6 Tips To Avoid Breakage At The Line Of Demarcation In Transitioning Hair

“Avoid breakage at the line of what???”

Avoid breakage at the line of demarcation. Yeah, I understand you completely. It’s so much information to retain that this transitioning journey is starting to look pretty exhausting, right?!…. You’re probably thinking I thought this was going to make my life easier…But, I want you to know that this particular line is very important when you’re transitioning to natural hair.

 

Calm down, calm down! Don’t cry, don’t pull your hair out and most importantly don’t reach for the relaxer. If you’re new to transitioning this is information you will want to know.  It is very important to know what your hair will go through so you can nurture it.

 

However, if all this jargon is starting to make your head spin you can download this free Handy Natural Hair Jargon Translator (you know, like a dictionary but more hip) to make your life easier. Just click on the image to have direct access to it or you can first read the post here.

 

Moving on…

The line of demarcation is nothing more nothing less than the line where your new growth meets your relaxed hair. It is important to know that the beautiful, strong and curly hair that is now growing is stronger than your old damaged relaxed hair. This presents a new challenge and a new bundle of concerns.

 

Hair breakage will be your biggest concern! Since you are not big chopping you can expect your relaxed ends to be very weak and break along the journey. Anything you do to your hair, from detangling to hairstyling, can eventually lead to further breakage.

 

Don’t agonise about the unknown. I’m here to guide you and today I’ll give a cheat list of what you can do to make this journey go smoother.

 
 

1| Pre-Poo

It basically consists of spreading a vegetable oil all over you hair strands before you shampoo. Choose an oil that can penetrate the hair such as EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) or coconut oil. I normally do it the night before I wash my hair. I spread the oil on my hair, cover my head with a plastic cap and wash my hair in the morning after my workout.  This will help strengthen your hair and prevent breakage at the demarcation line. Curious? Find more about it here.

 
 

2| Low Poo, No Poo or Shampoo

Get yourself informed about this subject here (shampoo) and decide what is best for you and your lifestyle. If you decide to change what you’re currently doing, allow a period of 6-8 weeks for your hair to adjust. Please be aware that shampooing strips your hair of sebum and this is harsh for your hair. It will get dry and it will facilitate breakage at the line of demarcation. Find options for your low-poo and no-poo hair regimen.

 
 

3| Deep Condition

Commit yourself this practice every week. Find a good moisturising deep conditioner and start doing it. I promise you that this will help strengthen your hair. This was one of the first changes I made in my hair routine. Sometimes I also add some vegetable oils and honey or glycerine to boost my deep conditioner.
 
 

4| Gentle Finger Detangling

Ditch the comb! Finger detangling allows you to feel the knots and tangles in your hair and this way you will be more gentle and it will prevent breakage. If you feel you can’t make this change don’t worry, use a wide-tooth comb, make sure you are extra gentle with your hair and take your time to detangle, this will get harder as your hair grows. Be Patient!

 

5| Change It Up

Change your products if you feel they no longer work. Your natural hair has different needs from your relaxed hair. It will take time and some trial and error to find what works for your hair now. Don’t worry you will find it. Oh, if you have any products that are not working so well now please don’t throw them, check my post on how you can still use them here.

 
 

6| Protective Hairstyles

Wearing protective hairstyles will guard the oldest parts of your hair (the ends) and prevent breakage. Your relaxed hair is very fragile and exposure to the environment, constant manipulation and frequent hair friction on your clothes will lead to breakage. Therefore, it is best to keep your hair in protective hairstyles.

 

I believe that these practices in your hair regimen will help you on your transitioning journey to natural hair. These are changes I made in my own hair routine and I could see palpable changes. Don’t worry, you too will see them.

 

Remember, if all this lingo gets you confused download the free Jargon Translator bellow.

 

 

Was this information helpful? What are you doing to prevent breakage at the line of demarcation? 

 

Featured Image Credit: Nicholas Kinsey_FrankieHans Flickr (license)