1st Year: Natural Hair Journey
My natural hair journey started almost a year ago and it’s been quite the ride. Curly Hair Daze did my big chop (June 2019) and she told me it would still be weeks, even months, until I would start to see my true curl pattern. And she was right.
After a few washes with my new hair, I could slowly see how it was changing. My curls and coils were starting to clump together (I have 2 maybe even 3 textures) and my hair was slowly starting to look more defined. Once I was rocking my natural hair, I was like, “What the hell do I do now!?”. I still didn’t really know how to manage it.
The transitioning phase required a lot of patience (for me personally) and this was true even after my big chop. The journey of finding products that worked well with my hair (and with each other) was exhausting, but I tried to look at it like it was a process of elimination. Like I was one step closer to finding my magic combo. I had several, and I mean several, failed wash days, failed twist outs, and failed wash and go’s. This was trial and error at it’s finest.
It wasn’t until recently that I discovered a product combo that gave me the results I was looking for. Finally, light at the end of the tunnel! I started experimenting with As I Am products and did a twist out and wash and go that I loved (also used foam by Jane Carter Solution for both looks).
Twist Out Products:
Wash And Go Products:
- As I Am Leave In Conditioner
- As I Am Curly Jelly
- Jane Carter Solution Wrap & Roll Foam
- As I Am DoubleButter Cream
This wash and go started off defined and after a few days the curls kept getting softer and softer (which I loved). It took me a few sets to understand how much product to use for my hair type. There were times I used way too much product and other times I didn’t use enough. But I will say my hair has to be completely soaking wet while I am applying product to help eliminate frizz. I also used some Eco Gel (Argan Oil) for areas where I have coarser texture and I need a bit more hold.
Embracing my natural hair has been such an empowering and amazing journey for me. I encourage all my readers who are on their own natural hair journeys to find joy in the process. Because the end result will be absolutely beautiful =).
What are your current product obsessions?
LL
Your hair is gorgeous! So happy that you’re feeling more confident in your curls.
chia
Hi there,
You are too kind- thank you! Everyday I love them more and more. Of course there are days where frustration takes over, but that’s part of the journey!
-Chia
Cherokee
I loved this post because you’re so honest about what it really means to be natural-finding the right products, changing them up, getting in the groove of what it means to be natural etc. I went back natural in 2014 (without doing a big chop at once) and it’s a major journey FOR SURE. As always, I love your posts so thank you Chia! ❤️
chia
Cherokee,
Thank you for reading. “Getting in the groove” is such an accurate way to describe the natural hair journey. Congratulations on YOUR journey.I love that we can all inspire each other, support one another and share stories. Feel free to share some products or tips that have worked for you =)
-Chia
Janae'
It took me four years to figure out what my hair liked! Lazy natural over here… My go to products are Shea butter and aloe Vera juice.
chia
Hi Janae!
I believe it! It’s a delicate process I tell ya! Love shea and aloe vera juice. Can’t go wrong with that =)
Thanks for reading!
-Chia
Tiarra
I love iiiiiit!!!
chia
Thank Yooooou!
Cristina
Hi Chia,
I started my transition a year ago and I am still trying different products. I didn’t know about these products until I read your blog. Will certainly give it a try. Thanks !
chia
Cristina,
There are so many products I discover by reading blogs or following other curly accounts on socials. It’s hard to keep up with them all! If you end up purchasing, I hope you love it!
-Chia
Madeling
I’m going to buy these products ASAP! I did the natural hair journey years ago and worked with sheamoisture so my hair Was gooorgeous & grew below waist length while curly, and down my back when stretched. Then I bleached it and it broke off, now I’m starting all over again! 😩 your product post is inspiring!! Thanks Chia
chia
Hi there!
Thank you for your comment. I truly love these products, they have worked wonders for me and hope they will for you too! Oh noooo, I’m sorry to hear about the breakage, BUT at least you know exactly how to get back to that gorgeous hair!
Good luck!
Chia
bre
thank you for sharing. I didn’t know about your natural hair journey until i saw a recent video with you and decided to check out your website. I just started transitioning earlier this year and appreciate all your tips and openness ! I also don’t even really remember what my natural curl pattern is either but I’m excited to re discover it 😀 keep the good work
chia
Bre,
Thank you for stopping by Just Peachy! I am happy to hear you found some useful on my blog. Annd biiiig congrats on your natural hair journey, it can be filled with ups and downs but so worth it in the end!
Stay strong curlfriend!
Chia