If you are thinking of transitioning or you’re currently going through it, here’s a guide to help you with your journey.
I once went through a transitioning period in my life and I just want to tell you to prepare for rough times. I know that statement is scary and not very encouraging, but you must know what you’re about to endure. Transitioning is far from easy and it’ll test your patience, but it’ll be so worth it in the end, trust me!
I personally just did a big chop and said no to excessive heat, but this guide is more for those who aren’t ready to lose their hair length just yet.
1. Cut your dead heat damaged ends gradually
Chances are you have damaged ends that need to be cut off from too much bleach and/or heat. You can slowly start getting trims every 6-8 weeks to remove the bad ends gradually instead of just chopping off all your hair completely.
2. Say no to heat & bleach (for now”>
That’s right you can have yourself some bleach and heat, but not now. If you’re trying to strengthen and bring back your hair, you need to let go of the heat tools and bleach till you feel you can use them in moderation again. I personally think the heat tools need to be completely gone or only used 2-3 times a year IF your hair can handle it. You know your hair and how much it can handle, my hair can’t handle heat hence why I haven’t touched a flat iron in almost a year.
3. Deep condition regularly
Aside from getting trims and putting down the heat tools, it’s time you pick up a better habit called Deep Conditioning. Weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning sessions are an essential step to improving your hair’s health. Pick up a few sample packets so you can change it up every week and test products without committing to just one. If you’re on the hunt for a deep treatment that works for you, here are 9 that never fail us.
4. Master some new hairstyles
Since you can’t use heat products, it’s time to master some hairstyles you can do in the meantime. In the period after I cut off my hair and said no to bleach/heat, I was at my lowest in the confidence department. I felt very ugly in this period of time, but you don’t have to feel this way. There are plenty of cute hairstyles you can wear while your hair is regaining its strength and becoming healthy again. Here are a few of our favorites:
5. Find products that keep you hydrated
During this time you should be trying out a few products that encourage your curls to stay curly and hydrated. Trial and error is inevitable when it comes to finding the best styler that works well with your hair. Something to keep in mind is to avoid shampoos with sulfates that strip away your hair’s natural oils and leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. Get educated on what different ingredients mean to better understand what your unique head of hair lacks or needs. Here are 9 of the best moisturizers for transitioning hair.
6. Seek advice
So many naturalistas before you have gone through this transitioning process and it’s okay to slide in their DMs for advice and encouragement. I try my best to respond to as many DMs as I can because I know how it feels to feel frustrated and lost while transitioning. If a fellow naturalista has the same hair type as you, you can ask what he/she uses on their hair and maybe it’ll work for you as well. Remember no two curls are the same, so take their advice with a grain of salt.
Watch my transitioning video
What’s next?
Think you know what transitioning will be like? Read Transitioning: Expectation vs. Reality.
For more inspiration, follow StyleFeen and NaturallyCurly on Instagram.
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