For The Budget Fashionistas - My Top Picks For Transitioners

 {source: fuckyeahnaturalafrohair}

Hydracap Processing Cap {$3.99} - Don't have the dough for a heating cap or hard-hat dryer? All you need is your favorite heavy duty DC [even suave strawberries and cream or herbal essence hello hydration, mixed with four tablespoons of olive oil will work] this processing cap, and a blow dryer and your hair is in for a deep conditioning treat it will thank you for later!

Jilbere Shower Comb {$1.59}- A nice [cheap] no frills seamless comb that detangles well! This should be a staple in everyone's "hair kit" whether relaxed or natural.

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration {varies; $3 and up) - Perfect for co-washing, deep conditioning, and using as an aid to help in the detangling process.

Henna {varies; $.99-3.99} - Yes you can use Henna if you are transitioning, as long as it is Body Art Quality. It's a natural, inexpensive way to fortify your hair, minimize breakage, as well as shedding.

Pantene Relaxed & Natural Breakage Defense Mask {5.99} - I have a lot of transitioning & relaxed friends that swear by this. I have even used this on my natural hair with stellar results! If you try this, make sure you rinse thoroughly with COLD water to prevent any type of film, or buildup [and to close the cuticles of course]!

Apple Cider Vinegar {varies; $.99 and up}- This can be used to gently remove product buildup, and it also helps close the cuticles if used during a final rinse [which helps a great deal with detangling]!ACV also gives imparts a nice healthy sheen to hair.
I swear by ACV rinsing, it also helps to remove minerals left behind from hard water as well! Try this simple recipe for starters.
2 Tablespoons of ACV + 2 Cups of Spring Water
Pour this mixture on your hair after rinsing out your conditioner; and leave in [the smell will go away after about 10minutes or so], your hair should be a lot more manageable, and shiny to boot!

Regular Braidout Tutorial

So here is yet another video! I plan on dropping a few more this week to make up for lost time :-)

When I am not pressed for time, I usually like to do this style because it lasts much longer than my trusty "8 braid-braidout". To maintain this style for a week or more, I usually stuff my hair underneath a satin bonnet, and fluff/fingerstyle in the morning.

This is a great style for anyone who is transitioning out of a relaxer, and even those that are looking for heat-free styling alternatives. If your hair is straight at the ends, you can always use rollers [flexi rods on the ends worked better for me], or even pin curl the braids to add even more curls. 

I decided to use Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding this time around because I wanted a product that offered a bit more hold. If you start with a product like Miss Jessie's, you shouldn't have to worry about re-braiding nightly. I have tried this same style with butters and whipped creams, and my hair just didn't last!

The key to achieving the perfect braidout is more or less your technique/products vs your hair length in my opinion. Here are a few tips I have learned along the way:

- Start on hair that is completely CLEAN, and thoroughly CONDITIONED! - Residue/Buildup on the hair can cause hair to be dull and lifeless. You really want to start off with a clean palette when attempting this style so that your hair will have body, and shine. The softer your hair is [from the conditioner], the smoother the end result will be.

- For more definition, and longer wear-ability: Leave the braids in until completely dry! If you take the braids down before drying your hair thoroughly, you may experience major "poofage".

- Use a leave-in conditioner under products like gels, and puddings: This will eliminate the "crunch factor" that some of these products leave behind.

- Wear a satin bonnet while in the shower! This will help keep the definition, and also keep your hair from "frizzing out".

- Use a creamy leave-in: This can simply be a matter of preference, but I prefer these when I am doing my braidouts, over the thinner conditioners. My hair is extremely coarse, so I need something that is rich and creamy to help soften up my hair a bit if I plan to wear it in it's natural state.

Interview with Jane Carter of The Jane Carter Solution

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Jane Carter, creator of the Jane Carter Solution. Jane's down to earth demeanor was like a breath of fresh air in this superficial industry; and her extensive knowledge of hair, and product formulation was impressive to say the least. Jane definitely knows her stuff, as she is a veteran stylist who immersed herself in numerous formulation chemistry classes, and stands by her philosophy that we shouldn't over complicate hair care.