Yesterday I did a post on transitioning. I decided to come back and elaborate a little more. If you have not noticed I am VERY excited about natural hair. The only thing I regret about going natural is that I did not do it sooner. :-)
Today let's talk more about No No's while transitioning.
Women like to look beautiful....well most of us do anyway. So the thought of going without a relaxer for an extended period of time makes many shudder. ESPECIALLY in the summertime. Don't fret ladies... there are ways to be glamorous and fly as you journey to natural hair.
1. Colored tresses. A HUGE no no. Some women will start experimenting with different things to reward themselves for staying on track. One thing that I learned quickly and unfortunately PAINFULLY is color is a no no. When you are transitioning, your hair is very weak and fragile. It is also very DRY. Adding color on top of that adds even more stress to your already weak hair. If you want to get a hair cut for FREE...go ahead and color your hair. Nine times out of ten, your hair will break off severely at the line where the relaxed meets the natural. Color CAN be ok...however...you want to successfully transition and make sure your natural hair is properly conditioned and moisturized before you color. Moisture is VERY important in transitioning and being natural. Which leads me to my next point.
2. Deep Conditioning. Your hair needs two things...protein...and moisture. You need both. Protein helps strengthen your hair. Protein deposits into your hair what chemicals take away. Although protein treatments are very much needed. They must be done the correct way. You MUST follow up a protein treatment with a moisturizing conditioner. While protein is good for strength...it can also hurt you by making your hair hard like straw. Moisturizing treatments are needed to keep your hair strong and moisturized. Not only is poorly moisturized hair HARD but it is also frizzy. It has been my experience that the more moisturized my hair is the less frizz I have. Typically protein treatments should be done once every 6 weeks and moisturizing deep treatments should be done weekly. Some protein treatments that I have used are Keraphix (mild protein), Nexxus Emergence (extreme protein) and Aphophee (extreme protein). My favorite ALL time moisturizing conditioner is Pantene Relaxed and Natural Breakage Defense Mask. However I also use Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment, Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose and Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner. I also add either Vatika Oil or Amla Oil to my hair when I am deep conditioning.
3. Braids or Weaves. Now now don't be alarmed. There is nothing wrong with braids or weaves as long as your hair is properly cared for while you are in them. Braids took about 3 inches off my hair because I failed to properly moisturize. However, another time I GAINED 3 inches because I took care of my hair. Braids should never be took tight to the point that you need aspirin to stop your head from throbbing. Same goes for weaves. If you are wearing a sew in, your braids should not be super tight under the tracks. This can cause you to loose not only inches but also your edges. This is because the braids are already tight. Then you sew tracks TIGHTLY to those braids putting even more pressure on your edges. When I weave ( I am blessed to have the skill to do my own) I make sure my braids are not too tight and most times I do a net weave to keep from putting all of that stress on my braids and edges. If you are wearing braids, make sure you use a braid spray that lists Glycerin as the first or second ingredient. Glycerin is very moisturizing and will keep the braids from drying and breaking your hair. If you are wearing a weave, it will be a little harder to get to your braids beneath it. Invest in an color applicator bottle (beauty supply for .99) and fill it with an oil or braid spray and oil your scalp/braids once every other day. I usually use Amla or Vatika Oil on mine.
Well I will stop here for today...of course I will be back. :-)
In the meantime, check out my fotki album. I have a tutorial listed there on how to wear and blend an instant weave. These SAVED me while on my transitioning journey. I will be adding more to this album later and I am contemplating creating videos. In the meantime, enjoy!
