TRANSITIONING....

Transitioning to a healthy head of natural hair can be straight and to the point or something you do gradually, over time. I am going to share some insight beyond styling tips that can help you transitioning from chemical to natural.

Self Image

Real Beauty is cultivated from the Inside out. Examine your beliefs about your hair. What messages did you learn as a girl? How do you feel when you think of your natural hair texture? Decorate your space with images that affirm your unique beauty.

Making the Choice

Go with the flow. Let your spirit guide you and make your decision in confidence. Set healthy boundaries and resist the need to feel validated about your hair.

Finding a Stylist vs. DIY

Think about how you will care for and style your natural coils. If you need or enjoy the support and expertise of a natural hair care specialist or loctician, ask for referrals and search online directories. Natural Hair Consultations are the best way to determine if you have found the right fit. Some curly divas prefer the freedom of DIY styles. If you have more time than money, practice simple styles like two strand twists or basic loc maintenance. Be sure to care for your tresses with plant based hair care to moisturize, nourish and replenish.


Enjoy the “Journey”

Over the last few years, online blogs, social media sites and communities dedicated to curly and coiled tresses have skyrocketed. While there is great inspiration, photos and hair care tips, too much can lead to information overload. Please try not to obsess. Just be. God created you and your hair. Let go of the comparisons and be yourself.

Join the Cultural Community

Spring and Summer are great seasons to get out to natural hair events, expos, and festivals. On the east coast, NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C., and Atlanta have so much going on. The Baltimore Natural Hair Care expo and Dance Africa in Brooklyn are two of my favorites. You can shop for natural hair and skin care, and take workshops on everything from Belly Dancing to Hairlocking 101. It feels good to be around positive people who share a love for natural hair and beauty.

Courtesy of Chanelle Washington of Indigofera http://www.indigofera.com/

My Thoughts

I really enjoy her articles, they are good to read with great info , simple and straight to the point.  And, her articles can be geared toward loose naturals and naturally loc'd ladies.

                                                                                                    ENJOY!!!!

TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL HAIR...

How do I transition to natural hair ?


Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is a process that allows you to maintain the length in your hair while it grows. Some transitioning methods and going natural advice will help you maintain healthy hair while reducing unnecessary breakage. African american hairstyles transitioning allows you to lessen the need to do the BC or big chop. How long you decide to transition and what products will help with keeping your hair moisturized is things you will need to consider when you start your natural hair journey.







Relaxers also known as creamy crack can cause so much damage to women of color that the idea of continuing on a course of hair abuse is now leading napptural women to go natural. It is an emotional journey that many have experienced. Hair forums and discussion boards are available to help with the transition period as well as giving the needed support to all you curly heads out there


 
How long should I transition?
 
 
The length of time that you transition depends on the person, some have opted to transition for up to a year or more, while others do the big chop right away, and others keep their ends trimmed slowly reducing relaxed ends as their natural hair grows out. Its important to note that the point where the natural hair and the relaxed hair meet is really fragile, so in order to minimize breakage you will need to treat all your hair as if it is natural, this means to avoid pressing out your new growth to blend in with your relaxed ends.







It is important that if you decide to transition for 6 months or longer that you will need to start moisturizing and taking care of all your hair as if it is all natural, use products that will help in the process. In black hair the curl pattern will be more noticeable once it reaches some length, so be patient because it does take time. Find products that cater to your natural hair, start experimenting with various products to see what will work best for you. Everyones hair is different and what may work for you may not work for someone else.


What products should I use while transitiong ?

While you are transitioning it is important to remember that you will need to moisturize, deep condition and use hot oil treatments, you are entering a whole new world with your hair and it is one that is less traveled by many black women and napptural women who want to gain healthier longer hair. So the first thing to do is to look at the product labels, read ingredients on hair care products, make a list of moisture retaining ingredients so that you can purchase products that will maintain your curl definition, provide softness and manageability as well as retain moisture for added length.







Some of the most popular products include Karens body beautiful, elucence moisture balanceing conditioner and shampoo, unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, carrot oil, essential oils and moisturizing gels and creams is what you need to apply to your hair on a daily basis around the temples, hairline and ends of your hair.


What transitioning methods should I use ?


During the transition process of growing out your relaxer you will need to find good natural hairstyles to wear that way you can allow you hair time to rest while it is growing out. Some of the best natural hairstyles for transitioning is two strand twists, flat braids, and banti knots. Using protective styles require that you change up and have variety, due to added stress your hair will receive if you stick with just one protective style method.







So if you find that you like to wear twists, wear them for a month and then the next month pick a different transitioning method for your hair. Braid outs is also recommended to use while transitioning. Natural hair is stronger than permed hair but it is also can be fragile, fine and course so it needs to be handled with gentle care


                                                                                                                   ENJOY!!!!