Who is 4b natural?

[joemerald]

Ok ladies. I need to know who is 4b natural. How long is your hair? What did you do to transition? Are you a professional/executive, and if so how do you style your hair on a daily basis? I am thinking about it and don't know how or if. My son is 4B like me and his hair grew from near bald (I used to cut his hair low) to my length (between shoulder blades) in a year and that is with little care and definely little washing (I look after his hair and it is too much stress to do it weekly) I actually cop out and after three weeks I undo and rebraid the same hair and continue like that with the others. I wash his hair like every two months

but spray it often so it is not dirty and stinky smelling. After seeing that I am considering it. Help me decide please.

 

[Zoe]

I have 4b (I think) hair and during my transistion I kept my hair in braids and weaves for about a year then did the big chop (even though I was trimmin my permed ends lil by lil each time I had a new hairstyle) Right now I have human hair braids and 5 inches natural hair..

I work in advertising and I'm ALWAYS professional..no one has ever made my hair an issue so neither have I..

 

[joemerald]

Sorry but I was not trying to imply that anyone on the Board is not professional. Braids unfortunately does not suit me. Any other options anyone? Since I am not getting a lot of replies I take that to mean there are few natural 4Bs. I guess it is more difficult to manage.

Jo.

 

[JenniferMD]

Hi Jo,

I'm 5 months 4b natural (transitioning). I really don't know if I'm going to go completely natural, I was only trying to stretch my relaxer out but my new growth hasn't been a problem so I've just not relaxed it yet.
I work in a very conservative professional atmosphere and opted not to get my two strand twist braids to help with my transition and I'm not having a problem with my hair. I contribute this to weekly shampoos and conditioning with Moisture Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner it's amazing how easy it is to comb through my 3-4inch new growth. I do find however that I'm just unable to let my hair air dry. I blow dry and I can style my hair just like I got a fresh relaxer (I figure by cutting out a relaxer, blow drying isn't too bad). Even though I'm able to style my hair any way I would like, I usually just wear a nice low bun. Moisture is soooo important with 4b natural hair, and I use Ultra Sheen's finishing lotion (it's like scurl) and it leaves my hair really soft and manageable. Another style that I like wearing is the braid out (you saw this style on me at the LHCF meeting) I get my braid outs to look so moisturized because I don't braid my hair while wet after shampooing. I use the finishing lotion to damp my dry hair and do eight two strand twist. I have pictures of this that I will post later. I think if you start by just stretching your relaxer out to see how manageable it is then making a decision that fits you will be a lot easier. I really hope this helps.

 

[Purtygurly]

I'm suprized that your son's hair actualy grew with that type of care! My hair would be like this

if I treis to do that. I guess that everyone's hair behaves differently...

There is nothing uprofessional about wearing your natural hair out. I've seen ladies with long, beautiful natural 4b hair and it makes me want to transition. As long as you keep your hair well groomed and CLEAN, there won't be any problems. Don't be afraid to show your natural hair, it's beautiful.

When you have length, you can do all kinds of things to it... Maybe a good thing for you to do would be to press it every week until you are comfortable enough to wear it natural...

 

[babyblue]

transitioned with pressing and blowing my roots. This may not work for everyone. Keep in mind a gradual transition can take a year or more and if your not patient with the two textures it can lead to much frustration. this either leads to either 2 things:
1. You go back to the relaxer
2. You do a big chop down to a twa

I say if your really comitted to being natural go with #2. A twa looks very professional, low maintenance and stylish.
From there you can experiment with your hair and grow it out to your desired lenght.

Natural hair can be very professional. I see high powered professionals with natural hair all the time in the city. As long as your hair is neat and u exude confidence in yourself nobody can tell you anything.

If you want styling ideas do a search for "naturals" on this site or go to nappturality.com and also check out the women on the web section and browse the hair albums.

a few of my favorites for styling ideas:
geocities.com/ovwiseman/index.html
public.fotki.com/2twisted/
public.fotki.com/napturallyme/
public.fotki.com/
haircare.aldrea.com

Since i think we cant post active links you may have to copy and paste the addresses. for the fotki albums just type http:// no www. needed

 

[joemerald]

Exactly Jennifer, I work in an ultra conservative organisation. So I need to maintain a very polished look. A really short afro will not suit my face, I tried it. I will try the other suggetion to wash often and keep moisturized and blowdrying roots only. Thanks all. I will try to see how it works for a few months with the manageability and if it doesn't I can always relax. No real commitment

Jo.

 

[Ire_manzi]

My hair is 4b. I never transitioned, i did the big chop that left me with 1/4 to 1/2" of hair. I wore wigs for the entire year(to cover my big forehead). My hair is almost bra strap length. I wear my hair in braids, twists, stylish afros etc and yes, it does look professional. People love my hair and love it too.

 

[joemerald]

Ire how long ago did you do the big chop. only a year ago?

 

[sbg4evr]

If there is a number higher than 4b, that would describe my hair. I do not know what you mean by professional/ executive, do you mean someone who is on the board of directors of a company? I work for one of the largest companies in Canada which is quite prestigist. I have worn my hair in braids when I first started many, many years ago. Currently I wear my hair in two strand twists. My hair is brushing on the back of my neck when twisted. I straightened my hair for the first time in 2 years recently and my hair is about 1.5 inches from bra strap.

The fact that your son's hair grew that fast does not surprise me, it could be genetics. I have an Aunt who loads her hair with grease, oil, skin lotion, keeps hair braided and it grows from almost bald to bra strap in its natural state. But her hair stinks and feels clammy. I tried that once but I will not do that again since I live in a world surrounded by people.

If you want to wash less frequently, wash your natural hair every 2 weeks. I rinse my twists once a week and if I wear a twist out I rinse/conditioner wash every 2 days.

 

[hotshot]

i am, i think.
look at the thread called naturals survey.

 

[Chimma]

I'm 4b, and I haven't relaxed since January. I am still transitioning though, and I don't plan to cut off my relaxer for about 2 years. You can do pretty much anything with natural hair that you can do with relaxed hair. What kind of styles do you consider professional?

 

[bellydancer]

MEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been natural for about 3 years. I jus let my hair grow out. I didn't cut it. Mostly wore it braided. I was pretty lazy with it back then. It's jus at tad shorter than bra strap right about now. Needs more moisture because I think i've hit a plateau.