The process of returning natural can be a daunting task… I was 15 years old when I made the decision to transition and at that time, there were no natural hair products.  Thankfully, the hair industry realized the growing demand for natural hair care and created awesome products to make transitioning easier. For those who are seriously considering returning natural or you have just begun your natural hair journey, here are some tips to help you through.

10 Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair:

1. Patience… Be patient with your process. If you’re expecting quick results, transitioning is NOT for you. You may want to consider the ‘big chop’. Take this time to learn about your hair (Porosity, Elasticity, Texture, etc.)
2. Say Goodbye to the Creamy Crack… Stop relaxing your hair. (That’s the obvious, right!)
3. Be Gentle… Your  hair is in a very fragile state; the line of demarcation (where your natural texture meets relaxed hair) is the weakest part of your hair. This is where patience comes into play, don’t rip your hair out because your in a hurry to get done. Apply a conditioner with a good slip (I like Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner) and detangle your hair (gently)while wet, you can finger detangle or use a wide-tooth comb, working from ends to roots.
4. Avoid heat styling tools… Excessive heat causes heat damage which will prolong your transition process. Opt for protective and low manipulation styles that can air dry.
5. Deep condition… You might as well start getting in the habit of deep conditioning, this will help strengthen your hair during the transitioning process and should be continued once you’re completely natural.
6. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize… Water is your hair’s BEST friend, despite popular belief. Use water based products to moisturize your hair (most natural hair product lines are transitioning friendly). And always seal moisture with an oil (coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, etc.).
7. Protect your hair while you sleep… Purchase a satin bonnet or satin pillow case to combat the loss of moisture.
8. Trim as little or as much as you feel comfortable with until all relaxed portions are cut off.
9. Wear protective and low manipulation styles… Protective styling (braids, sew-ins, wigs) protect your hair from the environment, loss of moisture and manipulation. *Avoid protective styles that pull your edges too tight* Low manipulation styles are styles that do not require you to comb or manipulate your hair on a daily basis (roller sets, twists outs, braid outs, buns).
10. Have FUN!!!

Do you have any tips for transitioning? Please leave a comment or questions below…

XOXO

Tamara