Here it is. The last batch of ABC's!

This article will feature the final of a three-part series about the ABCs of natural hair. The first and second column highlighted useful tips and tricks that all naturals will find useful to better care for their hair. The following alphabetical tips are suggested and the application of each may change your natural hair experience for the better:

N – Never towel dry natural hair using a regular terrycloth towel. The drying technique that is usually involved in towel drying causes friction between the hair strands and the towel. Terrycloth towels are generally rough in texture and can cause breakage especially since natural hair is more fragile when wet. Opt to use an old cotton T Shirt which is smoother and gentler on the hair or a micro fiber towel which is way softer than regular towels.

O – Oils are a very integral part of the natural hair regime. Natural oils are very vital for their nourishing and stimulating properties. Oils can be used in various ways and can be incorporated into any routine. Some common uses of oils for natural hair are as a hot oil treatment, as an addition to conditioners for deep treatments, for nourishment of the scalp, for sheen and as a sealant. These are just a few of the more popular ways in which naturals incorporate the use of oils in their weekly hair care regimen. The types of oils used may vary from one individual to another depending on your hair type. Thicker and coarser hair type responds better to heavier oils such as Castor Oil and Olive Oil, while finer hair will have a better reaction to lighter oils such as Grape Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil. Natural oils will give your locks a soft, silky, moisturized feel, don’t hesitate to experiment.

P – Practice doing different hairstyles in your free time to ensure that styling doesn’t become frustrating especially when you are in a rush. I often experiment with different looks that will be suitable for everyday wear or for more special occasions. Online tutorials are there to assist with instructions as to how you can achieve various dos. Not all styles are suitable for everyone and practicing ahead of time will give you an indication as to whether or not your length or texture will work well with suggested styles. Sometimes, depending on the length of your hair you may be required to add extensions similar to your hair texture to achieve the desired length or volume that the style requires. Practice, practice, practice….it can save time and stress when you are strapped for time.

Q – Quench dry, thirsty hair with the good old H2O. Natural hair is often dry and brittle and one of the best ways to introduce moisture to your hair is to hydrate it with water. Natural hair loves water because it instantly and almost magically softens the hair. Tangled or matted hair can be dreadful but a little water will go a long way in melting those knots away. Wash and Gos especially are highly dependent on water to refresh those curls daily. Keeping a spray bottle of water with your favorite natural oil added to it is a great way to ensure that you always have a source of moisture handy.

R – Resist the urge to manipulate your hair around the clock. Some people have a tendency which sometimes becomes habit forming, to constantly touch their hair. This may appear to be innocent and harmless but contrary to popular belief, natural hair is weak and fragile and can easily break if, for example, it gets caught in your chipped nail. Natural hair thrives best if it is left alone. Once your hair has been set in a style, there is no need to constantly run your fingers through it, fluff it or pamper it. There are cases where the urge to touch comes with nervousness or stress, but then there are instances where individuals are just straight up obsessed with their hair and can’t seem to keep their hands out of it. Excessive manipulation is never a good thing and, in fact, that is one of the very reasons why naturals are advised to keep their hair in protective styles as these usually require very low manipulation.

S – Stimulate hair growth by doing regular scalp massages. Scalp massages help to improve blood flow or circulation which allows nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to hair follicles causing the growth of hair more quickly. Massages can be done two to three times per week and should be done with the balls of the finger instead of the nails. All ten fingers can be used to massage the head and your favorite oil mixed with a few drops of a stimulating essential oil of your choice may be applied during the process. As with most natural hair processes, it is important to be gentle so as not to damage the hair follicles.

T – Tension on your hair can cause damage to the hair follicles and in severe cases can result in hair loss. Avoid pulling your hair too tightly, especially at the hairline. Ponytails or other hairdos that place tension on the hair should be strategically done and care should be taken to ensure that your hair is comfortably secured. Some styles need to be securely fastened in order to achieve the desired effect, but be careful not to trade health for beauty in doing so.

U – Utilize the available natural hair resources to better assist you with tackling the task of maintaining your natural locks. Often times, people start the natural hair journey and get frustrated along the way because they are not equipped or not knowledgeable as to how to care for their hair. Once upon a time, maybe more than ten years ago, the decision to go natural would be one that would leave the individual engaging in trial and error. In recent times, however, natural hair has become popular for various reasons and the availability of information has become limitless. Naturals all over the world are sharing information, primarily through social media, and are providing a platform for naturals, transitioning naturals and aspiring naturals to learn about their hair and how to better care for and style it. Sources range form blog posts to YouTube channels, which are not only instructive but also interactive, presenting an opportunity for individuals to communicate and make inquiries by way of comments or video responses. Experts on the subject matter of natural hair have also shared their knowledge by writing books. All of these reliable media are at the finger tips of naturals who choose to make use of them. Before you throw in the towel and decide that you can’t overcome the challenges faced, be sure to utilize all the resources that are available and certainly helpful for any natural hair journey.

V - Visualize your hair the way you would really like it to be. There is absolutely nothing wrong with setting hair goals and working toward achieving them. Many naturals have one or more hair crush who is basically their inspiration or someone whose hair they admire. We have to be realistic about what we visualize, however, because the truth is, we all have different hair textures. Aspiring to achieve a look that is not possible with our own individual curl pattern is pointless. If there is a particular length goal that has been determined, not only should you keep a mental and visual picture of it but seek out the necessary information as to how to stimulate and maintain growth.

W – Washing natural hair on a regular basis is recommended not only for hygienic reasons but because it helps to eliminate dryness and makes detangling easier. There is just something tranquil about having a freshly washed head of hair. It removes buildup not only from the strands but also from the scalp. This is especially beneficial for those who have scalp issues such as dandruff or psoriasis.

There is a significant concern that most naturals share as it relates to the stripping effects that shampoo has on their hair. This is a legitimate issue but one that can be addressed by using conditioners to wash your hair instead of shampoos. This is a less harsh option for your hair and one that will provide the most sought after and needed moisture that often eludes natural hair. There is no set rule as to exactly how often you should wash but if you listen to your hair you will have a pretty good idea. Usually once per week is a reasonable time frame.

X – eXplore different natural hair products that are available on the market. Sometimes there are products that work fine but it doesn’t mean that we have to spend a lifetime using that product exclusively. Formulas are constantly changing and new ones created and there will be no way to tell if a product is effective on your hair unless you try it. I am by no means supporting becoming a product junkie, but merely suggesting being open-minded where hair products are concerned. Make use of samples or trial sized products to be able to test which products work well on your hair without breaking the bank.

Y – Your hair has multiple personalities and that is what makes it so interesting. One day it will react one way to products and processes and another it will totally do its own thing. Sometimes the weather will affect the look and texture of your hair. Don’t get frustrated. It is only temporary and will revert to its former glory once the adverse weather passes. I like to allow my hair to express itself freely, if a twist out decides to turn into a fro, I just work with it and enjoy the versatility. Try not to view it as a disadvantage, it is a very interesting feature that is unique to natural hair.

Z – Zeal for natural hair, or the lack thereof, will determine how the journey will fare out. If there is no real interest or excitement about being natural then you may very well find it overwhelming and eventually revert to using chemicals eventually. The decision to go natural should not be one that is made out of force or even because it is seen as being a fashion statement. If there is no conviction concerning your decision, the natural hair experience may be short-lived. You may have made the decision with very little facts about it, but endeavor to educate yourself about it and very soon you will have that passion and commitment that will be necessary to see it through till the end.

Natural hair care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The journey may not be as simple as ABC but the road to a fulfilling natural hair experience can be traveled one step at a time, applying one tip at a time.

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.