Going natural is never an easy feat. For many of us curlies, it’s been a process learning to love, care, and treat our curls with the divinity they deserve, but that comes from a long process known as transitioning. Transitioning occurs you are reducing the amount of heat you put in your hair via a flat iron or blow dryer and start wearing your curls naturally. This is never an easy or quick process depending on the extent of the heat damage. Whether you’re at the beginning, middle, or end of your transitioning stage, it’s all a process full of routine and patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your curls won’t reappear overnight. There are several methods and tips to keep in mind as you are transitioning and we’ve got the experts on speed dial today.
Here is the 411 on transitioning your hair from damaged limp strands to healthy bouncy curly hair.
How to Transition Properly
Decide ahead of time if you plan to grow your hair out and trim away the dead hair gradually or if you’re gonna do the big chop. There is no right or wrong answer, it’s all about your comfort level and overall goal for your curls. Growing out your curls is a long process that will take time, dedication, and should be followed up with regular visits to your stylist. For some it’s easier to chop it all off at once and start fresh, but this is also a very drastic change and one you shouldn’t do lightly. If you plan to grow it out, make sure you are accompanying the growth with products that will replenish and nourish your hair. Perhaps you are leaning towards the big chop, research different styles and options that will go best with your face shape and curl texture.
Do’s
- Create a game plan ahead of time so you can mentally and financially prepare for your transition.
- Make an appointment with a stylist whether you are getting the big chop or growing your hair out.
- Use your favorite influencers and curlies as a resource for styling your hair through this process. You don’t have to walk through your transition with blinders, there are numerous curlies on NaturallyCurly.Com and social media who can give you all the inspiration you need.
- Get creative with your hair and use accessories to create updos and fun styles. Just because you are transitioning doesn’t mean you can’t dress up your hair with a headband, scarf, or clips.
- Wear protective styles like cornrows, twists, bantu knots, weaves, or extensions.
- Be patient, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year for your curl pattern and texture to grow out. Even the healthiest of hair doesn’t hair doesn’t grow overnight.
- Embrace the journey. Know that you are not alone and there are so many curlies who have endeavored down this path…just like you!
Don’ts
- Neglect your hair by putting it in protective styles for an extended period of time, give your hair time to breathe and grow.
- Attempt not cut your own hair if you are not an expert or licensed stylist. As tempting as it may be to go at it alone, the experts are here to help you. If you’ve never cut your own hair or done a big chop, you want the advice and guidance of a trusted stylist who can walk you through the process.
- Color your hair throughout your transition if it can be avoided. Harsh chemicals, bleaches, and other dyes can be harmful to your healthy hair as it’s transitioning. Don’t delay your growth for a splash of color. If you want to color your hair, consult your stylist first.
- Forgo using products that can help replenish and aid your curls.Your curls need the healthy vitamins and nourishment found in hair care products.
- Put heat back on your hair. There will be moments when you want to throw in the towel and just go back to the heat, but don’t allow your frustration to make you retreat.
What The Experts Say
Image: @_thehairsaint_
On Finding a Stylist:
Get your mind ready: This will probably be the hardest of all and you will go through many ups and downs, stay on course.
Do your homework: Find the right stylist for you, I know, sounds easy but you would be surprised at how difficult that can be. Research is everything from their work, their style, their bedside manners and how passionate they are. You’re not looking for a one time thing, what you want is a long term relationship with a stylist that gets you and what you are about.
Be a regular: Did you know, the more you take care of your scalp and hair the healthier and beautiful it becomes, Maintenance is the key to unlocking lovely locks! A healthy scalp produces healthy hair and of course diet has a lot to do with it. I recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks in conjunction with conditioning treatments.”
Image: @_thehalfrican
Suggested Hairstyles
“When transitioning, wearing your hair down, in its natural state is the best way to help your hair. Damaged hair sheds more, so if you are putting it up constantly in ponytails and buns, this increases your shedding. I usually recommend doing a more gentle protective style such as bantu knots, braid outs or twist outs. This is where that hood dryer comes in handy because we know that all of those styles must be completely dry before taken out to ensure that they give you the results you want.”
Curly Tools to Help You
“I love to recommend Curl Formers to my clients or straw sets also that are not ready to do the big chop during transitioning because it forms your damaged ends to curls without heat. I also explain to my clients that eating healthy and taking your vitamins and biotin will increase the chances of your hair growing faster. On average a person grows a half an inch of new hair a month, 6 inches a year. With the proper diet, vitamins and treatments you can more than double that. Getting your hair trimmed regularly is very important also because every 2-3 months your going to get a split end , if you don’t trim it right away it rises up your hair like a split in a tree branch and your ends just keep breaking off as your roots are growing in making it seem like your hair is not getting any longer.”
Suggested Products
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is a perfect remedy for those who have added color or heat to their hair. The blend of Castor Oil and Shea Butter is great for helping promote healthy hair growth and leaves hair soft and shiny.
SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner
This lightweight daily conditioner helps to restore moisture and shine thick, curly hair. Coconut oil helps to hydrate and protect hair while the silk protein smooths out hair for soft and silky texture.
Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
You want a mousse that is going to keep on giving back to your curls. Our 2020 Best of the Best choice mousse dries quickly and reduces frizz. You can apply to wet or dry hair for defined curls you will love.
Having a hair mask is essential to helping restore moisture and essential nutrients to your curls. The tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask helps to treat dry, damaged or colored treated hair. Give your curls the deep condition they need with a unique mix of jojoba and olive oils to help your strands repair.
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
You can never have enough styling creams to add a little bounce to your hair. The Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is made with pure shea butter and formulated without any harsh ingredients.This product is perfect for curls on the go, just apply a bit to your towel dried hair and be on your way!
We wish you the best of luck on your curly journey as you transition away from the heat and into your natural texture. Be patient, give your curls lots of love, and know that we’re here to support you with all your curly needs.
