Beauty

Hi guys. Today I focus on transitioning to natural hair. This topic is particularly important because many girls want to go natural but are unsure of how to. Going natural can happen two ways, via transitioning or the big chop. Most people shy away from the big chop because it’s very hard to come to terms with short hair and so they opt for the transitioning process. Transitioning is not rocket science: It is a simple process of growing out your natural hair (by abstaining from relaxers) before proceeding to cut off the damaged ends.

Transitioning can be stressful and the main problem is dealing with two textures. So this article is going to simplify the process by providing hacks and tricks that I employed before I went natural.

Pay attention to the line of demarcation.

The line of demarcation is the point at which your natural hair and your relaxed hair meets. This point is very fragile and it is very important that you pay special attention to that line. This part of your hair would be weak because the textures are different and so this part is prone to breakage. Moisturise and oil this part of your hair frequently and most importantly be extremely careful when handling this part of your hair.

Treat your hair like it is natural.

Start now. Do not wait till all your relaxed ends are cut off but start now. Start detangling regularly to prevent breakage. Start washing every week. Incorporate protective styling into your routine. Use little to no heat if possible. Sleep with your hair protected in a satin bonnet. Deep Condition regularly. Oil that scalp regularly. Find a go-to-style that can be easily achieved and stick to it. The idea behind this is that once you start practicing good habits you familiarise yourself with them and this eases the process when you become fully natural.

Protect your hair.

Your hair would be fragile while transitioning and while it may be exciting that you are starting your natural hair journey, you should also incorporate protective styles into your regimen. Braids, locs, twists and wigs would be great during this time as it prevents over-manipulation and unnecessary breakage. Styles such as bantu-knots and braid-outs are great for trying to blend your relaxed hair with your natural hair and act as good protective styles.

Establish the habit of deep conditioning now.

Most people who transition wait till they are fully natural before they start deep conditioning. Deep condition now! Do not leave it till you’ve cut your relaxed ends off. Establish the habit of deep conditioning bi-monthly or more, so when you’re natural you are used to it. We should note that deep conditioning is not exclusive to natural hair and is great for growing and maintaining relaxed, natural and transitioning hair.  Deep conditioning plays an active role in moisturising hair which is what should be of utmost importance when transitioning.

Don’t go overboard.

When I first started transitioning, I was very excited and so I spent hours and hours on YouTube. I was obsessed with trying to figure out my curl pattern and worst of it all, I bought most of the ‘holy grail products’ that YouTubers were recommending. Unfortunately these products did not work for me when I became natural. So, do not go overboard and take one step at a time during your natural hair journey. Research, but also be very cautious to prevent waste of money and time!

Trim your hair often.

Many people think trimming your hair would promote hair growth, but this is not so. Trimming hair would help to prevent excessive hair loss and breakage. Get into the habit of trimming relaxed and dead ends every 6-8 weeks at the minimum and this would promote healthier looking hair and stop unnecessary hair loss.

Keep your scalp clean.

Try to cleanse your scalp every week to prevent buildup. A clean scalp, free of buildup is key to hair growth. Incorporate shampooing and Co-washes to your regimen in order to ensure that the natural hair growing from your scalp does not suffocate and so hair growth is not stunted.

Patience.

You would not have your dream hair overnight. You have to be patient when transitioning and pay special attention to your hair and what it likes. Also do research on what is best for your hair but also do not get too bogged down in information. Take things one step at a time. Also try to avoid comparing your natural hair journey to other people’s natural hair journey. Personalise your hair journey and observe to what your hair needs and cater to that!