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For transitioners, the line of demarcation presents a special set of challenges on it's own. Identified as the point where your old damaged hair meets your new natural hair, the line of demarcation can literally make or break your transition. Because this area of your hair is structurally weak, it is super important to keep moisturized and nourished to ward off breakage.
Great moisturizers played a pivotal role in helping me successfully transition for 21 months with minimal breakage. My biggest challenge was finding the right moisturizers -- something that would effectively nourish my hair and ward off premature snapping, without making my heat damage look like Top Ramen. Check out these 7 moisturizers that will help keep that line of demarcation in check!
1. Hair Lotion by Rapunzel The Future of Hair
Admittedly, I just got my hands on the Rapunzel Hair Lotion at the beginning of February. But this is truly one of those products I wished I would have had from day 1. Rapunzel's Hair Lotion is formulated specifically to work on heat straightened, relaxed, and natural hair. The second I put it on my hair, it soaks right in without a greasy, oily, or tacky residue. Based in Avocado and Coconut Oil, this moisturizer is perfect for penetrating, nourishing, and improving elasticity right at the line of demarcation without weighing hair down. I'm not terribly wild about the fragrance, but trust and believe -- it does not keep me away from using this stuff almost daily!
2. Curl Souffle by Curls
The second I got my hands on Curl Souffle, I had to work hard at convincing myself not to taste it. It has a sweet, fluffy vanilla marshmallow fragrance that is absolutely divine. Beyond smelling scrumptious, Curl Souffle is based in Aloe Vera Juice, Glycerin, and Sunflower Seed Oil. This moisturizer is definitely nourishing enough for the new growth while being able to quench damaged hair dryness. The Aloe in the Souffle helps smooth the cuticle (which can definitely be an issue with relaxed and heat damaged hair), while the glycerin attracts moisture to the hair, making sure the line of demarcation doesn't go dry. This product can definitely be applied daily without fear of buildup.
3. Curl Enhancing Smoothie* by Shea Moisture
A holy grail of sorts for many naturals, Curl Enhancing Smoothie pretty much makes it to everyone's "Must Try At Least Once" list. As a transitioner, I tried it and loved it. Not because it enhanced my curls (because I totally didn't have any), but because of the moisturizing punch it packed. The only drawback was that in the beginning stages of my transition, I found it too heavy. So I got a little creative a mixed in some Aloe Vera Gel with it. Turns out, it became a dynamic duo for moisturizing my hair, nourishing my line of demarcation, and giving me great shine and softness. Click here to read all about it!
4. Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer by tgin
I can't say enough good things about tgin products in general -- especially the Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer. It is an all-around great moisturizer for naturals and transitioning hair; especially when it comes to the demarcation line. The Butter Cream Daily moisturizer is thick (but not too thick), and works especially great on thirsty, super dry hair. This stuff was literally a Godsend, and whipped my super coarse and thick crown transitioning hair into shape. Packed with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil, Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer will penetrate, nourish, and protect even the driest of transitioning hair.
5. Burdock Root Butter Cream by Qhemet Biologics
Whenever my hair needed some extra moisture and love, I would reach for Burdock Root Butter Cream. Qhemet Biologics has some great products, and many naturals rave about the wonders of the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream. Unfortunately, I found the Amla and Olive to be a little too heavy for my heat damage. Based in Olive Oil and Glycerin, the Burdock Root Butter Cream packs a super moisturizing punch that won't weigh the hair down. Also, it contains water infused with Burdock Root, Oatstraw, and Nettle -- all which help fortify, nourish and strengthen the hair. A total double-win for transitioning hair!
6. Sapote Hair Lotion by Pura Body Naturals
Pura Body Naturals will always have a special place in my heart for this one. Their Sapote Hair Lotion was the first moisturizer I had tried that didn't contain Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, or Shea Butter. So if you have any particular grievances about those ingredients, this product may be worth a try. Made with Organic Sapote, Babassu Oil, Cupuacu Butter, and Brazil Nut Oil, this Amazonian lotion blend is super creamy and moisturizing without being impossibly thick. In fact, I got some of my best transitioner wash and go's with Sapote Hair Lotion. This super exotic lotion is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and more -- all which nourish, improve elasticity, and help strengthen the hair.
7. Coconut Shea Pudding Souffle by Eden BodyWorks
Of all the products mentioned on this list, Coconut Shea Pudding Souffle is the most cost-effective. Under $10 for 16oz of quality product is virtually unheard of in the world of natural hair. Based in Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera Juice, and Shea Butter, this moisturizing product will penetrate the hair, help correct cuticle issues (which can lead to hair feeling more dry), and provide a super softness. This is a great bargain for the price, and transitioners looking to get more bang for their buck are definitely encouraged to try the Coconut Shea Pudding Souffle. It will do wonders for the line of demarcation, without causing tons of icky buildup.
What are some of your favorite transitioning moisturizers?
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