12 tips on how to transition to natural hair

As we all know , natural hair is the latest trend among women of color all over the world. Yep from the UK to the US and her in mother Africa, bet trust Naija babaes lollll all roads lead to due hair... natural hair tins. Transitioning  from relaxed hair into natural hair is tough - odd curly bits, split ends and endless breakage and maintaining a healthy hair whilst transitioning is another issue entirely. While some people can swear that their hair can break a rake others 

are having a smooth ride through transitioning. There are several tips on how to transition to natural hair with ease. Gosh I wish I knew this four years ago *sad face*.

What do I do during transitioning?

• Keep your hair hydrated. The biggest struggle with transitioning your hair is preventing breakage due to damage and dryness. Use a water based leave-in conditioner on a daily basis. Every evening before bed, thoroughly incorporate either coconut oil or olive oil into your hair and let is soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help replenish your hair with moisture and nutrients that will strengthen the demarcation line (the part of the hair where the transition is occurring).

• When you wash your hair, add a little conditioner to your strands prior to shampooing. This will help to keep the shampoo from stripping all the moisture. Then, condition as  usual.

• Consider using a leave-in conditioner for your hair during the day. Apply some to your hair before you style it, paying careful attention to the demarcation line.

• Use a deep conditioner regularly. Deep conditioning treatments take adding moisture to a new level. Although they are typically only used once a month or so, transitioning hair needs extra conditioning and can handle the treatments more frequently. 

• Stay away from heat. In general, hot tools should be avoided if you’re trying to protect your hair. Using curling irons, flat irons, and blow driers can stress your hair and cause breakage. While transitioning your hair, do all that you can to allow it to be as natural as possible. 

• If you absolutely must use hot tools, keep them away from the demarcation line and avoid using them on your roots where your natural grow-out is forming. Remember to use a hear protect-ant.

• Limit your hair washings. This goes hand in hand with adding moisture to your hair; washing your hair frequently strips your strands of the natural oil that helps to keep it strong. Wash your hair as little as you can, using plenty of conditioner when you do. If you’re able, wash your hair once every 7-8 days so that there is plenty of time for your natural oils to thoroughly coat each strand of hair.^[1]

• Give yourself a hot oil massage. Waiting for your hair to grow out is often the most frustrating part of the growing-process. Rather than waiting idly by, you can promote new hair growth by giving yourself frequent scalp massages. Use a bit of oil (coconut, olive, avocado, etc.) warmed slightly to massage your scalp. This will stimulate the hair follicles and help the strands to grow a bit faster. Hot oil massages can be done as frequently as you would like, but should be done at least once a week for the best results.^[2]

• Avoid adding chemicals to your hair. Although it may seem like a given, you should be avoiding all relaxers and perms when trying to transition your hair. In addition, stay away from hair dyes  as these cause significant damage to your hair, causing it to break and become frizzy.