Making the transition from heat styling to going au naturel can be as painful as waiting for paint to dry. But it doesn't have to be! There’s no better time to put down the flat iron and start embracing your curls. Thankfully, transitioning to a natural hair routine doesn’t have to be miserable. The right combination of tools, tricks and techniques will have you eager to show off your natural locks in no time! Check out our easy-to-follow guide to going natural in no time.
Begin your natural detox ASAP
They always say that the first step is the hardest, especially when it comes to transitioning your tresses. If you genuinely want to embrace a natural hair care routine, then you must quit chemical relaxers cold turkey. Typically, it takes about 6-8 months to get your hair to adapt to a new routine, so it’s best to start as soon as possible.
Get the right cut
One of the biggest obstacles in achieving bouncy, voluminous curls is having the wrong haircut. Unfortunately, not all stylists are skilled at cutting curly hair, resulting in a style that may leave your locks lifeless and flat. Do yourself a favor and search for a stylist that specializes in natural texture. Check out different Instagram accounts and look for clients that have similar hair to yours. That way, you’ll feel confident that your style will support, not hinder, your locks.
Embrace protective styles
As your hair is transitioning, you’re more prone to breakage and dryness. As tempting as it may be to pick up the flat iron and smooth out any frizz, don’t do it! Instead, play around with protective styles, such as braids, twists, weaves or wigs. The key is to stick to a style that doesn’t put too much stress on your already-fragile strands. Another tip? Always apply a nourishing cream or oil, such as Redken Oil For All, to lock in hydration and protect your locks.
Invest in nourishing and reparative hair care products
As your hair transitions, it’s important that you continue to provide it with the nourishment it needs to grow healthy and strong. Invest in a quality shampoo and deep conditioning mask to restore softness, shine, and volume. Also, play around with different curl cremes, butters and gels to find out which formula works best for your strands.
Here a few must-have products to add to your arsenal:
Wella Professionals Nutricurls Deep Treatment for Waves & Curls
Embrace the process from start to finish
As painful, uncomfortable and, at times, unflattering, as transitioning your hair may be, it’s important to do whatever you can to enjoy the journey. Yes, your hair may not be in the best state at the moment, but we promise, it won’t last forever. With a little time, dedication and TLC, your natural curls will soon come back to life, meaning that you’ll no longer have to rely on hot tools or chemical treatments and you can finally flaunt your naturally gorgeous texture.
