photo credit: Kennyolapade.com
Transitioning is going natural without shaving off all your hair at once (Big chop). The process is simply growing out your natural texture before cutting off the processed/ relaxed or damaged ends. Here are our top 10 tips to help you on this journey.
1. Be sure this is what you want!
Yes we know everyone and their mum is going natural, but to be brutally honest, this life style change is not for everyone. Going natural is a commitment. You need to be sure your work-life permits it. Can you commit to all the necessities of being natural? Oiling, detangling, washing, product purchase, DIYs, learning new styles etc. If you can’t, stay relaxed. There are healthy ways of being relaxed, so don’t feel bad.
2. Take your time.
Give your hair about 4-6 months of new growth before you completely snip off the processed ends. Ensure your new growth sprout is long enough for you to rock by itself. Yes, managing two textures is a chore but it is worth it. Snip off about 1-2 inches each month till you have no more processed ends.
3. Detangle your hair when wet or greatly moisturised.
Ensure you detangle when your hair is wet and slippery with conditioner using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers , Shop here. Start at the ends and work your way up. This process takes patience, so only do this when you have the time to be gentle with your hair. Rushing can lead to frustration and unnecessary breakage.
4. Oil your scalp!
Your scalp needs all the sheen and care it can get, going natural means your scalp is less visible and more matte. You will need to find natural hair friendly oils to keep your scalp clean and bacteria free. You may need to experiment with this to find which oils your hair likes. You may like the cool of peppermint oil or the tang of tea tree oil … shop here for a wide range of oils.
5. Low manipulation hair styles
Twist outs, plaits, Threading and inverted plaits (DIDI) will be your best buds this season. Hair styles that will require less combing, washing and adhesives. If you are not comfortable wearing these styles out, you may want to invest in (non-tight) wigs .
6. Deep condition like never before.
Ensure you take out time once every three weeks or once a month to deep condition your hair. If you can’t visit a salon you can simply buy a good hair mask, deep penetrating oils and a shower cap. This helps to fortify your hair with protein and ensure its strong. Shop here
7. Heat won’t do you good.
Relax on the heat usage. This makes the hair brittle and lack moisture. Try air drying all of your styles if you can. If you must use heat, do ensure you use a heat protectant! shop some here
8. Your edges
When you go natural, it will be harder to wear styles that don’t expose your edges. You need to use this period to care for them. Avoid transitioning styles that put too much tension on your temples and the nape of your neck. The hair there is usually finer, thinner and more delicate. Get silk scarfs, bonnets and satin pillowcases! Shop here.
9. Be Generally gentle
Be gentle with your overall hair. Find a good stylist who knows how to care for natural textures. If you are your own stylist ensure you use the right tools, hair accessories and products where need be. The point where your natural texture meets your straight hair (it’s called the line of demarcation) is the weakest part of you hair. Take your time when you detangle and style your hair so as to avoid breakage here. Use wide tooth combs at all times.
10. Eat right.
With everything concerning our bodies, the outward is a reflection of genetics and our diet. Have healthy practices. Drink water, eat vegetables and have a balanced diet. If lacking in nutrients for any reason, visit your doctor and get recommended supplements.
