Transitioning to Black Natural Hair

“I have been transitioning to natural hair since February 2008.  Working in corporate American, I do not feel that I can wear a natural look.  I press my hair once or twice a week.  Transitioning to natural hair seems like a very long process but I refuse to do the “Big Chop..”  Right now, my hair is just past my shoulders.  Here are my questions:

• How long will it take for my relaxer to grow out?

• Are there any products you can suggest?

• Any other recommendations?"

I understand your issue with having natural hair in corporate America.  However, there are some styles you can wear that are still very professional during your transition.  You can wear buns, updos and braidouts.

I would say that getting your hair pressed twice a week is too much.  Consider roller setting your hair and just flat ironing the roots if they are kinky.  Here is a tutorial on roller setting natural hair.  This would keep your hair a lot healthier so that you can have a long transition.

How long it takes to grow out your relaxer depends on a lot of things.  How long your hair is when you stopped relaxing and how often you trim off the relaxed ends.  That is really all up to you how fast or slow you want to go.

A couple of products I loved during my transition to black natural hair were Carol's Daughter products.  However, they may be too heavy if you are straightening your hair.  In that case, I would suggest using a very moisturizing leave-in conditioner, sealing it with jojoba oil and using jojoba oil on your ends nightly.