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Thinking about going natural?? I’m sure the thought has ran across your mind a few times by now, and you may be unsure on where to start. Well, you have definitely come to the right place. I have compiled some of my best transitioning tips on this blog post. I started my natural hair journey on June 1, 2014. I remember scrolling through Instagram and seeing all the beautiful naturalistas’ rocking their natural hair. The different textures and styles left me in amazement and from that date, I was like no more  relaxers! Originally I had planned to transition for a year but I ended up transitioning for 11 months and 22 days ( close enough!! lol) This transitioning period  for me was compiled with frustration, trial and error, and excitement. I was going through a range of emotions at the time. I was anxious to see what my curl pattern looked like. I was also anxious to start trying the different natural hairstyles I saw on Instagram and YouTube! I’m not going to lie, taking care of the two different textures was challenging. In fact, five months into my transitioning period, there was one point in time where I was ready to give-up and perm my hair again! I’m so happy I stuck with it!

Ok so you have made the decision “no more relaxers” Now What??? There are two ways you can return to natural: the big chop or transition for a period of time and then do the big chop! To be quite honest I personally opted to transition because I was very scared of how I would look with little to no hair on my head. And I know a lot of people are like, “hair doesn’t define you” or “you are not your hair” but I beg to differ. Personally for me I didn’t think I could rock  a bald fade and be secure with myself. More power to you if you can, but again I couldn’t see myself in that way!

Here are my Top 5 Transitioning Tips that helped me SURVIVE  throughout my transitioning to natural hair journey:

1. Deep Condition and Chill

I recommend deep conditioning weekly! It made managing the two different textures much easier. I suggest finding a good moisturizing  deep conditioner. My favorite deep conditioner I used was the Shea Moisture : Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask. I also often times added olive oil to my deep conditioner to add more moisture!

2. Protein Treatments

I used Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair.  I used this treatment every 3 to 4 months. Protein treatments add strength and help to avoid breakage. This is especially important for transitioning hair! The line of demarcation ( where your new growth and relaxed hair meet) is very fragile and needs some TLC. Protein treatments definitely help in that department.3. Protective Styles

If you have been following my Instagram natural hair page , then you know one thing about me is I love a good protective style! Protective styles helps prevent breakage, especially on those relaxed ends. It is very important to limit constant manipulation to your hair during this transitioning period. Think about it this way, the less you have to touch your hair, the better it is for your hair. Now I’m not saying to neglect your hair while you are protective styling. It is still important to oil your scalp and keep your hair moisturized while you have that protective style.

4. Moisturize ( L.O.C method)

I learned that moisturizing relaxed hair is WAY different then moisturizing transitioning  and natural hair. The best method that worked for my transitioning hair was the L.O.C. method. The “L” stands for “liquid” or “leave in”. The “O” stands for “oil” and the “C” stands for “cream”. I usually did the L.O.C. method after every wash and once in-between washing. That routine kept my hair moisturized and applying the products in that order helped my hair retain moisture. Another popular moisturizing method is called the L.C.O. method. It is the same thing, except you apply it in a different order. Personally the L.O.C. method worked best for my hair. I still use that method  now that I am fully natural.

5. Stay Away from Heat

Heat damage is real!!! I suggest staying away from straightening your transitioning hair completely. I know it’s very tempting to flat iron those roots, so they can blend in with your relaxed ends.. but “DON’T DO IT!”  Excessive heat is not good for your new growth. It can permanently damage your natural hair and cause major setbacks.

These transitioning tips I shared with you, made my transitioning journey  much easier. In the beginning I had no clue on what to do and where to start. I know if you incorporate these tips I have shared, then your transitioning journey will go a lot smoother! During my transitioning journey I did very little research and just learned things along the way, well your one step ahead of me, because you are actually researching how to go about this transitioning phase!

Good luck on your natural hair journey! Leave a comment down below on how long you have been transitioning or plan to transition! Feel free to leave other tips that have helped you along the way. If you have any questions, please drop them below! I will answer them! Until my next blog post, Love and Light!