Are you transitioning from a relaxer, heat or colour damage? Well if you are, then we know the struggle can be real!
Here are our top 5 tips for a smooth transition.
Tip 1 - Deep condition
Deep conditioning is a staple for any wash day routine as it helps bring back any moisture lost from shampooing. You can condition with or without heat (the longer the better). Using indirect heat helps the hair cuticle open up to allow the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft and give your tresses some TLC, making your hair shiner, less dense, stronger and improving the overall health of your hair. Try adding a spoonful of our favourite oil to give the conditioner and your hair an extra boost.
Tip 2 - Protective styling
Protective styling is a game changer when it comes to a successful transition. It allows your natural hair to relax and grow without you having to do any type of manipulation to your hair. Box braids have always been my go to protective style but there are so many other styles to choose from. Weaves, cornrows, buns, braid and twist outs, flexi rod sets, faux locs, crochet braids, wigs, Ghana braids and senegalese twists to name a few. Protective styling is great because you get to see how much growth and length you have retained. Whatever your choice of style is, remember to keep your natural hair clean and moisturised. This leads on to tip number 3.
Tip 3 - Keep your hair moisturised
Moisturising is key in any hair journey. Keeping up with your regular wash routine is important to bringing moisture back into your hair as water is a number one moisturiser. Keeping our tresses moisturised and locking in moisture while we LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) is the perfect step for starting a great moisture routine as natural hair can tend to be drier. Doing weekly scalp massages with your favourite oil will condition your scalp and help stimulate your hair follicles for hair growth.
Tip 4 - Trim your ends regularly
The bottom line is, if you want healthy long hair, then you need trim your ends. Regular trims are important, not only to retain length but for the overall health of our hair. Every 4 - 6 months give yourself a little trim to keep your ends looking fuller and making sure you get rid of those split ends. I know it's hard getting rid of the length you have achieved, but if left untrimmed, the split end will travel up the length of your hair and eventually travel up to your healthy new growth (and we don't want to start our new hair journey with damaged hair do we).
Tip 5 - Limit the amount of heat you use
I know it's hard but trying to cut out direct heat is good for a healthy transition. Let your hair breath and grow naturally so you are able to see your new curl pattern come through. If you are someone who always blow drys after every wash, then try blow drying every other wash day to start with then gradually cut down. Definitely cut out the use of any other styling tools such as curling and straightening tools. After time, you will definitely start to see the difference and your hair will thank you for it.
Do you need any extra tips or advice on transitioning to natural? Leave us your comments and we can start a discussion. These tips have helped me and I hope they can help you too.
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