To our 'Naturalistas'
Beginning the journey? I don't suggest cutting your hair unless you are aiming for a designated shape. If you have hair loss, you may need longer hair for coverage in some areas, which you will find out after you begin styling. Slowly cutting or trimming your hair is a safer way to achieve your look while working into the style your hair chooses for you.
Most begin with a moisturizing cleanser, a rinse-out conditioner, a leave-in conditioner and a curling product, or mix and create your own. Time will tell which brands and items perform best for you. Then it's about methodology.
Work on very wet hair, one section at a time: detangle with a wide-toothed comb, apply the products you like, and set the curl with a Denman brush, twists or mild heat. Let it dry completely, then finger-style it into shape, using styling aids sparingly so you don't disturb the curl.
Traction alopecia
Prolonged traction, the pull of tight twists and braids or of knots pinned to the scalp, causes progressive hair loss over time. Widely spaced parts that show the scalp are an early sign that thinning has already begun.
Styles that put no pull on the follicles keep the scalp healthy, with no inflammation and a good blood supply to the hair bulbs. That hair will thin a little with age, but it will not go on to excessive hair loss or balding.