In my years of experience I have seen trend after trend, but can this be called such?
In my opinion, going natural is a lifestyle. It is not just about hair but the body and what is put in it. It's about purity. Mostly, it's been diluted to a hairstyle. Natural isn't for everyone but if you decide that is the route you'd like to take--let me help you make an educated and informed decision.
Firstly, I must outline the differences between being relaxed and being natural. When you're relaxed and straight you must maintain that look every month and a half maximum. Otherwise, the hairline of demarcation from the new growth and the relaxed hair seem to intertwine and cause breakage to some when brushing and combing. Also being that they are two different textures it becomes very apparent that you need your hair done. It isn't that bad of a problem but relaxed hair doesn't need as much maintenance as natural hair because it doesn't need heat as often, various moisturizers (although all hair needs proper moisturization), and more flexibility with styling.
When natural you must remove the relaxed hair to get the best outcome for certain natural hairstyles; such as two-strand twist and rod sets. Because natural hair's inner bonds haven't been broken by chemicals, the strands have a harder time with absorption or porosity--the amount of water hair takes in. When this happens you have to maintain moisture or the hair will look dry and unkept. Being natural DOES NOT mean you do not have to do your hair. It is the opposite of a relaxed head of hair. The natural curl pattern causes the hair to revert when wet or when product is applied which means you can not get the same "wrapped" look like those with relaxer.
On the plus side, natural heads can receive color processes that most with relaxed hair can not receive like bleaching and permanent colors because the strength of two different chemicals cause weakening of the hair. So usually you are faced with having to decide if you want color or chemically straight hair.
Secondly, product purchases for natural hair wearers are higher than those with relaxers because of the need to have a nourished look. Now, this does not mean that relaxer wearers don't need moisturization. They just do not need it as much. Some like the convenience of the "get-up-and-go" look. While others take the time to style their hair. It is really about preference. Braids are a go-to look for those who are natural or in the transition stage. There is nothing wrong with that. Just make sure the person braiding is conscious of the tension applied to the hair to prevent hair loss.
When styling with heat it is recommended that the flat iron have a digital thermostat to ensure you are not overheating the hair which can lead to heat damage and then breakage. This would apply to any hair type but natural hair can withstand more heat than a person with a relaxer. The recommended heat setting for coarse, natural hair is no more than 415° while relaxed hair should be no higher than 395° because it can break faster due to the lack of certain bonds broken from the chemical.
Of course, there is always an alternative to straightening which is the keratin smoothing treatment*. Great for weeks of smooth, frizz-free, chemically free straight hair.
When posting, I do my best to remain unbiased and provide only facts and knowledge to those to make informed decisions before making a drastic change that you would be unhappy with in the future.
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