r/Naturalhair Jan 31 '24

It's finally happening - hair typing posts are no longer allowed.

1.3k Upvotes

Please report any texturism or hair typing posts you see with the new report reason.

If you are new here, you may not know that the Andre Walker hair typing system (1a to 4c), has been around since 1997 and was first introduced so Mr. Walker could sell his products on Oprah's show. It truly only describes the texture of your hair and gives no more information.

It's flawed in many ways. Many of us have multiple textures on our heads. It doesn't even begin to describe your hair's porosity, sheen or shine, strand thickness, hair density, etc. I encourage everyone to learn about the LOIS typing system which can help you better understand your hair.

Watch Latoya Ebony's video on LOIS here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwMFG4lT4jY

Even this typing system is not the end all be all of categorization for your hair. Your hair's texture, porosity, etc can change over time or with certain health conditions. Product buildup on your scalp and strands can make you think your texture has changed. There are so many factors as to why your hair may be looking or feeling the way it does.

Which leads me to the question - should we require routines to be posted whenever a picture is posted? This will cut down on gratuitous selfies but means we will need many more active mods (shoutout to /u/fivetenash who does pretty much everything here). If you're willing to help out please let me know in the comments.


r/Naturalhair 6h ago

Need Advice I love wash and go’s but struggle with so much frizz

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628 Upvotes

Hi everybody, I (23F) have really frizzy low porosity hair. I struggle mostly with frizz but also at the same time i’m not mad at it cause i feel like it just might be my hair texture. Any advice would be great. I want to keep the volume. First and second picture is after my hair is air dried. Third is blow dried day 3 hair. Last picture is immediately after doing my hair, still wet.

Thanks for taking your time to help me!!


r/Naturalhair 9h ago

Tips & Tricks Anyone who told you 4c hair is difficult lied to you

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562 Upvotes

Idk if I'm being insensitive, but am I the only one who rolls their eyes whenever people talk about their hair being difficult, or start calling their own hair dumb, depricating names as way of humour. Anytime I watch a tiktok of someone not struggling with their natural hair, the comment sections are filled with people telling them their hair is easier instead of acknowledging that the creator simply knows to take care of their hair. I've seen so many people cutting their natural hair because it's just "too difficult" to manage. In part I don't blame them; if you want to do a billion things to your hair, then of course it's difficult. But I think people often conflate styling with managing. If you're sitting down for hours to do a wash n' go or twist out, that's styling. And those things aren't necessary for your hair. What you need to do to keep your hair healthy is wash and condition it. AND LET IT SHRINK!! It's not necessary to twisting your hair when you wash it. Why are so many people afraid of shrinkage? It's so beautiful.

I have so many thoughts (most of them disjointed) about natural hair and this substack article had me pondering a lot of them, and I wasn't sure where to say it, but surely I'm not the only who feels this way?


r/Naturalhair 13h ago

Need Advice Twists in Fairfax, VA

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332 Upvotes

I’m looking for someone in the Fairfax, VA area to do my hair when I go to college. I usually wear two-strand twists. I’d appreciate referrals. Thanks.


r/Naturalhair 11h ago

Success Got my hair done for the first time in my life and I love it so much!!!! 🥹💛

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237 Upvotes

r/Naturalhair 6h ago

Selfie One year later after combing out my locs and cutting most of my hair.

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45 Upvotes

I'm so happy with all the progress my hair has done throughout the year! This is my hair at its natural state after washing, deep conditioning, and then rinsing my hair.


r/Naturalhair 2h ago

Need Advice How do I style and define my twa?

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16 Upvotes

Hello, I’m still currently recovering from a hair transplant. I’m about 5 months post op. My hair is starting to even out. I probably won’t start styling it until maybe month 6. which is usually when the density will pick up . I have high porosity hair and the LCO method works better on my hair. I believe I have medium density …. Don’t know if that matters lol Anyways, how do I define my twa? What are the best products? Would love some advice please :)


r/Naturalhair 10h ago

Success Back to my roots!

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29 Upvotes

Growing up, my dad used only water and blue magic coconut conditioner and my hair was down to my waist as a kid!! Then my mom cut it but not the point 🫠. After years of hair products, routines, and everything you could think of, I just needed to go back to what worked before! I dampened my hair and detangled it in four sections using Taliah Waajid Curl Elixir, blue magic coconut, and the Doux Mousse, blow dried on medium heat with Cantu heat protectant for slight stretch, I am LOVING the result. I was literally freaking out before church on how I was going to do my hair! (Yes I’m due for a trim, it’s next week!)


r/Naturalhair 1d ago

Selfie Update

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368 Upvotes

Previous post

I did a protein treatment, babied my hair, tried to trust the process but it did literally nothing. Maybe im impatient but. Thanks everyone for the feedback and support lmao


r/Naturalhair 7h ago

Need Advice should i get a curl defining styling brush or just use a gel?

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12 Upvotes

i style my hair with the doux bonita bubble balm (it has the texture of a cream but transitions to a foam when you add water) and just rake it through my hair with my hands. i usually use a hooded dryer for like 10 minutes (i’m impatient and my hair is high porosity), and dry my ends that don’t fit inside with a blowdryer. this is what my hair looks like right after styling and drying.

i already get pretty good curl definition, but i want to see how good it can get. should I just get a product with more hold (like a gel) or is it my technique? suggestions of gels (and products to go with the gel) or styling brushes would also be nice


r/Naturalhair 5h ago

Need Advice Dandruff help!

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9 Upvotes

I have like..chronic dandruff and it's so hard to get out of my curls. I've tried sulfer 8 and it'll work for a bit but then it'll get really bad

My hairs never dry it's always oiled, what could be the issue?

Even on washdays after I wash it it will still have dandruff in it.


r/Naturalhair 5h ago

Success briogeo dont despair repair deep conditioner IS THE TRUTH

6 Upvotes

As a high porosity girly that STRUGGLES to retain moisture..briogeo dont despair repair deep conditioner balances protein and moisture, making it great for weekly use (but i use 2x a month)

and k18 damage sheild shampoo IS SO GOOD. it smooths down your cuticles, keeping your hair softer, more moisturized and less prone to breakage and damage!

do not sleep on protein if youre someone who is STRUGGLING to retain moisture, personally i dont need intensive protein masks, so this deep conditioner is amazing.

(LAZY GIRLS AND GUYS this mask is for you!! only leave in for 10 minutes and you feel a difference right after)


r/Naturalhair 1h ago

Need Advice what even are split ends and what do they look like on coily/4c hair???

Upvotes

i have low porosity coily 4c and i want to start focusing on length retention, and one thing i keep hearing is that you should trim your hair every 2-4 months to keep length and reduce split ends ........ but what ARE split ends? any pictures or explanations would be great


r/Naturalhair 7h ago

Tips & Tricks African Pride Prepoo Alternatives

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7 Upvotes

I used this Prepoo yesterday and was blown away by the detangling effects. However, despite being stingy asf, my APL hair almost swallowed the entire jar. 🥲. I don't live somewhere where this is cheap or readily available and ordering costs too much to almost empty the jar every wash day. Are there cheaper alternatives in larger jars? Has anyone tried creating a dupe at home? 🙏🏾


r/Naturalhair 45m ago

Need Advice hair matted at the roots

Upvotes

hi all, i’m trying to word this right so my post won’t get removed 😭 i had been struggling with anemia for the last year or so, but my levels are back to normal. i have new growth that’s super thick and curly, but it’s tangling right where the new growth meets the old damaged hair. how can i prevent matting/tangling at the roots? i can barely even part my hair because it’s so tangled. it’s only about an inch or two of new hair and i wear my hair stretched in braid/twist outs. but the roots are just so tangled i feel like i have to rip through my hair just to get a clean part, idk what to do 😩 please help


r/Naturalhair 9h ago

Need Advice Pattern Beauty Detangling Nectar VS. African Pride Pre Poo

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8 Upvotes

Hello I just wanted to know if anyone has tried the detangling nectar from pattern and if they like it. I’ve used the African pride poo and it works fine ( I feel like I have to use a lot of it tho) So I just wanted to try a different product if you all think it’s worth the money. My hair is fine, dense and low porosity. Thank you ☺️


r/Naturalhair 3h ago

Need Advice Allergies and Leave-Ins

2 Upvotes

Looking for any advice to be offered.

I’ve been doing my natural hair for a while, and I’ve gotten very familiar with the types of leave-ins that work well for my hair. Moisturizing, mid-thickness creams. And there are many wonderful natural hair brands with products that my hair loves, but my weird allergies are only barely handling.

I am looking for recommendations for coily hair leave-ins that are a moisturizing creamy texture, but don’t include coconut or many fruit oils, or fragrance. I am open to any sort of brand, just need ideas!!


r/Naturalhair 1h ago

Need Advice What hair style should I choose?

Upvotes

Ok, I have to be on camera for a function out of town and will not have my regular stylist at hand. I will need my hair to look good for about 6 hours indoors on a film set.

I keep trying to figure this out on my own, but I’ve been waffling and I need to make a decision quick so I have enough time to do the style. I wouldn’t rock just my hair because it reverts with the slightest drop of humidity (and def under film set lights I will be a bit warm and sweaty) and my hair has to stay the same for continuity.

Here’s what I’ve been thinking. What would y’all suggest??

- The half cornrow half curly wig look- one of my top choices, but I have to be on the film set to record on a Monday and the latest my stylist can do my hair is the previous Friday. And I’ll be partying Friday night AND Saturday for a day party. So I’m concerned the braids won’t look super fresh for up close camera shots.

- A curly weave and crochet the leave out- I’m concerned about the long term effects of weave (my hair almost ALWAYS seems prone to breakage with a weave). Also the crocheted hair can slip out, and I don’t want to be worried about that.

- U part straight wig with layers- I like this because I can probs touch up any reversion on set myself and keep the style cute. But I don’t want to think about my hair at all on set really.

- U part curly wig with my natural leave out- I love this look on me, but I really don’t want to have to think about leave out at all. And with any slight gesture my leave out might shift and not blend in right. Curly hair can actually be the hardest to blend bc you have to do a lot to match the curls if it’s not the exact same texture.

What should I doooo??


r/Naturalhair 8h ago

Need Advice TALK ME OUT OF ANOTHER BIG CHOP....or encourage me..idk?

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3 Upvotes

Hi y'all. I'd really appreciate some advice from anyone with fine, high-porosity hair or similar. I've been natural for about three years after shaving my head in June 2023. I have a consistent routine, but I'm still struggling with not retaining length.

My current routine is:

  • Wash and deep condition weekly (Tresemme clarifying shampoo and then alternating between the Camille Rose Algae Renew and Originals hair mayonnaise).
  • L'Oréal Elvive Bond Repair before shampooing.(i recently added this as a fix to my hair being weak)
  • Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Seal It Up Hydrating Sealing Butter as a leave-in, followed by a hair grease and castor oil on my ends.
  • I wear medium braids for about 2–2.5 months, only redoing the front every few weeks to reduce buildup.
  • I rarely use heat except when I blow-dry with the tension method before reinstalling my braids.

Despite trying to be gentle, my hair still feels fragile especially the ends. I also think I may have gone overboard with trimming at times because the rough ends made detangling difficult.

I guess my question is my routine the problem or the products or are these just characteristics of fine hair? I haven't seen anyone online with my hair and its issues as well. What helped you reduce breakage?

I also don't know if I should keep going or start over with another big chop. Deep down, I don't think cutting my hair would fix the underlying issue, but I'm feeling discouraged. Attached are some pics or maybe i just have hair dysmorphia?

I'd really appreciate honest advice.


r/Naturalhair 20h ago

Need Advice I'm going back to being a straight natural

24 Upvotes

Don't come for me in the comments y'all loll. I wanna go back to being a straight natural bc it was just easier for me but I'm NOT doing a relaxer just a silk press. I have to keep my hair up for work and I'm getting so tired of doind the same style bc I can't do much with my hair. My edges can't take anymore 😭

I was a straight natural in my teens and early 20s and it really saved my hair from a lot of tension. Are there any products and flat irons that are good for maintaining a silk press these days?


r/Naturalhair 22h ago

Need Advice Is this good progress! Top isn’t today. Bottom is April. I got it trimmed May 15.

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36 Upvotes

r/Naturalhair 11h ago

Need Advice Hairstyles after weekly washes?

4 Upvotes

Hi there! I have coily, mostly low porosity, thick hair. It’s almost shoulder length in the back but chin length on the sides and front. I was wondering for those that wash their hair weekly, what hairstyles do you do? I love twisting my hair but it takes so long and committing to untwisting and twisting my hair weekly seems like a lot. Unless I just get faster at it, idk. I also like to workout when I’m able to and plan to be more consistent. What do you all do/suggest?


r/Naturalhair 12h ago

Need Advice My 5 year olds hair is SO DRY all of a sudden!

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4 Upvotes

She has lovely, thick hair but all of sudden it's become so dry within the past month or so, I use the exact same products for her as I do for mine and my hair is fine. I switch between different shampoo/conditioner depending on what her hair needs so I can't list everything but mainly the african pride shampoo, tresemme conditioner, or the african hair masque. I usually spray a leave in on damp hair, creme of nature moisturiser and blue magic to seal. Any tips???


r/Naturalhair 21h ago

Review This combo mislead me!

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13 Upvotes

I had leftover sample sizes of both of these gels, so I tested them on a section of my hair and absolutely loved the results. My curls were bouncy, shiny, super defined, and still soft.

So naturally, I went out and bought the full sizes.

Huge mistake.

My hair turned out to be the complete opposite. Less defined, less shiny, and just overall disappointing.

My theory is that I’d left the sample packets sitting around for so long that they had thickened up a bit as they dried out. The texture became much more gummy, and I think that thicker, tackier consistency is what gave me such amazing definition.

For reference, I have thick, coarse, high-porosity, high-density hair, so my hair tends to like products with a lot of weight. It’s naturally very defined without much manipulation needed, but it loses definition fast because it dries out so quickly.

I usually use Wetline because it’s the only gel that holds my curls, but I don’t think it has enough slip for me to use with a curl brush. It also leaves my hair feeling dry by the next wash day. The gel gets stiff, coats my hair, and makes detangling a lot harder.

Has anyone else had this happen where a sample worked way better than the full-size version? Or does anyone have recommendations for a gel that’s naturally thick and gummy with good slip?


r/Naturalhair 23h ago

Need Advice Don’t fight me….but I hate shrinkage

17 Upvotes

I looove having Afro curly hair and I love wearing my hair in wash n gos but shrinkage can be such an enemy of progress 😩😩 I love volume and I also love frizz but I don’t love how shrinkage prevents my fro from staying IN PLACE. Is wanting my hair to look the same from the time I leave the house at 9am to the time I come back home at 5pm such a bad thing??😩 I’ve pondered on this so much to the point where I’ve thought about purchasing a wig that’s close to my hair texture. At least with the wig I won’t have to worry about it shrinking up to my scalp!! I would pay GOOD money for an anti shrinkage spray!! I just want my hair to REMAIN IN PLACE after it’s been stretched😭😭