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Even though I decided to have my hair relaxed, I do remember the days when my mom would heat a hot comb on the stove. I used to panic whenever I smelled frying hair and whenever the hot comb got a little too close to my scalp. I still have the battle scars from when my mom would get too excited!

After several incidents where my hair would become thinner and shorter after using a perm, I thought about going Natural. I bought black hair magazines such as Sophisticate's Black Hair Styles and Care Guide. SBH, for short, has a Braids & Natural Style Guide which is very useful if you are deciding to go Natural for the first time. Even if you have already made the transition, there are plenty of featured makeovers, hairstyle ideas and inspiring, black stars to look to for the latest in Natural hairstyles.

I have learned quite a bit from reading this magazine and other books. From Essence's (as in Essence magazine) Beauty Basics & Beyond, I have learned the different types of Natural hair. Before, I always thought that black Natural hair was all the same: kinky and coarse. However, there are, including kinky and coarse, nine types of Natural hair types and textures! From what my mom told me, my Natural hair is curly and medium. Here are the other types of Natural hair:

*Kinky

Kinky and fine: This type of Natural hair can be dehydrated and brittle.

Kinky and medium: Although versatile, it can be frizzy and quite brittle also.

Kinky and coarse: The positive aspect of this Natural hair combo is that it's stronger than the other Natural hair types but need more oil products and conditioners packed with moisture and proteins.

*Curly

Curly and fine: Really soft, but oftentimes dehydrated and brittle.

Curly and medium: Based on what the book says, I can "blow dry and use a flat iron or press with a hot comb for a sleek look." True, as I have seen in my younger years but I'm low maintenance with my hair. I would hate to have to plug in an electric hot comb to get my hair smooth and sleek! It's just too much work!

Curly and coarse: Without regular moisture, this Natural hair pattern can become really dry.

*Wavy

For all three variations of wavy hair (wavy and fine; wavy and medium; wavy and coarse) each Natural hair type would be perfect for straight looks through blow dryers, blowouts, flat irons and hot combs.

I found this information to be amazing. Honestly, I don't know how I could have been so naive. Actresses such as Tracee Ellis Ross ("Girlfriends"), T'Keyah Keymah ("That's So Raven!")

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