Natural Hair Journey
Staying away from relaxer and perm can be an exciting and fun experience, but also stressful and a little intimidating when you aren’t that familiar with how to look after your natural hair. The first thing to remember about transitioning is that the process you should begin it when you are comfortable. You can do your way and achieve the best results.
Here are some tips to successful natural hair journey!
- Choose between and big chop or Transition as you go!
Big chop: This is totally down to personal preference, but it is something that you should consider at the beginning of your journey because it will determine the early stages of your transition.
Cutting off most or all of your relaxed hair at once. This simplifies and speeds up since you won't need to worry about having two different hair textures at once allowing you to experience full natural hair growth.
Slow Transition
The slower approach of the two is perfect for those that would prefer to adjust to their new hairdo over a slower period of time. It involves cutting relaxers and chemical strangers or perms out of your hair care routine. Although permed hair cannot return to its unprocessed state, slowly trimming your ends as your natural growth comes in allows you to retain your length whilst you’re transitioning.
To reiterate, there is no right choice, everyone’s hair is different; consider what your hair goals are, consider what you’re comfortable with and the relationship with your hair. Going short overnight may not be for you, and that’s OK! You may be ready to get rid of your relaxed hair, right now, and the thought of dealing with 2 different hair textures might seem like an unnecessary hassle, and that’s OK! Choose whatever makes you comfortable.
- Deep Conditioning & Moisturising
The texture and composition of relaxed hair differs from natural hair. Expect to use different products that match your hair porosity. Keeping your hair well moist is the key to prevent hair breakage, shrinking and dryness.
- Wash Routine.
Wash routine can be a lengthy process. It's not as easy as it sounds "Wash and Go"! The frequency varies depending on your daily activities and products used. It is important to make sure that your hair is washed to avoid build ups and bad odour.
Paying attention to the product you use is important for natural hair. Test your hair porosity and work with products that match your porosity. Using co-wash is a great way to remove build up while avoiding harsh chemicals found in shampoo.
- Verify Your Hair Potions
Try to get into the habit of checking the ingredients on your deep conditioners and moisturisers. Don’t simply take what the bottle says at face value, you’ll find a lot of products will spout that they are “suitable for all hair types” or “perfect for natural hair”, when they are nothing of the sort. Check for deep conditioners and moisturisers that use natural oils like, jojoba or olive oil as their primary ingredients. When it comes to conditioning natural hair you want oils that can deeply penetrate the hair shaft. Poorly selected conditioners will result in products simply coating the outer layer of your hair, weighing it down and making it oily.
- Experiment With Protective Styles
Protective styles can be great when you’re transitioning or simply want to give your hair a bit of a break. The great thing about them is that they are so versatile and convenient. They can help to protect your hair from abrasive weather and they reduce the need for heat styling. Protective styles can be kept in for several weeks and can be anything from clip ins to cornrows.
- Be Gentle
Take your time to detangle your hair as you brush from the top to bottom. Using the right detangling brush makes the whole process easy and less tension on the roots.
- Heat Protection
No blow dryer or flat irons in regular basis. There are times that you might need to use heat. Remember to use heat protection spray, serum or oil for your hair.Heat protectants will add a barrier between the heat emitted by the styling tool and your hair, helping to seal in moisture, detangle and de-frizz.
Remember to apply heat protectant when blow drying your hair too.
- Don’t Skip Your Trims
We understand the reluctance to get a trim sometimes, especially if you have hair length goals it can seem like a major setback, but regularly scheduled trims are essential for not only hair health but optimum hair growth. Trimming your hair removes dead and split ends and helps your hair grow faster and healthier. How much you trim off will vary, and again you should go with what’s most comfortable for you. The trick is to keep a close eye on your ends as they will be the best indicator for when you need a trim.
- Give Yourself Time to Adjust
It’s important to embrace the fact that this is indeed a transition in every sense of the word. That means you have to allow yourself time to adjust. You’re going to have to configure a new hair care routine, experiment with new styles and products and all of that takes time. Try not to compare your hair with others, or even compare it with your old/pre-transition hair. If you can embrace this new learning experience and try to see it as a fun opportunity to know more about your natural hair, you will avoid a lot of disappointment down the road.
- Don’t Compare - Love Yourself, Love Your Hair
The most important advice we have to offer. Love yourself, love your hair. This is an amazing journey to embark upon; learning more about your hair, is learning more about yourself. Steer clear of those who put you down about your choices or bring negativity into your life. Seek advice and help from others, too. Remember you’re not alone on this journey, surround yourself with those who encourage and inspire you, and you and your hair will be beautiful!
Hopefully these helps have helped you to feel more confident, no matter where you are in your natural hair journey! If you have any tips to share with us, let us know in the comments below and help spread the word!