No matter who you are, chances are you’ve had someone close to you bring up the topic of going natural. If your hair is relaxed though it may be difficult to understand or even support their decision to try something new with their hair. That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t ways to support them through their new journey – even if you don’t know much about it.

If you’re not sure what you can do, here are five simple yet effective ways to support someone you know when they’re going natural.

Share natural hair product recommendations.

Whether you’re natural, considering going natural alongside your friend, or are just happy with your relaxed hair, if you happen to see a new product advertised for natural hair, share it. Though each person in the natural hair community usually has to go by trial and error, there’s nothing wrong with sharing what you come across so that they can look into it. And, if you have other friends who are natural, feel free to pass along their list of products to your loved one who is just entering the natural hair tribe. A good product to suggest for someone new to the community could be Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard.

Don’t criticize them.

When you don’t understand something, it’s easy to be against it or to find fault in it. And natural hair is not exempt from that conversation. Though appreciating natural hair texture is the responsibility of the person whose scalp it derives from, the journey can often hit a point of stagnation or frustration when those closest to the person make negative remarks about their hair. Instead of being negative and criticizing them for their choice to wear their natural hair, try suggesting styles and accepting them no matter how they decide to rock their hair.

Learn more about natural hair.

One of the best things you can do to support someone close to you who is going natural is to learn more about it. Gone are the days when “going natural” was frowned upon and thought to just be a trend. Being natural has become a true lifestyle and a great way for women and men alike to accept, embrace, and appreciate their natural coils – no matter their texture. Learning more about the community can help you understand your loved one’s decision and provide more encouragement for them throughout their transition.

Compliment them.

Whether they are trying a new style that looks good or have perfected a style that you’ve seen them wear before, give them a compliment. Don’t hold back on saying something nice. Everyone – no matter their hair type – loves a compliment or two from time to time.

Understand that everyone’s texture is never the same.

One of the main things that you have to remember when you are trying to support your close ones during their new journey is that everyone’s hair is not the same. It doesn’t matter how many friends or family members you know that have gone natural and have tried certain styles, the truth is, those styles won’t look the same on everyone or even take the same products to accomplish. So, just make sure you that are mindful of that when you are supporting them.