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Hello Beautiful!

You emailed me and as promised, I answered. Check out this week’s Ask Natalie Q&A. Keep the questions coming. Be sure to send them to DEAskNatalie@gmail.com. I love this stuff!

Greetings,

I have a question about my hair. It is natural and I have very curly textured hair. A few weeks ago I straightened my hair and now the back of my hair is all straight!! Is there a way to get my natural curl back without cutting my hair?? Thanks so much in advance! – Dionne

Hi Dionne,

This is a common challenge for women with natural hair. Sometimes heat, when applied too often or too high, can loosen the natural hair’s curl pattern and texture.  I suggest retraining your hair with a 2 Strand Twist Set using Design Essentials® Natural Defining Crème Gel. Shampoo, condition, and then twist your hair (while wet) in 1 inch sections using Natural Defining Crème Gel.  Sit under a hooded dryer until your hair is dry. Separate the twists and style as desired.  You’ll have a head of beautiful, textured hair!  For more definition, try wearing your twists as a style before separating them for a few days as well.  2 Strand Twists will allow a curl to form in the straight areas, and begin the process of getting your naturally beautiful curls back. You should also replenish the moisture level in your hair; Design Essentials Sulfate-Free Curl Cleanser and Moisturizing Conditioner will do just that. When straightening your hair in the future, be mindful of how much heat is being used.  Excessive heat can cause your hair to over stretch and remain permanently straight. – Natalie

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Hello!!

My name is Alexis and I have decided to wear my natural hair out for the summer (and maybe longer!).  I have been natural since about the age of 7, however, when I was younger I always had braids and since the 11th grade, I’ve had weaves 24/7.  There is no extensive damage done to my hair, seeing as my older sister is my hair stylist and has made sure that my edges were always healthy.  My main concern is what to do now?! I decided to leave it out for the summer because I would like my hair to become healthier.  While in its natural state it is thick (however I know it isn’t as thick as it could be), but if it gets flat ironed, it isn’t as full.  My hair also shrinks really fast when its wet.  My goal for this summer is to give my hair the nutrients it needs to become thicker and longer.  Do you have any ideas/hair care regimens that you think would work?? I appreciate you input and am looking forward to your response! -Alexis.

Hi Alexis,

It seems like your sister is doing an excellent job of making sure your natural tresses are maintained! I think it is great you decided to give your hair a break from braids and weaves.  Summer months can be challenging, so embracing your texture is the first step.  To maintain the integrity and health of your natural hair, use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners formulated for natural hair like Design Essentials Natural.  This suite of products contain natural ingredients like Jojoba, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Soy, and Almond Oil which nourish natural tresses. Since you’re concerned about your hair shrinking, you should try Design Essentials Natural Curl Stretching Cream when styling to help elongate your curls.  The 2 Strand Flat Twist Set will be a perfect style for you.  Refer to the DE Natural Step by Step Styling Guide if you need guidance on how to achieve this look. http://www.designessentials.com/Natural/Style%20Guide.aspx.  This style will stretch your curls and give you maximum fullness.  Remember, the smaller your sections, the tighter the finished look. Good Luck and let me know how it turns out. Natalie

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Blessings!

Recently, I’ve noticed I’m losing my hair and I’m concerned then I’m going to lose it all and I won’t be able to interview for a job, or be seen in the public eye. I’m also menopausal, just right in the beginnings, and it is really frightening to me. Being in the public eye is frightening. I am also looking for a better shampoo and conditioner I can use every 3 weeks when I wash my hair. I’ve been looking at the product called “I Am Care,” and considering the pudding…. I am also using root stimulator which was working and now I’m not sure. I just noticed that I’m really thinning. What can I do? What can you suggest? – Ashé

Hello Ashé,

I agree that being in the public eye can be very frightening and even more so when you are having hair challenges. There can be several reasons why your hair is thinning such as diet, hair regimen, medications, etc. I suggest visiting your dermatologist to determine what is causing the thinning. Once you get an answer then we can determine what regimen will work best for you and your hair. I have a few questions that will help me understand your hair challenges. Is your hair chemical-free (relaxers, permanent wave or color)? Are you noticing short or long strands shedding? What styles are you currently wearing? Is the thinning in a generalized area or throughout your entire head? Is there any history of this or any type of thinning in your family? I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to find a solution. – Natalie

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Natalie,

I’ve been natural for almost 2 years.  I am still trying to get the hang of it. I am at a lost on styles and products to put in my hair since I work in Corporate America and I try to look appropriate.  I find myself sticking with either putting it in a bun or a roller set. I don’t want permanent locs. I would like to know of more styles I could try. I also would like to just wash, dry and go without any rollers. My hair pattern is curly but there are spots that stay straight so I was wondering what to do with those pieces? Is there a product that I can purchase that will help not only keep my hair moisturized but also take care of the few pieces that don’t want to cooperate. Thanking you in advance for your reply. – Sincerely Jerlisa

Hello Jerlisa,

I must say, you are not alone in your search for an “appropriate, corporate natural style.”  Based on your description of your hair type and challenges, you will need to create styles that will place a curl or texture in your hair due to the straighter ends.  Styles such as 2 Strand Twist Sets of Flexi-Rod Sets are going to work best for you in order to maintain a neatly groomed look and encourage your ends to curl. You can wear the styles more conservative and neat for work, and then loosen the curls and fluff for a flirty weekend look. Increasing the moisture level in your hair will enhance and encourage the curls to reform as well. Drink lots water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to help hydrate your hair from the inside out. Also, try Design Essentials Natural Curl Cleanser and Moisturizing Conditioner to replenish the needed moisture and strength to your hair. You may not be able to wear wash and go styles until the curl formation is reformed.  But, I suggest trying to scrunch a curl enhancing product into the ends of your strands and use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to assist in curl formation on the ends. Best of luck and let me know how it turns out. – Natalie

Bye Beautiful!!

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