Transitioner Checklist: A Transitioners Guide To The Perfect Regimen [Part 2]

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So following on from the first post of this mini Series on Things You Need To Know Before Transitioning, you're now most probably wanting to know how to get started, which products work best for transitioners, how to avoid breakage, which transitioner styles to rock etc. Well, this post and the third part of this Series [coming soon], will help you with exactly that! First of all let's get to regimen building and one of my most frequently asked questions
Which Regimen Works Best For Transitioning Hair?

There is no go to regimen for transitioners as I'm sure you can imagine. With so many different hair types out there and more so a head full of many different textures in itself, the "ideal regimen" differs for each individual. There are however some ways to enhance each step of the "transitioning hair regimen" in order to cater to some of the most talked about transitioner issues such as tangling and breakage. So here we go, some of your questions answered...

What is "Pre-pooing" and how does it benefit my Hair when transitioning?

If you haven't been doing this already, now may be a great time to start. 'Pre-pooing'  is simply the act of preparing your hair for shampooing. Shampooing can strip our hair of essential nutrients and moisture so the goal of pre-pooing is to reduce the 'shampoo stripping effect'. In most cases it also helps detangle your hair prior to washing which of course means less shower tangling i.e less breakage. Another extra is, if you choose to pre-poo with an oil for example [depending on which oil you use and for how long] you may be able to reduce the amount of water your hair penetrates. But wait, water is good for our hair, no? Yes indeed it is! However there is such a thing as too much water penetration which can over expand the shafts of our hair in turn also leading to our dear friend 'breakage'.

Recommended Products: Any oil should do the trick, simply coat your hair with this prior to washing. I am a huge fan of the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme. Whilst it is on the pricier side it definitely does the job plus some. There are also a few other pre-poo products on the market, be sure to do a review and ingredient list check so you get some info on the product before you dive in.

Which Shampoo do I use and how do I prevent it from stripping my Hair?

Transitioning does not mean as I once thought that you need to stack up on a whole new stash of products. For the most part it's worth sticking to what your hair has always liked and trying your best to make whatever you use more moisturising/effective. How can you do this?

Method Add some Oil to your Shampoo

Outcome Adding oils to anything makes them more lubricative, which in turn means easier detangling. You can also add a few drops of essential oils as well as the base oil, the properties are endless! I love using essential oils in just about everything, here are some fave recipes!

Method Add a small amount of Conditioner to your Shampoo

Outcome Many people swear by mixing Conditioner with Shampoo to make the Shampoo more moisturising and less stripping. Whilst this technique can most certainly do that, it can also lead to product build up caused by conditioner deposits being left on your hair and scalp. It's definitely worth trying the Shampoo/Conditioner mix to see how your hair takes to it, but be sure to thoroughly rinse your hair afterwards. I did this occasionally during my transition on a 'not too dirty' scalp and it worked a treat. 

Method The rule of 'everything in four sections'

Outcome Sectioning your hair in four or more sections helps to reduce tangling and makes just about every step of your regimen a whole lot easier! That's all there is too it! #PinkySwear 

Recommended Products: I pretty much used any Shampoo during my transition with some of the above methods. But if you're after a brand new Shampoo here are some worth trying: Earth Science Deep Conditioning Shampoo, AsIAm Cleansing Pudding, AsIAm Coconut Cowash

How often do I Deep Condition and what are the best DC products out there?

On a usual day I would say this depends on how dry your hair is, which as a transitoner is likely to be pretty often! In most cases once a week or at the very least twice a month should suffice [for frequent heat users then the former would apply]. As for how long to let the DC sit on your hair, it's definitely worth checking out the product label suggestion, but in most cases a 15 minute to 30 minute session with a heated tool such as the HairTherapyWrap will have your hair feeling baby bottom soft, and the DC should have done it's job! Finally, be sure to switch it up! Your hair will be in need of both protein and moisture so try and use a protein DC at least once a month.

Recommended Products: [Protein Deep Conditioners] ORS Replenishing Pak, Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Masque, Original Moxie Re-Wind Protein Treatment, Queen Helene Cholesterol Conditioner. [Moisturising Deep Conditioners] Curl Harmony Intensive Repair Deep Conditioner, As I am Hydration Elation, Philip Kingsley Moisture Extreme Conditioner, Tresemme Naturals

Do I need to use a Leave-In and if so which would you recommend?

Leave-ins are often a God send for transitioners because they usually serve the purpose of moisturising and detangling all at the same time. Check out the recommended products below for a list of great leave-ins which act as both a detangler and light moisturiser.

Recommended Products: Kinky Curly Knot Today, Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream


Other

Moisturise & Seal - I am often asked why moisturisers are needed when leave-ins exist. The truth is some leave-ins work perfectly as moisturisers however depending on which leave in you use, a good moisturiser can always come in handy. As for how often to use a moisturiser I personally believe that a good moisturiser should not have to be used everyday, especially if followed up with an oil to seal the moisture in. You can give every other day a try and see how your hair feels. If it's dry you may need to moisturise more frequently or try another moisturiser. It all boils down to ingredients and consistency. See what your leave in offers and how it makes your hair feel.

Scalp Care - This should work in the same way as your regimen prior to transitioning, if you are after general scalp care and also stimulating scalp oils then here are some products I can most certainly recommend

Recommended Products: Jane Carter Solution Scalp Nourishing Serum, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Apple Cider Vinegar, Phillip Kingsley Scalp Tonic

Finally, and I really do mean finally! Don't forget to wear a satin or silk scarf to bed or even better get yourself a silk/satin pillowcase to avoid your hair from frictional damage caused by your hair rubbing against the coarse texture of our pillows. We'll save breakage and protective styling for part three! 

P.s here is part one just in case you missed it!
Avec amour… Fiona
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