Looking to avoid breakage during your transition? Are you transitioning to natural and scared of breaking off your hair? Trust me I’ve been there, I was a long-term transitioner of 24 months and it wasn’t always pretty.
The Line of demarcation is the line where your new growth meets your relaxed hair. This portion of your hair can be very fragile. You need to be extra gentle to your hair during your transitioning period. How you care for your hair has a major impact on the health of your hair as well as how you retain length.
Use Minimal Heat
During my transition I couldn’t wait to see the growth of my hair. I went to my stylist every 2 weeks to have my hair blown out and straightened. Don’t be like the old me, I had no idea what I was doing so the stylist was the only thing I knew. Frankly, straightening was the only way I knew. Heat can sometimes be a bad thing especially with your two hair textures. I would use minimal to no heat during your transition
Moisture is Key
That line of demarcation can be weak, brittle, and very dry. You want to make sure that you are always keeping your hair moisturized. Try misting with water daily and adding a little essential oil like jojoba or almond oil for refreshing your hair daily. Also, make sure that you are focusing on your ends since they are the oldest part of your hair and the most fragile. If you experience extreme dryness, I would consider trying the baggy method. You can read about the baggy method here.
Be Gentle When Detangling
I know we can be in a rush sometimes to get through our long wash days but its important to take your time especially when it comes to detangling. You should ALWAYS detangle your hair while it is wet. I finger detangle my hair most times, or I am really careful with the wide tooth comb. Find a really good leave in with slip so that your detangling process is smooth sailing.
Deep Condition Often
I know you are tired of the deep conditioning preach? But listen here, deep conditioning your hair is so important! By deep conditioning on a regular basis you add extra moisture and prevent breakage to your hair. You will also notice less shedding the more you deep condition on a regular basis.
Protective Styling
Protective styling is your friend when it comes to preventing breakage. When you are protective styling you are tucking your ends away so that you are not constantly messing with your hair. I love to wear my hair in mini twists for a few days then wear it out, then put it right into a high bun after. If you need inspiration for protective styling check out these protective styles here.
