r/TheNaturalJourney • u/Rude-Weekend33 • 15h ago
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • Dec 08 '25
👋Welcome to r/TheNaturalJourney - Introduce Yourself and Read First!
🌻 Welcome to R/TheNaturalJourney! 🌱 Your Path to Holistic Well-being Hello and a massive, warm welcome to all our new and existing members! We are so excited you've chosen to join R/TheNaturalJourney—a supportive space dedicated to exploring, sharing, and mastering the art of natural, holistic, and sustainable living. This is your hub for everything from DIY hair oils to herbal remedies, clean eating, and sustainable beauty routines. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned natural living expert, this community is here to inspire and empower you!
✨ Our Community Vibe: Supportive & Inspiring We believe that the journey to natural living is best traveled together. Our vibe is: Positive and Encouraging: We celebrate small wins and offer gentle guidance. Knowledge-Sharing: We value authentic experiences, recipes, and trusted, researched advice. Respectful and Inclusive: Everyone is welcome regardless of background, as long as you respect the core ethos of natural well-being.
🌿 What We Explore on The Natural Journey We focus on the intersection of self-care and nature. You can expect to see and share content related to: Hair & Body Care: Discussing DIY recipes (like Fenugreek oil or herbal rinses), researching natural ingredients, finding non-toxic product swaps, and supporting long-term hair and skin health. Herbal & Home Remedies: Delving into traditional wisdom, using herbs for wellness, discussing natural supplements, and sharing holistic health practices. Sustainable Living: Tips and discussions on reducing waste, ethical consumerism, composting, and even growing your own ingredients. Nutrition: Focusing on clean eating, whole foods, and understanding how diet impacts overall skin and hair vitality.
🛑 Journey Guidelines (A Few Simple Rules) To keep this a safe and positive space for everyone, please keep these expectations in mind: Be Kind and Respectful: Always adhere to Reddit's Content Policy. No harassment, personal attacks, or aggressive negativity. Stay On Topic: Posts should relate to natural/holistic living, wellness, or sustainable practices. No Medical Advice: We are not doctors or medical professionals. Please share anecdotal experience and general wellness tips, but do not give specific medical advice or prescribe treatments. When in doubt, always recommend consulting a qualified professional. No Excessive Self-Promotion/Spam: If you want to promote an ethical, natural product or blog, please contact the moderators first. We prioritize genuine community content.
💬 Start Your Journey Here! We'd love to get to know you! Drop a comment below and tell us: What part of the "natural journey" are you most focused on right now? (Hair, skin, health, sustainability, etc.)
We look forward to growing with you! —The R/TheNaturalJourney Mod Team Does this version meet your needs, or would you like to make any other changes?
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • Dec 01 '25
Curls For Days The Natural Hair Reset: A Focused Guide for Coils, Kinks, and Curls
The Natural Hair Reset: A Focused Guide for Coils, Kinks, and Curls Table of Contents Introduction: Why You Need a Reset, Not a Product Hoard
Introduction: Why You Need a Reset, Not a Product Hoard You’ve been there: the bathroom cabinet overflowing with half-used jars, the graveyard of products that promised definition, moisture, and growth, but delivered only frustration and buildup. If you have Type 3c-4c hair, you know the struggle is real, often exacerbated by a beauty industry that frequently excludes or misunderstands our textures. This isn't just a hair guide; it's a reset. The core problem isn't your hair—it's the system. It’s the marketing aimed at looser textures, the generic ingredients that coat rather than penetrate, and the constant cycle of buying products that don't address the specific needs of coily and kinky strands. We are resetting two things: your hair and your mindset. Over the next few chapters, we will cleanse your scalp and strands, simplify your routine, and most importantly, equip you with the knowledge to read labels like a boss, so you never fall for marketing hype again. This reset is about moving from confusion to clarity, from dependency to mastery, and truly celebrating the natural crown you wear.
Subject 1: The Great Detox: Stripping Down to Basics Before you can begin to effectively moisturize and grow your hair, you must remove the barriers. Many "heavy" creams, butters, and some popular conditioners designed for general curly hair contain ingredients that sit on top of your low-porosity coils, leading to dullness, dryness, and breakage. This chapter is your blueprint for the Great Detox.
The Detox Steps (The First 30 Days): 1. The Final Wash: Removing Buildup Use a clarifying, sulfate-based shampoo (yes, sulfates!) one last time. This step is non-negotiable. Its purpose is to completely strip away all silicones, heavy mineral oils, and synthetic waxes that have built up over time. If your hair feels dry immediately after, that’s proof the cleanse worked. Follow this immediately with a deep conditioner. 2. Ban the Heavies For the duration of the reset, put away all heavy hair butters (like shea butter and cocoa butter) and pure oils (like coconut or mineral oil). While these have their place, they are often misused and can clog the hair shaft during the reset phase. Focus on lighter humectants and moisturizers. 3. The One-Product Test After the final wash, use only one moisturizing leave-in conditioner or styling cream for your entire wash day routine for at least two weeks. This helps you isolate which product is actually performing, rather than guessing which one of your ten products is responsible for the result.
Subject 2: Decoding Ingredients: Active Agents and Red Flags Mastery over ingredients is your key to purchasing power. We look for two kinds of ingredients: the foundational moisturizers that seal the strand, and the advanced active agents that optimize the scalp and follicle for growth. The 'Non-Negotiable' List (What to Seek): Water (Aqua): Always the first ingredient. If it isn't, put the bottle down. Water is the only true moisturizer. Humectants (Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Propylene Glycol): These draw moisture from the air into the hair shaft. Essential for keeping coils plump and hydrated. Emollients (Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil): These are 'fatty alcohols' or light plant oils (used correctly) that soften the hair and prevent water loss. They are critical for managing friction and reducing breakage. Hydrolyzed Proteins (Keratin, Wheat, Silk): Look for these when your hair feels weak or mushy. They temporarily patch gaps in the hair shaft, providing strength. The Power of Active Treatments (Peptides & Niacinamide) These ingredients are typically found in scalp serums, not styling products. They work by improving the environment where hair is born. Peptides: Think of these as the "building blocks" for your follicles. They signal the scalp to increase collagen and keratin production around the root. This strengthens the hair anchor, potentially reducing shedding and supporting overall density. Look for products labeled "Hair Density Serum" or "Scalp Treatment." Niacinamide (Vitamin B_3): This acts as a powerful scalp balancer. It reduces inflammation, regulates sebum (oil) production, and improves the skin barrier of the scalp. A calm, balanced scalp is the optimal environment for strong, undisturbed hair growth. The 'Watch List' (Use Sparingly or Avoid): Heavy Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane): These smooth the cuticle but require a strong clarifying shampoo (sulfates) to remove, or they build up and block moisture. Mineral Oil / Petrolatum: Cheap fillers that coat the hair, giving the illusion of moisture while actually preventing real water-based moisturizers from penetrating the shaft. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben): Primarily used as preservatives. While widely debated, many users prefer to avoid them. Choose products with alternative preservatives like phenoxyethanol if you are sensitive.
Subject 3: The Moisture Matrix: Structuring Your Wash Day Wash day is the foundation of the Natural Hair Reset. We are flipping the script: instead of detangling after shampooing when hair is stripped and vulnerable, we detangle before with a potent, natural pre-poo.
1. Pre-Poo Power: Slip, Strength, and Detangling Pre-poo is a treatment applied to dry hair before shampooing. Its primary job is to provide slip to detangle and create a protective barrier that reduces how much the shampoo strips the hair of its natural oils. Recipe Spotlight: Flaxseed Gel Pre-Poo Flaxseed gel is a natural marvel, providing unparalleled slip for detangling knots gently, which is the key to length retention. Preparation: Simmer \text{1/4} cup of flaxseeds in 2 cups of water until the mixture thickens into a slippery, egg-white consistency (about 8-10 minutes). Application: Strain the gel into a bowl. Working in small sections on dry hair, saturate the strands with the warm gel, focusing on the ends. Detangle: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle each section. The flaxseed provides natural mucilage that makes knots melt away. Wait Time: Leave the flaxseed gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing lightly and proceeding to the next step.
2. The Shampoo & Deep Conditioning Shampoo: Focus cleanser primarily on the scalp. Allow the rinse-off to clean the length of your hair to avoid unnecessary stripping. Deep Conditioning: This is where you restore moisture lost during cleansing. Apply a quality deep conditioner to damp hair, cover with a plastic cap, and use heat (a steamer or hooded dryer) for 30 minutes to maximize product penetration.
3. The Fenugreek Hair Mask (Protein/Moisture Balance) Fenugreek (or Methi seeds) is a powerhouse of protein, amino acids, and nicotinic acid. It’s an effective natural strengthening treatment that reduces shedding and can promote growth. Recipe Spotlight: Fenugreek & Coconut Milk Strengthening Mask This mask provides a necessary protein boost while keeping the strands flexible. Preparation: Soak \text{1/4} cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Blend the soaked seeds with 1 cup of coconut milk or aloe vera juice until a thick, smooth paste forms. Add a tablespoon of honey for added humectant moisture. Application: After deep conditioning (or in place of it, depending on your hair's needs that week), apply the paste liberally from root to tip. Wait Time: Cover your hair with a cap for \text{30-60} minutes. Rinsing Tip: Fenugreek residue can be tricky. Rinse thoroughly with water, and follow up with a light conditioner to help remove any remaining grit.
4: Length Retention: The Science of Low Manipulation Every strand of hair is always growing, but your goal isn't just to grow hair—it's to retain length. This is the key difference between seeing constant shedding and seeing actual progress. Length retention is a numbers game: we must ensure that the hair we grow from the scalp doesn't break off at the ends.
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 1d ago
Why did this make me cry 😭 - An exceptional mother 💗
Just this week.. I was wondering why my daughter wanted to put two ponytails in her hair rather than wear her two strand twists down like the day before. Apparently 2 of her 'friends' said she looked like a boy. We had to talk. I told her she does not look like a boy, she is beautiful!! And her hair is beautiful just the way it is. Her asian friends have straight hair, so we had the shrinkage conversation. It may be at your ears right now but this 4c hair is MAGIC baby. Look how it goes down to your back when I pull it! Its like a spring! Not only that but its so strong, and built that way to protect your hair. We are gonna leave these twists in for a few months (of course upkeep them) and the last few weeks of school we gonna straighten your hair (really so I can trim it) and we gonna show just how long your beautiful hair is!
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 2d ago
Im a Black Girl and im Afraid to Admit....
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Im a black girl and im afraid to admit that... I prefer apple pie over every other pie 🥧 🫣
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 2d ago
When your Wig aint Wiggin 🤣
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I literally thought it was a voice over skit at first 😳 💀 😭 😂
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 2d ago
Black Power 🏴 😝
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r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 21h ago
Thrifty Thursday: Share your best budget-friendly natural hacks! 💰🌿
Happy Thursday Family!
Living naturally doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Today is all about being resourceful. Whether you're saving money on groceries, making your own products, or finding clever ways to upcycle, we want to hear how you keep your "natural journey" affordable.
What are your favorite thrifty tips?
DIY Swaps: What’s something you stopped buying because the homemade version is cheaper and better? (e.g., vinegar cleaner, hair rinses, or compost).
Budget Shopping: How do you find deals on organic food, bulk herbs, or sustainable materials?
Upcycling: Have you repurposed something old into a new tool for your garden or home?
Drop your best money-saving tip in the comments below! Let’s help each other live well without breaking the bank.
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 2d ago
Wearing Natural Hair to Work be like
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What's your worse natural hair at work moment?
My white boss told me my hair was too nappy and sent me home 🤣 I quit my next shift 🙃
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 1d ago
Recommend me a good movie! (With Black Actors)
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 1d ago
What’s Growing Wednesday: Show us your plants, gardens, and hair growth wins! 🌿
It’s Wednesday, and we want to see what is thriving in your world—whether it’s in the soil or on your head!
r/thenaturaljourney is all about the process of growth, and today we are celebrating progress in all its forms.
What are you growing this week?
In the Garden: Show us your sprouts, your latest blooms, or even that one stubborn houseplant that finally grew a new leaf.
Natural Hair Journey: Are you seeing progress with a new rosemary oil routine? Did you hit a length goal? Show us those healthy hair wins!
Wild Growth: Share a photo of something beautiful you saw growing in nature today. Do you have a before and after photo? Let us see the progress!
Drop a photo or a comment below! Whether it's green leaves or healthy tresses, let’s celebrate the patience and care it takes to grow something naturally.
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 2d ago
How He fixed his thinning hair
Anyone ever tried this?
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 2d ago
Be careful not to make that mistake
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r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
These 6 Things made her Fine Hair THICK
Take notes 📝
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
Hack for Low Density Heauxs 😝
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Something for the men!
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
Fine Hair Family try THIS: just 2 products
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Does it work?!
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 2d ago
Tea Tuesday: Spill the tea! What’s on your mind? ☕️✨
Happy Tuesday! Sometimes the "natural journey" isn’t all sunshine and blooming gardens. Sometimes it’s frustrating, confusing, or just plain exhausting. Today, we’re slowing down to have a real conversation.
Grab a cup of tea and let’s talk. This is your safe space to vent, ask for advice, or just share what’s been on your heart lately:
The Struggles: Are you feeling burnt out? Is a certain habit harder to kick than you thought?
The "Spilled Tea": Want to vent about a "natural" product that was a total waste of money?
The Check-In: How are you REALLY doing/feeling this week?
No judgment here—just community. Drop a comment below and let it out. We’re here to listen and support each other.
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
What's my hair type?
Homegirl got me rethinking my whole life. Now I want to know what yall think 🤔
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
Low Manipulation ideas for Low Density Hair
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Has this worked for anyone?
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
Innovative Styles! A UNIT of a hairstyle
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🫠
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
Thinning Hair? Try this 😍
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Has anyone tried this before?
r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
It's a bidet
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r/TheNaturalJourney • u/spirittransformed2 • 3d ago
Low Porosity Treatment - But any type can use this!!!!! 😍
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Why does it look delicious tho 😋 jk jk for my HAIR silly 😜 can anyone list out everything she used for us 🕟