TOP TIPS FOR TRANSITIONERS (updated)

Greetings, Chicas/Chicos...Let's Talk TRANSITIONING
Oh, to chop or not to chop, that is the question..

Many times as we ponder the thought of returning to our natural crowns, we dabble in thought of whether we wish to chop all of our hair at once or not chop all of our hair at once..Well, either way, we support your decision and are here to help. For those who wish to keep more length and not chop their hair all at once (known as a Big Chop or BC) and rather, wish to gradually trim their relaxed or straightened ends and slowly transition into returning completely natural, here are some tips that may help.

TRANSITIONING TIPS

TIP 1: DETANGLING: 
When detangling the hair can be a task fit for a surgeon when handling hair of two textures and carefully avoiding or minimizing breakage. The key to easier detangling is ALWAYS detangle hair when wet and slippery with conditioner. Pay special attention to the line of demarcation (the line where the new growth meets the relaxed or straightened ends). Also, if the hair is long enough, detangling while the hair is in sections, then twisting or braiding, helps keep the hair from re-tangling. Many transitioners have found success with first finger detangling, then using a wide tooth comb, such as a Jilbrere Shower Comb or detangling brush to detangle. 

TIP 2: DEEP CONDITIONING/PROTEIN TREATMENTS: 
These treatments should be a transitioners best friend!! A balance between protein and deep conditioning is key to minimizing breakage. With protein, it is used to strengthen the hair, 'temporarily' repairing the hair that is damaged from chemical treatments, colorants and heat use. Be mindful, protein treatments have a tendency to make the hair feel harder than usual, which is why it is very important to follow up with a deep conditioner afterwards to soften the hair once again. You can choose commercial brand protein treatments, henna (works much like a protein treatment and does an excellent job of strengthening the hair. Be sure to look for BAQ or Body Art Quality Henna as it's the easiest to rinse out) or a DIY (Do It Yourself) protein treatment. Protein treatments can be done bi-yearly. Also, incorporating Ayurvedic herbs into your remedy helps to strengthen hair. Check out some DIY Ayurveda treatments here: Let's Talk Ayurveda. Deep conditioners are best as regular treatments, such as weekly or at least bi-weekly. 

TIP 3: MOISTURIZE..BUT DON'T OVERMOISTURIZE:
It is oober important to keep tresses moisturized, as natural hair can become a bit dry. However, this can be a double edged sword as the hair that is relaxed or have the straightened ends can become water logged easily therefore making the hair weak and break easily. Transitioned hair usually fair well being moisturized every few days or weekly (each person will vary). Remember, over moisturizing transitioned hair can create weakness leading to breakage.

TIP 4: STYLING:
When styling hair with two textures, it is of the utmost importance to handle with kid gloves. Remember that line of demarcation is very fragile. Using styling tools, such as wide tooth combs and brushes designed for detangling are key. Treat transitioning hair very gently..I repeat, treat very gently. Protective styles, such as twists, braids, plaits, buns are great for transitioners and minimizes the amount of daily styling applied to the hair. There are a plethora of amazing styles for transitioners such as Twist n Curls, Bantu Knot Outs, Flexi Rods, Perm Rods because they do a great job of blending the two textures.

TIP 5: REGIMEN
Ok, now while I don't encourage you to follow someone else's regimen exactly, I do encourage regimen building that suits your needs. Building a regimen is helpful with understanding products and helping to understand what may or may not work for you..this way, when you have completely transitioned and returned to natural, you are more comfortable with what works and have a better understanding of how to care for your tresses. Though your products may or may not change, the consistency of how you care for your hair may not and as the days go by, you will be more comfortable with maintaining your hair. Building a regimen also helps with aiding your hair in becoming used to your regimen that is comfortable for YOU. 

TIP 6: TRIMMING
It is very important to keep those ends trimmed. While building your regimen, you may incorporate how often you wish to gradually trim your ends as you draw closer to returning completely natural. This time can range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month, two months or a little longer time period. If you are not comfortable trimming your own hair, it is very important to find a stylist that specializes in natural hair care and have them trim your hair for you (one who understands trimming vs. cutting)

TIP 7: PROTECT AT NIGHT
Very important tip is protecting the hair at night. Covering hair with a stain (especially charmeuse satin) cap, scarf or pillow is extremely helpful for retaining proper moisture and minimizing breakage. If you feel your satin scarf, bonnet or pillowcase alone are not enough, double up. You can cover your hair with a scarf or bonnet and sleep on a satin pillow for a double dose of protection. 

TIP 8: DRYING THE HAIR
When drying the hair from cleansing, try using an old t-shirt to dry instead of a towel. Towels can be very rough on the hair and cause friction on the hair leading to dryness and breakage. Once you have rinsed your hair, cover with a t-shirt, just as you would with a towel and leave until hair is just slightly damp. Complete your regimen as normal.

TIP 9: RESEARCH
Research, research, research!! The power of the internet can be an awesome tool for seeking out what other naturals have been through in regards to achieving and maintaining healthy hair. It's also helpful for learning what may or may not work for your hair and how to become creative with how to style your hair. Sites such as Youtube, Facebook, Blog sites, Instagram and Pinterest, to name a few, have been extremely helpful with helping many on their journey to returning to natural. The power of networking with others who have returned to natural is extremely helpful with the fear and frustration of the journey.

TIP 10: DON'T STRESS AND LOVE YOUR HAIR.
Remember, you hair is only an accessory of you. There is no such thing as bad hair, no matter who has tried to define it. Each person will have different results of styles, regimens, hair growth, etc, but the beautiful thing is that we are all unique. Yes, you may deal with shrinkage. Yes, you may deal with breakage. Yes, you will definitely deal with shedding (natural part of the growth cycle). Yes, you will deal with not being able to master every style or a particular style...And all of that is A-OK! Get excited about Your hair texture, no matter what texture it is..Remember, there is NO SUCH THING as bad hair and don't allow the definition of society nor others convince you that there is. Never lose site of how beautiful you are.

As always, I hope this helps..Have a Happy Natty Day!!

Let's Talk Hair: Terrific Styles for TRANSITIONERS

 

Greetings Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone..

I was inspired to post this based on a request by a wonderful natural that is transitioning on Facebook who was looking for some awesome styles to rock throughout her transition..

Just to give a brief definition of transitioning..Transitioning is when you have decided to stop relaxing or perming or using excessive heat styling to allow the natural texture of your hair to grow. During the transition phase, you will have two textures that you have to creatively blend to look as though you have one consistent texture throughout your hair. Whew!! I did it for 8 months only to cut my hair down to 2 inches..I couldn't take it anymore, so snip snip snip I went. It was increasingly frustrating, for me, to have to be so delicate while detangling and not encouraging massive shedding at my line of demarcation (the point where your natural hair meets your relaxed, permed or straightened ends). But, for all of you Lovelies who have decided that you did not want to do a BC (Big Chop), here are some wonderful styles that you can rock that will make your 'Transition' fun and exciting...Hope you enjoy!

Transition Styles:

The Braid out..this is a very popular look amongst transitioners. If you want your ends to curl, please use flex rods or curl rods for your ends.

Bantu Knots...to the Bantu Knot Out (see below)

Bantu Knot Out: An absolutely beautiful style to rock as a transitioner

Twist n Curl (the setup) or you can use flexrods (my favorite)

Twist n Curl results: This was one of my staple 'go to' styles while I was transitioning..Ahhhh nostalgia, the many nights I slept with those flexrods..

Bushy Twist N Curl: You can make your twist n curls bushier by pulling your curls apart a few times..Love this look

Two Strand Twists: Wonderful protective style that does not put pressure on the hair, which promotes growth

Two Strand Twist out: Another one of my favorite styles. To create curled ends, just use flexrods or curl rods for the ends

Pin Curls are excellent for transitioners..If your hair is at a longer length, you can actually use your fingers and roll your hair under and up and pin with duck bill clip or plastic pin. For shorter tresses, you can use flexrods or curl rods to create this look.

Princess Laia Buns with flat twisted front: I loved this style while I was transitioning, compliments of Nikki at curlynikki.com..Such a fun and playful style

Ahhh, the updos you can do while transitioning.. Make it fun and creative

More updo's

Neat and pulled back

Braided fro hawk from an old twist out, braid out, bantu knot out or pin curl

Any old hairstyle can make a fabulous sloppy ponytail or pulled back style..Remember, keep it fun and creative!!












Thanks for tuning in, guys..I hope you enjoyed

Have a happy transitioning day!




photo credit: www.hiimcurrentlyobssessed.tumblr.com

I Really Wanna Go O'Natural...But Do I Have To Do A BIG CHOP??

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Now, I am sure if you are natural you have been asked the question, 'Do I have to do a big chop in order for me to go natural?' Ahhhh, the apprehension of cutting off the glorious locks. Well, when I get a question such as this, I always let them know that they DO NOT have to do a big chop, especially if their hair is not damaged overall and need a complete restart. I explain that they can transition (allowing their natural virgin hair to grow in while having relaxed ends) and gradually clip their relaxed ends off, little by little, until they are completely gone.

Now, I was one who was a long term trasitioner..I transitioned for 8 months before I did a BC. I became tired of the long detangling sessions and trying to constantly blend the two textures..so I BC'd in August 2010. However, everyone is different, and one method is no better than the other.

If you choose to transition, instead of doing a BC (Big Chop), then here are some techniques to consider to decrease breakage.

TRANSITIONING 101: 

• Detangle hair, starting from ends working up to your roots, in the shower while hair is slippery with conditioner,with a WIDE tooth comb. Sectioning hair into four parts and use clips to keep those parts separated, will make your detangling session easier.
• Be sure to take extra precaution, while detangling, at the line of demarcation. The line of demarcation is where your natural virgin hair meets the relaxed hair (or ends that have had excessive heat use).
• Detangle one section at a time, and when one section has been detangled, re-twist or re-braid so it will not become tangled again.
• Once you have detangled each section, rinse just by letting the water run through the detangled hair. Be sure not to tussle hair while rinsing, so that you will not re-tangle. Let your final rinse be using cool water and a 2 TSP of Apple Cider Vinegar (cool water closes the cuticle and ACV protects the scalp and hair from mineral buildup, fungus and bacteria..It also imparts shine and softness) If a section becomes loosed by rinsing, just re-twist or re-braid.
• Either leave a little of the conditioner in your hair, while rinsing, or add a little once you have completed your rinse.
• Seal the moisture (conditioner) in with a carrier oil (Jojoba, Coconut, Grapeseed, Olive Oil) or with a natural butter (Shea, Mango, Capuacu)
• Style..Styles that work great for transitioners are twist outs, braid outs, twist n curls, cornrows, braids, etc. These styles allow the two textures (virgin hair/relaxed ends) to blend.
• Be sure to protect your hair at night either with a satin bonnet, satin or silk scarf, satin or silk pillowcase.
• Be sure to deep condition. You can opt to use heat (using a heat cap), a steamer or just allow your hair to condition under a plastic cap,  weekly, using an all natural deep conditioner. For an added boost of moisture, you can add a carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, etc) and essential oil (tea tree, peppermint, lavender, ylang ylang, etc) of your choice.
• And don't forget to trim those ends gradually, using shears that have been used only for hair.
• Recap...Shampoo or Co-Wash (conditioner wash), Section Hair into 4 parts, Detangle (while wet and slippery with conditioner), Rinse with lukewarm water. Final rinse with cool water and ACV. Moisturize. Seal in moisture. Style. Deep Condition (weekly). Protect Hair at night. TRIM ends.

I hope this helps...

Happy Healthy Hair


Photo credits: www.heyfraney.tumblr.com

Let's Talk Hair: 10 Excellent Tips for Transitioners

Ok..let's talk TRANSITIONING. Now, I know how frustrating working with two textures can be as you venture on your journey to O'Natural, I did it for 8 months, and let me tell you, it was no picnic. Detangling for an hour and a half in the shower, shedding, etc. etc...But, don't give up. Congratulate yourselves on striving to go O'Natural. Remember, you have a vision and we're here to help you reach that vision. The goal is to blend two different textures into one. Now, let's talk about some excellent tips for all of you lovely transitioners.

The 10 Tips:

Try the Bantu Knot Out or a Natural Girl's favorite: the twist out

DETANGLE when the hair is wet and slippery with conditioner using a WIDE TOOTH COMB. Always start at the ENDS and work your way up to the root.

Keep your scalp CLEAN. Be sure to cleanse anywhere from every 2 days to weekly.

Keep your hair moisturized. Dry hair causes breakage..nothing beats water when it comes to moisturizing your hair, but you can also add your favorite oil on top of it.

Get used to DEEP CONDITIONING. These should no longer be a 'special treatment'. Weekly deep conditioners are excellent for transitioners.

Wind down your use of HEAT. Try air drying all of your styles instead.

Protect your EDGES. Avoid protective styles (braids, weaves) that put too much tension on your edges. That area is the thinnest and most fragile.

Be GENTLE. The part where your new growth meets your relaxed ends is called the 'DEMARCATION' and it is the weakest part of your hair. Take your time when detangling and styling.

• 
  GRADUALLY cut your processed or damaged ends. Depending on the length you had to start with, give yourself a good trim each month. Remember, use HAIR SHEARS not SCISSORS.

ENJOY your journey and don't succumb to pressure of a time limit.

I hope these tips help you on your O'Natural journey..

Healthy Hair = Happy Hair