What's your hair care regimen for transitioning hair??

tdware82

I have been transitioning for 3 months now, and still feel like I am confused on what things to put into my hair during this time. I am curious to know what regimen y'all use for your everyday hair care as well as when washing. I'm hearing a lot about shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. But I am very confused and feel overwhelmed by all the info.

Sheree0104

What I have been doing with mine is Co wash with Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural. I also use Garnier Frutius leav in conditioner then from there I use Curls creme brule and put it in a ponytail. I also went out and bought some mizari(sp?) the puritify shampoo and I bought some shea butter and a pantene pro v relaxed in natural hair mask. I am interested in any new products and hair styles I am trying the flat twists but I am not that good at it.

Butterfly_Curlz

Hi. I have also been transitioning for three months as well.

My current regime is as follows:
daily treatment: Sweet Almond oil & water spritz in the am
& Cantu Leave in condit. & a Grapeseed oil massage in the evening and tie up w/a silk scarf at night (tried evoo but it made my hair itch
like crazy!)
weekly treatment: Alternate co-washing one week w/Suave Almond &
Shea butter conditioner & twisting w/Curls creme
brule-target or washing (Curls cleanser-
target), condit. (Curls coconut curlada-target) or alternating w/a protein treatment every 3rd wk, hot oil
treatment (not done on wks that I use protein condit.) & leave-in (grapeseed oil) & then twisting
w/ curls creme brule
*After twisting I leave them in for a week until I'm ready to co-wash
or wash, condit, hot oil again. I am using a quick weave as my go to
transition staple and I take out the front two twists to blend
w/quick weave when going out and then re-twist once I get home.
trimming: Dust my ends every 8 weeks or as needed if I see random split ends. I will not do the big chop
(unless I have to) until I have enough hair that I am
comfortable with.

Ultimate Hair Goal : To have healthy bra-strap unstretched hair & mid-back healthy straight hair.

Hair Type : Shouler length 3b/c curls at roots with relaxed ends (with 2inches of new growth at 3month mark).

While I am looking forward to being fully natural, I am completely impatient and just wish I could wake up tomorrow w/all natural hair! (lol..I know its completely unrealistic however I can daydream can't I?:happy7:.) So for now I am just trying to focus on maintaing my routine and keeping my hair as healthy as possible. I mean whats the point in having the length if its not healthy and on the flip side ur not gonna get long hair if its not healthy so I am happy that I am doing something everyday to get towards my goals!

warfield1202

I am so glad you posted that question. I too, feel so lost. I am in week 8 and am so lost with all of these products. So thanks and currently I use Shea Moisture for my shampoo and conditioner weekly and shea moisture leave in conditioner daily, and water. Lots and lots of water. I dont have a style yet, but I am hoping to grow it out enough until it gets long enough to get braids.

I went and had my ends trimmed and plan to do that every 4 weeks. Oh and I am waiting on my stamer to come in. I've read awesome things about it. Can't wait Good luck.

SmilingElephant

Lately i've been co-washing my hair every other day in 4 sections and moisturizing the same way...i spray water first then put the moisturizer on and seal with oil.

I usually deep condition weekly but i'm out of my deep conditioner but i'll be back on it this weekend.

When i don't feel like dealing with my hair i blowdry and flat iron it OR i wear flex-rod sets:glasses7:

I am just about 5 months post....i'll be 21 weeks post tomorrow!!

LaCurlyMariposa

I'm about 7 weeks post and I, too, feel a little overwhelmed with all of the information and product suggestions. For now, until I get into the swing of things, I wash my hair once a week alternating between Nioxin Cleanser and Conditioner and Pantene Relaxed & Natural Shampoo and Conditioner. Everyday (Well...I TRY to do this everyday) I moisturize with ORS Hair Lotion around bedtime. Once my finances get in check, I'll switch to sulfate free shampoos and lanolin-mineral oil-petrolatum free moisturizers.

I have no clue what my hair texture may be...I don't think I can even tell what my new growth is. I think it's 4a/4b, but I won't know for sure until I'm a year into transitioning probably. I'm optimistic though!:D

LisaGurl

I'm almost 7 months transitioning now and I noticed that I got a little inpatient because of the knots and I really like my textures (wanted to BC), but it's better for me to keep transitioning.
I want to get a cone-free regimen, but first I have to find the right conditioner for me. I'm considering to make one myself. Anyway..

- Daily:
I only use [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Bee-Mine-Luscious-Balanced-Cream-Moisturizer-p-1083.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=Bee-Mine-Luscious-Balanced-Cream-Moisturizer]Bee Mine Luscious balanced cream moisturizer[/buylink] and on top I use a mixture of pure almond oil, walnut oil and jojoba oil to seal the moisture. I just got them from the supermarket, except the jojoba oil. I noticed that if I use these three oils together, my hair becomes very soft and fully moisturized. It works for me, so I'll definitely stick to these products and nothing else. Don't want to become a product junkie. I put my hair in a bun. I also take two vitamin pills a day, for healthy skin, nails and hair.

- Twice a week:
I use EVOO as a hot oil treatment, just because it's getting quite cold outside. After that, I use Herbal Essences "it's a curl thing" or "hello hydration". But I want to make my own conditioner, so I'll have to find some good recipe and soon I will get rid of those cones!

- Once a month:
Actually it depends on how clean my scalp is. But I'm using LUSH shampoo bars, because they are hair-friendly (except for the sulfates, but I need them, because I still use cones atm) and they're inexpensive. I also deep condition my hair with Dark & Lovely Ultra Cholesterol. It kept my hair fully moist for years.

- When needed:
Two eggs and EVOO for protein treatment. My hair gets really tangled when I use eggs though, so I might be protein intolerant, but I'm not sure.

- Trim:
Every 6-8 weeks about 1-1,5 inch.

- Protective style:
Atm I have "half" flat twists and a high bun, for a few weeks.

morrighu

Experiment and see what your hair likes. Know that this may change over time. Mine certainly does.

First off, start moving away from using shampoo. That took me a year to do. I had to shift to using sulfate free shampoo to co-poo'ing with increasing amounts of conditioner and decreasing amounts of sulfate free shampoo. Finally, I was able to shift into just using "regular" conditioner to wash my hair.

That also meant getting away from anything using silicone. If end in -xane or -cone it's a silly-cone. Silly for so very many reasons but mainly because its a leading cause of silent hair damage and also the main reason you need the industrial grease-stripping chemcials like sulfates in your shampoo to begin with.

Before you go spend tons money on stuff, try making some. Hit the wiki link in my sig for recipes you can make yourself on the cheap. Yogurt & banking soda, a pint of whipping cream, eggs & beer, conditioner and oil - all these things make fine DT's. DT's are your friend. Starting off, I'd recommend doing them 2x a week.

And don't be afraid to try walnut oil, olive oil, or any other kind of oil that catches your fancy. If you can eat it, it's pretty safe to put on your head. The only question is how your hair reacts to it. If it gets stiff, hard, or really tangly, it probably doesn't like it. Some things it will like better than others. I find that my hair likes heaver oils when the weather is dryer. YMMV.

I have to say that in the winter, my hair seems to like castor oil. The rest of the time, it might be olive oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, walnut oil, avocado oil, or shea butter.

EmbracingMe

It is good to know I am not the only one who feels lost as they begin their transitioning journey. I don't feel as if I have a regimen yet and that frustrates me. I just tried a time consuming, 2 strand twist/roll up that gave me results I was happy with but all the pineappleing (sp?) & satin pillowcase sleeping could not keep it looking nice for two days-never mind the shrinkage/frizz out aspect. Sigh...I feel that trying to go natural is requiring a lot of daily, intense maintenance which I don't look fwd too.
I seem to have become a PJ too since I am trying to find things that work for me during this phase (and hopefully beyond) and work for my 2yr old also. I also dare to dream that I can find products that work on both of us perfectly :-o

Sorry for the rant...but I do feel better & less inclined to attack my hair with these dull scissors that keep looking at me while I look in the mirror.

futurefamousauthor

Congrats on transitioning!

I have been transitioning for approximately 49 weeks, and at first, I was also very overwhelmed with all the info.

I plan on transitioning for as long as possible. Now that I'm at the one year mark, I can't wait to get to the two year mark! My styles of choice during my transition have been braid extensions. I started out with microbraids, then got bigger braids that wouldn't classify as micro anymore. I'm about to start a kinky twist binge because my hair is very nappy at this point as I hit the one year mark, and the straight braid extensions are not sufficing (or concealing my nappy roots lol).

Anyway, I think it's extremely important to keep the hair moisturized every day. In between washes, I use a moisturizing spritz to keep my hair hydrated. I use Oyin Handmade Fruits & Berries, and have also made my own spritz, which I LOVE. Ingredients for my spritz are aloe vera gel, water, lavendar, tangerine, and other essential oils. I've discovered that essential oils, 100% aloe vera gel, and water are all you really need for a good moisturizing spritz--my hair is loving it right now!

When I do my monthly wash, I use an organic shampoo. Right now I'm using Bee Mine Peppermint Shampoo. I also oil rinse, condition my hair, DEEP condition my hair as well every month. But as for advice, I think it's extremely important to keep the hair hydrated every day without fail. It's amazing how only a year ago I thought my hair was too coarse to comb, but now that I know how to take care of it, the curls are cottony, light to the touch, and definitely not difficult to comb.

Good luck!

LisaGurl

futurefamousauthor wrote: »

Congrats on transitioning!

I have been transitioning for approximately 49 weeks, and at first, I was also very overwhelmed with all the info.

I plan on transitioning for as long as possible. Now that I'm at the one year mark, I can't wait to get to the two year mark! My styles of choice during my transition have been braid extensions. I started out with microbraids, then got bigger braids that wouldn't classify as micro anymore. I'm about to start a kinky twist binge because my hair is very nappy at this point as I hit the one year mark, and the straight braid extensions are not sufficing (or concealing my nappy roots lol).

Anyway, I think it's extremely important to keep the hair moisturized every day. In between washes, I use a moisturizing spritz to keep my hair hydrated. I use Oyin Handmade Fruits & Berries, and have also made my own spritz, which I LOVE. Ingredients for my spritz are aloe vera gel, water, lavendar, tangerine, and other essential oils. I've discovered that essential oils, 100% aloe vera gel, and water are all you really need for a good moisturizing spritz--my hair is loving it right now!

When I do my monthly wash, I use an organic shampoo. Right now I'm using Bee Mine Peppermint Shampoo. I also oil rinse, condition my hair, DEEP condition my hair as well every month. But as for advice, I think it's extremely important to keep the hair hydrated every day without fail. It's amazing how only a year ago I thought my hair was too coarse to comb, but now that I know how to take care of it, the curls are cottony, light to the touch, and definitely not difficult to comb.

Good luck!

Nice! Congrats on your (almost) one year transition!
So what are your experiences with the Bee Mine Peppermint Shampoo? I'm a Bee Mine user too, but I've just started. I guess I'll stick with Bee Mine Products because my hair loves it.

princessai16

Well actually I just got back from the beauty supply store today! XD
But I knew what I wanted. lol
First I shampoo with a detangling conditioner.
Then I deep condition with a lutrasilk deep conditioner (the one in my siggy, but I just read the last few ingredients, it has parabens, so I'll have to get the shea butter one next time) but aside from the herbal one I'm using that has parabens, it (cholestrol dc's) really is EXCELLENT for detangling I'm serious EXCELLENT! the other ones don't have parabens so seriously, you need to try it!!
Then I put some kind of moisturizer/leave in while in air dries (its in my siggy, the one my softnfree, very good moisturizing properties.)
And then after it's dry I put in about 15-20 twist with ORS smooth n Hold pudding and the I roll my ends with sponge rollers.

Juceefroot

Okay.... my number one suggestion is to condition. Sure there's a lot of information out there about moisturizing (which you can only do with water) and sealing with butters and/or oils... but right now.. at 3 months, you should be focused on the proper hair washing techniques and conditioning.

I wasn't concerned with sectioning hair at 3 months... it was just to much trouble to section my hair when there was so much that was relaxed... now i'm 8 months post and pre-poo and section my hair every wash day

i recommend you just get a conditioner with super-slip... aussie moist is my favorite... it has -cones (silicones which can be bad for your hair if you clarify and moisturize... but dont worry a/b all of that right now)... but it is a good conditioner. add your favorite oil (i like pure coconut oil which i get from the grocery store) and sit under some heat for 20-45 minutes... or walk around with a shower cap on your head for a couple of hours then rinse.

idk how you style your hair (curly or straight) but right now, it's all about moisture. dont be overwhelmed. you have PLENTY of time during the transition to learn about all of this stuff and experiment with different products.

good luck!

Juceefroot
http://juceefroot.onsugar.com (where i'm documenting my own transition)

naturallylisa

I co wash daily with either Tresemme naturals or Vo5 I use Qhemet AOHC to moisturize and then I wet bun.

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icerockz

I try to keep myns simple.

I co wash ALOT which help my hair stay well hydrated
I do not use shampoo or silicones (curly girl method)

When I co wash I use my henna conditioner from health food store and clean my scalp then rince and then put henna conditioner all over my hair espcially my new growth and leave it (no rince) then I slide in back into a curly pony tail.

I deep condition alot with natural things like honey,almond oil,vitamin e oil,glycerin,biotin or henna conditioner

Basically thats it, and my hair has been growing faster ever since.

I REALLY suggest you read the curly girl book by lorraine massey. This is wear I got most of my ideas and help keep my hair hydrated:blob8:

cocoqueen

I'm three months n also I don't do much to my hair I cowash everyday almost I put on this conditiong cap I got at walkmart it uses ur body heat to deep condition & its only 2 bucks and let it sit and after i rinse i put coconut oil through my scalp and massage it in then i put my Shea moisture organic coconut & hibiscus curl and style milk through my hair it makes it sooo soft and manageable after that I seal it with a lil more of my oil and let it air dry I really don't shampoo I don't want to strip my hair I don't style much either I cover with a beret or a lace front sometimes I put it n a banana clip I think the less I do the better

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secret_karma

I'm 10 months post. I co-wash every 2-3 days & on the weekend I dc on dry hair under the steamer for 20 min, then wash my scalp w a shampoo bar combined w african black soap, then I co-wash. I use the kimmaytube leave in every time I wash and seal w argan oil.

Every other week I do an acv rinse. I also clarify my hair once a month w Kenra or bentonite clay. I moisturize daily w rose water, almond oil, aloe vera mix and seal w vatika or almond oil.

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jillian93

My reggie was a bit extensive in the beginning but once I was a few months in I narrowed down what I personally felt was the most important things which was more the focus of what I am ensuring my hair gets opposed to the actual product. By thinking that way I cut out products that did the same thing or that didn't aid what my hair needed. I always made sure to alternate between moisturizing and clarifying shampoos with a mix of oils before clarifying as a pre-poo. I made sure to have a conditioning conditioner meaning it was very moisturizing, had great slip and a bonus was to help detangle. My conditioner alternated between a weekly and for co-washing. For styling, I used a hair butter to smooth my roots and for moisture, a mist or some form of daily moisturizer, a pudding to use for styling (sometimes 2 things or I added an oil), and castor oil to seal. I may be missing 1 or 2 things, OH, a good detangling comb and a detangling leave in. Other than that, anything else was just to fill my PJ needs but I didn't really need it.

newlynatural90

I needed this thread today and am taking the advice to experiment to know what my hair want because right now it has no idea.

jillian93

Just take time and try not to jump on bandwagons because thats why I did. My hair thrived once I learned what it needed in terms of moisture, protective styling, protecting at night, ect. Once I figured that I was able to start having fun trying things for styling since I found exactly what worked for the basics.

jillian93

And try store brands that people recommend while going though trial and error! You'll be surprised and also you can save a lot of money that way by avoiding shipping. I actually still use a few cheapie products like Neutrogena Triple Moisture to co-wash and get it for about $5 at Ulta.

NewCurls94

I am about 6 months post (as of yesterday) and ive been doing this regimen for about 4 months now. Every saturday i wash my hair (cowash every other saturday) i use basic suave naturals shampoo and conditioner. After washing i towel dry for around 30 minutes and then I put in my leave in conditioner and some argan oil. Then i let that sit for a few hours. I put some heat protectant and Then I blowdry with the comb attatchment and get it as straight as possible. After that I put it up in a bun and the next day I straighten if thats the style I choose. I havent gotten good at any curly styles yet but I have almost 6 inches of new growth which is really good in my book. My hair is so much healthier since I decided to transition im really happy about it!

BlueNightingale

I'm following the curly girl method.

I use a sulfate free poo as needed, but no more than once a month. Cowash or rinse & condition with a silicone free conditioner, twice a week. I leave in my conditioner. If I need moisture between washes, I apply a little more conditioner. I DC once a month with a silicone free, light protein conditioner.

I'm two months post texlax and this routine has made ALL of my hair softer and more moisturized.

ornestac

NewCurls94 wrote: »

I am about 6 months post (as of yesterday) and ive been doing this regimen for about 4 months now. Every saturday i wash my hair (cowash every other saturday) i use basic suave naturals shampoo and conditioner. After washing i towel dry for around 30 minutes and then I put in my leave in conditioner and some argan oil. Then i let that sit for a few hours. I put some heat protectant and Then I blowdry with the comb attatchment and get it as straight as possible. After that I put it up in a bun and the next day I straighten if thats the style I choose. I havent gotten good at any curly styles yet but I have almost 6 inches of new growth which is really good in my book. My hair is so much healthier since I decided to transition im really happy about it!

How did you get 6 inches in 6 months??

bobby

I have definitely found the "less is more" theory to be true. When I first started wearing my hair longer about eight years ago, I styled my hair using a blow-dryer and a round styling brush. Then occasionally I'd curl it with my wife's curling iron. I did that for about six months. I'd get volume but not necessarily curls.

About a year and a half ago, I decided to go three months between haircuts instead of 6-8 weeks. I shampooed everyday with the 2-in-1 head and shoulders shampoo and conditioner. Used the Garnier Fructis curl shaping gel but found my hair was too crunchy.

The last six months I have switched to co-washing with Suave condition (almond & shea butter). I have since ditched the gel. I just "wash and go" -- or "co wash and go." I towel dry my hair, gently massage my fingers through it to create curls. Then I use Suave hair spray. And occasionally wear the purple pick you see.

I have definitely found that simpler is better. However, I might do a one time experiment. I love my 2b/2c curls but would love to do a day of 3s or 4s. I haven't decided yet but I might do a perm rod set one day, no heat or chemicals though.

As a guy, being confident in wearing my curly locks was half the battle.