10 Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair
hair + beauty
June 5, 2012
Ashley
If you’re in the middle of growing our your relaxer, here are a few tips to make your transition easier:
1. Be patient. Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair takes time — but having patience will make the journey all the more enjoyable. This is the time when you should be getting to know your natural texture, which means you should be having fun and experimenting with different styles and products.
2. Use a Moisturizing Shampoo. A good moisturizing shampoo like Nature’s Gate Aloe Vera Moisturizing Shampoo will gently cleanse your hair without stripping it dry of its natural oils. You should also be washing your hair at least every seven to ten days to keep your natural hair soft and moisturized.
3. Deep Condition, Deep Condition, Deep Condition! As your relaxer grows out, your new growth may start to feel dry and hard. Keep your hair on the right track by using a deep conditioner after every shampoo such as Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment.
4. Use a Good Detangler. A good detangler can make it easier to comb through relaxed and natural hair. For smooth and gentle detangling, apply Elucene’s Silk Hydrating Elixir to damp hair and always remember to use a wide-tooth comb to work through any knots or tangles.
5. Hot Oil Treatments. Pump up the moisture with monthly hot oil treatments made with Vitamin E and olive oil. This all natural formula will help to repair the hair’s cuticle and maintain your strands’ natural moisture balance.
6. Go Light. Go for styling products made with natural oils instead of heavy pomades, gels, and waxes. Light oils are not only easily absorbed by the hair and scalp, but they help to nurture and condition your natural hair as it grows.
7. Get Regular Trims. Trimming your ends can make combing your hair easier. Some naturals even report that cutting off 1-2”of their relaxed ends helped their natural hair to grow faster. Click here to watch Trimming Natural Hair at Home.
8. Put the Brakes on Color. If you can help it, avoid coloring your hair while transitioning. There is no point in using harsh chemicals on already fragile hair. Hair extensions with highlights are a great alternative and can give you a hint of color without the damage.
9. Minimize Heat Styling. Avoid going overboard with pressing and flat ironing. Too much heat can reduce the hair’s elasticity and cause breakage. Click here to read Beat The Heat: TGIN’s Tips for Minimizing Heat Damage.
10. Accessorize. If you’re bored with your transition style, try barrettes, scarves, or a headband for a different look. Earrings are also a great way to give your do a lift. Try wearing large silver hoops or long, dangling earrings for a style that is sexy and modern — or go for a sophisticated look and accessorize with a pair of pearl or rhinestone studs. Click here to read TGIN’s 9 Must Have Accessories for Natural Hair.
You can read more about the transitioning process and all that it entails in my new book Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair available for purchase online at Amazon.com or at the Thank God I’m Natural store.]]>