Q & A's about Teenie Weenie Afros (TWA's)

All questions answered by Natalie from Colorado

What are some hairstyles women with TWA's can wear?

I personally started out wearing a wash and wear style after my big chop in Nov. 2007. I found gel and mousse helped define my curls and loved my new look. Lately I've tried twists which I like a lot because it requires very low maintenance which is nice after having spent the first couple of months co-washing my hair almost daily and having to get the curls to sit and shine just right.

A twist-out is nice too, gives the twists a longer lifespan :) I've also worn my hair in an all-out afro which is probably the easiest but requires checking throughout the day, who wants an afro that flat on one side??!! Lastly I tried a braid-out and it was just a crinkled 'fro look, Iliked it best with a scarf wrapped in the fashion of a headband.

How do you apply products to a TWA to get a curly afro?

For me, nothing has worked better than gels, curl activating ones in particular. But now I know to add a bit of olive oil in with it so my hair doesn't dry out. What I do is a co-wash in the shower - sometimes I'll just wet it in the shower without conditioning - and after stepping out of the shower I'll work the gel/oil mix through my hair. Once it starts to set a bit I'll pat it wherever it needs patting for shape and off I go! Short hair has been SO much easier, for me, than my long relaxed tresses ever could have been.

I just cut my hair all off and my coils are very tightly curled. Is there any way to loosen them up a bit?

Initially I found my hair to be different textures throughout. For instance, more 'poofy' in the front with less curl definition, longer in the middle where it grows fastest and also where it's the curliest in S shape, then the back where the curls are closely coiled. I could try to make everything the same but what good would it do me? I really hope you would just work with your own hair, not try to change it because it's beautifully yours. Especially because the only way I know of to loosen curl would be to put chemicals on it, and if you just embrace your crowning glory you won't even care to change what is uniquely you.

Is there a way to trim a TWA by yourself or do you need to see a professional?

I have seen techniques presented on MotownGirl but I am so afraid to mess up my hair I don't even consider going at it alone. That said, my mom's a stylist I trust tremendously but if I didn't have someone I trusted, I'd figure out how to do it on my own. Some stylists think a trim is a cut and when I'm growing my hair out I don't want it cut! If you can afford to have a professional trim your hair, just find someone you trust. Since going natural I really pamper my hair so I protect it from too much outside interference unless it's a trusted source.

I have never had short hair before. Can you give advice on how to deal with wearing a TWA?

Ooh, good question. Initially I was very nervous about wearing my TWA "out" because it was different for me. I'd seen plenty of women wearing it before but I had always worn my hair longer and relaxed so it was new to me. Once I got myself together in such a way that I felt confident in rockin' my fro, I was ready! Makeup, jewelry, lip color or gloss and I was ready. And I don't think it takes a lot of makeup or anything, I keep my makeup pretty natural looking so whatever you do will accent your new 'do.

How can you not be gorgeous when you're natural? You may get some stares or strange looks, but if you feel good about what you have chosen to do the confidence and beauty will radiate.

Really, if my hair is a bit questionable for me - if I'm not sure I like it - and I have to go out I get myself together (makeup, etc.) and wear my hair like I'm so confident. Sometimes you do have to fake it until you make it, I'm learning to do that pretty well since going natural, I feel more and more beautiful everyday!!

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