same purpose as bonnet, but some people prefer to wear a bonnet as well sleep on a pillowcase for extra protection.   Satin or Silk Scrunchie - Use it to put your hair in a

Your hair can be dry, dull and lacks shine mainly because of buildups. Buildups are caused by ingredients like silicones, waxes, heavy oils or butters in your styling products. It is important to use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of this buildup from your hair to keep the hair healthy & shiny.   A Clarifying shampoo is a deep cleanser that resets your hair & scalp to its natural state.   When do you need to clarify? When your curls look dull and lifeless. When curls are unusually frizzy. When your scalp is itchy or flaky. When your usual go to products do works on your hair anymore.   Benefits of clarifying shampoo: A clarifying shampoo removes buildups, restores PH balance, refreshes scalp and boots volumes and helps to absorb deep conditioning treatment or styling products giving you better results.   Some of our recommended clarifying shampoos are Inahsi Naturals Soothing Mint Clarifying Shampoo, Boucleme Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo, Bouncecurl Enzyme Clarifying Shampoo and Flora & Curl Clay Hair Mask.

Though there is no hard & fast rules when it comes to embracing your natural hair, here are few tips that can help you to make your curly hair transitioning journey easier. Stop using HEAT treatments like blow drying / flat ironing as this does damage your hair. Stop using CHEMICAL treatments for hair straightening. Hair that is chemically straightened doesn’t go back to its natural state. You need to do the BIG CHOP to get rid of the chemically straightened hair. Stop using products with Sulfates, Slicones, Parabens, Drying Alcohols. Switch to Curly Girl Approved, natural products. To know if a product is CG approved, copy the ingredients to Curlsbot or Isitcg website. This will tell you if the product you are using is Curly Hair Friendly or not. Avoid combing or brushing your hair when it is dry as this leads to hair breakage and loss of curl pattern. Detangle with your fingers or a wide tooth comb in shower after applying conditioner. Stop using regular towels as they create frizz. Use a microfiber towel for drying your hair as this absorbs excess water without drying your hair or creating frizz.