Here is the anti- relaxer post I promised.
1. if you don't know what "type" of curls you have, start here, even kinky hair is considered a type of curl:
http://www.blendedbeauty.com/types.html
2. you don't have to buy their products, i mix and match because the styling products weigh my hair down too much. it's good for nursing dry or damaged hair back to health, or substitute their products with other brands. I use:
Shampoo- L'Anza Healing Colour (it's sulfate free which is good to control frizz and keep my color from fading)
Conditioner- Aubrey Organics Rose Hip (it smells a lil weird, but it's really hydrating)
Deep Conditioner- Redken Deep Fuel (one box has six little packets, you only really need a 1/2 of a packet once a week, I put more on my bangs and ends)
Detangler- Blended Beauty Silk Shake (I spray like all hell onto my towel dried hair, and comb it out with a wide toothed comb, never a brush)
Styling- Fresh Curls by Redken whether I'm wearing it curly or straight, It defines curls and makes it silky if i'm straightening it.
Finishing- Heat Glide by Redken if i'm straightening, Silky Sexy Hair Serum if i'm not, all you need is one pump, warm it up in your palms, and then run it through carefully.
Also make sure you have long metal clips, a wide toothed comb, and a big chunk of time.
3. Tutorials on how to style curly/kinky hair
http://www.blendedbeauty.com/CurlyHairDemos.html
4. If you style your curls right, and keep your hair really healthy, it'll be easy and cute to wear it both curly and straightened. A relaxer is never really necessary. All you need is a great straightener, conditioner, and heat styling protection. Chemically straightening your hair weakens the cuticle and your scalp, which leads to premature thinning and balding. Never cute.
