10 Tips For Natural Hair Transitioners

The transitioning process for natural hair can be both exciting and intimidating. You can’t wait to see what pattern your natural curls will take on, how long it will grow, and the different styles you’ll be able to play with.

If you are feeling a little lost along this journey, here are ten simple hair tips you should know about during your transitioning stage.

1. Try to go without heat for the first six to eight months.

Thermal straightening can have the same effects as a relaxer in a sense that it can break down the protein bonds in your hair. When the protein bonds are weak, your hair will break. This is why you can see breakage on or near the line of demarcation (where old hair and new growth meet).

2. Use sulfate free shampoo

This shampoo will help you retain some of the natural oils that regular shampoos tend to strip from your hair.

3. Shampoo your hair in sections

This tip may sound tedious, but it will benefit natural hair transitioners. Relaxed hair is very prone to matting and tangles, so shampooing and conditioning in sections will cut down excess detangling time and unnecessary shedding.

4. Always use conditioner when detangling

The more conditioner the better. Load up and make sure your hair is saturated with plenty of water. Work in four sections and take your seamless comb and detangle. You can also detangle under a stream of low pressure water while in the shower, bath tub, or sink.

5. Deep condition regularly

Keeping your hair conditioned is a regular part of most if not all healthy hair care regimens. It’s imperative that you keep your hair moisturized, and deep condition once weekly with heat.

6. Invest in a good detangling comb

Detangling can wreak havoc on your hair, but you can overcome that with the purchase of a great detangling comb. Go for a seamless comb so your hairs do not snag on the seams of the comb.

7. Protein is your friend

Chemically processed hair needs a bit of help in the form of protein treatments. This keeps your hair strong, and also helps with elasticity. You want to minimize the breakage and shedding during your transition, so regular protein treatments are key. Don’t forget to deep condition after every protein treatment as well.

8. Silk and satin are your friend too

Silk pillowcases, satin bonnets, and satin scarves will protect your hair throughout the night. Try to avoid sleeping on regular cotton pillowcases, as they can cause breakage to your hair.

9. Low manipulation hair styles

Too much manipulation is like death to your tresses, so low mani styles are what you want to go for. You can rock braids, twists, roller sets, flexi rod sets, braid outs, low tension buns, bantu knot outs, and twist outs.

10. Be patient

When your hair is slowly going through changes, it can be hard to remain patient. Make sure you take your time and most importantly take care of your hair along the transitioning process. Understanding these tips and performing them correctly can make the difference in a healthy and easy transitioning journey.

What helped you along your transitioning stage?