Hair Stylist Tips for Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair

We often read the many thoughts and opinions of hair bloggers about natural hair care and relaxed hair care but how often do we get a chance to hear from a professional hair stylist? This post is a summary of some of the things that my hairstylist shared with me on my last visit. My discussion with her was not an interview for my blog. Instead, it was just good old fashioned stylist/client conversation as I sat in the chair getting my hair done. I chose to summarize some of her thoughts in a blog post in hopes it might help some of you. While the focus of our conversation was tips for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, some of the recommendations she provided can be implemented in your natural hair and relaxed hair regimen.

Takeaways From Salon Visit

Product lines are formulated to work together. Therefore, using one product line from start to finish is best for our hair.

Having a good hair cut / hair trimming cycle when transitioning from relaxed to natural hair helps the hair stay healthy. Indirectly, cutting our hair helps us to retain more hair in the end because we are removing the weak, problem ends before they cause major issues.

Split ends can travel up the hair shaft if not resolved in a timely manner. Therefore, holding on to damaged ends for the sake of saying you have length is pointless.

Removing the relaxed hair sooner than later will be overwhelming at first but will be freeing in the end. It will free us up on wash day and we’ll have more energy to try out new things and hairstyles.

We should finger detangle our hair as much as possible before running a comb through it as this helps to minimize breakage.

Having sleek edges may be tempting but gel can really dry the hair out. Don’t overdo it!

We should not use the flat iron at high temperatures at home. She recommended a temp of 365 or less.

Whatever we do, use heat protectant and make sure it’s a good one!

Hair Stylist Tips for Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair

Be sure to watch the video for a few more hair tips, see what products she used and learn how/why she used them.

Did I Learn Anything New?

This was my first time visiting this hair stylist. Even on my first visit, I went all in and let her cut my hair. She came recommended by a work friend. While I didn’t learn anything new by way of techniques, I was introduced to some new products which I find highly effective. I have purchased all products that were used in the video with the exception of the shampoo. I will purchase it when it’s time to re-up on shampoo.

Shop The Products!

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo
Paul Mitchell The Original Detangler
Kera Care Silken Seal Leave In Conditioner
Kera Care Silken Seal Heat Protectant
Kera Care Essential Oils

Salon Visit Highlight

It was refreshing visiting a hair stylist that understands my hair and was patient enough to deal with all the problems my hair brings to the table.

Word of Caution

As with any of my posts, please make sure you do what’s best for your hair. Just because a hair stylist provided the recommendations within this blog post, doesn’t make it right for your hair.

What’s Your Favorite Heat Protectant?