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The Secret to Managing Naturally Curly, Coily, or Kinky Hair

2/26/2019

Becoming a product junkie, taking too much time to wash and style, not knowing your curl pattern, mastering length retention are all concerns that curly, kinky and coily girls have had at some point in their natural hair journey.

Yes these are all valid concerns. Yes this journey can feel overwhelming at any point, whether you’re transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, or if you recently big chopped or if you’re at year five in your hair journey.

I transitioned for 11 months and then big chopped with approximately five inches of my luscious curls. No matter where you are in you’re journey there are some tips and techniques that should be included in your natural hair regimen.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Reniece, a hair stylist who specializes in natural hair and growing natural hair using protective styling, at her salon Reniece & Company, based in Rockville, MD. I observed her working with a client’s hair, and got to pick her brain on a number of topics which concern naturalistas.

It's All about Control

Throughout our Q&A the word control came up frequently. Here are a few of the topics we discussed and Reniece’s insights.

What’s your advice for ladies who feel like natural hair care takes too much time?

Build a regimen that works specifically for you. Don’t treat your natural hair the same way as you did your relaxed hair. Take steps to stay in control of your curly hair. Your wash day can be therapeutic. The key is to master your own hair. You may require some help from a hair care professional to get you started.

Which is more important: technique or product?

Technique. There is so much you can do with basic water and oil from your kitchen so products aren’t everything. However the two [technique & product] can balance well together in the base work of your regimen. Helpful tip: Be sure to use a pre-treatment like a pre-cleanse if you are having trouble with your products. The pre-treatment will help give you more control with your hair. A prepoo oil treatment, on sectioned hair, can aid in detangling.

So, should a natural’s regimen include a prepoo?

The prepoo can be a major plus for all naturals to help nurture their hair more. It helps with the removal of shed hair. The prepoo should be in conjunction with sectioning the hair and braiding if needed. Removing the shed hair prior to washing will give naturals more control of their hair during the washing stage.

Learn More About How I Use Pre-poo in My Regimen

How often do you recommend a trim?

You should trim as needed based on your regimen. Meaning, how often one is manipulating their hair. Also consider what your growth rate and deterioration rate is. Dusting can really be utilized so as not to take off too much. Dusting trims can be every two months to help your hair stay ahead of split ends.

The secret to your natural hair concerns such as length retention, transitioning from relaxed to natural and everything in between is get control of your hair.

I, for one, completely agree with Reniece, as I have seen in my own experiences that my hair thrives most when I have a structured regimen that I stick with. This regimen gives me control of my hair. Consequently I use less products, see the health of my hair maintain or return (if I’ve been neglecting it) and witness the length retention that I am seeking.

What are some ways that you can take control of your hair in your regimen?

That's Cynthia's Mindset on the Secrets to Managing Curly, Coily, or Kinky Hair.

Be sure to share your mindset in the comments below and share this post.
Remember to keep a live and learn mindset!

I would like to thank Reniece for generously sharing her time and expertise. If you’re in the Maryland/DC area be sure to check her out. Follow her on Instagram.

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