#naturalmanes

[naturalmanes]

Hi! I have been natural for almost 2 years and it’s been going great but, I still don’t know what my hair type is I know it’s not important but I don’t know how to figure it out. When I wash it I feel tight curls almost 4B like and even when it’s dry I can feel the tight curls but, when I put leave in conditioner as opposed to getting defined the curls start to separate and it looks almost 4c like.

hey! hair types can always be a mixture of several types, but from this it sounds like it’s mostly 4b. you’re measuring your natural hair type, and product tends to weigh down hair, thus making it look like another type. 

hope this helps!

[naturalmanes]

I just recently gave myself a big chop, my hair is super 4c. The front grows quickly, but everywhere else is super slow. I also have some defined curls but it’s only on certain spots. How do I grow my hair to the point where I can put it in protective styling and how do I define my curls and make my hair less tough and rigid?

i recently gave myself a big chop too! i’ve been defining my curls by doing a deep conditioning a lot more often (about every week now), but my hair is naturally super dry & very frizzy, so it doesn’t over moisturize it. other than deep conditioning, if my hair is looking rough in the morning, i spray it with a bit of water & coconut oil and work with it until it’s a little less of a mess lmao. as for growing your hair to the point where you can put it in protective styling, it’s recommended to have about 2 inches (stretched) if you’re getting a style with extensions, and enough hair to grip if you’re getting a style on just natural hair. the only piece of advice for growing hair is to stay diligent, keep your hair healthy, and keep it moisturized. plus, it doesn’t hurt that you visibly see a lot more growth once your hair is already short (it’s really encouraging if you’re trying to grow your hair out :)) !

good luck with your hair!

[naturalmanes]

🚿WASH DAY ROUTINE🚿

prepoo: a simple mixture of coconut oil, any conditioner, and a water. eyeball how much conditioner + oil seems appropriate for your hair amount, and mix until a smooth consistency, adding water as needed. spray hair down with water, section, and lather the mixture onto hair. place plastic cap for about an hour. untie/untwist and rinse.

washing: (i use Shea yucca and plantain shampoo, strongly recommend) lather shampoo close to roots of hair

detangling: slowly detangle while hair is still wet

deep conditioner: (i’ve been using Mielle organics babassu oil mint deep conditioner- smells & works gr8, but rlly overpriced) section hair into abt 4-6 pieces, or as many as appropriate. lather deep conditioner from roots to ends. twist hair, tie it up, and leave to sit under a plastic (or preferably heated !) cap for about 30 min - 1 hour (rlly doesn’t matter lol i’ve kept it in for longer). rinse thoroughly while finger detangling.

moisturize: wait until hair is not completely drenched, but still damp. work a moisturizer through hair (i use Cantu shea butter leave-in conditioning repair cream), paying special attention to the tips. seal off with coconut oil, braid, and you’re good to go!

I normally do this thing on a Sunday, and wind down/go to bed right after when my hair is not too wet.

Hope this helped!

- @naturalmanes

[naturalmanes]

The many stages of my 4c hair. @smilexualcherry-bombbb Instagram: @smilexual 🍒

[naturalmanes]

🔆beautiful bantu knots 🔆

[naturalmanes]

hello, hello!

first off, we’re past 700 followers here ?!?!

like wtf where did you all come from ?!?

(thank you sm tho !!!)

so i guess in honor of that, here’s 7 things abt myself:

1. my name is amarachi (i go by ama!)

2. my dad is from nigeria and my mum is from the philippines

3. i taught myself most of this natural hair stuff and learned the hard way

4. i have a burning love for my houseplants

5. im big gay

6. i play 5 instruments & sing

7. i write poetry and stories for fun

^ i just realize how boring i am lmao

thanks again!

[naturalmanes]

Any tips on growing natural hair I feel like mine only grows so far and stops. Also strengthening ends so they don't break off as well as preventing shedding

i feel ya with the hair feeling like it’s at the same length thing.

first off, (you’ve probably heard it a million times) stop using heat (make a commitment for maybe half a year, 1 yr, etc. if you rlly wanna see growth).

i would advise incorporating more moisturization products & having a daily routine of that (even if it’s just lightly combing and spraying/putting a leave in conditioner at night), as it really does make a difference. more moisturized hair breaks less easily, and won’t make it seem like your hair is the same length all the time.

^this kinda goes with strengthening ends too

using a deep conditioner once a week is actually super encouraging bc when you do it, your curls get super defined and you see the growth and ahh it’s just super motivating

and as for shedding, it’s gonna happen. the tips for minimizing breakage will help, but it’s mostly just keeping your hair healthy, protective styling, wearing satin caps, etc.

^my cousin tends to wear a satin cap all days that she doesn’t leave the house or expect anyone to come. her hair is normally in a low bun under the cap, so if anyone happens to come, she just pulls the cap off and stuffs it somewhere. this does help with the shedding I guess, but it’s mostly only if you’re spending the day home (she’s on maternity leave lol)

good luck growing your hair out!

[naturalmanes]

Yo I adore your blog!!! I'm half black half white myself, 14 and I'm ashamed to say it, but I'm really bad at taking care of my natural care. Having spent the past three years in a perm, it was only a year ago that I decided to go back natural. Now, I'm learning how to properly care for thick, 4C afro hair, and I'm a lot happier than I was a year ago!! So from one mixed girl to another, I love your tips, and your content!! 💓💓💓 stay cool!

thank you so much!! i had been relaxing and straightening my hair for so many years and had just started being natural a little over a year ago as well lol

i’m glad you’re happier, and good luck with your hair!