Roll Call-"Attention All New Transitioners"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lindaisy]

I have also decided to go natural and am in transition. I am just starting out also. I had my last relaxer in early may so I'm only about a month in. The longest I've ever gone without a relaxer is about 2.5 months. So i know once I reach that point, I'm not going to know how to style or wash my hair. I've been doing research on a ton of sites, including this one, and I plan on purchasing the "transitioning divas kit". I'm excited and nervous.

I had recently cut my hair so it's about chin length which now worries me about how I'm going to style my hair once the new growth starts getting thick. I want to transition for about a year if i can. I think I have type 4B or 4C hair. When it grows in, it seems so rough so I'm a little nervous and anxious about what my natural hair is going to look like. I've read that the hair that grows in first is called scab hair so it's coarser than what my natural hair will truly be. I guess time will tell. Any advice and tips will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Btw, I posted before in the curly q forum about my daughter's natural hair and what regimen I should be using. I also uploaded 2 pics of her on that post. She's my natural hair inspiration. I've uploaded a recent picture of me with my relaxed hair. It's a longer in the pic than now since I just recently cut it into a shorter bob. When my new growth starts growing in, Ill try to post some of those pics too.

Thanks soblessed for all your advice and help thus far!

[soblessed]

Originally Posted by lindaisy

I have also decided to go natural and am in transition. I am just starting out also. I had my last relaxer in early may so I'm only about a month in. The longest I've ever gone without a relaxer is about 2.5 months. So i know once I reach that point, I'm not going to know how to style or wash my hair. I've been doing research on a ton of sites, including this one, and I plan on purchasing the "transitioning divas kit". I'm excited and nervous.

I had recently cut my hair so it's about chin length which now worries me about how I'm going to style my hair once the new growth starts getting thick. I want to transition for about a year if i can. I think I have type 4B or 4C hair. When it grows in, it seems so rough so I'm a little nervous and anxious about what my natural hair is going to look like. I've read that the hair that grows in first is called scab hair so it's coarser than what my natural hair will truly be. I guess time will tell. Any advice and tips will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Btw, I posted before in the curly q forum about my daughter's natural hair and what regimen I should be using. I also uploaded 2 pics of her on that post. She's my natural hair inspiration. I've uploaded a recent picture of me with my relaxed hair. It's a longer in the pic than now since I just recently cut it into a shorter bob. When my new growth starts growing in, Ill try to post some of those pics too.

Thanks soblessed for all your advice and help thus far!

Hi! First off, I would like to say you have a nice head of hair and you are looking fierce in that dress, girlfriend!

From your picture, I can see that you hair is in the Type 4 category. Hoever, because you just started transitioning, I can't give a 100 percent accurate answer at this time on whether your hair really is a 4A, 4B, or 4C. As, your hair still has more chemical remanants in it than it does new growth at this time.

Now, the reason why alot of people feel that their new growth comes in coarser and dryer is because they are so used to dealing with their hair being relaxed that they see their new growth as the enemy (so to speak). New growth is one's true hair that is coming out from their scalp (sans relaxer). So, in order to take proper care of your new growth you have to properly nourish it with essential nutrients and moisture. As, it is just as needy as the rest of the rest of the hair on your head.

I wouldn't worry about the term "scab hair". As, there is really no clear defined meaning for this term anyways. As, scabs don't form on the hair, but instead on the scalp anyways.

Oh and I think that starting with the Transitioning Diva Kit would be a great idea. As, your hair is at a critical stage at this point. Because, you are still very, very early in your transitioning journey. And, if you could add just one more product to your regimen, I would suggest that you add either the Curls Souffle or Whipped Cream. As they can provide more moisture to your hair on those days when your hair may become a bit more needy in the moisture department.

Starting off with a hair cut was a good idea by the way. Also, I would recomend that you folow this up with regular trims. Please be sure to get regular trims done every 3 months on your hair to get rid of the rest of your relaxed ends gradually. Importantly, doing this will also help to aid your ends from splitting. Because the hair can split at the end and then move all the way up the hair shaft (if not snipped in time) and break off. And, that is certainly something that you definitely don't want.

Now, there are lots of styles that you can rock such as: bun, curly ponytail/puff, twistouts, braidouts, or just letting your natural curls hang loose. And, Curls has terrific How-to-Videos when it comes to wearing your hair down. Here's the link: Curls Product Demonstrations

And, be sure that before you use the products that you shampo your hair first. Vurls does offer a Clarifying Shampo" that is recommended that you use before starting the Curls regimen. However, you can use the Curliscious Curls Cleansing Cream in its place instead. Also, you will need either a satin pillowcase or satin bonet used for protecting your har at night.

I wish you you and your daughter much succes with the Curls line of products and WELCOME so much to the Curls family!

[lindaisy]

Originally Posted by soblessed

Hi! First off, I would like to say you have a nice head of hair and you are looking fierce in that dress, girlfriend!

From your picture, I can see that you hair is in the Type 4 category. Hoever, because you just started transitioning, I can't give a 100 percent accurate answer at this time on whether your hair really is a 4A, 4B, or 4C. As, your hair still has more chemical remanants in it than it does new growth at this time.

Now, the reason why alot of people feel that their new growth comes in coarser and dryer is because they are so used to dealing with their hair being relaxed that they see their new growth as the enemy (so to speak). New growth is one's true hair that is coming out from their scalp (sans relaxer). So, in order to take proper care of your new growth you have to properly nourish it with essential nutrients and moisture. As, it is just as needy as the rest of the rest of the hair on your head.

I wouldn't worry about the term "scab hair". As, there is really no clear defined meaning for this term anyways. As, scabs don't form on the hair, but instead on the scalp anyways.

Oh and I think that starting with the Transitioning Diva Kit would be a great idea. As, your hair is at a critical stage at this point. Because, you are still very, very early in your transitioning journey. And, if you could add just one more product to your regimen, I would suggest that you add either the Curls Souffle or Whipped Cream. As they can provide more moisture to your hair on those days when your hair may become a bit more needy in the moisture department.

Starting off with a hair cut was a good idea by the way. Also, I would recomend that you folow this up with regular trims. Please be sure to get regular trims done every 3 months on your hair to get rid of the rest of your relaxed ends gradually. Importantly, doing this will also help to aid your ends from splitting. Because the hair can split at the end and then move all the way up the hair shaft (if not snipped in time) and break off. And, that is certainly something that you definitely don't want.

Now, there are lots of styles that you can rock such as: bun, curly ponytail/puff, twistouts, braidouts, or just letting your natural curls hang loose. And, Curls has terrific How-to-Videos when it comes to wearing your hair down. Here's the link: Curls Product Demonstrations

And, be sure that before you use the products that you shampo your hair first. Vurls does offer a Clarifying Shampo" that is recommended that you use before starting the Curls regimen. However, you can use the Curliscious Curls Cleansing Cream in its place instead. Also, you will need either a satin pillowcase or satin bonet used for protecting your har at night.

I wish you you and your daughter much succes with the Curls line of products and WELCOME so much to the Curls family!

Thanks so much for responding so quickly! That's what I love about this forum!!

You suggested that I add the curls souffle or the whipped cream. What's the difference between the two and which one do you think is best for me? Also, how am I supposed to use it? Should I just be using it on the new growth or do I use it all over the hair?

Thanks again,
lindaisy

[soblessed]

Lindaisy, the Curls Souffle is a medium textured cream that is really enhance your hair's natural curl, moisturize, defrizz, and add a light curl hold. It is designed for thicker, dryer hair textures. While the Curls Whipped Cream is a heavyweight cream that is designed for thicker, dryer hair textures. However, it offers more weight in order to get one's curls to better hang in a downwards direction instead of outwards. And, it works to defrizz, define, and add a medium curl hold to one's natural curls as well.

Right now, I think that you would do best with the Curls Souffle on your hair. As, it doesn't look extremely thick or coarse from what I can tell in your picture. And, if you were to use the Curls Whipped Cream now in your hair, I feel that it would add too much weight to it. And, don't be afraid to put the Curls Souffle on your hair from root to tip, okay. As, it is certainly fine to use it on your new growth.

[SHOSLEY]

Here is my story...I decided to go natural because I have been wearing permed hair since I was about 14 and was tired of the perms and the broken off and damaged hair I was getting from the use of perms. My last perm was Jan2008 and since then I cut off more then half my permed hair. Wanting to keep enough for a ponytail. Also may I add I made a big climate move in this time from Alaska to Tennesse where in Alaska I was able to keep my hair covered up often and well in Tennessee its too hot. I bought the Transitioning Kit you offer here at curls and I loved everybit of it...as good as the curls milkshake smells, I did not get much results from it....so I use another non-curls product that works great on my hair alone with the quenched curls moisturizer, shampoo and conditoner from curls. Here is my problem I cant figure out my hair type so I need your help and also I am so ready to chop off all the leftover perm, but so afraid of losing the ponytail not knowing what styles I could wear with what hair I would have left.....With my hair type if u can tell from the pic. what curls product do u think is best suitable for me?
Thanks in advance...

[soblessed]

Originally Posted by SHOSLEY

Here is my story...I decided to go natural because I have been wearing permed hair since I was about 14 and was tired of the perms and the broken off and damaged hair I was getting from the use of perms. My last perm was Jan2008 and since then I cut off more then half my permed hair. Wanting to keep enough for a ponytail. Also may I add I made a big climate move in this time from Alaska to Tennesse where in Alaska I was able to keep my hair covered up often and well in Tennessee its too hot. I bought the Transitioning Kit you offer here at curls and I loved everybit of it...as good as the curls milkshake smells, I did not get much results from it....so I use another non-curls product that works great on my hair alone with the quenched curls moisturizer, shampoo and conditoner from curls. Here is my problem I cant figure out my hair type so I need your help and also I am so ready to chop off all the leftover perm, but so afraid of losing the ponytail not knowing what styles I could wear with what hair I would have left.....With my hair type if u can tell from the pic. what curls product do u think is best suitable for me?
Thanks in advance...

Welcome Shosley!

Well, I know how it is living in the South as I live in the South two and the heat and humidity down here can be unbearable. I can also understand your hair going through a climate shock as a result. As, your hair had been used to cold weather and now your living in a climate that is pretty much hot and humid almost all year round. Certainly don't fret! Because, there is much that you can do to help your hair adhust to this recent change in climate conditions.

First off, I am glad that you found the Curls line and have already begun incorporating them into your regime. Now, from looking at the pictures of your hair, I can say that you are of the Type 4C category. Therefore, I feel that it would be better if you used the Curls Whipped Cream as your regular styling product instead of using the Curls Milkshake. As, the Curls Milkshake probably is working in your hair as a leave-in moisturizer. And, with your hairtype you definitely need a richer, more moisturizing styling cream instead that will allow you to get better curl definition and more moisturization.

With very short hair (cut earlength or above) there really aren't many styling options to choose from. There is the "wash and go" curly style that is very popular. Also, you can opt to have braids or twists put into your (using either natural or synthetic hair) by a professional to add different looks to your hair while you are growing it out.

I have a few questions that I would like for you to answer so that I can provide you with more detailed helpful information.

1. What does your wash day routine normally consist of?

2. How do you normally care for and style your hair in between wash days?

3. Do you sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet/scarf over your head at night?

[SHOSLEY]

and thanks so much for your reply....
Let me answer your questions.....
1. What does your wash day routine normally consist of?
I start my wash day with Curls Clarifying Shampoo.....Coconut Subline
conditoner...i work in Carols Daughter Healty Hair Butter.....
I lay my edges down with Curls Whipped Cream...

2. How do you normally care for and style your hair in between wash days?
In between wash days I spray til damp with Curls Quenched Curls spray, pull back in ponytail while damp and pin down and lay my agdes down with Whipped Cream.

3.Do you sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet/scarf over your head at night?
I do wear a satin scarf, but it don't always stay on...and No, I do not own a satin pillow.


May I add that my new growth/natural hair is very soft and manageable..and that I also just received Curls Euphoria Elixir in the mail, but not sure when or how use it.

Thanks..

[soblessed]

Originally Posted by SHOSLEY

and thanks so much for your reply....
Let me answer your questions.....
1. What does your wash day routine normally consist of?
I start my wash day with Curls Clarifying Shampoo.....Coconut Subline
conditoner...i work in Carols Daughter Healty Hair Butter.....
I lay my edges down with Curls Whipped Cream...

2. How do you normally care for and style your hair in between wash days?
In between wash days I spray til damp with Curls Quenched Curls spray, pull back in ponytail while damp and pin down and lay my agdes down with Whipped Cream.

3.Do you sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet/scarf over your head at night?
I do wear a satin scarf, but it don't always stay on...and No, I do not own a satin pillow.


May I add that my new growth/natural hair is very soft and manageable..and that I also just received Curls Euphoria Elixir in the mail, but not sure when or how use it.

Thanks..

I would suggest that you use the Curls Cleansing Cream as your main hair cleanser. As, using the Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo is designed to be used for clarifying. Clarifiers should normally be used a month if necessary. As, Black or biracial hair is naturally on the dry side. So, using a clarifying product on your hair to cleanse it with on a weekly basis is not recommended. Because, Curls Clarifying Shampoo is designed to deeply cleanse and doesn't possess enough moisturizing factors to it that natural or transitioning hair deeply needs on a weekly baisis. Also, I would also suggest that you begin deep conditioning your hair with the Curls Asian Hair Tea Conditioner. I personally feel that your hair would benefit better from a deep conditioner than a regular rinse-out conditioner. I strongly feel this way because you hair is currently in need of replenishing and streghtening and the best conditioner to provide that is Curls Asian Hair Tea Conditioner.

Carols Daughter Healthy Hair Butter is a thick rich cream I am sure provides a heavy coating to your hair. As, there are a number of Carols Daughter products that are too rich and greasy to do much more than leave your hair overly coated and oily or greasy on top but fail to moisturize deep down. And, when I say moisturizing deep down I actually mean "being able to fully penetrate the hair strand". Now, what I would suggest that you do is to spray your hair with the Curls Quenched and use it along with the Curls Whipped cream in your hair on a daily basis. And, just give your hair a total rest from using the Carols Daughter Healthy Hair Butter for sure.

Have you ever tried wearing your hair out with the Curls Whipped Cream? As, its not good for your hair or nape to always wear your hair pulled back into a ponytail. You can, after washing and conditioning your hair, separate it into sections. Next, you would take a section, spray it with Curls Quenched from root to tip, detangle your hair (preferably with a sturdy brush), apply Curls Whipped Cream to your hair and then braid that section. Now, once you have finished braiding your first section, then you would just move on to the next section and repeat the whole process over again. After you have finished detangling and braiding your whole head, then you would put your satin scarf over it at night to protect it while you sleep. And, always wear a plastic cap over your head when bathing to keep your hair from getting wet and frizzing up.

At night, you can section off your hair, and then spray each individual section with Curls Quenched, detangle the section with a brush, apply Curls Whipped Cream to it, and braid each section just like you would do after you wash and condition your hair. If you'd like, you can apply small amounts of Curls Euphoria Elixir to your ends just to keep your ends its healthiest.

In the mornings, you would take your would take all of your braids apart first. Second, you would re-spray your hair with the Curls Quenched spray evenly all over. Now, the object of re-spraying your hair with Curls Quenched is just to re-dampen it and provide the perfect liquid base for any Curls stylers to be applied over. After you have re-dampened your hair, then you would just apply Curls Whipped Cream to your hair, in order to fingerstyle it with. And, you can even dress up this particular hairstyle with colorful head scarves or even headbands.

Also, I must say that my favorite brush for detangling is the Denman No. 4. However, if you do have a brush that you already use and is sturdy enough, then by all means you can continue using it in your hair.

Now, for the Curls Elixir you can use it last after you have applied Curls Whipped Cream to your hair for added shine and softness. You can also use it on the ends of your hair to prevent it from splitting and keep it from becoming ragged. Or, you can even use it around your hairline or nape to make it look more sleeker there and control flyaways as well.

Oh, when it comes to you wearing your hair in a ponytail, I suggest that you do so no more than 2-3 days a week. And, of course you can continue to use Curls Quenched and Curls Whipped Cream (as a substitution for gel), in order to do so.

[SHOSLEY]

soblessed...thank you so much for all your help and your advice....
I should say that I have used the curls cleansing cream and I did notice the difference as oppose to using the clarifying shampoo.....
Also, I dont get the overly greasy effect from the Carols Hair Butter, but I will take it out of my routine for now but can't promise to stay away as before those products were all I used before I found Curls and they did grow my hair more then ever before.
So for now I will use the products u recommended and will keep you updated on my results....
Again, I thank you for taking the time to reply and for all the great advice...
Susan

[soblessed]

Originally Posted by SHOSLEY

soblessed...thank you so much for all your help and your advice....
I should say that I have used the curls cleansing cream and I did notice the difference as oppose to using the clarifying shampoo.....
Also, I dont get the overly greasy effect from the Carols Hair Butter, but I will take it out of my routine for now but can't promise to stay away as before those products were all I used before I found Curls and they did grow my hair more then ever before.
So for now I will use the products u recommended and will keep you updated on my results....
Again, I thank you for taking the time to reply and for all the great advice...
Susan

Your welcome Susan!