My Natural Hair (Pics)

MixedGirl said:

So, if any of you know of me you'll know im a straightened natural. Because of this, as soon as I wash my hair I somehow stretch it meaning I rarely actually see my curly hair!

So here are some pictures!

I was wondering, what is my texture?
What natural / heat free styles should I try?
What do you guys recommend?

Also does my hair look MBL yet?

I'd love to wear my curly hair out but honestly, im scared! So any advice would be great

My ends look thinner because I have layers!

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curlycrocheter said:

You're definitely MBL! Are you open to wash n go's? I think your hair would look fabulous in a wash n go!

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MixedGirl said:

Thanks!
Can I just clarify what a wash and go is?
Literally washing then leaving?

I dont think I can really do them?
Like does the weather make a difference, because my hair takes AGES to dry and its always rainy and cold in England. Especially in my cold university house!

Thanks for the advice

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Froreal3 said:

Love your hair! It's very healthy and shiny. Why do you always wear it straight? Your curls are beautiful.

As for your questions:
1. Your curl pattern looks 3b/3c. Not too sure of your texture. It doesn't look like cottony 3b...more silky.
2. I'm not too good on styles. My go tos are twists and braids (regular and flat twists/cornrows). You can probably do lots of cute styles with rollers, buns, pinned up styles (if you're into psing). You can do twist outs and braid outs as well. You can also browse youtube for 3b hairstyles.
3. It looks MBL from that angle to me! If you aren't MBL, you probably only have less than an inch to go.

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curlycrocheter said:

My siggy is a wash n go. But I never just "wash n go" I apply either some oil or something to give it moisture.

It's winter in Michigan, so I wrap my hair in a tshirt to absorb most of the moisture, then I hit it with a quick blow dry, just to make sure i don't have a wet head.

You look like you have a similar texture to mine. My hair takes all day & then some to dry.

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curlycrocheter said:

I'm totally style challenged. Wearing my hair straight 95% of the time results in LOTS of buns.

I've been scouring youtube, instagram, & tumblr for inspiration & tutorials. So far I've done 2 successful flat twist outs. I feel like I've really accomplished something lol!

I think your hair would look great in "out styles".

One thing I'm learning fast is the same products don't work for my straight hair that work for my curly hair. It really is like starting a whole new HHJ

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Bozcurls said:

For some style ideas, try this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weN-BOknJS8

A decent diffuser would be a good investment. It allows you to dry your hair without bothering the curl pattern. It takes a few attempts to get the hang of it, but I used this video to learn how to diffuse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYTgTEOz_Q

I'd say your MBL too. I'm excited for you.

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manter26 said:

If you want to wear a wng in cold weather...wash your hair in the evening and diffuse it (on low heat) or let it airdry. Put it in a high ponytail (called a pineapple) to preserve the curls for the next morning. Once you find the right products, a wng can last up to a week for some people.

You should search YT for advice on products and styling your hair type (3b/3c). There are a ton of women with a similar curl pattern. Braid outs and twist outs are a great option too.

A few YTers (with a range of hair types):
SunKissAlba
RendevousWithRemedy
1Ballerina
Summer Kelsey

ETA: Your hair looks good how you have it in the pics. You can wear it just like that. Just type it up at night so the style lasts through the week.

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BostonMaria said:

OMG your hair is so pretty. What is there to be afraid of?

You're probably a 3B/3C

You could put it in a ponytail and just slick back the front with some black gel. If I were you I'd apply some Eco Styler gel and let the curls just hang. If you want ideas go on YouTube.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

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MixedGirl said:

Thanks, well i spose I live in a white community so dont know how people would react!

Thanks i'll have a look.

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Tibbar said:

Sweetheart, wear your beautiful hair for YOU -- don't worry about what other people think...:blowkiss:

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larry3344 said:

Hello MixedGirl your hair is very pretty and for someone that straightens as much as you do your hair looks quite good. As for wearing curly, there is wealth of info on youtube especially on styles that you can do with your curly hair to make yourself more comfortable to wear your culrs. You nothing to be ashamed or scared about. Good luck !

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Whimsy said:

Your hair looks great. I'd say you're MBL!

Wash n gos, braidouts, twistouts, bantu knot outs, high bun, puff...
You can do anything!

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MixedGirl said:

Thanks!
Can I just clarify what a wash and go is?
Literally washing then leaving?

I dont think I can really do them?
Like does the weather make a difference, because my hair takes AGES to dry and its always rainy and cold in England. Especially in my cold university house!

Thanks for the advice

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MixedGirl said:

Thanks, well i spose I live in a white community so dont know how people would react!

Thanks i'll have a look.

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Shadiyah said:

Girl you are mbl and on your way to wl not far from the curve I see of your waist.

girl you can rock a wash n go. just do it at night and you don't have to wet your hair every day. find a product that you like and go for it. even if you will pin it up after it dries. you need to start training your curls they look great but you want the top of your hair to look curly and not straight.

you don't have to run out and start buying a whole lot of products just start out with what you have there which would be your conditioner. use the conditioner as your styling product right now until you train your curls and get them moisturized. you take the conditioner and put it back in your hair just like you would do gel. and scrunch it and let it air dry. you can do this like every week and you can wear your hair back in a band or in a ponytail or any style it don't have to be out all the time on those days when you think it don't really look right to you put it up but your hair would still be curly.

oh I forgot to tell you make sure that you seal your ends with a oil while it is wet and just remember do not put a comb in your hair our you will end up with frizz. finger do everything and just let it be do not touch it until it is completely dry.

you will get the hang of it and you will find it is easier to take care of because you don't have to worry about your hair getting wet or anything like that.

I am afraid of straighten my hair. lol

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Shadiyah said:

what the heck do they have to do with it. please they maybe mad that they can not get their hair like that they have to flat iron all the time lol I know you are young but please never go by what you think others are going to feel be you and be proud to be you and if they don't like it then they were never your friend in the first place. don't let them make you feel like you have to be like them to get along with them.

chin up and go out there with your chest up and say look at me now

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Shadiyah said:

MixedGirl I forgot to tell you about this thread http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=539293 you can get more information about wash n go's and what people are using.

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