Transitioning from
Relaxed Hair to Natural Hair
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In the African American hair community, going from relaxed hair to natural hair has become extremely common over the past 5-10 years.
Many people make the decision not realizing how difficult it actually is to actually handle transitioning hair. Before you start transitioning to natural hair, you must understand what you will go through, how to care for your hair, how to style it and in the meantime, educate yourself on natural hair care. Being one of those who transitioned for about 18 months, I hope that my tips based on my personal experience will be of some help to you.
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Transitioning Hair - Should You?
Sometimes the decision to transition to natural hair is not based on "want" but more of a "have to" due to breakage or some other serious hair or scalp condition. However, many people decide to transition to embrace their natural hair texture or to simply find out their true hair texture!
Some of you may be tired of getting your hair relaxed - tired of the burns, dealing with new growth, the hair stylists, etc. Whatever the reason may be, you're obviously here because you've decided to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair and you're trying to learn how to do it. If you've decided to transition your hair, that means you have decided that you will slowly grow out your relaxed hair without cutting it all off at once. Transitioning hair can take from 1 month to 3 years or more! The schedule is up to you.
Accepting Your Transitioning Hair
Transitioning hair requires that you make a few adjustments…actually, quite a few adjustments. You must accept from the beginning that you will not be able to treat your transitioning hair the same as you treat your relaxed hair. Nor will you be able to treat it as you will eventually be able to treat your natural hair.
Youhave to accept that you will get breakage, you will have limited styling options, you will experience frustration, and you may even change your mind and go back to relaxing. Just remember, it is your hair. You can choose which option is best for you.
Maintaining Your Transitioning Hair
You should regularly shampoo and condition your hair with moisturizing conditioner being especially gentle.
I am sure you have heard of the demarcation line. This is the line where your natural hair meets your relaxed hair. This is the most fragile part of your hair strand while going from relaxed hair to natural hair. You must take extra special care of this area by keeping it clean and conditioned.
Deep conditioning should be done at least every two weeks.
Moisturizing your hair should be at the top of your list. Again, the demarcation line should be paid special attention to for moisturizing. During my own transition from relaxed hair to natural hair, my favorite moisturizing products were Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter and Hair Milk. These two products kept my breakage at a minimum.
Styling Transitioning Hair
Styling while going from relaxed hair to natural hair can be quite a challenge. My first recommendation is to completely eliminate heat styling. Go towards doing braid outs or wash n' gos or any kind of style that does not require direct heat. You can even try roller setting for a curly look and just wearing a simple bun or French roll.
Getting used to natural hair may require that you get used to some heavier hair products that work well for natural hair to keep it moisturized and smooth. You may not be able to continue using the same products that you were using while relaxed.
I warn you though. Be careful not to become a product junkie. Transitioning is only temporary. Find what works and stick to it. I completed my own transition by wearing buns and braid outs with the occasional heat style for trimming.
Relaxed to Natural Trimming
Trimming your hair while transitioning should be a part of your hair care routine. It is up to you to decide how much to trim at each session.
You can choose to visit a stylist or you can do it yourself if you are
comfortable. I would recommend that the hair be straightened for this.
Trimming an inch every 3 months will help you reach your goal of
natural hair that's healthy in no time.
Some women choose to trim slowly and some more quickly. Some get fed up and do a "big chop" after only transitioning for a few months. This is a personal choice and I advise that you think about your expectations before making your decision.
Natural Hair Education
While you're transitioning, whether it's a long or short transition, you should take the time to educate yourself about natural hair. Looking at the new hair that is now growing out of your head will give you a vague idea of your natural hair texture - curly, wavy, and/or kinky. From there, you can start researching various styling options. The last thing you want is to become natural and have absolutely no idea what to do with your hair. So learn now while you're going from relaxed hair to natural hair.
- There are many hair care forums
that you can visit in addition to my website to learn about natural
hair styling options. Never stop learning.
- Go to the library and read books about natural hair and curly hair.
- Ask your friends and family who are natural how they care for their hair.
- Make a binder of information.
- Take magazines and cut out pictures of natural hair styles. These will keep you inspired and remind you of your goal. Have fun experimenting with your hair and learning about it. Get excited!
Conclusion
The final thing you need to remember about transitioning hair is to be patient. You can not go from long relaxed hair to long natural hair overnight. It takes time and it can be a long, scary process.
The process of taking care of your hair, learning about it, connecting with others going through it and talking to others who have been through it will all help you through it!
When you're feeling that you can't do it, get online, join a hair forum and find someone to talk to.
I can guarantee many others have experienced what you're going through. I hope my thoughts have been helpful.
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