Transitioning from relaxed to natural.......what you need to know

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair doesn't have to be a production.  As long as you have realistic expectations, the process will be stress-free.  Managing your hair care can be terribly confusing, particularly when you're getting mixed messages from stylist, blogs and hair care companies.   Below are several things to consider when transitioning:

Get to know your hair.....

*  Is your hair thick or thin, course or fine, cotton-like or wiry, wavy or curly, coily or z-patterned? 

*  Examine your scalp periodically, is it dry, itchy, flaky, moist, sore to the touch, scaly? 

*  Take inventory of your lifestyle, do you exercise regularly, do you sweat at night, do you enjoy spending time preping your hair or do you want to work with your hair as little as possible?

*  What condition is your hair in?  Is it currently healthy, is it damaged, is it color-treated, do you take medication that impacts your hair?

*  If you are married, what does your husband prefer when it comes to how you wear your hair?  Does he like long or short hair, does he like a particular style that should be considered as you transition?

*  Are you open to new hair styling ideas or are you conservative?

*  Are you primarily concerned with the health of your hair, or with the styling of your hair?

The more you know about your hair and scalp, the better your hair care experience will be.  Be honest with your hair care provider.  If you take medication, have a health condition or are going through a medical treatment you should be comfortable letting hair care provider discreetly know.  If you're under stress or going through a major life change, its helpful to let your hair care provider know (don't feel obligated to go into details, just knowing helps with the scalp evaluation).  If you have dietary restrictions, are a vegetarian or vegan or are on a diet, this is important information, please share.

It seems like alot just to start the transitioning process, but its invaluable in ensuring that you are given the best care and advice.  Oh, on a special note........expensive products aren't always the best products for your daily hair care.....more to come on that:)