what to do with natural shoulder-length afro hair?

Question

i have thick afro hair which is pretty hard to manage... probably due to the thickness =/ but i wanna get a new look for a new college. I would love to perm it and make it curly and cute, but im stuck for ideas =D im not too keen on a relaxer thoo, i would prefer to keep the thickness of an afro if ever, just makd it curly and manageable maybe... please help out!!

Answer 1

find a stylist(like me!!!) specializes in natural hair..where you wouldn't have to opt for a relaxer...they can get your hair straight and you would be able to wear your hair anyway you want...leave the relaxer alone...good luck

Answer 2

I use a lye relaxer (in fact much better results than no-lye, no-lye relaxers use other chemicals which are as bad anyway) and my hair is nice and thick (I don't do it "bone straight" though, but the curl is very loose), if I want it sleek and straight I blow dry it and/or use my straighteners, or i can rollerset it or use an electric curler for well defined curls. Whatever you decide, think about it cause a Natural can be a hassle to detangle and style, but relaxers can wreck your hair and then you really have to pamper it to keep it healthy and avoid shedding.

Maybe you should have a chat with a good stylist, expert in afro-hair? She'll be able to advise and inform you about all the options.

Answer 3

Hm, tough, cos the best way to make ur hair easily manageable is to perm it. I guess u could try using curly hot irons- maybe they can straighten them, there are different types of relaxers tho. U need to be sure tho cos it's not easy going back to ur natural hair after u ve permed it. perming ur hair wiv relaxer isn't too big deal though, apart from ur having to retouch it every other month or so. Good luck wiv da new look though.

Answer 4

I Straighten Mine. i'm mixed So my Hair Is comfortable. i admire to Get the desirable Braided specifically circumstances And enable all of it carry close back. you additionally can try putting It In A Sloppy Pony. Or Braid Your Hair yet go away adequate so as that way you are able to make A Poof. from now on Qustions Ask

Answer 5

I'm natural and my hair is a few inches past shoulder length in a Afro. don't relax your hair and let me tell you this about natural hair it need moisture and a wide tooth comb, this will help detangle it. oil isn't moisture and when you go to sleep always put it in two plaits or one and this will make it soft for the next day.
a good moisturiser is Jamaican Mango & Lime Mango Shea Butter Lotion, trust me you can use it in your hair i do.

for a new style you can try using flexi rods and have flexi rods curls
http://www.healthyhaircenter.com/index2.html( you have to scroll down to try how it looks.

if you can't to it your self you can go to the salon and get it pressed, flat-ironed or get a dominican blow out.

here is some sites to help with your hair
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/default.asp
http://motowngirl.com/content/

good luck.
and have paitience natural hair can take a while to understand and even if you had it your whole life there is lots to learn and lots you can do with it

also you can flat iron your hair and have it straight
here is a forum thread which have on natural ladies that flat iron their hair and you can get some ideas from it
this is the link
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=76530

Answer 6

DO NOT RELAX YOUR HAIR, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE COLOR IN IT!!! TOO MANY CHEMICALS WILL MAKE YOUR HAIR FALL OUT OR BREAK OFF!!! MY SUGGESTION, USE A REALLY REALLY GOOD CERAMIC FLAT IRON, GREASE YOUR SCALP, PUT A LITE PRESS TO IT, AND USE A FLAT IRON FOR FINISHING TOUCHES, I DO THIS TO MY FREINDS HAIR, AND I KEEP HER ENDS TRIMMED, ALSO USE A GOOD SHAMPOO AN CONDITIONER, LIKE DUDLEYS, I GO TO DUDLEYS COSMETOLOGY UNIVERSITY SO I WOULD KNOW! BUT DO NOT RELAX YOUR HAIR, TRY TO KEEP IT AS NATURAL AS POSSIBLE! IF THIS DOESNT WORK TRY TWO STRANDS WITH CORNROWS IN THE FRONT, OR SOME TYPE OF NATURAL STYLE, DO SOME RESEARCH ON THIS WEBSITE.....

Answer 7

Ok the best way to easily manage our hair in its natural state is not relaxing it. the whole puff thing is very in right now and you can easily dress it up with a silk scarf or something. Try going to www.motowngirl.com for hair styles for natural hair

Answer 8

Have a good perm and keep it nice and curly. I think Mel B has nice hair, when she kept it curly.

Answer 9

rite then ... get hair strightners or go to the hairdressers and ask for tips ... mabey wear a headband ... OR MABEY JUST DO WHAT U LIKE ... your way is the best way .

good look hun x

Answer 10

http://www.motowngirl.com

she has long/thick afro hair and pictures also links to others