Dejavunaturals: Guide to Transitioning

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Guide to Transitioning

Guide to Transitioning

The first thing to know when you are transitioning to natural hair is to not try and take care of both textures daily.
The best way to transition is to wear protective styling that won’t require daily grooming.
Many people experience common issues as breakage, thinning, shedding, dryness, styling dilemmas, and problems with the scalp. Having natural hair does not mean your hair problems will go away it is about how you care for it and aid in producing healthy natural hair growth.
Make sure to comb your hair from ends to roots to prevent knotting and breakage.
Hot oil treatments every two weeks, as you progress in your journey some choose to do this once a week or twice a week to retain moisture.
Remember that the point where your natural hair meets your permed hair is the weakest point so be gently in your regimen.
Deep conditioning will become your best friend, this is the perfect way to restore moisture
Products: Get the right products that work for you, many natural choose to use natural store brought products or natural DIY (do-it0yourself) products. There are many products to choose from and just because they say natural does not mean they will do justice for your hair. Buyers beware; make sure to know the ingredients of these products. What is good or bad, you can also speak to someone who may have a lot of knowledge to help you when choosing your products.
Stay away from excessive heat if you want to have natural healthy thick long hair. Excessive heat will not only damage your hair but ruin your curl pattern and prohibit your growth cycle. There is nothing wrong with wanting to use moderate heat.
When your blow drying your hair or doing a blowout make sure to use the lowest level of heat or cool.
Co-washing is done by many naturals as a way to retain moisture by using conditioner instead of shampoo which strips the hair. Co-washing can be done once a week, or as desired.
Clarify your scalp: Make sure to do this once a week especially if you use a lot of products in your hair it will help to balance the ph. level. If you are having scalp issues, peppermint, aloe Vera, apple cider vinegar or witch hazel and of course what you eat are just some of the things you should look for.
Make sure to love your hair and make decisions that compliment your hair needs.
Pay close attention to your hair over time you will know what is wrong with your hair by just the feel of it. Knowing whether it’s time for a hot oil treatment will come easy to you.
Keep in mind what may work for you may not work for the next person, experiment using safe products for your hair.
YouTube can be great inspiration for anyone thinking of going natural or needs help through their transitioning you can meet some amazing women and get some great advice by watching tutorial. There is something very different about watching videos and seeing other naturals care for their hair and produce great results.
Hair forums and discussion boards are also a great way to seek advice and support.
Make sure to change up your hair styles as one protective style for long periods may cause add tension and stress on your hair and ends.
If you choose to wear weaves and braids do make sure they are loose and not pulling on your edges.
Although natural hair is stronger than permed hair it can also be fragile.
If you are unable to take care of your natural hair yourself. Find a professional that has not only the knowledge but care and love for natural hair and natural hair wearers. Your hair should not be tight or cause tension to your edges.
Do not use too much hair when you are braiding or adding twists, it needs to be balanced to avoid breakage.
Protective styling does not mean “Yay I can leave my hair alone”, you must treat your braids or twists as if it is your own.
Before you put any extensions in your hair make sure to deep condition before and after. When you have removed your extensions always detangle hair before washing.
Always apply a leave-in condition before you apply any extensions to your hair and ends follow by a sealant like castor oil or coconut oil or Shea butter. I mix my sealants together to protect my ends.

How long should I transition?

Transitioning depends on the person and what you are comfortable with. Many choose to do the Big Chop right away while other chooses to grow their hair out. It can be very daunting wearing your hair naturally short for a while. It is such a new experience once you tried it. Even though I had never permed my hair I put so much heat on my hair that I did the big chop and trust me wearing that first Mohawk short to go out was a new feeling, experience. I had not had my hair that short since well I was a child. I had cut my hair from damage before but never that short. I did that so that my hair would produce for me at the time what I thought was better results and so far I was right. Make sure to take care of all of your hair as if it is natural.

The Big Chop

The Big Chop is not necessary unless you choose to do this. Transitioning hair styles can allow you chances of not having to do the Big Chop. This is really a personal decision that I advise you really make sure it is the best choice for you, it can be extremely emotional for many.

Styling Options

Braids, full head weaves, sisterlocks, locs, extension locks, flat twist, cornrows, two strand twist, Senegalese twist, crochet braids, spring twists