Diamonds & Pebbles: Protecting New Hair Growth.

As someone whose hair has been transitioning for the last nineteen months it’s fair to say that I know a thing or two about struggling to keep your hair (two different textures) as one unified being on your head. As exhilarating and new and awesome as the transitioning period can be, sometimes it’s a real struggle adjusting to new hair and knowing the best ways to take care of two completely different hair types. While one is normal and used to being manipulated in every which way, the other is fragile, new, delicate and must be taken of. So when I came across these four easy ways to take care of new growth, I really wanted to put it on here for anyone currently facing this struggle.

CONDITION, MOISTURISE

I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve mentioned conditioning and moisturising your hair, but I know that this will definitely not be the last time. New growth is fragile, especially at the demarcation line that separates new and old growth. In order to prevent severe breakage, it is IMPERATIVE that you keep your new growth moisturised and conditioned so that it is strong enough to withstand holding onto the old growth. Also keeping your hair moisturised and conditions ensures that your hair is nourished and can repair itself from the damage of relaxers.

This was probably the most challenging part for me when I was first transitioning. Having been so used to wearing my hair in top knots, it became difficult once my hair was no long easy enough to reach the top of my head. Luckily I did find a style that was perfect for me (and one that I continue to wear to this day) that helped keep my new growth protected, and allowed me time to slowly get used to having a new hair texture.

BE CAREFUL WITH PROTECTIVE STYLING

The above said, it’s still important to be mindful of the hairstyles that you do choose to keep your hair in. Braids, for example, though great as a protective style, will pull on your hair (especially your edges), so it’s important to remember to not keep them in for excessive periods of time – unless you want to your edges to disappear and your hair to fall out. The same thing goes for weaves and clip-in extensions as well, as these styles tend to pull on the hair, especially (you guessed it) on the new growth which is already fragile enough as it is.

I can’t relate to this last one as I don’t put any kind of heat on my hair, but it’s incredibly important to remember. Just because you’re no longer damaging your hair with chemicals, if you continuously put heat on your hair, especially on your new growth, you’re asking for trouble. The only way to get rid of heat damage is to chop it off. It’s best to stay away from all forms of heat, especially on your new growth that’s way more susceptible to damage than the rest of your hair.

And there you have it, four ways to dealing with new growth. As I said above, though this can be a tricky time, it is also a beautiful time full of renewed self-discovery and self-love, and should be enjoyed and savoured. It really is such an exciting time in a Natural’s life.