The big chop may not be for you, so you decide to transition to natural and grow your relaxer out gradually. Transitioning to natural can be a tough journey, and it requires a lot of time and patience. It can become stressful, especially finding the best products that work for our hair, and particularly when you have type 4 hair.
When transitioning, it is important that the products that you use help you balance your hair with both moisture and protein. As you get more familiar with your hair, you will learn the signs that your moisture and protein are balanced. Here are a few products and accessories to make your transition easier.
Shampoos
It’s essential to find a really good sulfate-free shampoo because sulfates will strip your hair of moisture and that is a big no-no for transitioners. One of my favorite shampoos during my transition was Creme of Nature Sulfate Free Moisture and Shine Shampoo. I now use Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Shampoo.
Conditioners
If you are transitioning, then you know that detangling your hair is probably one of the most challenging parts of your journey right now. I found it so much easier to detangle my hair while it was wet. I would add a moisturizing conditioner like Creme of Nature Mango and Shea Butter Ultra Moisturizing Conditioner to my hair and detangle with a wide tooth comb. Make sure to detangle from starting at your ends and working your way up. It makes the process much easier. For deep conditioning, I love TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask. I have used this deep conditioner from the beginning, and it is one of my staple products. Balance your hair out with a moisturizing deep conditioner and a protein deep conditioner like Mielle Organics Babassu Oil and Mint deep conditioner.
Leave-In Conditioners, Moisturizers, and Sealants
Now you may be thinking that because you use a rinse-out conditioner or a deep conditioner that you don’t need a leave-in, but that is not true. Water0based leave ins are amazing for transitioning hair. When I was transitioning EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave In Conditioner was my go to leave-in. It is very lightweight and moisturized my hair very well. I still use it to this day. I also love to use Jane Carter Nourish and Shine as a sealant to seal in moisture or to take town twists. A sealant will help lock the moisture in your hair from your leave in. You can also use oils like grapeseed, jojoba and almond oil as sealants.
Stylers
When I was transitioning, I wore my hair in twists, curls and braids to camouflage my relaxed ends. My favorite styling products while transitioning were light creams like EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme. This creme is very lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down. It defines and styles your hair to give you the best styles while transitioning. This was one of my go-to stylers while transitioning and still is to this day. Other stylers that I love include CURLS Blueberry Bliss Twist – Shout Creme and Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse.
Final Advice For Transitioners
I know transitioning can be a rough time that requires a lot of time and patience but stick in there. Develop your hair regimen early on so that you have the framework to follow through your transition. Once you find the products that work best for your hair stick with them.
Are you transitioning? What products do you use?
Let us know in the comments below!
Read next: This Is How You Can Embrace The Awkward Phase of Transitioning
