Let's Talk Hair..Great items for TRANSITIONERS!!

So anywho..if you are one of those lovely naturalistas who decided against taking the plunge and doing a Big Chop or BC, this is some great info for you. I have searched blogs and forums for items and products that many transitioners favor, myself included as I remember the days that I transitioned for 16 months..only to cut it all of and begin anew..so here goes and I truly hope this helps.

My Top Picks For Transitioners:

• Co-Washing: Since we have discovered the value of co-washing, we now need a great conditioner that's inexpensive, provides great slip, and gives us moist tresses..Right!! Well my top pick for great co-washing for transitioners is....HERBAL ESSENCE HELLO HYDRATION (it does have a few silicones, but the good news is that the silicones are water soluble and will not cause air pockets in the hair follicle..yippee)..Available at just about any drugstore
• Detangling: Ok, this is of the utmost importance..A great detangling tool will help to minimize breakage as we know that fine line (line of demarcation) is a narrow one to tread on the road to a shower or sink full of our beautiful tresses..who want's that?? So it is a must to have a detangling tool that has wide teeth and doesn't snag. Sooo, my top pic is (drumroll please)  JILLBERE SHOWER COMB (available at Sally's beauty supply or Amazon www.amazon.com for the low low)
• Deep Conditioning: Ok, extremely important, ladies!!! Deep Conditioning is a sure way to provide moisture and strength to your curly, coily and kinky tresses. So, a great deep conditioner is a must. My top picks are: SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque, Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and Avalon Organics Grapeseed and Oilive Oil conditioner). These are great for providing moisture and softness..but my fav would be the SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque (Target and Walmart and at both online)...ya gotta love an all natural conditioner where the top ingredients are moisture based..love it love it!
• Special Treatments: Ok, ladies..special treatments are great to ensure strength, a clean healthy scalp and hydrated hair..So some of my favs for those special treatments that you can do anywhere from weekly to monthly are....Bentonite Clay (great for an all natural clarifyer), Henna (available at any local Indian grocery or www.mehandi.com and www.hennasooq.com), Coconut Milk (excellent for protein treatments..available at your local grocery store)..My top pick out of these would be BENTONITE CLAY (available at any health food store or grocery... I purschase mines on alikaynatural.com for $5)...This is an absolute wonderful way to clarify your hair and strengthen it without stripping the natural moisture from your hair. (Just mix Bentonite Clay, Aloe Vera Gel and ACV to the proportions of what's needed for your hair and to the consistency of pudding and apply for 15-20 minutes to damp hair, do not allow to dry, and rinse with cool water). Your hair will be so fresh and so clean clean..ahem, thanks Outkast.
• Cool Water Rinsing: Ok..so, I know you have heard of the ever so popular and beneficial properties of rinsing with cool water..but what's even more beneficial is adding a splash of ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) to your cool water as your final rinse..The brand of ACV that gets my vote is ...BRAGG'S Raw Unfiltered APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (available in most grocery stores in the organic food section or any health food store), just 2 TBSP of ACV to 2 Cups of H2O and voila..this is actually your FINAL rinse.
• Sealing your Tresses: Ok, so sealing your tresses are an absolute MUST.. Our ends can be the life of the party or the apple that spoils the bunch, just depending on how ya care for em'. Now there are all sorts of elements that you can seal your ends with, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter, and what have you..but the winner for me is...Oyin Handmade products Shine and define and whipped pudding. Now, from the reviews and speaking with other naturals, these products are great because it packs a lot of moisture and some wonderful beneficial ingredients at just the right amounts, all in one. It has definitely been my favorite staple product on my journey for my hair and skin.
• Thermal Heat Cap or Huetiful Steamer or a Plain Ole Shower Cap: Ok, so we know that deep conditioning is a must for keeping those tresses moisturized and healthy, but adding a bit of heat to the deep conditioner while applied to your head is a great way to get the scalp stimulated and the pores open to receive all the goodness you have to give, you can use a thermal heat cap, a steamer or just gather those tresses into a shower cap while showering and voila!..My absolute favorite is the HUETIFUL HAIR STEAMER (www.amazon.com )..hand's down it is great for giving your hair a highly moisturized boost of natural goodness.
• Nightly Protection: Of course, you can't say goodnight to your locks before protecting the moisture that's in them with a satin or silk scarf, satin or silk bonnet or a satin or silk pillowcase. All of these are great, but my absolute favorite is my SATIN PILLOWCASE (available at Sally's Beauty Supply for the low low). Other naturals swear by these puppies especially when they pineapple their hair (pulling all hair up to a very high ponytail similar to the look of a pineapple), and in addition to wearing either a scarf or bonnet, they say they can't live without their satin pillow...just sayin'

So, there you have it..some staple products for those who wish to keep their transitioned tresses clean, healthy and looking  Great!! I hope this helps.

Have A Happy Healthy Day!