Chemically straightening your hair gives you a gorgeous straight and silky lock of hair for 6-8 weeks. However, the transition from straightened hair to natural hair is tough: the occasional curl, split ends, and hair that breaks all the time. Don't lose hope, as there is a recovery path. Returning to your "natural" beauty is a wonderful thing and an interesting way to discover yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Keeping Your Hair Healthy
Step 1. Keep your hair hydrated
The biggest challenge with transitioning hair is preventing breakage as the hair is dry and damaged. Do what you can to keep your hair hydrated by using conditioner every day. Every night before going to sleep, spread coconut or olive oil all over your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help rehydrate your hair and nourish it to strengthen the dividing line (the part of the hair where the transition is taking place).
- When you wash your hair, put some conditioner on your strands before shampooing. This will prevent the shampoo from overdrying your hair. Then, apply the conditioner as usual.
- Consider using a conditioner to leave on your hair all day. Apply some on your hair before combing it, paying attention to the dividing line.
Step 2. Use a deep moisturizing cream regularly
Deep hydration treatments hydrate to another level. Although they are usually only used once a month, transitional hair needs more hydration and can withstand treatment more frequently. Buy a deep hydration treatment at your perfumery and apply it to your hair once a week. Alternatively, you can decide to have the treatments done by a hairdresser.
- Follow the instructions on the moisturizer bottle.
- If you want to economize, another good alternative to moisturize your hair is mayonnaise. While it sounds a little unpleasant, it can really do wonders. Apply it to your hair once a week for 30 minutes - 1 hour.
- If you decide that you are going to have your deep hydration treatment done by a professional, try to find someone who specializes in transitional hair. They will be able to provide products and services specifically designed to meet your needs.
Step 3. Stay away from the heat
In general, you should avoid hot tools if you are looking to protect your hair. Using the curl iron, straightener and blow dryer can damage your hair and cause it to break, especially at the parting line. As long as your hair is in transition, do everything you can to make it look as natural as possible. Avoid hot irons and, if they are really necessary, limit their use to only once per week maximum.
If you absolutely must use hot tools, do not get them close to the dividing line and avoid using them on the roots when your natural regrowth is forming
Step 4. Limit hair washes
This goes hand in hand with moisturizing your hair; washing them frequently strips your strands of natural oil which helps them stay strong. Wash your hair as little as possible, using plenty of conditioner. If you can, wash them every 7-8 days so that the natural oil has time to coat each strand thoroughly.
Step 5. Get a warm oil massage
Waiting for your hair to grow is often the most frustrating part of the process. Instead of waiting lazily, you can help new hair growth by massaging your scalp frequently. Use a little oil (coconut, olive, avocado, etc.) that has been slightly heated to massage your skin. This stimulates the follicles and helps the strands grow a little faster. Hot oil massages can be done as often as you like, but at least once a week for a better result.
Step 6. Help hair growth with supplements
Vitamins and minerals are important for overall health (in addition to hair health), but taking certain supplements can speed hair growth and strengthen it very quickly. Doctors recommend taking biotin or viviscal - supplements used specifically for hair and nail growth - to increase the speed at which your hair grows. Also, make sure you have enough Vitamin D and A to help your hair.
Some studies show that taking a Florida palmette supplement (a small pine) can produce faster hair growth than taking nothing
Step 7. Avoid using hair chemicals
While it sounds obvious, you should avoid straightening your hair or perming while your hair is in transition. In addition, stay away from dyes and ammonia, as these cause significant damage to your hair, causing it to break and become frizzy. Look for all the natural alternatives to the chemicals you usually use, as these will be much gentler on your skin and locks than the penetrating chemicals.
Step 8. Buy new hair products
As it turns out, not all hair products are created equal. With a huge variety on the market, it can be difficult to find products that work with your hair and wallet at the same time. While your hair is in transition, it is vital to use treated hair products. Look for a sulfate-free shampoo-conditioner, as well as other treatments advertised specifically for transition hair. While these won't necessarily change the look of your hair, they will work hard to prevent further damage and repair damage that has already been done.
- If you go to a hairdresser who specializes in transition hair, ask for recommendations on hair products.
- At the very least find a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate (found in most poor shampoos) dries the hair significantly and clogs the pores of the skin, reducing hair growth.
Part 2 of 2: Change your style
Step 1. Consider making the "big cut"
It is common for people who want to get back to a natural look to do the "big cut" - that is, cut all the hair straightened, leaving only the regrowth. This is certainly the best option to aid healthy growth, but not everyone wants to have this short hair. If you're brave enough to try a new look, the big cut is an excellent choice for getting rid of all straight hair once and for all, creating an instant transition to natural hair.
Step 2. Trim your hair regularly
The straightening is permanent, so hair that has been in contact with chemicals will never go back to being natural. So at some point you will have to cut your hair above the dividing line. If you don't want to get the big cut, the other solution is to trim your hair regularly. Start by cutting a few centimeters and then, once a month, size 0.5-1.5 centimeters. Over time you will have removed all the stretched and damaged part, allowing your natural hair to grow stronger.
Step 3. Cover the regrowth
The first 3 inches of natural growth can feel odd next to straightened hair. To avoid damaging them further, use accessories to hide your curly roots. Headbands and headscarves are popular options for hiding roots.
Step 4. Try making your own braids or "twists"
Although tight braids can break your hair, looser braids or twists can give you an interesting look without damaging your hair. The important thing is that whatever style you choose, it is not tight, to avoid straining the locks.
Your hair is more fragile at the parting line, so take extra care when styling this part
Step 5. Find a good hair styling product
Many women can vouch for the importance of having a good gel, cream, or spray; with the right product you can cover even the ugliest hairstyle. Look through your products and try using them (rather than using clips or rubber bands) to style your hair. You may like the result more and it's also a safer and gentler method on your already fragile hair.
Step 6. Avoid fiddling with your hair too much
While it may be hard not to, the more you touch and style them, the more likely they are to break and become frizzy. If you are combing, start at the tips and comb up using a comb (not a brush).
