So you’re contemplating taking that big step, you’ve decided to join the movement and revert to your natural tresses. The idea of doing the big chop is daunting and you think your head either too large or too small to sport a low cut.
Your decision is a no-brainer, you opt to transition until your natural hair has reached a length comfortable to you. The good news – your hair is likely to grow on average ½ inch per month. The not so good news – your new growth and processed hair are likely to become enemies.
Where there is a will there is a way, so transitoners no need to fear! I have compiled a list of 5 mistakes to avoid during your transition.
Excessive manipulation of tresses – Less is more.
During the transitioning period as my natural hair grew out, it became increasingly difficult to run a comb or brush smoothly through my hair. Trying to do so would cause more harm than good since I would be left with strands of broken hair and maybe even a broken comb on the floor. I then realised that excessive manipulation of transitioning strands lead to breakage! During this period it is important be gentle with your mane. What worked for me is detangling once a week on hair slathered with conditioner.
Leaving in protective styles for long periods – Don’t overdo it!
Protective styling is a great way to reduce the amount of breakage that can result from over manipulation of transitioning tresses. Weave and wigs will disguise your two textures and keep your hair hidden away from the elements. It is essential that we remember however that the hair underneath that weave or wig is growing and still needs TLC. Hair that does not receive attention will tend to matt and is quite a chore to detangle. The more difficult hair is to detangle, the more it breaks. I recommend that protective styles be taken down regularly and hair be thoroughly detangled and deep conditioned to avoid excessive brakeage.
Infrequent deep treatments – Give dryness a run for its money…
Transitioning hair tends to be dryer than usual. Your new growth and process ends may have different product needs – but let’s face it, nobody has time to apply 2 different products to the top and bottom half of their hair. Forgoing deep conditions because you used conditioner is a bad move. The deep conditioner does as it says, it “conditions deeply.” These products are specially formulated with ingredients that penetrate the hair shaft and provide a very high dose of moisture. Making this a part of your regimen will keep your transitioning strands moisturised and less prone to breakage.
Excessive us of heat – Can’t stand the heat, then stay out the kitchen!
The struggle with the two textures is real! Hair no longer lays nice and slick, ponytails take longer to achieve. So what do we do? We attempt to get the job done the best way we know how! We heat up our manes with the blow dryer and as if that isn’t enough, we bake it with our flat irons! The result is lovely! So sleek and tangle free until it starts to revert at which time we bake it some more! Excessive heat has the potential to completely ruin curl patterns. Lest we forget, hair suffering from heat damage can rarely be repaired. If you must use heat please be wise about it and ensure that you have a good heat protectant. Ensure that heating tools are set to a moderate temperature and avoid doing more than 2 passes with your flat iron.
Holding on to relaxed ends – The end is near!
During the transitioning period, your hair will grow and you may become attached to your new length. Parting with those relaxed ends will be unimaginable. Try to listen to your hair and all the signs indicating that it is time to chop those ends. I did my big chop sooner than expected. My hair got to a point where the relaxed ends were taking a toll on my new growth. My hair began to lack lustre and responded less to products. I also got very tired of the strict routine I had devised to blend the two textures. Don’t be afraid to take the next step in your journey it will only lead to new discoveries.
