Many naturals have multi-textured hair, which can be a real struggle. I am in this category.
My biggest issues with my multi-textured hair were detangling and styling–mastering patience, technique, product selection, and application were the key elements for keeping my hair healthy. These things also helped to avoid frustration.
How to identify if you have multiple textures
Ask yourself these questions.- Do different sections of your hair require different products?
- Does the level of ease for combing and detangling fluctuate throughout your hair?
- Do you have visibly varying curl patterns?
If this sounds familiar, you are a multi-textured natural! Welcome to the club.
Detangling hair that has 2 or more curl patterns can cause a lot of breakage. If so, give these tips a try and see how having multi-textured hair can actually be hassle-free.
1. Divide & Conquer. Dampen your hair and work in sections. Be sure to divide the hair in sections according to the texture. Never comb your hair through without separating it into sections first.
2. Keep it separated. When pre-pooing, washing, conditioning, moisturizing and styling always do this in sections. As you complete working with a section always braid or twist it to avoid unnecessary tangling.
3. Pre-pooing is a must. Multi-textured hair is prone to tangling and tearing. Pre-pooing with an oil or conditioner provides your hair with much needed lubrication. Be sure to remove shed hairs while applying your pre-poo. I find that pre-pooing with oils and butters work much better than conditioner for me. I spray my hair with water then apply Budding Butter Treat to it overnight and cleanse it in the morning. This makes wash day a breeze. You will notice that your hair will love oils and butters as part of your regimen too.
4. Learn how to select and apply products. Product application can be tricky. After cleansing the hair, follow up with a leave in that will not weigh down your hair. Lightweight moisturizing leave in conditioners and penetrating oils are wonderful for keeping all of the hair hydrated. Areas that are denser or have more highly textured hair usually require thicker product application (can be a bit more heavy-handed”>. Layering products using the LCO or LOC method will result in more predictable results.
5. Styling can vary. For wash-and-gos, banding, twist outs, braid outs, flexi-rod sets, roller-sets and bantu knot-outs are tried and true go-to styling options for blending multiple textures. Try out variations of these styles.
6. Nighttime routine seals the deal. Moisturize and protect your hair nightly. If you do not need any moisture just been sure to always wear a bonnet, scarf or use a pillowcase (these items should be satin or silk”>. It is a great way to protect your hair, preserve a style and reduce the amount of product you may need to use to refresh the style in the morning.
