1. I just want to know what steps do I need to take to take of my natural hair. I currently have a blow-out. I currently stopped using strong perms. I noticed it didn't promote hair grow, it only broke my hair off and kept it limp. I just want it to grow health. I am not to interested in the length currently. I know that will come in due time. Healthy is what I want. Please write back w/any suggestions

Hair is hair whether it is natural or chemically processed. Care for the hair comes before and after the style. You would follow the same requirements for natural hair as for chemically processed hair. Your hair still requires protein as well as frequent washing and conditioning. My system is applicable for all hair types. Chemically processed hair is the worst case scenerio. I wrote my Ultra Black Hair book from the viewpoint of chemically processed hair. You can adjust the system to suit your needs depending on the condition of your hair. My book Thinning Edges details how to care for natural hair which is the method I use now since I got rid of my chemically processed hair.

Go Back

2. You might have addressed this in your web site, but I would appreciate your input. My mother has fine textured hair (just washes, blow drys her hair and it is straight). She has not had a relaxer in 11 years, but her hair snarls easily between washings. Any suggestions?

It sounds like the condition of her hair needs to be improved. If the hair is constantly blown dry and good products are not used to improve the hair, the hair shaft becomes damaged. The blow dryer is one of our worst enemies to our hair second only to the hair brush. After reading my book it is hoped her techniques have changed and with time her hairs condition will improve and the cuticle will lay down thereby causing less snarls. She may want to get a hair polish to help smooth her cuticle but that is merely a temporary fix that can be used to minimize her problems.

Go Back

3. Hi Cathy and Congratulations in doing something I've been looking and hoping to find for a very long time; someone who can teach me the ins and outs of black hair care. However, I do have a questions and hopefully you can help me! I have a full head of natural hair (after wearing braids for 9 months) I would like to chemically straighten it with a texturizer instead of a relaxing it, what would you recommend that I use? Thank you very much in advance and I do plan to purchase your book and products!

Tracy, thank you for your compliment as I too looked long and hard before I realized there was nothing out there and I needed to find the way. Regretfully, I do not use texturizers and dont recommend any product that I have not used myself. Im sure there are good ones out there but I can not offer you any suggestions. Just remember that once you change, stick with that chemical. Purchasing the book is one of the wisest moves you can make, because once you get that texturizer, you are going to have to learn how to properly maintain it.

Go Back

4. What shampoo and conditioners are better for natural hair?

The shampoo for our hair whether it is natural or chemically processed is the same. It has to meet the requirements I mention in my UBH book an throughout my website. The condioner I recommend is my own because it has benefits/requirements for our hair that improves the hair lik no other conditioner I have ever used.

Go Back

5. Any recommendations for a good moisturizer for natural hair?

I use and only recommend UBH lotion creme. It can be used if you press your natural hair or blowdry and flat iron. I put hair polish on my hair when I am finished to further smooth the cuticle and it helps combat some humidity that makes the hair frizzy.

Go Back

6. I need some advice. I am thinking of letting my hair grow out until there's no relaxer left. However, I'm experiencing a lot of splitting even though I'm washing and conditioning. It's been almost nine weeks since my last relaxer. What should I do to combat that?

Splitting ends and hair can be caused by lack of adequate conditioning. Splitting can also be caused by a number of other things from appliances to styling tools (combs) hair rollers etc. If the splitting is making your hair look bad or frizzy then you perhaps should have it trimmed. If it is not bothering you except that you know they are there, then no worries - leave them until you do decide to trim. Also check your conditioner, it may not be really helping improve your hair.

Go Back

7. In order to get my afro back to its desired shape, I wet it everyday in the shower and then I apply a deep conditioner I put on lightly and don't rinse out? 

This could be one of the reasons your hair is still too dry. A deep conditioner is meant to be washed out. It also must be used with heat to provide the best benefit for the hair. Check the label for protein in the product. Protein cause the hair to harden and should not be left on the hair continually.

Go Back

8. I have a natural Afro, but my greatest problem is that every time I wash it, it comes out in chunks on the ends and falls out, how can I stop this.

There could be any number of reasons you are having this problem. After you read my book you will be able to identify common problems, like combing relaxed hair while wet, washing in a basin etc... that could be self-inflicted out of ignorance.

Go Back

9. My hair is gray and I wear it natural. What I've noticed is that my hair is drier than ever since it started to gray. Can your product work for natural hair?

Hair is hair in that the chemical composition is the same but the characteristics (color, texture) are different. My products work for dry hair that breaks. The products actually improve our dry hair condition! My own hair is natural now and yes my products do work for natural hair.

Go Back

10. I found your web site and read through the FAQs, tips, and testimonials. I know you say your book and products are for all styles (given that the problem is dry hair), but I'm not sure how your guidelines will work with my coarse, natural hair. I currently have cornrows in my natural, un-relaxed hair. I'm beginning to believe that the style is thinning my hair. I'd like to change to another natural style, twists, in particular. I don't see how your recommendation to air dry hair will work for my coarse hair. When I don't have the cornrows, I have to blow dry my hair with a comb attachment to straighten and smooth my hair. I don't think smoothing it with a curling iron will work at all. Blow drying lengthens the hair from "shrinking up" when it's wet. I don't like the afro look and prefer a longer, smoother style. I would try pressing my hair, but I exercise everyday and I would have to press every day to keep my hair smooth. Do you have any recommendations for those of us not using relaxers?

Marla, my focus is on hair care before and after the style. You can achieve your look however you get there but just ensure you care for the hair before and after the style. My suggestions in the UBH book are for relaxed hair. You can wear twist successfully or what ever style is comfortable for you. Even blowdry, just ensure your natural hair is washed each time you blowdry. So as far as suggestions for non-relaxed hair, Your basic requirements for your hair care are still the same as the relaxed hair. Styling, using a blowdryer is an option I now use with natural hair weekly. How you choose to style is up to you. My book Thinning Edges give more insight into how caring for natural hair differs from relaxed hair.

Go Back