Hair Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

1. What does "transition" mean?
   Transition is the period of time in which you decide to stop relaxing your hair to having 100% natural hair.
    
2. What does it mean to "stretch" the hair?
   It is using a certain method or a product that will stretch the hair out so it dries with more length.
    
3. What is "Natural"?
   Natural means you have 100% unrelaxed hair or hair that is free of chemicals that are used to alter the texture of your hair.
    
4. What is "no poo" ?
   This is the "no shampoo method" of hair care in which you would use conditioner instead of a traditional shampoo.  This is a popular method with natural hair because traditional shampoos tend to dry out the hair. 
    
5. Is protein bad for natural hair?
   It can be.  Depending on the condition of your hair, too much protein can cause your hair to be brittle.
    
6. Can I reverse my relaxer and have natural hair?
   No. A relaxer is a permanent process and you will have to cut the relaxed hair off.
    
7. Am I still natural with a texturizer ?
   No, this is a type of relaxer which contains chemicals.
    
8. What is "shrinkage"?
   The amount of coil your hair has will cause it to shrink up when it dries.
    
9. Do split ends have to be cut off?
   Yes.  Hair that is split can't be fused together.  Split ends must be cut off.
    
10. Should I use grease on my hair?
    NO.  Grease coats the hair to make it appear shiny, but it actually keeps moisture out.  This is a petroleum based product that could prevent the scalp from breathing.
     
11. What does Apple Cider Vinegar do for the hair?
    ACV acts on the cuticle of the hair, closing it and making the hair smooth and imparting sheen.
     
12. How often should I use a deep conditioner?
    A deep conditioner should be used at least every two weeks.
    However, if you find your hair to be dry, brittle, and/or damaged deep
    conditioners can be used more frequently until hair is healthy.
     
13. Can I use adult products in my children’s hair?
    Shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and deep conditioners designed
    to care for natural hair are often fine for both adult and children’s hair.
     
14. My daughter’s hair is so tangled in the morning. How can I avoid this
    teary fight?
    In order to eliminate morning tangles, it is advised to do a CO wash
    at night. After rinsing out the conditioner, add a generous amount of leavein
    conditioner and comb out tangles with a wide-tooth comb. If possible, it
    is a good idea to braid the hair and sleep on a satin pillowcase.
     
15. Will using heat to occasionally straighten my hair affect my natural curl
    pattern?
    No, but remember that excessive heat may lead to split ends and
    breakage. If you occasionally straighten your hair, be sure to use products
    that will help maintain the health of your hair.
     
16. My hair is very curly. How can I get a decent cut?
    Curlies should always choose a stylist who is experienced at cutting
    curly hair. Talk to your stylist about cutting your hair on an angle to help
    maintain the health and volume of your hair.
     
17. What are some ideas to help me transition?
    Some people decide to get a “big chop” when they are ready to
    wear their hair in its natural state. For those who are not comfortable with
    such a drastic change, some options are braids, twists, cornrows, straws
    sets, or rods.
     
18. What is a straw set?
    This is a curl-forming technique in which the hair is set on drinking
    straws. Many “transitioners” like this curl-forming technique because curls
    
    can be maintained for up to two weeks.