Going NATURAL

I decided to make this next post about transitioning from relaxed(or any processed) hair to your natural hair texture. I'm currently also transitioning and I would like to share my experiences and some tips&tricks with you. 

(Thank God for flexirods )

So the first thing I had to do before I even started with my transition process, was educate myself about that process. I started watching transitioning video's on youtube and reading all kinds of blogs about natural hair. The last treatment I did with my hair was January 2014, I did the Keratine process. At this moment I'm in my 8th month of transitioning. The reason why I want to get back to my natural hair is because I got tired of putting heat on to my hair. Another reason for the transitioning are my natural curls. I used to rock my curls all the time, I regret processing my hair everyday!!
I have to admit that my hair is behaving very well throughout the transitioning process. That is why I chose for a long term transitioning. This means that I will not be getting a Big Chop. I have thought a lot about doing a BC (big chop) but I'm just scared hahahah. I'm used to having medium length to long hair. The BC wont work for me, especially because you have to be very patient during the growing process.
In the beginning of my transitioning process it was very difficult to find the right balance for moisture for my hair .
I think the biggest struggle with transitioning is preventing your hair from breakage due to damage and dryness. After a while I found the perfect method that works for my hair. I try to keep my hair hydrated and conditioned every day. Three to four times a week in the evening before I go to bed I thoroughly incorporate either coconut oil or olive oil into my hair and let this soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to replenish my hair with moisture and nutrients that will strengthen the demarcation line (the part of the hair where the transition is occurring).

I also started using only products that are parabens and sulfate free.  Once a month I wash my hair with Crème of Nature Argan Oil Shampoo, the rest of the month I will co-wash my hair with Cantu Co-wash. I normally co-wash my hair once every seven days. I also started getting deep conditioning treatments. I do this every week before co-washing my hair. Deep conditioning treatments take adding moisture to a new level !! Although they are only used once a month or so, transitioning hair needs extra conditioning and can handle the treatments more frequently. You can purchase a deep-conditioning treatment from your local beauty supply store, and apply it once a week. On the other hand you can choose to you make your own deep-conditioning mask. This is my HOLY GRAIL ladies !!!  You are going to need the following ingredients : 1 egg, 1 avocado, 1 banana, pure raw honey, un-refined coconut oil and castor oil ! I put all the ingredients in my kitchen blender and mix them up ! I apply the mix all over my hair and let it soak for about an hour. After that I wash my hair with my Argan Oil shampoo and style it as usual. Here are some benefits of the ingredients I use; 

• Egg: protein, omega3 and fatty acids
• Avocado: high in vitamin E and fatty acids
• Banana: potassium + vitamins thicken & grow hair
• Honey: antiseptic, humectant, adds shine
• Coconut Oil: easy absorbed hydrator with healthy fats; Lauric acid, fatty acid, provides protein & antioxidants to deep-condition, heal & re-grow hair
• Castor Oil: promotes scalp circulation, penetrates hair follicle to increase hair growth. Prevents hair loss/breakage & strengthens hair

Another thing in keeping your hair healthy is staying away from hot tools !! Using curling irons, flat irons and blow driers can stress your hair and cause breakage, specifically at the demarcation line. While transitioning I had to learn to allow my hair to be as natural as possible. One last thing I wanted to share with you ladies is a little piece of advice; Although it can be tricky not to, the more you touch and style your hair, the more likely it is to break and become frizzy. Try not to brush your hair too often, and avoid styles that put strain on your scalp. If you do brush your hair, start from the bottom and work your way up using a comb (not a brush) !!

Are you also transitioning ? Or are you already all natural ? Please let me know if you have any tips or tricks that could help others and me through this process ! 

All things beautiful, 

Mommylife and Beauty