Transitioning to Natural Hair With CURLS

Sales of relaxers are plummeting as more women embrace their natural texture, but transitioning to natural hair can be challenging.

“Transitioning is a brave thing to do,” said Mahisha Dellinger, founder of the CURLS line of products. “We wanted to put together something for the transitioning lady to help them go from relaxed to natural.”

Created especially for Target, CURLS Fierce, Fabulous and Finally Free Transitioning Kit “takes you on the flat hair to fabulous curls journey!” It contains a 4-ounce sizes of Creamy Curl Cleanser, Coconut Curlada Conditioner, Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste and new Defining Moments Curl Release Serum.

The Defining Moments Curl Release Serum can be used for natural styles like twist outs, and also helps bring together the textures of natural and relaxed hair to create a more uniform pattern.

In addition to the products, the kit’s box includes a glossary of transitioning terminology called “Transitioning 101.”

Transitioning Tips & Tricks

Dellinger shared some of her top tips for transitioning to natural hair.

1. The point where your natural and your relaxed hair meet is the most vulnerable, therefore it is more likely to break if not properly handled and cared for. Keep your hair well conditioned and hydrated to ensure a smooth transition.
2. Start by doing a weekly deep treatment with heat for the next few months. Invest in the Hair Therapy Wrap (and a few plastic caps to cover your hair”>. This portable invention enables you to condition at home while you’re doing chores, watching TV, etc. You no longer have to sit under a hot dryer or go to a salon for deep treatment. Your hair needs a conditioner that is geared to replenish chemically altered hair.
3. In addition to deep treatments, moisturize your hair daily. Choose one that will soften the hair, moisturize, and condition the hair as well as mak it easier to comb.
4. Over-shampooing and under-conditioning are common culprits for dry, frizzy hair. Therefore, shampooing more than once a week is not recommended. I recommend shampooing two to three times a month, for dry and/or damaged hair, and once a week for healthy curly hair. On the other “shampoo-less” days, do a conditioning rinse — rinse hair to remove styling products (this is why it’s important to use water soluble products like CURLS”>, apply an ample amount of CURLS conditioner, comb through, rinse and proceed with styling. This will help rinse away unnecessary dirt and oil while pumping much needed moisture back into your hair.
5. Use products with quality ingredients and avoid those with mineral and/or petrolatum oil in them. Both of these synthetic oils coat and suffocate the hair shaft, blocking moisture out and drying out the hair. If applied directly to the scalp, mineral and petrolatum oil can actually retard growth. If your hair requires oil, always opt for natural hair oils such as our pure pomegranate oil or jojoba, coconut, almond, etc. These natural oils actually penetrate and moisturize the hair. Also avoid drying products such as gel, hairspray and mousse. If you need curl hold, opt for curl enhancers, lotions and creams.
6. Reduce the amount of times per month you heat process your hair. If you currently are doing so 3 times a month, cut back to two times a month with a goal of doing it once a month or less. This will ensure the health and integrity of your hair.
7. Make sure you get regular trims. When transitioning to natural hair, starting off by trimming an inch or two is a great idea!
8. I highly recommend incorporating protective styles (e.g. braids, 2-strand twists”> to maintain your hair’s moisture level. To create a uniform texture/curl pattern, a twist out is ideal. For the perfect twist, cleanse with Creamy Curl Cleanser followed by Coconut Curlada Conditioner. Last, apply Defining Moments Curl Release Serum. Add around 20 uniform twists. Smooth unruly edges with Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste. Allow your hair to either air dry overnight or under a dryer for 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

What transitioning tips and tricks would you give women who are just beginning their transitioning journey? What would have helped you?