Transitioning to natural curly hair is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and discoveries. While embracing your natural curls can feel liberating, it also comes with some surprises. Whether you’re ditching chemical relaxers or heat styling tools, the path to healthy, natural hair is rewarding but can be overwhelming.
Here are seven things no one tells you when going natural with curly hair, along with natural hair tips and Bounce Curl products for natural hair to make the process smoother.
- Clarifying Your Hair and Scalp is the First Step
When you start transitioning to naturally curly hair, the first thing you’ll need to do is detox your scalp and hair from all the product buildup that may be weighing your curls down. Over time, ingredients like silicones, waxes, and other heavy substances accumulate on your hair, creating a barrier that blocks moisture and nutrients from penetrating. This buildup can make your curls appear lifeless, frizzy, and harder to manage.
To set the foundation for healthy, vibrant curls, it’s essential to clarify your scalp and hair. Using a detoxifying product like the Bounce Curl’s Turmeric Purifying Hair & Scalp Mask is an excellent first step. This mask is formulated to remove buildup and impurities while nourishing the scalp with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and green tea.
Regularly using this mask will help restore your scalp’s natural balance, allowing your curls to thrive as they absorb the moisture and nutrients they need. A clean scalp promotes healthier hair growth and gives you a refreshing sense of relief, both physically and mentally, as you begin your journey to embracing your natural texture.
- Your Hair Care Routine Will Drastically Change
Once you've clarified your hair and scalp, you're ready to move on to the next crucial step: revamping your entire hair care routine. Transitioning to natural curly hair isn't just about removing buildup—it's also about tackling the natural curly hair challenges that come with embracing your texture. From dryness to frizz, natural curls have specific needs that require a shift in how you care for your hair.
As you step away from the products and heat tools that once dominated your routine, it's time to focus on nourishing and hydrating your curls in ways you may not have before. Here's what to expect as your hair care routine drastically changes.
When you start embracing natural hair, your old hair care routine will likely need a complete overhaul. Gone are the days of weekly heat styling or using products packed with sulfates and silicones. Instead, you'll need to focus on moisture and hydration, essential for natural curls.
Natural curly hair is often drier than other hair types because the curls make it difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. This means that your curls will need a lot of love in the form of deep conditioning and moisturizing treatments. A product like Bounce Curl's Super Smooth Cream Conditioner is perfect for this. Enriched with organic aloe vera and a blend of oils, it provides weightless hydration that your curls will soak up without feeling heavy.
Your new hair care routine will involve more steps, such as co-washing, deep conditioning, detangling, and air drying. Learning what your curls need takes time, but once you figure out the perfect regimen, your curls will thank you.
- Your Curl Pattern Might Surprise You
If you’ve been using chemical relaxers or heat for years, chances are you haven’t seen your natural curl pattern in quite some time. One of the most exciting parts of going natural with curly hair is rediscovering your natural texture. However, it might not be exactly what you were expecting.
Many people assume that their natural curls will be uniform, but the reality is that most of us have multiple curl patterns throughout our hair. You might have looser waves at the crown, and tighter coils at the nape, and that's perfectly normal. Accepting the unique qualities of your curls is part of embracing natural hair.
To help define and clump your curls as you rediscover them, Bounce Curl’s Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream can be your best friend. This cream is designed to enhance curl definition while controlling frizz and providing lightweight moisture, making it perfect for those still figuring out their curl type and needs.
- It Can Be a Mental and Emotional Challenge
While the physical process of going natural with curly hair is often discussed, many people aren’t prepared for the emotional and mental challenges that come with it. Society has placed straight hair on a pedestal for years, making many of us feel our natural curls are less beautiful or acceptable. You may have to unlearn these negative perceptions when you embrace your natural curls.
It’s common to feel insecure or frustrated during the transition period, especially when dealing with multiple textures or struggling with styling. But the key is persistence. Your curls may not initially look "perfect," but that’s okay. Going natural is a personal journey; embracing your curls means embracing all parts of yourself, even the frizzy days.
Thankfully, many resources, from online communities to tutorials, are available to support you through the ups and downs of your natural hair journey.
- Natural Hair Requires Patience (and a Lot of Time)
Developing a natural hair care routine for curls can be time-consuming at first, but once you establish a rhythm with products that work for you, the process becomes much smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're taking down protective styles, detangling, or styling, you’ll need to carve out extra time in your schedule. The key is finding joy in the process and remembering that healthy curls are worth the effort.
Washing and styling your curls can sometimes take hours, and you may need to plan your day around your hair care routine. Air drying your curls can also take a long time, but a product like the Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream can help speed up the process by providing hold without weighing your hair down. This cream is beneficial for refreshing your curls on days two and three, allowing you to spend less time fussing over your hair.
As you continue to learn and experiment with your natural hair care routine, you’ll discover shortcuts and methods that work best for your curls. Patience is key, and consistency will help you see long-term results.
- Going Natural Hair Tips
Transitioning to natural hair requires patience and a deeper understanding of your unique hair type and how to care for it properly. Here are some essential tips that will help guide you through this transformative journey:
- Learn Your Hair Type: Understanding your hair type is essential to selecting the right products and techniques. Whether your hair is wavy, curly, or coily, each texture requires specific care. Knowing your hair type will also help you avoid frustration as you learn how your curls behave.
- Discover Your Hair’s Porosity: Hair porosity determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low-porosity hair, for instance, struggles to absorb moisture but holds onto it longer, while high-porosity hair absorbs moisture easily but loses it quickly. By learning your hair’s porosity, you can choose products that cater specifically to its needs, such as lightweight oils for low-porosity hair or rich creams for high-porosity hair.
- Embrace Consistency and Patience: A consistent routine is crucial for successful transitioning. From deep conditioning weekly to regular trims, sticking to a regimen helps your hair become healthier over time. Remember that results won’t happen overnight, so give your hair the time it needs to adjust and thrive.
- Protective Styles are Your Friend: Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns can give your hair a break from daily manipulation, reducing breakage and aiding in length retention. Just be mindful of tension, especially around your edges, to prevent unnecessary stress on your hair.
-Document Your Journey: Keeping a visual diary of your hair journey can be incredibly rewarding. Not only will it help you track your progress, but it will also serve as motivation during the tough days. Looking back at how far your curls have come can be a great way to celebrate your growth.
-Get a Haircut for Shape and Health: Trimming your hair regularly is essential to remove damaged or split ends, and it also helps your curls form a better shape as they grow out. A good cut can enhance your natural curl pattern and make styling easier, promoting healthier growth by reducing breakage.
Incorporating these natural hair tips into your routine can help you stay on track and make your natural hair journey a smoother and more fulfilling experience.
- Your Hair Will Become Your Crown
Despite the challenges, one of the most significant benefits of going natural with curly hair is the pride that comes with it. Natural curls are incredibly versatile, resilient, and beautiful. As you experiment with different styles and products, you’ll fall in love with your curls again.
From wash-and-gos to twist-outs, styling naturally curly hair allows you to express yourself creatively. Whether you prefer simple, low-maintenance looks or more elaborate protective styles, there's no limit to how you can wear your hair. Products like Bounce Curl’s Super Smooth Cream Conditioner provide the hydration and detangling properties necessary for easy styling. At the same time, the Turmeric Purifying Hair & Scalp Mask ensures your scalp stays healthy and clean.
With time, you’ll realize that your curls are a true reflection of who you are, and you’ll walk confidently with your natural hair as your crown.
Embrace the Journey and Watch Your Curls Thrive
Ultimately, the benefits of going natural with curly hair are worth the challenges. Going natural is a transformative experience that requires patience, commitment, and self-love. While it’s not always easy, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. From discovering your natural curl pattern to developing a healthy hair care routine, embracing natural curly hair is a journey toward self-empowerment.
With a well-rounded hair care routine and the proper techniques for styling naturally curly hair, you’ll fall in love with your curls all over again. And with the right products, like those from Bounce Curl, and a commitment to caring for your curls, you’ll find that natural hair isn’t just beautiful — it’s powerful. Start your journey today with these tips and see how your curls can truly shine.
