Transitioning 101 by IntelligentBeauty (Part 4)

HAIRSTYLING TECHNIQUES

YAYYY, finally the fun part!!!
This part is all about starting to do naturally curly styles. Never mind the flat irons and blow-dryers to try to blend the curly hair to the straight hair. Think opposite of this and try to blend the straight hair with curly hair. Make the straight hair curly. There are plenty of creative, protective styles for you to try to blend the 2 textures. You want low manipulation and protective styles to minimize breakage. Surf you tube, hit all the natural hair blogs, books and magazines. Check out transitioning and natural curlies journals on fotki (www.fotki.com/intelligentbeauty is mine;-).

Some of my favs were:
DOUBLE STRAND FLAT TWISTS
TWIST OUTS
ROLLER SETS
BUNNING
BRAIDS (no extensions)
BRAID OUTS
FRENCH ROLLS
BANTU KNOTS
BANTU KNOT OUTS���and there is so much more!!!!!

When styling, remember that certain gels are drying and should be avoided, use butters instead (shea or mango butter). Do not brush you hair. This will cause the hair to break at the line of demarcation. Try to use only your fingers or a wide toothed comb if you must and then a smaller comb of smaller sections. If you must brush your edges, use an old tooth brush, some butter and water, and a light hand. The use a scarf to hold the edges down in place for about 10-20 mins. Then you can have nice smooth edges.

Well this concludes my transition tricks and tips.
My final words to you are congratulations on your choice to go natural. Stay encouraged through your journey. Remember why you are doing this in the first place. There have been plenty of women before you that have been successful and you will be too!!! There is a lot of info out there on the web compared to years ago. Don't be afraid to ask questions on the blogs. Big chop only when YOU are ready!! Join a community of curlies on the forums and get support from them. Be patient with yourself and your hair. Be consistent with your regimen and products that work. Concentrate on your new head of curls, and not your neighbor's. Let your uniqueness and beauty shine through, like only you can do.

HAVE A TERRIFIC JOURNEY, DOLLS!!!!