If you're anything like me, you've spent years trying to figure out what your natural hair

wants and needs. When I was younger, my mom took care of my hair, which typically involved twist-outs, the occasional hot comb, or a day off from school to head to the salon for cornrows or braids (a rite of passage for any Black girl at the time). When I hit high school, I begged her for a perm, which led to a continuous cycle of dying, frying, and chopping my extra-thick 4c hair on numerous occasions before I fully committed to it in its natural state.

My hair journey is common for many women of color. Going natural or simply maintaining your hair's natural texture is a process (as it should be). But no matter where you're at in your journey, we can all use a little guidance, and that's where a professional hairstylist comes in. Ahead you'll hear from Marjorie Lightford—a celebrity hairstylist from the agency behind our former cover star, Issa Rae—on everything from misconceptions around Black hair to the different texture types and tips for transitioning your hair. But first, a little about her…