Tips for the perfect twist out on Transitioning Hair

So I'm sitting here trying out a new technique for a twist-out on my hair and thought I should write a post about doing a twist out so here goes! You know since its my favorite Transitioning style!

The Basics:

First, I start off on clean just washed hair, whether its shampooed washed or co-washed doesn't really make a difference!

Then detangle, beginning at the tips combing up towards the roots. 

Next, I apply my styler/leave in.  I am using Suave tropical coconut conditioner currently. Rake through strands.

Then, I apply a holding agent. I switch between eco-styler gel olive oil or olive oil by ampro.

Next, I seal it all with an oil blend. Whatever works well with your texture will suffice.

The Style:

So, I begin by first planning how I want my hair to fall.  I decide if I want my waves going off to the side, or if I want a part in the middle or if I want all my hair to fall towards the back.

After that, I began sectioning and parting.

Once that is all done I style my hair in flat twist.

Note: Flat twist are the two strand version of cornrolls. 

I like flat twist because:

A) They allow me to grab my roots (which are much more flufflier than my relaxed hair)

B) Gives a more defined wave pattern

C) Fits nicely under a cap or bonnett if I have to make a run while they are still in the drying process

D) Are comfortable to sleep in

Lastly, I allow them to COMPLETELY dry. (sometimes this process can take a day or longer). 

Note: the longer you keep your hair in the twist the more defined the wave pattern will be.

The Takedown:

Now to take down the twist. I oil my hands and run them across my twists. Also oil helps to cut down on the stress your fingers can put on your hair.

Then I unravel them carefully and leave them in the sections/chunks until they are all taken down.

Once they are all down, I seperate each section until I get the fullness I want.

After that, I pick them out at the roots for height/volume.

Then, I position my strands in the desired look I was going for (or sometimes the direction my hair choose to fall in)

And lastly (comepletely optional) I adorn with accessories. 

If this new technique turns out good.  I will definitely do a vlog/blog about it.  Until then I really appreciate you taking the time to read this.  If you find it helpful share!

Catch me at  www.twitter.com/ExquisiteTresse on twitter,  www.youtube.com/ExquisiteEsteem on yoututbe and www.facebook.com/NaturalExquisiteTresses on Facebook.

  

Carol's Daughter 1-2-3 transitioning kit review

So, I was so kindly given this Carol's Daughter transitioning 1-2-3 kit at a focus group a few weeks back (see Rachel O's blog for more info http://www.makeupbyrachelo.com/2012/05/31/transition-with-carols-daughter/#more-2044) to try out and give my opinion on so here goes on 12 month transitioning tresses.

According to the website:

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/Portal.aspx?CN=C0B4D6EFEFD1

The First & Only Relaxed-To-Natural Hair Solution Specifically Made For Transitioners!
93% Less Shedding, Healthier Scalp & Softer Strands*
This easy 3-step kit offers a solution to the 3 problems transitioners face: product build-up, scarred scalp & breakage at the points of demarcation. Now big choppers, long grow-outs and protective stylers can transition from relaxed to natural hair with less shedding, a healthier scalp and softer hair.

The Good!!

1. I love that this product is specifically for transitioners. 
2. Natural hair stayed soft. 
3. Hair felt hydrated.  
4. It gives you a step by step guide as how to cleanse and treat your hair. 
5. The smell is wonderful. 
6. The tingling is great. 
7. It has biotin in it to promote hair growth which is always good.  Us transitioners want our curls now!!!! 

The Bad :(

1. The detangling process is the same to worse. 
2. The point of demarcation is very evident my relaxed hair matted up but my natural hair remained softened. 
3. Its time consuming.  

In summary, the product is ok.  I think its a great product for someone that has no clue as to what you are to do to manage transitioning hair. It gives you a guide to how to cleanse, massage and condition your hair.  Sometimes we leave out the massage part of our regime this product forces you to incorporate that into your routine.  Also this product adds biotin, a known hair growth vitamin, to your list of products used on your hair in a convenient way.  

 But if you already have a routine then this kit may slow you down a bit.  Someone that already knows how to wash, detangle, condition, and massage/exfoliate their hair will not necessarily see an added benefit from this product.

I did notice that I had no product build-up after I washed and conditioned.  As far as breakage I wasn't impressed by that claim.  I've used the product a few times and my breakage has not decreased as of yet.  When I was using my old shampoo my breakage was very minimum. 

IMPORTANT!!!!! Comment Below!!!!!

What do you think?  Have you tried the transitioning kit?  What have been your results?  Let's share so we can help others that is transitioning as well. Everyone will have different results so its good to share and hear other opinions!!!!

Moisture is Magic for your transitioning hair!!!!!!

Moisture Moisture Moisture.  Yea us transitioners really need moisture.  Moisture helps prevent breakage, moisture allows manageability, moisture promotes growth, moisture aids in elasticity, moisture helps with shine/sheen, and moisture feeds your curls.





Moisture is vital for your overall hair health.  So lets talk about what moisture is and what it is not.


Moisture is:

1. Water
2. The base of all styling
3. Conditioning
4. humectants such as: glycerin, honey, aloe vera, vitamin E, sorbitol, CoQ 10
5. most water based products

Moisture is not:

1. Oils
2. creams
3. heavy
4. waxes
5. alcohols     

Some of us confuse the needs of our hair.  We tend to cake our hair down with oils when it feels dry and brittle.  When in fact all we need to do is add water.  Now I know it may confusing, you may ask well "how do I add water onto my hair when I need to style it and have it not look "afro-y" or puffy?"  well the thing is you may need to increase your washes.  I know in the African American hair community we are used to washing any where from once a week to once a month because we've had to maintain that hairstyle, not wash that relaxer out so fast, or to prevent us from hours of styling to maintain controlling our tresses.  But now that we are tranistioning, part of this journey is to promote hair health so we have to change our way of dealing with our hair.  Increasing your wash days will definitely make a difference for your hair.  It is recommended that you wash your tresses anywhere from everyday to every 4-5 days if you are experiencing extreme dryness,  I am sure if you are a dry haired sufferer and you take heed and wash more often, you will notice your moisture retention increase. In fact I'm willing to bet the farm on it- if I had a farm!

In between washes a spray bottle filled with just water will do just fine or you can add one of the other moisture aids listed in (Moisture is).  All you have to do is allow the water to mist onto your hair if you are afraid that the direct spray will ruin your style (Spray the water into the air above your hair and allow the droplets to fall ever so lightly onto your hair). Do this when you feel your  is drying out too much.

Oil is a great sealant but it cannot and must not be substituted for a moisturizer.  This is because oil repeals water (remember that from chemistry class).  So any kind of moisture that your hair wants to contract, the oil will "push" it away.  So when the moisture that is beneath the oil is all absorbed into your scalp or hair fibers new moisture has no way of entering or penetrating them.  Which is why you may be oiling your hair over and over and the texture is not changing. Again use oil as a protectant.  As if its protecting the water from leaving your hair never use it as a replacement for water.

One last point, and I know we say it over and over and over and over again.  But you have to hydrate from within in order to aid all that you are doing to you hair on the outside. You want to maintain overall good hair health.  Yea moisturizing on the outside will definitely provide a great improvement for your hair but on those days when you forget to moisturize or are just too lazy to do so hydrating from the inside is your back up.  Drinking plenty of water is great for your physical health now you know its also great for your vanity!   

So you wanna Transition to Natural hair........?

Since I have been in transition for approximately 12 months, I feel like I have learned a thing or two about transitioning hair.  My goal is to help out my fellow ladies and gentlemen that wishes to transition as well.  To make the transition easier being prepared will make the difference. 

First off, I hope you have a clear reason as to why you are transitioning.  Whether the reason is because you have been curious about your natural tresses, you have damaged your tresses, maybe you have relaxer horror stories, or you want a more healthier overall lifestyle.  I would just encourage that you seek your soul and identify YOUR reasoning for wanting to grow out your natural hair.  I think this will help you stay on track with this journey because, yes, this will be a journey and as with any journey only the most determined will survive. 

Transitioning is not any easy task.  It takes times, dedication, stamina, patience, lots and lots of patience, willingness to learn and adaption. 

You will have to adapt to a new way of thinking, a new way of styling your hair, and a new way as to how other people will relate to you with transitioning hair.  Styling is a new challenge in and of its self.  When you were relaxed....well I know for me, I never really thought about how to comb my hair.  I just put the comb to the root and raked it through.  During your transition that is a big no! no! You can risk breaking your fragile tresses and the reason we have decided to transition is to keep as much of our hair as possible, right?!  So, readjusting the way you approach your hair  care is going to be necessary.  Now, I will say it is going to take some time to get used too.  Of course, we know we are not perfect, and we will make mistakes, but the key is to learn from them.  I would encourage you to learn as much as you can about transitioning and natural hair during this time.  As with any thing practice makes perfect. 

Also, remember that the best way to transition is with what is called protective styling.  That can be anything from weaves to braids, from mini twist to corn rolls.  However you choose to transition is up to you. But you need to be fully aware of your lifestyle and the needs of your hair. Let me encourage you to be patient!  Be patient with hair and be patient with yourself.

Patience is one thing that I know is very hard to master.  We want those natural curls and we want them NOW!!! But unless we decide to big chop (BC) we have to exercise patience. It will take time for your hair to grow, its gonna take time to find what products work for your transitioning hair, it's gonna take time to determine the correct styling technique that will make your hair look its best.  Yes, seriously patience is a well deserved virtue.  So if there was ever a time to call upon it, it is definitely now.  

With that said, let me explain why stamina is important.  I am on my second attempt at transitioning.  The first time I felt like "I need a relaxer I cannot comb this nappy stuff!"  I have a thick head of hair.  It tangles very easily and I have never dealt with it in any other manner but relaxed or curly permed aka jerhi curl.  So if the comb did not go through my hair easily from root to tip then I knew it was time for some kind of chemical to be laid on my hair to make it silky manageable again.  Well, being the second time around, I am determined to see this through! Stamina is oh so important. You have to see this journey through to the end.  You have to keep pushing on even on those days that you can't figure out how to make your hair "acceptable" to leave the house.  Only a dedicated transitioner will get creative and keep on keeping on!

So stay dedicated and I know by the end of the journey you will be so so happy with your tresses.  We truly have an exquisite head of hair.  Our hair can be kinky, wavy, curly, afro-y, straight, or coiled and still be beautiful, fashionable, individualized, and trend setting.  Our tresses our our own as we are learning no two heads of hair are alike.  Continue to pull through show off your EXQUISITE TRESSES!!!!!!!!