5 Mistakes I Made When Going Natural
Last updated on August 5th, 2024 at 07:55 pm
So you’ve made the decision to go natural. Let me help make it easier by sharing some natural hair mistakes to avoid. I made each one of them!

When you decide to go natural (or as some would say, return to natural), you have undoubtedly accepted the fact that your God given hair is good enough.
It’s a part of who you are and there’s no need to “change” its appearance because society (or whoever) deems it inappropriate or not good enough.
It’s been a long time since I decided to embrace my natural curls and leave the creamy crack alone. While I made the decision to return to natural quite some time ago (over 20 years), it was not without some trial and error experiences.
Don’t Make My Natural Hair Mistakes
In fact, some of the natural hair mistakes I made was often quite humorous back then (although I didn’t think so at the time).
In the video below, I share 5 Mistakes (plus a bonus one) Made When I First Went Natural. If you want just the highlights, they are summarized below but for all my video antics and little more entertainment, watch the video:
I. Flat ironing weekly
For lack of knowing how to style my newly natural hair, I would flat iron my hair on a weekly basis. I knew nothing about twist outs, braid outs or even wash and go’s.
This is a big mistake because regular use of a flat iron will eventually lead to either heat damage or hair breakage. I experienced the latter.
II. Making your first wash and go into a hot mess
The wash and go is the most popular hairstyle (next to the twist out) for those with natural hair. When done correctly, it’s just beautiful.

When I did my first wash and go (no pic thank God!), it looked like hot doo doo.
Not only did I not use the right products for my hair, I failed to learn the proper technique.
I used a lightweight conditioner with absolutely no hold. Conditioner only wash and go’s are possible but you need to use a conditioner with specific ingredients. I learned this when I stumbled upon The Tightly Curly Method.
Now, I’m a wash and go pro! I’ve turned my Wash and No into the best Wash and Go possible on my fine natural hair. Check out my tips here: Wash and Go Tips
III. Using the comb attachment on the blow dryer
When blow drying my hair, I ripped out quite a bit of hair while trying to stretch out my strands. Although I don’t blow dry my hair often, when I do now, I use the tension blow dry method.
UPDATE: I’ve since discovered the RevAir reverse air hair dryer and it’s nothing short of amazing!
IV. Becoming a product junkie
Trying to find hair products that would style my hair just like my favorite YouTuber, I fell prey to buying any and every product on the market. Not only did it hurt my finances, it hurt my hair.
I never gave any product enough time to prove its efficacy…or lack thereof.
Today I still try new products from time to time but I now know what works for my hair and I encourage you to discover the same before venturing out and trying any and everything.
V. Having no hair regimen
This may be one of the biggest natural hair mistakes you can make – like, bigger than the first four.
Not only did I not follow a healthy hair regimen, I didn’t have a hair regiment at all!
I would just sort of shoot in the dark with what I was doing. I washed my hair whenever. I didn’t pre-poo or follow any of the other healthy hair practices to protect or help my hair to thrive.
I didn’t deep condition most wash days (including when I went to a salon because…. who wants to spend extra?). Big mistake.
Check out: Why Deep Conditioning is NOT a Scam
I just had no clue back in the days. I learned the hard way how to care for my fine natural hair. It’s my hope that I’ve helped you to avoid the natural hair mistakes I made.
Have you been making any of these mistakes on your natural hair?
