What is Nappturology 101?
Hi, I’m Nappyme. I’m a nappturologist, that’s someone who specializes in learning about and caring for nappy hair. My site Nappturology 101 is devoted to sharing that information. After five years of being nappy myself and having an intense desire to learn how to care for, style and maintain my hair, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to keep my natural hair healthy and thriving. And now, I’d like to share that knowledge with you. So whether you’re thinking about becoming a nappy, have been so for just a little while or even for quite a spell and you’d like to learn more about your hair, you’ve come to the right place. Just come inside, feel free to ask questions, leave comments or just browse and follow me along on my ongoing personal nappturual journey. I’ll also update this site on a regular basis so come back often. So welcome, and I hope you’ll enjoy your visit to Nappturology.
Sincerely,
NappyMe
37 responses so far ↓
Lorraine Davidson // September 11, 2006 at 12:34 pm |
Good afternoon.
Deb. I’m rushing to an after school program, but I’ll check out your website out in detail this evening. I’m impressed with your site, it looks great. I can’t wait to get back home to check out the information you have here. Keep up the good work. You don’t know what a blessing you have been to me already.
Have a Great Day!
Lorraine
JoI // September 13, 2006 at 11:14 pm |
Hi, My name is JoI and I am a 19 year old college student at NIU, I just started the process of growing out my relaxer, and I want any tips, and advice you have about how I can help it grow, what to do to keep it from breaking off, and what mosturizers and treatments to use. Please help me, and I am so looking forward to this process, and getting to know my real self!
nappyme // September 20, 2006 at 8:52 pm |
Hi JoI,
Congratulations on your decision to go nappy. Many people, as you know, find that transitioning from straight hair to nappy can be very challenging. I tried a couple of things before settling on microbraids, primarily because when I decided to stop relaxing, I also discovered I had diabetes. Type II. Due to having to encorporate exercise into my life, microbraids just turned out to be the best solution.
However, I’m going to tell you that I’m not going to say that I’m an expert on transitioning. Why? Because I really didn’t care about my hair at the time, nor did I take care of it very well in the braids. Really, I’m lucky I had hair on my head after I took my braids out. So instead, I am going to recommend a couple of excellent resources that can help you get started on your natural journey.
*Nappturality.com (Transitioner’s Forum)
*Motown Girl (Transitioning Tips)
Just remember, you’re on a journey, and the path you are choosing to take will lead to your ultimate reward — a beautiful head of natural hair! Good luck.
Masoesa // September 29, 2006 at 7:21 pm |
I love this! Wonderful and inspiring. I am humbled to have been one of your inspirations. Wow, that really made my day. Thanks. I will be a frequent visitor.
Hi Masoesa!
A visit from one of my hair idols! I’m glad you like my site. I hope you will come back soon and often. Take care and see ya here, your site or NP!
Asheley // October 8, 2006 at 10:45 am |
I can’t believe I am just seeing this!
Good work!
Hi Asheley or should I call you FluffyAsh!
Thanks for visiting. I just love my new hair site, and I hope others do too. After being on NP for the last six months, I just feel sooooo compelled to not only tell my story, but to help spread the good news about nappy hair too! By the way, I love your blog too and see that you’re a fellow WordPress blogger like me!
God Bless and take care. See ya around the boards on NP!
blackernsweeter // November 13, 2006 at 9:52 pm |
hey!! the site looks great! you’ve put so much work into it~~ *adding it to my faves* thanks for being such an inspiration. i’ll be sure to check back frequently!!
nappyme // November 14, 2006 at 12:54 pm |
Blackernsweeter! Hey girl! Thanks for visiting Nappturology 101 and thanks for leaving a comment. I’m so glad that you like the site. Yes, please do add me to your favorites, I update contantly so you there’s almost always frest new pics/posts and stand alone articles. So come back and visit soon! Hope you’ll also refer folks to Nappturology as well.
Take care and see you on Napp 101 and around the boards on NP!
NappySasha // November 29, 2006 at 6:47 am |
Hi there!
I’m NappySasha and I’ve been happily nappy for 20 months now (has it been that long already?!). I love your site – it’s really informative and you have the prettiest smile.
I’m at the stage where I feel like my hair’s not really growing as long as it could be, but I know that it’s all in the mind. All in all, I LOVE my napps, and wouldn’t trade them for anything right now (…well, maybe the new Chrysler 300C??)
I’ll be back!
God bless,
Sash
nappyme // November 29, 2006 at 6:59 pm |
NappySasha,
Thanks you so much for visiting Nappturology 101. I’m so glad you like the site. It’s such a labor of love. Please do, mark it your favorites. I update often so come back soon!
Becky // December 2, 2006 at 6:10 am |
Wow, another wonderful nappy site I can add to my favorites list. You are such an inspiration here and on NP. Keep it up!!!
cheleskilove // December 13, 2006 at 7:25 am |
Where were you working in Cle? I saw your accolades on motowngirl.com! congrats on BOTH nappy and motown!
Bernadette // December 26, 2006 at 3:38 pm |
Hi my name is Bernadette and I have begun my journey to Me-ness 1.7 years ago. So far I am enjoying the process. I knew absolutely nothing about natural hair care, yet I longed to know what my hair actually looked like. Isn’t it silly. The very hair on has on their own head and it takes just over 30 years to get reaquainted with it. That is simply bizzare. As a result I have turned into an information junkie. I’v been absorbing info on natural hair care, mixing my own batches of hair products, trimming my own hair and wear unique styles. I absolutely love this! Well I will get a journal up and running soon. Stay tuned!
Monica // January 9, 2007 at 4:51 pm |
Hello,
I just discovered your site aince I am on a mission to teach my beautiful daughter of 7 she doen’t have to look like her class mates that are blonde and straight haired to be beautiful. I admit I tried for the past 7 years to “manage her hair with heat.She now is very open to her natural hair.It is a transition and she has very light brown blondish hair color so this makes the dryness look even more pronounced.
can you make any suggestions.So farI have tried Kinky Curls Knot Today.I have not tried any pomades yet. No more grease(this is very hard) My hair is very different so I don’t share the same hair issues and concerns. Any help or this nubie is much appreciated
nappyme // January 9, 2007 at 6:09 pm |
Hi Bernadette,
Sorry for the late response but I’m glad you found Nappturology 101. Seven years natural…wow…that’s almost a dinosauer nappy! I marvel at the folks that take time to mix up there own stuff…I’m too lazy for that. So far, I’m not to lazy to try new styles out so I know what you mean. Always fun to meet new folks so thanks for leaving a comment. Come back soon and often I’m always updating.
Take Care!
nappyme // January 12, 2007 at 8:11 pm |
Hi Monica,
Welcome to Nappturology 101. Any water based moisturizer will do. Try finding something that has essential oils or lanolin in it that will act as an emolient to soften her hair. I’m not familiar with the Kinky Curls Knot today products, but check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain mineral oil or petroleum. Just make sure you read the labels. Sounds like you’re just going to have to experiment to see what her hair likes. But buy stuff from places like Walgreens, Target or Walmart save you’re receipts. I’m not a big fan of keeping products that don’t work. These stores will take used product back as long as you have proof of purchase.
Good luck.
Tryce // January 20, 2007 at 3:32 pm |
Very cool site
!!!
I’m definitely a cnapp. Please feel free to link my album. http://www.fotki.com/tryce . Thanks
jackie // February 7, 2007 at 12:24 pm |
what about keeping the relaxer, but NOT using any heat and moisturizing very good. do you think taht would work?
Mercedes A. // July 4, 2007 at 11:05 am |
I really like your site and all the helpful advice. I think when you get to a point to where you want your hair to be natural, I believe there is a side of you that you begin to unveil and you appreciate your true natural beauty. I would like to know where I can find information on how to do natural twists on my own. Do you know of a step by step guide?
nappyme // July 4, 2007 at 11:16 pm |
Hi Mercedes,
Welcome to NPP101! I’m so glad you like my site and are finding it helpful. Check out the Hair Video tutorials on my site. You’ll find the link at the very top of the site. Hopefully you’ll find something that can help you with doing twists. Good luck!
CarmenNC // August 7, 2007 at 11:37 pm |
Hello NappyMe. I just wanted to tell you that I’m selling lock ties/puff ties. They are made of wire and very lovely beads. You’ll just have to see them. Stop by my blog. They are on ebay now. http://carmennc.blogspot.com/2007/08/for-sale-on-ebay.html
Nappy Goddess // August 24, 2007 at 11:43 am |
Hi,
I am so happy to have found this site! I am 21 years old and today will be the begining of my “napptural” journey. I had no idea , that there were options other than perms and braids. You have opened my eyes to a whole new world. THANK YOU!!! There is so much I want to say and ask that I don’t even know where to begin. But I think I better browse around first, you might already have the anwers.
I will be writing soon,
A nappy South African Goddess
n'Drea // October 25, 2007 at 2:03 pm |
Hi. I found your site through Napptural Blogs on Ringsurf.
I’m really impressed with the wealth of information here. You’re doing a great job.
I left the world of relaxers and have been wearing my hair au naturel since January 2003, and have had no regrets in returning to my “roots.” On December 27 &28, 2006, I had Sisterlocks installed, and have been enjoying this new aspect of my journey.
I’ll definitely be visiting here more often. Keep up the wonderful work.
TrustMyHair // February 3, 2008 at 10:32 am |
Hola! I have been nappy for 2.5 years and relaxer free for 3 years. I came across your site doing a google search for flat twist. I must say I love your site! That was my initial reaction. I knew I wanted to favorite your site, but I was sooo busy going from link to link to link reading and reading..it kind of slipped my mind. lol I was so engulfed in the material.
Your relaxer story was so real. It just re confirmed in my spirit why I decided to leave the crack alone.
Thank you for being so bold to tell that story.
I’ll be back for more knowledge and instruction!
Lol!
Elexis Sunshine // February 20, 2008 at 2:00 pm |
thanks thanks thanks…., just can not say it enough, you have helped so many of us with our beautiful textured a-z hair. lol, my 4b to 3c hair, i guessing is a trip to deal with, but your research has been awesome and helpful. i have found a friend in you. you are my inspiration, I just can’t get enough of your research and progress. it has helped me, and many others , as i have been reading, again, thank you thank you, ever so much. You will be hearing from me for more details about my hair after I try your routine, especially about banding long hair and tangling. My hair is about 13-15 inches long angrowing/tangling also. You are my friend, I will pass this information on to a many of friends and family, you are a winner. Have a great Day!!!!
nappyme // February 21, 2008 at 12:01 am |
Eliexis welcome!
Oh my stars thank you sooooo much. I’m so glad you’re finding the information that I share helpful. It’s my passion and my love. Good luck with trying some of the techniques that I use. I actually got the idea from someone else, tried it and really liked it so I passed it on so that it could help someone else.
Good luck to you on your continued nappy journey and I hope you return often.
God bless and take care!
~Nappyme
Teri // June 7, 2008 at 11:38 pm |
I just began my nappy journey, I have currently been 1 month without a relaxer. I am of course in the transitioning phase and I plan on getting the big chop in about 2-3 months when I get enough new growth for a small fro. I want to go all the way because I am so anxious to be completely natural.
I just wanted to thank you and other bloggers to this website and other websites who are putting out so much useful information for those of us wishing to embrace our napptural selfs.
I especially want to send kudos to you for providing an informative and inspirational site for the women with tightly coiled hair. I tend to see more women with loosely coiled hair than truly kinky hair on most other websites. Maybe this is because it is easier for them to embrace their natural hair without enduring negative social stigmas than it is for others with kinkier hair. Whatever the reason I am happy to see that someone has embraced the beauty of their natural hair, regardless of the texture.
Your site is so informative and helpful, especially to beginners with so little information and few places to turn for such a growing need in our community. I want to see more black women return their natural hair, not just to embrace their natural, God-given beauty (which is very important), but to return to a better state of health. There is so little information that informs us of the dangers of chemical relaxers and other cosmetics that are literally killing us. I am in the transition of returning to a natural lifestyle overall and have been doing so much research on the effects of caustic and toxic substances that are found in most cosmetic products (perms, lotions, make-up, shampoo, conditioners, etc.) and it is alarming that we are poisoning ourselves by using these products all in the name of beauty.
What we don’t realize is that we are already beautiful regardless of our hair texture, skin color or other attributes because we are fearfully and wonderully made by God and everything that He made is good. We really need to get this message out to the younger generations who are going to grow up without a sense of self because their foremothers are covering up who they really are with all the relaxers, braids and other artificial beauty “enhancers”. If we don’t stop this madness, we will have very few young black women who truly know how to be black and beautiful.
Please keep up the wonderful work!
Teri
nappykanvas // February 20, 2009 at 8:24 pm |
well im 16 and im growing my hair out and its a real struggle 4 me because i have been getting perms since i was 4 and it has caused major damage 2 my hair and i want to start a new and another problem is im still in high school so of course there is gonna be ALOT of negative feedback. i also have very kinky hair. and thats a another problem since i anm african american and my skin is very light iam supposed to have good curly smooth hair but i dont and im proud i dont but at the same time wanting the image they see…….can u give me some advice????
abb // March 15, 2009 at 4:50 pm |
I’ve been doing the natural thing since my hair fell out a few years ago after my last perm. I’d like to wear twists, but I seem to be all thumbs. Do you have any “how-to” instructions? I asked at 2 salons about twists and they were no help.
nappyme // March 15, 2009 at 8:03 pm |
Congrats on being natural. Two strand twists are very easy to do, so I’ve never seen the need to do a tutorial. That said, there are plenty to be found on YouTube. Just go over there and type in two-strand twists as a search term and you’re bound to find something that will help you out.
Good luck!
Beverly // April 21, 2009 at 9:53 am |
Hey
Found your site just searching for info on Natural/Nappy Hair. I love natural hair and have been wearing if years. My problem now is that my hair is shedding so much. I think it’s becuase I can’t seem find a product, “the right product” to eliminate dryness and extreme tangling. As a result, my hair has begun shedding so much, until I have a ball of hair in my hands after combing and every washing. Likewise, it’s damaged and has broken off so bad in some areas. I am actually headed out today to get it cut off to begin the process of growing back a healthy head of hair. Therefore, I would like to know what products you would recommend to eliminate dryness, tangling and how often do you wash your “natural do”. Also after checking, the products I use have some of the ingredient such as petroleum…don’t want to continue use that stuff!
Help…..stressin a little about my natural tresses!!
Eli // May 11, 2009 at 9:49 am |
Hi,
I am trying to explain to other adoptive mothers of African children why extentions are not necessarily a good thing. I have never used them on any of my own kids (white/straight hair, black/nappy hair), and find it important that children find beauty in their natural state. The other mothers say that extentions “protect” the hair and that their African friends use them. Touchy topic, as I also know many African women who relax . . . . What do you think?
I’m living in Europe where the “African Shops” often offer relaxers and extentions even for kids, especially to kids with white mothers.
Thanks VERY MUCH for your answers.
mophead // June 27, 2009 at 7:18 am |
I am a Nappy too. I just discovered your site and your hair is beautiful.
nappyme // June 27, 2009 at 6:34 pm |
Thank you!
Carmen // July 10, 2009 at 3:54 pm |
I’m want to go natural. How do I get started?
nappyme // July 15, 2009 at 10:02 am |
Hi Carmen,
Congrats on you decision to go natural. Here’s a really good article to get you started. http://www.treasuredlocks.com/natural-hair-transition.html. Also consider joining Nappturality.com and take a look at their Transition Discussion forum where you’ll find loads of information to transitioning to natural hair.
Take care and good luck!
~Nappyme
LHB // July 14, 2009 at 11:53 pm |
In Calif. and my hair has been pressed and curled since birth
(I’m 49)
I usually wear braids in the summer, but stop wearing them last summer due to breakage around the front. So, I need an alternative. I saw a friend who recommended something called “mixed chicks.” I went to their site and then got to your site. I am a regular blk girl with nappy hair. You seemed to have done your homework on our hair. Any opinion about mixed chicks products before I go out and buy it? I want to go natural.
LHB
nappyme // July 15, 2009 at 9:47 am |
Hi LHB,
I wore microbraids for about three years nonstop, and didn’t really notice that my hair had started thinning around the edges until I stopped wearing them and started pressing my hair. They’re still just a tad bit thin, but only noticeable to me.
Anyhoo, when I stopped wearing braids, I jumped back and forth between trying to wear my hair natural and pressing it, which resulted in damage. In addition to that, I was blow drying my hair, which was ripping it out, combing it roughly and using grease and mineral oil-based products on my hair. None of these things did my regular ole black girl nappy hair any favors.
I finally found Nappturality.com which pointed me in the direction of water/glycerine-based moisturizers. I eventually opted to ditch heat and hair grease in favor of products like Carefree Curl and Wave Nuveau moisturizers. My hair loved the stuff. I then discovered that clear gel curl activators worked well on my hair too. From there I decided to try Proline Lite Creme Moisturizer. This has become my product of choice for several years now. No matter what I try, I always come back to this product.
Anyhoo, I gave you that history to say this: I’ve NEVER spent a whole lot of money on product to maintain and style my hair. I don’t know a hoot about Mixed Chicks products, but I’ll tell ya, a tube of Pro Line costs between $2 at the dollar store and about $3 at the beauty supply store, and I get very good results. I know they sell it at Walgreens and I’m pretty sure there are Walgreens stores in Los Angeles. So before you think you gotta spend a mint on maintaining your hair and deal with the hassel of shipping and handling just know that there are cheaper and very good product alternatives right in your own back yard.
If you’re so inclined, please check out my hair community at cNappymeNow.com. It caters to women with hair specifically like ours. Feel free to lurk for information and/or join and ask questions about our hair til you heart’s content.
Take care and good luck!
~Nappyme