For The Girlz Who Want The Curlz
I call this the Aunt-Inspired blog (he he), considering that my mom's sister brought to my attention that my blog site has yet to contain any information for those (like herself) who desire to be natural, but have not a clue as to where to start. (Thanks, Auntie!!!) I am now aware that my site lacks this very important information. I read up on transitioning, did some research, thought back to my transitioning days, etc, etc. So here it is, people. The Ultimate Transitioning Guide.
My transition was FORCED! There. I said it. After all the relaxers, all the dyes and frys... after watching my hair slide down my shower drain, I forced to cut it all off, wipe the slate clean... start over from scratch. So I went the Big Chop route, rather than the gradual route of transitioning. However, after big choppin' it, the majority of my hair care regimen consisted of EXACTLY what transitioning requires. I am well aware that the big chop is not a route most actually WANTS to take. So here's the step-by-step process to a more gradual transitioning approach.
My transition was FORCED! There. I said it. After all the relaxers, all the dyes and frys... after watching my hair slide down my shower drain, I forced to cut it all off, wipe the slate clean... start over from scratch. So I went the Big Chop route, rather than the gradual route of transitioning. However, after big choppin' it, the majority of my hair care regimen consisted of EXACTLY what transitioning requires. I am well aware that the big chop is not a route most actually WANTS to take. So here's the step-by-step process to a more gradual transitioning approach.
- Start With A Good Trim- Basically, you're getting rid of ALL those dead, split ends. Not only are they just not a good look, but they make transitioning all the more harder than it has to be. *FACT* The long your transition, the more brittle your ends will become so you may as well say bye-bye now, considering they are just going to break anyway.
- Give Up All Direct Heat (Blow Dryers, Flat Irons, etc.)- Simply put, direct heat INTENSIFIES breakage, soooo yeah, stay away from it. (Remember that breakage is an enemy of yours, and you do keep clear of your enemies, right???) There are a TON of beautiful heat-free styles you can do such as twist-outs/braid outs, buns, bantu knots, braids, and the list goes on.
- Trim Hair Regularly- I started out trimming once a month. After about 3-4 months, I noticed that my hair contained less split ends, so I then started trimming as needed. The time frame totally depends on your hair's individual maintenance needs. The healthier your ends, the easier the transition. Remember that your hair WILL experience breakage, this is the inevitable, but trimming keeps it from getting out of control.
- Pre-poo Before you Sham-poo- Simply means to moisturize your hair before you shampoo. The formula is simple: A water-based conditioner + an oil = pre-poo. Before you shampoo, apply this formula to the hair and leave in anywhere between 20 mintues to over-night depending on your hair's needs. Pre-pooing aids in strengthening your ends AND the Demarcation Line (where your natural and relaxed hair meet), as they become weaker the further you get into transitioning. I am currently pre-pooing with Proclaim Olive Glossing Conditioner and pure coconut oil since the coconut oil aids in elasticity, something my hair lacks these days. It is important to cater to your hair's individual needs when it comes to deciding which oils to use in your pre-poo process. (Check out my blog, "the Do's and Don'ts to see a list of oils and what they aid in.)
- Deep Condition (Every week when transitioning!)- This is by far THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP when transitioning AND when you have fully converted. Deep conditioning keeps your relaxed hair and new growth healthy as you transition and it helps retain moisture (especially in cold climates). I am currently deep conditioning with Shea Moisture's Deep Treatment Masque for 30-45 minutes (depending on my allotted time), covered with a warm towel and then covered with a plastic cap. This creates natural heat, which allows moisture to deeply set in, rather than using direct heat.
- Detangle With a Leave-In Conditioner- Keeps hair manageable and less likely to break due to tangles. Some great leave-in conditioners that has been my go-tos are Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner, As I Am Leave-In Conditioner, and Shea Moisture's Extra Moisture Leave-In Detangler.
Following these simple steps are GUARANTEED to make for a happy, smooth-sailing transition to healthy, natural hair that I KNOW you are just going to LOVE! It may seem like a lot, but trust me, once you get your own regimen down, you'll see that it will get easier and easier. I am so GLAD that you've decided to embrace, to love, to APPRECIATE the beautiful naturalness that God has blessed us with. If you have any questions please feel free to comment here or contact me personally via the Contact Me page. Thank you and HAPPY TR