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Helpful Transitioning Tips

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Jazmynsgrandma View Drop Down
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    Posted: January 18 2006 at 2:53pm

I found this information on Y-natural website and thought it would be helpful for all those who are in transition, like I am.

HAIR TRANSITION

From Process to Non-Process

From Chemicals to Natural

Whether you want to get rid of damaged tresses or simply change your style, transitioning your hair from chemically processed to natural can be challenging, especially if you’ve relied on ‘chemical terminators’ for a long time. You want great-looking style while preserving the hair you have and nurturing the new growth. This requires a great deal of patience, care and acceptance of your natural hair. That means not getting frustrated the minute new growth appears. To simplify your transition, this quarterly guide tells you what to expect and gives pro tips for getting through it beautifully.

 

1-3 Months
On average, healthy hair can grow at a rate of a quarter inch to a half inch each month. In these beginning stages, you can expect your hair to become much thicker at the roots and the ends to appear thinner. That’s because you now have two different types of hair textures – natural (new growth) and chemically treated. The hair will also become puffy and less manageable, and there may be some minor shedding. However, before you reach for the phone to make an appointment to the ‘terminator’ for a touch-up…relax (yourself, not your hair!)

Get hair on the right track from the start by using detangling shampoos that gently cleans your hair without stripping it dry. Follow-up with a penetrating protein conditioner to reinforce weak, damaged hair or a moisturizing conditioner to replenish dry hair. “Moisturizing between shampoos is absolutely important,” says style expert Derek “dee cutter” Clement of Menora’s salon in Brooklyn. His picks: products that contain natural ingredients and essential oils.

Trim hair regularly and go for the fuss-free styles such as braids, updo’s and flat or individual twists. The focus should be on styles that will alleviate stress along the fragile area where relaxed and natural hair meet. However, refrain from trying to your hair bone straight. That requires excessive heat, which is damaging.
 

3-6 Months
At this point you likely have a substantial amount of new growth and depending on the length of your hair, “it may overshadow what’s relaxed,” Clement says. You may also experience increased shedding because the line where processed and natural hair intersects is very fragile and prone to breakage. “During this time you have to be especially conscientious about keeping your scalp and hair moisturized,” Carrington says. “If becomes brittle and dry, you’ll get a lot of breakage,” adds New York master stylist Gérard Duré. Continue to trim your hair regularly to rid it of split ends. “Trimming is not cutting,” he explains. “Split ends cannot be repaired, and if they aren’t cut, they will continue to split up the hair shaft and break off.”

 

 

6-9 Months
If you started with short hair and kept up regular trims, by this time most of your hair is probably natural, depending on the initial length of your hair. Either way, continue your hair-care routine to ensure that it remains healthy and strong. After months of transitional styles, “you’re probably weighing your permanent style options,” Clement says. When deciding on a do, consider your hair’s texture and your lifestyle. Ask your hairdresser to recommend attractive, non-damaging styles that you can easily maintain or visit a natural-hair-care salon to get an idea of the various ways you can sport your natural tresses.

 

9-12 Months
If necessary, trim the last bit of relaxer from the ends of your hair. Congratulations! Your diligence and patience have paid off. You probably have about 6” of new growth and you are past the in-between stage. You have a head of healthy, natural hair and you are armed with the knowledge to keep it that way!

(Reprinted from Essence Magazine June 2004)

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diamondprincess View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote diamondprincess Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 18 2006 at 3:27pm
Good Info thanks for taking the time to post it!!!
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