Calling All Transitioners - Transition Friendly Products

There are two things that every girl must remember as she is transitioning; (1) Protein and (2) Moisture. Having a harmonious moisture/protein balance is critical in the transitioning process.

Protein is very important because as you receive chemical services [such as relaxers], it breaks down the protein bonds in your hair and reduces the amount of elasticity causing it to be susceptible to breakage. I want to also point out that services such as color, and improper thermal treatments [pressing, flat-ironing, curling etc], can also result in the damage of protein bonds [and the damage from these treatments can mirror those of damage from a relaxer]. Protein is key in helping to minimize, and even prevent breakage at the line of demarcation [the area where your new growth, meets chemically treated hair].

Moisture is equally as important for growth retention, and to prevent breakage from the amount of protein you are using on your hair. Too much protein and not enough moisture is a surefire way to get a free room at heartbreak hotel. I would suggest alternating between a moisturizing conditioner and a protein conditioner weekly. 

Here are some of my fav products that are great for transitioners, people with color damaged hair, and even heat damaged hair. I love these because they actaually live up to their claims!

• Lanza Leave-In Protector - Product Claims: An advanced protein-rich formula specifically designed to build and maintain strength in hair that has been weakened from over-exposure to the elements or chemicallt or thermally damaged. Quickly absorbed, super light moisturizing conditioner and protective lotion. 

• Dudley's Hair Rebuilder - Product Claims: Rebuilds badly damaged hair. This deep penetrating conditioner detangles, builds body, softens and reduces static.

• Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment - Product Claims: Our intensive weekly treatment deeply penetrates to help repair, seal and smooth even the most damaged hair. Using the power of pure plant oils and quinoa protein, it restores health, silkiness and shine. Helps strengthen hair weakened by chemical processes, heat styling and environmental exposure. Quinoa protein penetrates the hair shaft, working from inside to help strengthen and repair. Castor, jojoba and meadowfoam seed oils smooth hair's surface.

• Goldwell Kerasilk Conditioning Treatment - Product Claims: Formulated with natural silk proteins and wheat lipids, the Kerasilk Rich Care formulas (formerly Care & Smoothness) gently cleanses and conditions damaged, dry, porous or curly hair. Rich Care Treatment, Goldwell's bestseller, now works even better, offering unsurpassed conditioning, strengthening and protects hair from future stress.
  

• Sebastian 2+1 Treatment - Product Claims: Hair, like the body, needs moisture and protein to stay healthy and conditioned. Sebastian invented 2+1 Treatment, an original recipe of 2 parts moisture and 1 part protein, to give the hair what it needs - deep intensive hydration, combined with the power of a protein pack. Normal or damaged hair feels conditioned, silky, moisturized and healthy. At Sebastian, 2+1 equals fabulous!

• Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream - Product Claims: This thick, rich formula leaves extra dry, coarse hair supple for days! Recommended #1for transitioning naturals by Clutch Magazine.

• Qhemet Burdock Root Butter Cream - Product Claims: Our Burdock Root Butter Cream is a light, water based leave-in for fine haired naturals, straight styles and those looking for a light penetrating moisturizer. It conditions and softens while nourishing the scalp. Leaves hair healthy, soft and supple!

• Keracare Super Reconstructor - Product Claims: extensively repairs weak, damaged hair due to shedding, breakage and severe cuticle and fiber degradation due to chemical, thermal, mechanical or sun damage. Penetrates deep within the cortex to fortify fractured, shredded fibers. Forms a fibrillar network around the hair shaft to lock in moisture. Restores natural porosity to hair.

Tips & Tricks for Hassle Free Styling

[source: Shake It Sheila] 

I have had my share of hair styles that never saw the light of day, they are usually hidden under a hat, or pulled back into a makeshift bun. These mishaps usually happen when I try a new product, fail to detangle properly, or skip adding condish to my hair [really bad move]. For those of you who haven't seen my hair vids, here's a short [yet useful list] of little tips and tricks I have learned along the way!

• For styles that are free-flowing such as braid outs or twist outs, I like to use minimal amounts of products that are lightweight. This makes for fluffier, shiner, hair with lots of body. Now you can use a combination of products, however use them sparingly, and choose them wisely. Too much product can yield "dull" hair appears weighed down, and lacks movement. 

• Get the hair uber CLEAN before styling, whether you use bentonite clay, sulfate shampoo, herbs, or baking soda, make sure the hair is free from residue before styling. Your hair will be shinier, and have more body if you start with a clean palate.  

• Detangle hair only while loaded with conditioner. I usually condition for about 15 minutes to let the moisturizing properties penetrate my strands, THEN detangle, and finally sit back under my dryer for another 15 minutes. 

• Make sure hair is detangled and conditioned thoroughly prior to styling. Also if you are braiding or twisting your hair, do so with caution; split ends galore surely awaits you if you aren't careful [believe me, I have been there and it 'aint pretty]. 

• If you have tangle-prone hair, try shampooing and conditioning while in (4) fat braids or twists. This has helped me out IMMENSELY, and I know it has played a major role in length retention. Less hair lost and split while detangling = more retention. 

• When you are shampooing your hair, use your fingertips not your nails to gently cleanse your scalp. 

• Don't overdo it on the shampoo [because of the potential drying effects sulfates], keep in mind that some professional products do not produce a lot of lather. Try getting into the habit of using dime sized portions or less for each round of shampoo. Not only will you benefit by using less shampoo, you can also save your tresses from sulfate overload. 

• If you have hard water like I do, it may be necessary to add an additional step to your regimen like an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse [do this after rinsing out your conditioner]. This gently gets rid of minerals and deposits left behind from your water. Other bonuses include restoring the PH balance of your hair, adding sheen, and sealing the cuticle which aids in tangle free styling.