‘Transitioning’ refers to the simple process of growing out your natural hair before cutting off the processed or damaged ends.
Anyone who’s ever had chemically treated hair (permed or relaxed) or had applied heat straightening on their hair knows that seeing a full head of natural hair takes what can feel like forever.
Here are a few tips to help the transitioning process.
Moisturize
Dry hair breaks. It is important to moisturize your strands regularly.
Look for hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, glycerin, aloe vera, shea butter, and avocado oil on the label of hair products to make sure you’re getting the maximum hydration.
Detangle
Detangle hair only when your hair is wet. You can use either a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb.
Make sure that while you’re detangling, you add a little bit of moisturizing conditioner to your strands, and work from the bottom of your hair up to the roots.
Working from the bottom to the roots ensures that the knots are untangled at the ends so that you can comb through your strands as you brush your hair out.
Deep Conditioning
No wash day should pass without a deep conditioning as it is absolutely important when it comes to hydration, moisture retention, breakage prevention and length retention.
Use a deep conditioner after your regular conditioner once or twice a week: apply enough to cover all of your hair, and put on a shower cap for at least 10 minutes of your shower before you rinse.
Co-wash
Co-washing refers to the of use conditioner to cleanse hair instead of shampoo, which can dry your hair especially if it curls.
You can co-wash every two or three days, reserving shampoo for every two weeks only—this will help remove any product buildup from your strands.
Co-washing helps retain moisture, cleanses the scalp, and strengthens the hair.
Look for products that are sulfate-free as these ingredients do nothing but dry out your hair.
Be Gentle
Don’t get into the habit of carelessly combing out your hair, pulling at your edges, or braiding way too tightly.
The point where your natural texture meets your straight hair is called the line of demarcation – the weakest part of your hair.
No Heat
Put down the blow-dryer and the flat iron. Instead, opt to air-dry your hair so you create minimal heat damage.
Cut Damaged Hair
As your hair grows out you’ll have to slowly trim and get rid of the over-processed hair that’s a result of heat damage.
A few simple snips at the very ends of your hair where you see splits or frayed pieces will do.
