"The Five Commandments for Going Natural"

So you're thinking about going natural, or are currently transitioning, or even ready to BC but you're not sure what to do or what to use. Frustration is a good word to describe you right now; but it doesn't have to be. I can't remember what magazine I was reading, I took a picture of the page because I was at work and couldn't take the magazine out the break room, but anyway, I was reading an article about the five basic commandments for natural hair and thought it would be great to share. I see on twitter and fb that so many ladies are BC'ing because they want to start a new year, with a new natural look. My add-ons are in italics, solely my two-cents.

1. Manage Your Mane- Condition, detangle, moisturize, trim. This is your new style mantra. And make your transition that much easier by working with a pro who is well versed with natural hair. [I highly recommend finding a local natural hair stylist. If that's not an option for you, get on twitter and ask questions. There are a lot of stylists that are willing to help and advise from a distance. Just ask, they're under the #naturalhair hashtag.]

2. Choose Protective Styles- If the hair is put away in braids, twists, and coils, it's less likely to break from the friction of daily combing and brushing, pillow cases and so forth. [Right now,the winter is really wreaking havoc on much of the US and Canada, so protective styling is a must. Also, don't forget to seal your ends with oils such as coconut, sweet almond, and jojoba.]

3. Change Your Shampoo- Your regular shampoo is full of sulfates that strip our already-dry hair of essential oils. Choose creamy, sulfate-free shampoos instead. [I, personally, am a no/low poo girl. I only shampoo about 3 times a year. Most of my products are all natural and don't cause build-up. Plus I don't use a lot of products but oils and shea butter. However, when I do shampoo, I go for Sulfate-Free (NO SLS) products. My favorite to use is the Mixed Chicks Shampoo.]

4. Jump in 100%- Some think natural hair could hurt their career or love life; other think it means you're political or spiritual. This process isn't about anyone else but you. So stick to it. [I agree totally. I hear so many people say that their family, loved-one, or friends don't support them...so!? This is about you, about your personal choice.]

5. Straighten On Occasion- Excessive straightening can compromise your curl pattern, leaving some parts of the hair straight, some parts curly. If springy curls are your goal, keep the heat to a minimum. [Okay 2 quick points: 1. Deciding to not straighten your hair doesn't guarantee springy curls, if that's not your hair pattern, it's not gonna happen anyway & 2. I'm at 19mths post BC and have only straighten my hair once. After about 3hrs, I missed my curls. Straight hair just isn't versatile enough for my personality. With that said, I was lucky (so to speak) to not have any heat damage but please believe me it's real and it's a chance you take every time to apply direct heat.]

I hope this was of some help to you. I LOVE feedback so feel free to add on to other points you think should be mentioned. Or if you disagree, I'd love to hear from you.