What is the best way to take care of african american natural hair without having to rock dreads or an afro?

Only been natural for 10 months. My hair was never thick enough to do an afro, even before relaxers. It hangs naturally. It is light brown, very dry, and reaches my shoulders. I don't like dreads for me.What is the best way to take care of african american natural hair without having to rock dreads or an afro?
I'm going natural too, not really prepared for the big chop, but I'm currently transitioning. Kinky twists and tree braids are great alternatives. Also, if your hair is simply not thick enough to do an afro look, you can always add a kinky looking weave to your hair for thickness.





To combat dryness, the best thing for natural hair is to use NATURAL products on your hair. You get what you pay for, so if you are paying $5 for hair products they will most likely be filled with ineffective fillers, chemicals, and preservatives..many of the common black hair care products such as African Pride, Pink Moisturizer, Motions, ect contain ingredients such as mineral oil that only applies a greasy slick to Black hair and does not REALLY condition it (the molecules in mineral oil are too large to penetrate the hair shaft). I currently use a Black hair care line called mineral indulgence on me and my kids hair, and I recommend it to many black women with natural hair. The Kiwi coconut Hair smoothie smells wonderful and would make your hair MUCH easier to manage (as well as make it softer). This will make it easier for you to wear certain hair styles. The napturally sulfate shampoo, is also EXCELLENT for detangling natural hair (you will easily be able to run a comb through your hair without any type of detangling spray). To get a wavy/curly look to my hair, I use the Napturally Sulfate Free Shampoo an then the shea and mango butter conditioner. Next, I part my hair in four to six sections, and apply the smoothie to each section of hair. Lastly, I braid the sections of hair up individually and put a hair scarf over my hair. In the morning when I unravel my braids my hair is wavier and softer. I'm not sure if they have a store or not, but I would advise you to contact them and ask as many questions as you can about the products and what might be right for your hair. The customer service is pretty good.





Good Luck!