How to Care for Hair Transitioning to Natural

Treat your hair like two different textures because that's exactly what you have.

1. Deep condition weekly. Your new growth needs more moisture than your chemically treated ends. Use a protein-free deep conditioner from roots to ends, focusing extra time on the natural section. Heat helps but isn't required.
2. Detangle when wet with conditioner. Never brush dry transitioning hair. Work through tangles section by section with a wide-tooth comb while your hair is soaked in leave-in conditioner. Start from the ends and work up.
3. Protective style the line of demarcation. The point where your natural hair meets relaxed hair is the weakest spot. Keep this area stretched and protected with braids, twists, or buns that don't pull at the hairline.
4. Sleep on silk or satin. Cotton pillowcases create friction that breaks transitioning hair while you sleep. Switch to a silk pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet to reduce breakage overnight.
5. Trim gradually. Cut off processed ends bit by bit rather than doing a big chop all at once. This gives you time to learn your natural texture while maintaining length and styling options.