Minimize Breakage and Matting During Transition

You’ve decided to go natural, but you’re not ready for the big chop. You’re not alone. Many women choose to gradually transition from relaxed hair to natural hair. However, this process can be challenging. The line where your natural curl pattern meets the chemically-straightened hair is fragile.
During manipulation (combing, washing, braiding, etc.) hair can snap at this weakened juncture. Severe breakage and matting are common during transition. Both problems can be minimized with proper care. 

Moisturize Your Tresses 
Dull, dry hair has very little elasticity and is prone to damage. Moisturize hair regularly to keep it strong, pliable, and healthy. Experiment with different hair moisturizers until you discover which works best for you. Moisturize regularly, but don’t overdo it. Too much product chokes the hair. Moisture can’t penetrate, so the hair dries out.
To give your hair an extra boost of moisture, deep condition tresses at least once a month. A deep conditioner, like Olive You Deep, improves the health of the chemically-straightened hair and your natural hair. 

Detangling Decoded 
Detangle your hair in the shower, or while your strands are damp and coated with conditioner—preferably one that provides good slip. Use a wide-tooth comb and start with your ends. Hair is more pliable while wet, though not as strong. So be gentle! 

Don’t Abuse Protective Styling
Flat twists, two-strand twists, bantu knots and other low or no-manipulation styles allow hair to rest and minimize breakage from styling. Yet, matting can occur when protective styles are worn past their prime. To prevent knotting, avoid wearing protective styles for too long.
Don’t rely on the ponytail during transition. Rubber bands damage hair. Also, pulling the hair too tightly can cause irreversible damage to the hairline.

Protect Hair While Sleeping
Going natural doesn’t mean no hair prep is required at night. Loose strands rub against the fabric of your pillowcase, causing friction which damages hair. Loose, kinky hair tends to mat at night—especially if you perspire. Protect your hair at night by moisturizing and placing in a protective style—like two-strand twists. Then wear a satin bonnet or invest in a satin pillowcase. You—and your hair—can then rest easy.

Cut Your Losses
You may not be ready to for the big chop, but don’t skip trims. Removing damaged hair and split ends encourages the growth of healthy hair. Get ends trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent tangling.

Break the Heat Habit
Many transitioners rely on heat—blow dryers, hot combs, or flat irons—as a way to cross the bridge from relaxed to natural hair. However, heat styling causes irreversible damage. So avoid heat whenever possible. If you must use heat, minimize frequency and be sure to apply a product that helps prevent heat damage. Most importantly, consult with a professional stylist who specializes in caring for natural hair. Your stylist will recommend products and treatments that can help restore damaged hair.
Transitioning allows you to retain length and gradually move toward the natural hair lifestyle. However, care must be taken to avoid breakage and matting. Balance protein treatments which help repair damage with moisturizers which restore elasticity. Don’t keep protective styles in too long, and get regular trims. If you’re experiencing severe breakage, request a consultation with your natural hair professional.