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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Transitioning to Natural Hair? Need Help?


You Can do this!

My transition from Relaxed to Natural  @ 8 mos post


Congratulations on your decision to grow your natural hair! Like many you’ve probably grown tired of chemical relaxers and everything that comes with that, and if nothing else you’re just curious and want to know if you can really do it. Well I’m here to tell you, that you can!!

 It’s been over 3 years since I’ve made this decision for myself. I transitioned for 9 months, and as of today I’ve been natural for 2 years! Happy Natural Birthday to me! This was one of the best decisions that I could have made as it pertains to health and beauty. My idea of what beauty is has completely changed and so will yours!  I’ve learned that God didn’t make a mistake when he created kinky curly coily hair.  And if you want to wear your natural hair texture, all you have to do is embrace it, learn it, and nourish it.  Learn to work with your texture and not against it, and your natural hair will flourish, even with attached relaxed ends!  

Braid out on/rolled relaxed ends

Keep Roots Moisturized!
5 mos post

8 mos post
Moist roots & Relaxed ends about 8 mos Post relaxer


I kept my hair moisturized so it makes it less daunting, but let me warn you, the transitioning journey is not for the faint at heart.  (And especially, if you have very thick, tightly coiled hair, because the two textures on your head will be like night and day! There will be times when you will fill the urge to give up, but do what you  need to do to push past it! (braid up, trim back, add more moisture, but get through it)

 Chopped off 4 inches( a mini chop) to make it the rest of the way! 


You will find that accomplishing this goal will be very rewarding, and if you do your research and exercise patience, it won’t be AS difficult. When you nourish your hair it makes everything else you do with it much easier, and when it's over you're left with a head full of healthy beautiful natural hair!

Me, Newly Natural!(2 years ago)



SO HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: ( NOTE: This isn't an exhaustive list of all the things you should know or do, but it's a pretty good start to guide you through your journey! )     


DO NOT Straighten your roots to match your relaxed ends during your transition, this can damage your natural hair texture and, and can compromise what your true texture is, you don’t want to start off your all natural hair journey with heat damaged natural hair. (For Example some textures could come in straighter than your true texture, this is also known as heat damage, and heat damage can really put a damper or your all natural reveal!) 

DO try styles that will easily blend with your new growth like: braid outs, and twisted flexi rod roller sets. You can even wear ½ wigs or braids. (These are called transitioning hair styles)

DO use all natural products and oils as often as you can, they absorb easier into the hair shaft, and does not leave damaging build up on your hair.

DO Co-wash (conditioner wash) your hair often it softens your hair texture and keep it moisturized. (Try to eliminate the use of sulfate shampoos they are very drying, and especially on natural hair.)

DO NOT wear tight or tiny braids or wear tight weaves while transitioning, this can break your hair and give you balding edges, or bald spots in other places! (Not a good way to start out) 

DO NOT look at other naturals and wish that your hair texture will grow out to be like theirs. This is very important because everyone’s hair is different, even within the same family!  So, embrace the hair that begins to grow out of YOUR scalp. You will also notice that your texture will start to develop more and more as it grows. You are an individual, uniquely made, so embrace that!    

DO  Remember often, why you decided to go natural,(it has to be more than a trend for you)  get a REAL conviction about why you want to embrace your natural hair texture, and TRUST me this will keep you going.

DO ask God for help and for His strength. After all, He created this unique and wonderful hair texture, so he knows exactly what your hair needs. I did it, and it works!   

*Oh! And as it pertains to your Big Chop (cutting your relaxer completely off) it’s a personal decision. Do it when you are ready. I did one, but big chopping isn’t always necessary. You can simply grow it off by doing small trims as you transition. (I will do a separate post regarding the scary, and exciting choice to *BIG CHOP*, so come on Back!


My Big Chop 2yrs Today!!!

 Well until next time…..

Keep it Healthy, and Happy!  

 




6 comments:

  1. This is fantastic and so helpful! This is my second and final attempt at transitioning as I will without a doubt be successful this time.

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  2. Hi Lavendar!! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment! Yes there is so much help out here now that you most definitely can make it if you want to, I love being natural and even though transitioning is not the easiest it is worth it in the long run! I LOVE being Natural! Congrats on your final Round!!

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  3. I'm tinkng about doininh it but I'm afraid it will end up all wrong and will take to long to grow and my hair will end up 2 short (I am 13) I've been relaxing my hair for a 1 and I aleady change my mind :(

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  4. Hello Nat! Don't be afraid it's not as bad as you think. Once you do it you will feel so much better. And trust me everyone has the thought of "what if my hair won't grow back" But it will so no worries. : ) I will say just transition for as long as you can deal with the two textures, this way you will have some hair to work with when you chop. But, if you are still on the fence I'll just say go without relaxing it for a while this will give you time to make up your mind. : ) Best wishes young lady!

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  5. great inspiration :) I just started transitioning!..x

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  6. Thanks Yolandaas! congrats on starting your transition this is such a fun time!

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