DO’S AND DON’TS OF TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL HAIR

The process of going natural can be frustrating and difficult for most people but if you go into it with knowledge and patience you will have a MUCH MORE easier experience.

Once you decide that you no longer want to chemically treat your hair, you may want to grow it out, which is called transitioning to natural hair. While there are many techniques, practices and ways to go natural, here are a few do’s and don’ts of transitioning to natural hair to help you along your way.

DO’S:

•  Deep condition weekly. A moisturizing deep conditioner will help prevent breakage, moisturize your hair and strengthen your new growth.

• Limit combing, brushing, and manipulation.

• Avoid hairstyles that are too tight and put pressure on your strands.

• Use sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates dry out your hair and strip your hair of its natural oils (sebum).

• Wear protective hairstyles – braids, wigs, weaves, and twists are great styles that give your hair a much needed break. Take care of your hair and scalp underneath and remember not to leave them in for too long.

• Trim your ends every 4-6 weeks. Split ends cause breakage and can travel up your hair strand

•  Drink plenty of water and keep a healthy diet. Lean proteins, green veggies, and plenty of water intake improves your overall health.

• Keep your hair moisturized. The line of demarcation (the line where your relaxed hair meets your natural hair) is the most fragile part of your strands and needs special attention. Keep your hair moisturized to avoid breakage at that point. Moisturize your hair with a leave-in conditioner then seal with an oil or butter. How often you need to moisturize will depend on your hair. If your hair starts feeling dry or rough, it’s time to re-moisturize.

• Try hairstyles that will blend your new textures – some hairstyles that can blend both textures are twist outs, rod sets, braid outs, and bantu knots.

•  Limit heat usage – try to refrain from using too much heat on your hair.

• Keep track of your hair journey – create a journal or blog to track your progress and hair growth.

DON’TS:

• Don’t Focus on your hair texture too quickly. it is hard to pinpoint exactly which texture you have since your relaxed hair is weighing your natural hair down. Once you big chop, you’ll be able to pinpoint your texture.

•  Do not excessively use heat. Heat will only dry your hair out and damage your natural hair.

•  Do not Rush your big chop. Only chop your hair off when you’re 100% ready for the new look. Some women transition for months, some for years. Take all the time you need to transition.

•  Don’t listen to ignorant peers, friends and family. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to go natural and wear what you were born with!

Lastly. DO remember that everyone’s natural hair journey is different. There is no rule book or set way to wear your natural or transitioning hair, so don’t let anyone else define your natural journey.  Everyone may not accept your natural hair – that includes family members, parents, children, friends, but at the end of the day you should be transitioning to natural hair for YOU and not them.
Enjoy your journey


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