Natural Hair Tips
Transitioning to Natural Hair
At The Edge, we celebrate the beauty and versatility of natural African American hair. The stylists at our hair salon in Wheaton MD are available to encourage anyone who is ready to make the transition from relaxed hair to healthy, vibrant natural hair. Making the decision to go natural can be a big step for many women, and you may be a bit nervous about how your hair will look as it transitions back to a natural state, but we are available to help — every step of the way!
We have a complete line of natural hair care products that will nurture the health of your hair and many styling options that will allow you to enjoy a new look that does not compromise your desire for the ultimate style! Visit us today, and we will help you work through the challenges and the thrill of a new journey in gorgeous hair!
Great Styling Options
Not sure what to do with your hair as you transition? Try these easy styling tips for hair that looks amazing every day!
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Coils
Coils are an all time favorite of many natural hair girls! This look is extremely versatile and very easy to create which is why it tends to be so popular. To get beautiful coils, begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Start with a small section that is between ¼ of an inch to 1 inch wide (depending upon the size that you want the finished coils to be). Add a little styling product or moisturizing butter, and then, starting close to your scalp, use a rat tail comb or your index finger to gently coil your hair, pulling down slightly as you twist. The key is to twist and pull, keeping the coil tight near the scalp area. Repeat the process across your entire head, working in small sections, misting your hair with a spray bottle if necessary to keep it moist as you are working. When all the coils have been created, let your hair air dry. When dry, you can separate the coils into smaller sections if you like, using an oil or butter on the ends to help define the coils and also add extra moisture. You now have a gorgeous bouncy style with volume and definition.
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Rods & Roller Sets
This is a great way to blend the two textures of your hair while transitioning. You can set your hair using rods or rollers to give your hair smooth voluminous curls. For best results, start with hair that has been freshly shampooed and apply a leave-in conditioner and a styling butter or cream to your hair before rolling it up to keep it smooth and sealed. Sleep in the rollers overnight, and then remove the next morning. You can separate or combine curls depending upon the effect that you want to create.
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The Straw Set
It’s amazing what a group of ordinary drinking straws can do for your style! A straw set will create curls with uniform shape and lots of volume. Although it takes a little extra time, the results are well-worth the time investment. For best results, begin with freshly shampooed hair. Use a mister or spray bottle to keep your hair damp while you are working, in case one section dries out while you are working on another. Begin with a one inch section of hair. Apply a cream moisturizer and a styling product with holding ability to your hair and gently work it in. Then wrap your hair around a drinking straw and secure it in place against your head with a bobby pin. You can use scissors to cut off any excess straw length. Continue the process of winding remaining sections of your hair on drinking straws until you have finished your entire head. On average, you will probably need around 60 straws, more or less, depending upon the thickness of your hair. Then, tie scarf around your head and allow your hair to air dry overnight. The next morning, gently unwind hair from the straws, and apply oil to add extra shine. For more volume, you can gently separate each coil into smaller coils.
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Bantu knot-outs and Twist-outs
These natural hair styles are a fabulous option for hair that is transitioning from relaxed to natural, or for hair that is already in a completely natural state. In the evening, you can twist or Bantu knot your hair while it is wet or damp. Make sure you use a good moisturizing cream or butter and a styling product on your hair, too, as you twist or style it. This will help your hair to retain moisture as well as blend the two different textures. After knotting or twisting your hair, wrap your hair in a scarf and allow it to dry and set overnight. In the morning, you can separate the twists and undo and separate the knots into smaller sections as needed for a great looking style!
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Hair Extensions
Extensions and weaves can ease the transition to natural hair, especially if you do not want to wait for several months before your natural hair grows to a length that will allow for longer styling options. Hair extensions and weaves can be added to your hair in just one appointment at our Silver Spring hair salon, giving you glamorous style without the wait.
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Chignon or Bun
A simple chignon or bun can often work as a good style as you transition to natural hair. Just make sure not to pull your hair too tightly, as tight ponytails and buns can weaken the strands of your hair and place unwanted tension on your scalp.
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More Tips for Transitioning
You will need to treat your hair very gently to avoid breakage as you transition to natural hair. The most fragile area of your hair will be the point where your relaxed or permed hair meets the new natural growth. The single most important thing that you can do each day is to use a high quality, hydrating and deep conditioning product. Moisture is key. Applying a natural moisturizer, cream or oil to your hair on a daily basis will keep your hair cuticle healthy and flexible and keep breakage to a minimum.
You will need to be careful when using heat styling tools as well. Heat can have a drying effect on your hair which can make your hair fragile and more susceptible to breakage. Always air dry your hair when possible, and use the lowest possible temperature when using flat irons and other heat tools. For the healthiest hair, choose styling options that do not use heat.