6 Products You Can't Do Without If You're Transitioning To Natural Hair

6 Products You Can’t Do Without If You’re Transitioning To Natural Hair

Thinking of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair? Here, your essential go-to kit that will get you that crown and ease the process.

by Women’s Health

October 20, 2017

A woman with natural hair standing in front of a yellow background

By Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini; Photography by Benzoix/Freepik

Thinking of transitioning?

Taraji has done it, Nicole Ari Parker has done it and even underneath her snatched protective hairstyles Gabrielle Union-Wade has done it. What, you ask? Embraced their natural hair texture.

The natural hair movement is having more than just a moment. Translation: big wig (and niche) companies are now providing the much-needed demand for more transitioning and natural hair products. Much like the health of your skin is central with the natural, little-to-no make-up trend, health of the hair is key to getting and maintaining an afro-textured mane. Thank goodness for the selection! Here are the kind of essentials you need when transitioning.

1. Breakage Treatments

philip-kingsley

The troublesome thing about transitioning hair? The shedding (breaking) of your chemically treated hair. Breakage is expected at the line of demarcation (point where your natural hair and relaxed hair meet) and even though you will be cutting the relaxed ends, you still want this to be as healthy as it can be. Try Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre Shampoo Treatment (R810).

2. Sulfate-Free Shampoos

the-curl-company

The chemical that creates thick, rich lather (and basically almost blinds you) when you shampoo into your hair? Sulphates. They are a no-no because they strip hair follicles of essential oils and cause untamable tangles, frizz and damage the scalp. When choosing a shampoo also make sure it has essential oils like moringa, shea or argan to help lock in moisture. Try The Curl Company Sulphate Free Shampoo (R120).

3. Every-Wash Conditioners

design-essentials

A conditioner is a godsend for natural hair. Coily hair loves to tangle. A thick conditioner that contains behentrimonium chloride or strearalkonium chloride adds slip, meaning you’ll be able to remove knots without ripping your hair. Try Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner (R195).

4. Intensive Treatment Conditioners

aunt-jackies

Just as your body sometimes needs a green juice boost, your hair needs one too. Coarse or curly hair needs heavier, extra hydrating mask that restores, strengthens, boosts moisture and reduces breakage. You can substitute your every-wash conditioner with your intensive treatments. Rub on the conditioner after shampooing, set in a plastic cap and rinse with cool water. Try Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Fix my hair Intensive Repair Conditioning Masque (R128).

5. Leave-In Conditioners

dr-miracles

These are applied after washes and left on your locks until the next wash. It’s that extra dose of moisture that can help detangle, tame and soft hair strands. Apply directly to scalp and massage gently. Use on hair as a finishing touch to your protective hairstyle. Try Dr. Miracle’sDaily Anti-Breakage Strengthening Crème (R95).

6. Daily Moisturizers

dark-and-lovely

Natural hair can lose moisture easily. And when stretching your hair (heatlessly, of course) you need a good moisturiser that restores lost moisture and leaves hair stronger and looking healthy. Try Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Plaiting Pudding Cream (R80).

Here are 10 random things that are making your hair fall out. Plus: “Here’s why I decided to grow out my leg, underarm and pubic hair”

signup