Ten Tips for Your TWA!

A TWA is a simple style some view as limited, but alas, they can become so much more, depending on your wants and needs. The natural hair community is still challenged in the aspect of honoring short natural/curly hair, and glorifying long ringlets, but the afro — big or small — is fascinating, too! If you’re scissor happy, are starting over anew or just want to spice up your routine, keep reading!

Deep condition as if your life depends on it! To keep your teeny weeny afro healthy and luminous, applying a deep conditioner twice a month (or more if can handle it) is ideal. Any style needs moisture to flourish and grow. Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque is an awesome option of you’re looking for one, and they even have a sale currently for Mother’s Day! Use code THANKSMOM for 15% off through May 19th; you’re welcome!
Explore with accessories. There are so many options when it comes to accessorizing even two inches of hair (trust me!). Try small rhinestone or colorful clips to add a little jazz to an already bold and beautiful style. Hop on Amazon (where UFD products are also available) for more options!
Your TWA does not have to be boring! Accessorize with pins, clips, scarves, etc. to spice it up!
If you’re open to it, TRY COLOR! I have tried so many colors in my hair over the past few years (again, I’m pretty scissor happy and have basically kept a TWA for about 6 years LOL). For more subtle changes, try natural blacks, reds or browns that differ from your natural hair color. If you want to try something bolder, go blonde, of course with the help of a stylist for best results. A perk to going blonde is, there are many temporary hair solutions to try even bolder colors like pinks, blues or any other color you can think of that was out after a wash or two. I really enjoy this one from Ion. Sometimes, with trying new styles, the lesser the commitment the better.
Don’t be afraid to trim! Tapered TWA styles are some of my favorites! If you plan to continue to grow your hair, trimming is still also very important!
Experiment with products until you find the right ones for the look you want. Some Funky Junky favorites include Extra Butter Curl Forming Crème, as it defines curls, but also provides moisture. I apply a leave-in, then the creme, and finish my style with a sponge for extra definition.
Follow these tips and RELAX! Healthy hair is coming in 2019!
Find the proper wash routine. Co-washing is wonderful when you want to lock in moisture and minimize buildup, but a clarifying, deep clean is needed also. Squeaky Deep Cleansing Shampoo is an awesome cleanser UFD offers that tingle down your spine and cleans without all the fuss. Bye-Bye Buildup Cleansing Conditioner (a co-wash) can be used in between my bi-weekly washes or as needed.
Protect your hair! Wrapping it up at night with a satin scarf or bonnet is imperative! You don’t want your hair breaking off before it has the chance to grow into itself.
When you need a break, try a protective style. Wraps and turbans are the the quickest and my personal go-tos, but once your hair reaches a certain length, braid and twist styles are able to come into play. If you want to spice it up even more, try a wig!
Don’t forget to moisturize — Every day! Apply a daily moisturizer like Supercurl Miracle Moisture Crème or Good Hair Conditioning Styling Crème to keep your curls popping and the growth coming right along.
Lastly, be patient with your hair! Enjoy where it’s at now and enjoy the ride. You may find you love short hair more than you expect!