6 Tips On How To Help Others To Go Natural

Going natural can be a great deal for many women, especially for those who have relaxed for years. This decision can bring out lots of emotions and questions, for example: how will she look with natural hair? Is it the right decision for her lifestyle?

She may be curious about how to start the natural hair journey and who will she turn to for advice, tips, and recommendations. If you meet a woman who is “considering going natural” it is important to stay neutral and just enlighten her about natural hair and it’s benefits.

If you are unsure on how to help others make the decision to try natural hair without being pushy, try these 6 tips:

Ask about her hair goals

Before you start sharing your love of natural hair, ask her about her own hair goals. She may still want to continue using relaxers, but she may be relaxing too often, maybe share some tips on how to stretch relaxers as an option first if all she wants is just healthier hair.

If she confides in you that she just wants to start a fresh, talk about the big chop and enlighten her about how exhilarating the experience could be.

Share your own natural hair experience

Give your hair story in a “not-so-gloomy” light despite how you came about being natural. We all know that in the natural hair community we may bash relaxers and talk negatively about them, but with a considering-natural, that would not be a great idea.

She would not want to hear about your horrible relaxer-story, instead talk about how excited you were when you went natural, how it is better for your health and lifestyle, and how you can exercise and swim without having to worry about ruining your hair.

Talk about your hair regimen and how you maintain your own natural hair. Unless she wants to hear the bad stories just stay positive when sharing your own natural hair journey.

Explain the pros and cons

When speaking with a “considering-natural”, try to be as honest as you can instead of giving off a “that’s too good to be true” tone; most people can spot that from a mile away. Of course she would want to know about the bad with the good so let her know.

Talk about the bright side of natural hair and the things you just can’t stand. Let her know about versatility, but also let her know about the single-strand knots.

Give your opinion on management, products, and money (which may not be the same for everyone). If she asks about the good and the bad, don’t leave anything out. Just be honest.

Talk about the do’s and don’ts

The “considering-natural” may want to know the do’s and the don’ts of being a naturalista. Suggest some things that would be great for her to consider if she decided to go natural: deep conditioning*, low manipulation styles, checking out hair care forums for support, and keeping a hair diary.

When talking about the don’ts, try not to persuade her to follow all the rules. Instead, tell her not to worry about all the terminology, rules, and principles of having natural hair, just take things one step at a time. We all know how confusing this ‘natural language’ can be.

Show pictures of different styling options

Once you have an idea of her hair goals, show her different styles based on her interests. She may be interested in the tapered cut, but still wants to grow her hair out long.

Show her pictures of flat twists and tuck n rolls for that tapered cut inspiration. If she is interested in protective styles, show her natural and extension styles that she might like.

But in addition to staying within her lane do not hesitate to open her eyes up to other styles like the wash n go, perm rod sets, and twist outs. Let her know that with natural hair, any style is possible.

Do not impose your own ideals

We touched on this above but when you are talking to a natural who needs you to be unbiased try to remain neutral on certain things.

The use of chemicals can be a touchy thing, but it is also someone’s choice that needs to be respected. Chances are your friend came to you for advice and not to be put down for her former/present interest in having relaxers.

Try not to get caught up in your own ideas by convincing her to go natural without her consideration, which could come across as “natural Nazi-ish” or preachy. Try not to be too offensive and don’t be insensitive to her feelings when giving advice on tips and suggestions. Just be as honest with her as you can.

This will be her hair journey and when you are convincing others to go natural don’t think it is your obligation or responsibility, but your privilege to help another sister out with her own hair journey. At the end of the day remember that the decision is hers to make.