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!   

A Transitioner's Tale (Ode to self): I'm getting so anxious.....Big chop???????

I'm getting so anxious to cut my hair! I can already feel the texture of my unrelaxed hair.  Its beautiful :-) I love how silky my hair feels after I wash it.  I enjoy learning about what my hair likes and how it behave in its natural state.  I have been thinking of all the many, many styles I can't wait to try when I'm fully unrelaxed.  I had planned on transitioning for 12-24 months (they say don't put a number to it).  But idk I am too anxious to see my hair without straight ends. We'll see. I wanted to at least last until my vacation this summer so i can rock a new look.  But I'm thinking spring is right around the corner and what better time to refresh your look.  Plus I may need some time to "play in my hair" to get used to styling.  Pictures will be nice.  Yep, they will be! I have some time.  I can revisit the "cut or not to cut" issue in the March/April months.  Yep,  I can make my decision then. I hope I can make it thru to 24 months so I can just go straight to what I'm used to which is length. But I never have had short hair and it excites me right now. Seriously, just thinking of the feeling of having only unrelaxed hair and being able to experience it! Lol......this type of decision may be very trivial but hey if I have time to allow this type of "dilemma" to occupy my thoughts then I know Life is so good! no BIG time major decisionmaking going on right know (thank ya Jesus) :-). Plus I'm pretty sure I can rock some short hair. ;-) and make it look damn good! 

So we shall see.  Can I hold out or will I allow my anxiousness to get the best of me? Stay tuned to see.........

Transitioning to Natural (Hair that is): Its a family affair

This is a hair blog!!!!


So I have a little one that has never had a relaxer.  For years I have wrestled with the thought of letting my relaxer go.  I tried once last yr and lasted about 3 months.  Recently a family member of mine mentioned on facebook that she was thinking of going natural, so I commented well if u do it I will too.  Thus here I am today!!! I have decided yet again to go natural.  I have so many reasons as to why I would like to take this journey.  But one of the most inspirational one would be because my oldest daughter would like to join me.  So this will truly be a family affair.  As I stated earlier I already have one that has never had a relaxer (my youngest daughter) my oldest daughter has decided she also wants to see how her hair is in its natural state.

Ultimately we have the same end goal but are  going to achieve it a little differently.  I want to learn how to style my hair so that when it is in its completely natural state I will have it mastered already.  So I will be experimenting with transitioning styles.  She, on the otherhand, will be wearing braids and weaves until she has her desired length and ready to cut off her relaxed ends. Mainly because she is on here way to high school and is not all that comfortable with dealing with two hair textures.   My last relaxer was in June of this year 2011. Her last relaxer was about May of this year. 

During this transition we both will achieve healthy hair, as much growth as possible, as well as establish a regime that is suited for our lifestyle and hair type.  I am so excited about this hair journey I can't wait until I have no more traces of relaxer in my hair.  I am eager to see my curls.  For anyone that is reading and has transitioned GOOD FOR U I CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH UP TO U, to those that are TRANSITIONING STAY ENCOURAGED ITS GONNA BE A GREAT RIDE and for those thinking about it I HOPE WILL WILL JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY.