Transitioning From Permed to Natural Hair

Transitioning from permed to natural hair is a beautiful journey full of awesome experiences - if you know what to do. It could become a nightmare if you're not sure what you're doing. These pointers would help make the journey a beautiful one.

You're dealing with two hair textures

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that you're dealing with two hair textures, permed (straight) and natural (coily). These textures require different hair care techniques. The better option is to find a balance between caring for both textures. That means doing away with greasy products and opting for moisture-based products, using wide tooth combs instead of tail combs among others.

Treat your hair

When transitioning, your hair is prone to breakage. To curb this, it is advisable to deep condition your hair during wash days to provide enough moisture. If you're already experiencing breakage, go in for protein treatment once every 4-6 weeks.

Choose your products wisely

Hair in transition requires products that'll not only protect your hair from breakage but provide enough moisture for healthy hair growth. Products with no sulfates or parabens are best. All Eya Naturals products have no sulfates or parabens and are a good choice. To stimulate growth, the Grow and Thicken Set works best.

Detangle gently

You might as well get started on how to properly detangle. Unlike permed hair where detangling isn't such a big deal, natural hair needs to be detangled properly to minimize knots and to retain length. Before detangling, please make sure hair is properly moisturized.

Protective styling

Certainly braids, cornrows and twists are good whilst transitioning. However, you need to keep 3 things in mind. The first is to make sure the braids are not too tight on your edges and scalp. The second is to always moisturize your hair even when in protective styles with either the Aloe Vera Hair Mist (water-based) or the Anti-Itch hair and Scalp Spray (water and oil-based). Finally, make sure you keep the braids in for not more than 6 weeks else your hair becomes prone to breakage.

Natural hair relaxer?

Don't let anyone lie to you. There's nothing like a natural hair relaxer. You either relax your hair or texturize it. Both change the chemical structure of your hair. If you're thinking of joining the natural gang, stay clear of a relaxer or texturizer.

Avoid heat styling

As much as possible, avoid heat styling. Too much heat is likely to damage your natural curl pattern. If you absolutely need to use heat, please do not use very high heat and use a heat protectant first. 

Wear satin bonnet/scarf

If you haven't started already then this is the perfect time to start wearing satin or silk bonnets/scarf. They help reduce friction during bedtime. Alternatively, you can change your pillowcases from cotton to satin or silk.

Find a natural hair salon

Dealing with two textures can be confusing for a lot of stylists. To avoid any form of damage to your hair, please visit a credible natural hair salon. Of course you can always walk into any of the Eya Salon branches at Spintex or North Kaneshie for all your hair care needs.

Transitioning to natural is great but takes a lot of work and patience but completely doable. The alternative? The Big Chop - it'll be discussed in subsequent posts.

For further hair consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Eya Naturals on +233 204 600 464 or +233 59 237 7008 @eyanaturals on Facebook and Instagram