Transitioning is when you grow out your natural hair
before you cut off all the damaged or relaxed ends.
You can cut the unwanted ends off at once, you can wait till your new growth has reached a desired length or you can gradually cut off the damaged hair till it is completely gone.
1. Do your research
Try to get the basics (wide tooth comb, satin scarf/pillowcase, spray bottle, conditioner, styler etc...)
Create a regimen to follow and just go for it. Nothing
can prepare you 100%, it’s a lifestyle change. Don’t expect
your hair to come out looking like anybody else’s hair.
Going natural is to find out about YOUR hair and embracing your natural beauty.
(For a list of essentials for every new naturalista click here)
(For a list of essential products for every naturalista click here)
before you cut off all the damaged or relaxed ends.
You can cut the unwanted ends off at once, you can wait till your new growth has reached a desired length or you can gradually cut off the damaged hair till it is completely gone.
1. Do your research
Try to get the basics (wide tooth comb, satin scarf/pillowcase, spray bottle, conditioner, styler etc...)
Create a regimen to follow and just go for it. Nothing
can prepare you 100%, it’s a lifestyle change. Don’t expect
your hair to come out looking like anybody else’s hair.
Going natural is to find out about YOUR hair and embracing your natural beauty.
(For a list of essentials for every new naturalista click here)
(For a list of essential products for every naturalista click here)
2. Don't set a deadline
Don’t rush this process! I always say to transition for however long you need to, be it 4 months, 6months or even 1 or 2 years. You will know when it’s right for you to rock your 100% natural hair. Dealing with two textures isn’t easy, believe me you will be cutting those damaged ends off sooner than you think!
3. Hairstyles best for transitioning hair
Find styles which will enable you to blend two different hair textures to look the same. Styles such as braid-outs, twist-outs and bantu knots are great for manipulating both textures to look the same.
4. Detangling
You will need to be extra gentle when detangling transitioning hair, otherwise it will end with unnecessary breakage. Detangling should only be done on wet hair! To remove tangles and snarls saturate hair in conditioner and detangle with your fingers then with a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends working your way up the hair strand to the roots.
Don’t rush this process! I always say to transition for however long you need to, be it 4 months, 6months or even 1 or 2 years. You will know when it’s right for you to rock your 100% natural hair. Dealing with two textures isn’t easy, believe me you will be cutting those damaged ends off sooner than you think!
3. Hairstyles best for transitioning hair
Find styles which will enable you to blend two different hair textures to look the same. Styles such as braid-outs, twist-outs and bantu knots are great for manipulating both textures to look the same.
4. Detangling
You will need to be extra gentle when detangling transitioning hair, otherwise it will end with unnecessary breakage. Detangling should only be done on wet hair! To remove tangles and snarls saturate hair in conditioner and detangle with your fingers then with a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends working your way up the hair strand to the roots.
5. Clean scalp equals healthy hair
Transitioning is the trial and error stage! You will be trying many, many, many products to find the one for you so remember your poor scalp. Make sure you cleanse your scalp once a week to prevent product build-up and to start on fresh clean hair to really know if the product works well for you.
6. Moisture, moisture, moisture!
Lack of moisture leads to weak, brittle hair resulting in breakage. Water is the best moisturiser, however you can use your favourite moisturising products, but make sure water is one of the main ingredients. Importantly make sure you seal it in using a light oil or sealant.
7. Deep Conditioning
Oh lord! I cannot say this enough. Deep conditioning is a must before, during and throughout your journey to have and maintain healthy hair. Deep condition once a week, why wait for your hair to become dry why not keep the moisture levels up at all times.
(For deep conditioning recipes click here)
8. Eliminate heat
If eliminating heat sounds too scary, reduce the amount of heat gradually til you no longer need to use it. Try air drying, yes it will take much longer but your hair will be so much healthier!
9. Pay attention to your edges
Our edges tend to be finer and delicate compared to the rest of our hair so be gentle. Avoid hairstyles that put too much tension on your edges, especially your temples and the nape of your neck.
10. Be Gentle!
THE weakest part of your hair is where the two textures meet (the demarcation). To avoid breakage be extra careful. Don’t detangle your hair when you are tired or in a hurry. Just put your hair in a bun, you will only end up pulling and breaking your hair. Trust me it’s not worth it.
11. Trim regularly
Trim your hair monthly to gradually cut off all the damaged ends. Remember to use hair shears and not regular scissors!
12. Enjoy all the stages of YOUR journey!
Don’t compare your hair journey to anyone else’s. It can be so disheartening when you see someone else having more growth, able to recreate styles or having the curl pattern you wanted. We all go through it, but don’t let this get you down. Your hair is unique to you and believe me your hair will grow, you just have to keep at it and be patient.
Are you thinking about going natural or currently going through the transition? Have you completed your transition period? let me know your thoughts below!
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