TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL

To some persons transitioning is easy, which is true but to others its challenging. For me, Its easy to grow out your hair but styling, grooming is time consuming and the negative comments were super challenging. I failed two transitioning journeys and the third one I am finally Natural. How did I manage to be natural under all that "pressure"? I ignored the bad comments, embraced my texture and had fun with my two textures! As simple as that. Its your hair, shut out who is not helping you wash, detangle or groom it  and go product shopping with you. So, Here are some Tips and a simple regimen I followed to return natural.

BE POSTIVE

As mentioned previously, I recieve weird and negative comments towards going natural. I failed two but the third try I was 100% positive and ignored each and every negative comment, and lived by the postive ones. I use the good ones as motivation and focused on my goal of healthier hair. This is rather important for those like me, who made what  'negative people' said matter. BE POSITIVE! BE FOCUSED! 

DEEP CONDITION

Deep conditioning is your best friend during this period. Deal with two textures is a challenge. Moisture is a must and so is protein. This is rather important to maintain the 'Line of Demarcation', which is where the two texture of hair bond. To keep this balance, I used a balancing deep conditioner, which is the Organic Root Stimulator Replenshing (ORS) Conditioner. I loved that conditioner, I used it weekly and sometimes bi-weekly. Reason being, I was protein sensitive. Meaning, I tend to get breakage or dry brittle hair when I use too much protein based products So, the weeks I did not use the ORS deep conditioner, I used the Organics Olive oil deep conditioner, which is a moisturizing deep conditioner. I had  three moisturizing deep conditioners I used and rotated. They are Aunt Jackie's Incontrol  Conditioner, Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner and the Organics. These three got both my relaxed hair and natural hair to maintain the moisture it needed. 

If you are not protein sensitive, by all means use the ORS conditioner alone, since is provides a lot of moisture with a little protein along the way. I did do "hard" protein treatments once a month. I used the Motions CPR reconstructor. You can find many other proteins like this such as Affrim 5-n-1 and the Aphogee set. I personal recommend the Motions CPR if your hair is not a lover of protein. Deep conditioning once a week should be beneficial 

MOISTURIZING AND SEALING

You need to moisturize your hair, to further maintain the moisture balance in both textures. Its really important to also seal in the moisture you applied to the hair. Find a moisturizer that keeps your hair soft during the harsh weather. I used the ORS olive oil moisturizer and beautiful texture Moisture butter. These two helped with moisture retention due to their thick consitency. The oils I use to seal in my moisturizers were Extra Virgin Olive oil, Mega Growth growth oil and coconut oil. This is a simple yet effective routine which is a must in every hair journey. Whether its relaxed, texlaxed, transitioning or natural.

PROTECTIVE STYLE

Protective sytles can be wigs, sew-ins, and braid extensions. I did braids extensions for a little while and then wore my hair out for the rest of the transitioning period. But if you do not want to deal with the two texture you can do either styles mention previously. But ensure that you do give your hair at least two weeks break before installing a new style. This does not have to be so with wigs. Ensure that the braids are not done tight to cause breakage, especially to the edges and nape since those are the most fragile. Still moisturize and seal even though your hair is in a protective style. Invest in braid sprays, preferably the ones with out alcohol.

NIGHT ROUTINE

To many people, this would not seem important but to me, it is. Ensure that u wrap a silk scarf or bonnet around your hair to protect it while sleeping after moisturizing and sealing , especially if you sleep on a cotton pillow case. I see further health improvement in my hair when I started doing this. I was shock how this simple routine help with the maintenance of my tresses.

This is the very simple regimen I followed during my transitioning journey. Many other youtubers and bloggers have similar routines. You just have to be focused and listen to your hair likes and dislike. What might work for me, might not work for you. In other words, products which are my holy grail maybe not be your hair's best friend. After you become natural, you don't have to throw out every product in your stash and get products that are said to be meant for 'Natural Hair". I still use the Aunt Jackie's conditioner. and some of the other products. If the still work, why throw them out?

With that said, build a regimen and stick to it. Don't jump on someone else regimen but take tips and points from theirs and build yours.

until my next post
XO Kellz