Transition to Your Natural Hair Texture: Your Curl Comeback

Transition to Your Natural Hair Texture: Your Curl Comeback

By: Jennifer Corujo

So many of us curlies have felt the pressure to transform our curly coils into silky straight strands and, as a result, have succumbed to straightening setbacks. Whether sitting through stinging chemical treatments or frying our tresses with a flat iron, our curls take major losses during these processes. Our once luscious locks may be left lifeless, dry, and damaged. But remember, even though you’ve suffered an L, it’s never too late for curls to bounce back and reach their fullest potential! 

As the saying goes, the comeback is always greater than any setback. So, if you’re ready to jumpstart your curl comeback and start (or restart) your natural hair journey, we’re here to help! Our transitioning tips will guide you on the right track to achieve winning curls and a new appreciation for your natural texture!

What does it mean to transition to your natural hair texture?

Transitioning is the process of growing out chemically processed and damaged hair. Chemical treatments, like relaxers, change the natural texture of the hair by penetrating the cuticle. And regular use of hot tools, like blow dryers and flat irons, stretch the hair and damage the natural curl pattern. Both leave hair weak and prone to breakage. Transitioning allows you to retain length while growing healthy, new hair. 

How do you start transitioning to your natural hair texture? 

Starting your curl comeback and transitioning to your natural hair texture may feel overwhelming, and you may not even know where to begin. Don’t worry! We’ve made the journey a little easier by compiling these curly hair transitioning tips. 

1. Consult a Curly/Natural Hair Stylist

Meeting with a curly/natural hair stylist can be a big help in navigating your new natural journey. A stylist can provide professional insight as to what protective hairstyles or cuts to consider, as well as what hair products will work best for your hair texture. Schedule a consultation with a local hair stylist to learn more about how to care for your hair. 

2. Hold Off on Heat Usage 

It’s possible that your curls were initially damaged through regular use of hot tools. If you continue to heat style your hair, your curls could keep suffering from breakage and heat damage. Plus, heat can compromise the health of your new hair growing in. So, it’s best to give your blow dryer and flat iron a rest. Leave your hair to air dry and, if possible, try protective styles, like braids or flat twists. If you do decide to use heat, set your hot tools to a low setting and always remember to use heat protectant to reduce heat damage. Both our Curl Rescue LIC and Curl Party Spray can protect your curls from heat. 

3. Switch to Sulfate-Free Shampoo 

Take a look at your shampoo’s ingredients and search if there are any sulfates. Shampoos containing sulfates, detergents commonly found in cleansing products, may clean your hair a little too well. Sulfate strips essential oils from your natural hair and that’s not a good thing, especially for wavy, curly, and coily hair. Curls are naturally dryer than other textures and need oils. So, using a sulfate shampoo can have your curls looking dry and brittle. Swap out your sulfate shampoo for a gentler alternative—sulfate-free shampoo! Sulfate-free shampoos will remove dirt and build up like a sulfate shampoo but won’t leave your hair lifeless. Making the simple switch to sulfate-free can result in more hydrated and defined curls. Check out our sulfate-free shampoo, Clean Curls Shampoo.

4. Detangle Gently 

Constant chemical treatments and heat styling may have left your hair weak. So, you need to handle your hair with care. Detangle your hair when it’s wet. Apply a deep conditioner or cream to your wet hair before starting the detangling process. Then work your hair in sections and use your hands or a wide tooth comb to gently detangle your tresses. Be mindful of the most fragile part of your hair—the line of demarcation. This is where your natural hair and your processed hair meet. This section is more prone to breakage and needs the most love. 

5. Moisturizing is a Must 

During your curly comeback, moisturizing will be your top priority. Like we mentioned before, curly hair is dryer than other hair textures and damaged hair tends to be dryer. So, keeping hair hydrated is a must! Make sure to use hydrating hair products that have ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. 

6. Do Some Deep Conditioning 

A trusty tool to help you hydrate your hair and prevent damage is deep conditioning treatments. Deep conditioners strengthen hair and reduce breakage and split ends, so they should be a regular part of your curly hair regimen. How often you should deep conditioning depends on your hair texture and hair health. Hair that has suffered more damage requires more conditioning and would benefit from weekly deep conditioning treatments. Nourish your curls with our Crown Deep Conditioning Mask.

7. Trim Your Tired Ends

Once your hair is damaged, it stays damaged. So, you won’t be able to salvage your split ends. Regularly trim your hair to gradually cut off dry and damaged ends. You may also choose to do a big chop, which is when you cut off all your chemically processed hair. The choice is yours! Whether you trim gradually or go for the big chop, it may hurt to lose some length. But remember, each cut will get you closer to your goal of a curl comeback. And you’ll be rocking your fully healthy, natural hair texture in what seems like no time! 

8. Be Patient with the Process

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It may take months to see progress and it may take a full year or longer for your hair to be chemical free. Don’t get discouraged by slow progress and don’t compare your progress to someone else’s. Each person’s natural hair journey looks different, as hair texture and hair history differ from person to person. Continue to be consistent with conditioning treatments and be kind to yourself. Everyday you’ll discover something new about your hair!

When you follow these natural transitioning tips, you’ll see your curls transform over time and make the ultimate comeback!