Transitioning Hair Regimen

I get lost in a sea of hair products every morning in the bathroom while I'm trying to get ready. I needed a hair regimen while I transition from relaxed to natural hair. I didn't want it to be a long process that used 5 different hair products so I simplified it to make it as easy and quick as possible.

1. Start off with dry hair and clip it out of the way into 4-6 sections.
2. If I'm going to shampoo my hair I prepare it by applying my pre-poo using the LOC method. Find out more about how to pre- poo >>HERE<<
3. I get into the shower with my hair still in the clips. Use warmer water to open up your hair cuticle.
4. I completely saturate my hair while it remains in the clips.
• If I am going to shampoo my hair I use a sulfate free(lather free) shampoo.
5. I condition my hair with my favorite As I Am Coconut Cowash and leave it in while I shave or wash my face.
• Before clipping the section back up I finger comb to remove any tangles and distribute the product.
• You can use any conditioner or co-wash for this step that does not contain surfactants.
6. To condition I'll normally leave it on for 3 minutes. To deep condition I'll leave it on up to 10 minutes.
7. I remove the clips and turn the heat down until the water is lukewarm to cool and rinse out the conditioner 
• Finger comb your hair back and down during this step under the running water to easily detangle.
• The cool water makes sure the product leaves your hair but none of the moisture does by sealing your hairs cuticle down. Learn more about your hair HERE.

As I Am Products are amazing!

• If I really want to repair my hair I'll leave the conditioner in and wrap it up into a shower cap while I get things done around the house. I just rinse my hair under cool water in the kitchen sink after 30 minutes.
• Its okay to leave conditioner in your hair when you get out of the shower and never rinse it out as long as you don't get heavy handed with it.
• When I get out of the shower I wrap my hair in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to reduce the frizz .
• I usually let it air dry half way before applying any products.When you get out of the shower your hair strands are filled with water so I don't want to apply my products right away because theres no room left. By letting it air dry I'm assured my hair absorbs the product I put into it instead of it just sliding off.
• I use the LOC method and detangle with my tangle teezer. See below for more info on the LOC method.
• Its always good to lay your edges down with gel ahead of time so that they can fully dry. Wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf as tightly as you can handle. Keep it on for at least 20 minutes while you put your makeup on.
• I try to avoid mousse and hairspray because they make my hair dry feeling/looking. It doesn't seem to do much, I run out quickly, and it can add a nasty crunchiness. These products contain alcohol which is a no no for naturally curly hair. No one wants dried out crunchy curls!

Disco Purple Tangle Teezer

From Left: Boar bristle round brush, styling boar bristle brush, comb, shower comb
 

Once I am 100% natural I vow to...

• Assure the products I'm using don't contain alcohol, surfactants, sulfates, metallic dyes, or silicone's. 
• Not apply heat to my hair by blow drying and flat ironing until fall. 
• Use a heat protectant any time I come into contact with heat.
• Use the chase method using a boar bristle brush when flat ironing my hair
• Only shampoo once every two weeks
• Co-wash every 3 days.
• Not use a comb in my hair while it is dry or a brush in it while it is wet.
• Air dry more often instead of using a diffuser. 
• Always finger comb first.
• Baby my hair with moisture and essential oils.
• Try new products.
• Wear my satin bonnet every night.
• Experiment with protective hairstyles.
• Get into the habit of a bedtime routine.
• Get trims every 3 months.
• Abstain from coloring or bleaching my hair.
• Embrace my natural curl pattern.

~"We don't go "natural", we return. "Natural", is where it began."~

Check Out Other Great Blogs...

How To Pre-Poo

Get To Know Your Hair

Transitioning Help