Hey beautiful queens!
Are you ready to embrace your natural curls and transition to natural hair? In this article, I want to share some tips and advice to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you’re currently transitioning to natural and feeling stressed, just know you’re not alone.
First and foremost, it’s important to be patient and kind to your hair during the transition process. This can be a challenging time as you grow out your natural hair, but with the right mindset and some helpful tips, you can make the journey a beautiful one.
Products to Use
One of the best things you can do for your hair during the transition is to use hydrating products that will replenish moisture to your hair. You can also use a lightweight oil that can help to moisturize and nourish your hair and seal in moisture. These types of products can help to promote healthy hair growth and make your hair more manageable during the transition.
Styling Tips
One of the most important tips when transitioning is to be gentle with your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair, and avoid using heat styling tools or harsh chemicals that can damage your hair. Instead, opt for protective styles like braids, twists, or buns, and use a silk or satin pillowcase to help prevent breakage.
As you transition to natural hair, you may experience scalp irritation and itching. This is because your scalp is adjusting to the new growth and may become dry and sensitive. You can incorporate products that are designed to soothe your scalp and alleviate these issues.
Ingredients to Look For
When transitioning from chemically treated or relaxed hair to natural hair, the scalp can become dry, itchy, and flaky. This is because the scalp is adjusting to the new hair texture and natural oils that were previously stripped away by the chemicals in relaxers.
Additionally, during the transition period, the hair can become more fragile and prone to breakage, which can cause further irritation to the scalp. To mitigate these issues, it is important to keep the scalp and hair moisturized by regularly deep conditioning and using natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.
It is also important to avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or sulfates, as these can further dry out and irritate the scalp. Ideally you want to use ingredients like aloe vera, lavender oil, and peppermint oil, help to calm and heal your scalp while providing a refreshing sensation.
Other Things to Keep In Mind
Transitioning to natural hair can be an exciting and liberating journey for black women, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to styling. Here are some tips that may be helpful when transitioning to natural hair:
- Be patient: Natural hair requires a lot of patience, especially during the transition period when the hair is adjusting to its new texture. Be patient with yourself and your hair and remember that it takes time for your natural hair to grow and thrive.
- Protect your hair: Protective styling is key when transitioning to natural hair. Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns can help to minimize breakage and allow your hair to grow.
- Moisturize regularly: Natural hair needs moisture to thrive. Make sure to moisturize your hair regularly with water-based products like leave-in conditioners, creams, and sprays. You can also use natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil to seal in moisture.
- Avoid heat styling: Heat styling can cause damage to natural hair, especially during the transition period. Try to avoid using heat styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers, and opt for heatless styling methods like braid outs, twist outs, and roller sets.
- Find a good stylist: Finding a stylist who understands natural hair and can help you navigate the transition period can be invaluable. Look for a stylist who has experience with natural hair and can offer advice on styling and maintenance.
Remember, transitioning to natural hair is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and a lot of love and care for your hair. But with the right mindset and the right products, you can make the transition a beautiful one. So embrace your natural curls, and let your beautiful hair shine.
Brandelyn Green is the Founder of VoiceOfHair, a platform to help women of color find the best hair care products, regimens and hairstyles! Since starting VoiceOfHair in 2014 she has grown the social media platform to over 1MM+ on Instagram and Facebook. As a natural who is also a salon goer, she wanted to create a platform where people could find the best products, hairstylists, advice and trends.