Transitioning Hair from Relaxed to Natural
Need tips on transitioning hair from relaxed to natural? If you've made the decision to go natural, congratulations, and keep
reading to get tips and ideas for making it as smooth and painless as possible.
If you're still on the fence about whether or
not to make the change, maybe you'll find some inspiration to help you make that big step.
The simplest way to go from relaxed to natural hair is to whack it all off in a step known as "The Big
Chop" (that's what I did!). This is the fastest, but also most traumatizing way to go natural.
If doing the big chop is a little too dramatic a step towards being natural for you, consider some of the other styling options
for transitioning hair.
1. Braids - These are a great choice for making the change since you won't have to comb your hair for a few weeks and can just leave it to
grow. Just make sure you trim a little off your ends each time you take the braids out.
2. Straw Sets / Rod Sets - If you like the idea of wearing your hair out, straw sets are a good choice. These cute styles don't need
combing for a week or two and they hide texture differences nicely.
3. Braid Out / Twist Outs - Cornrow or flat twist your hair and then pull it out to form nice
waves and crinkles that disguise the line of demarcation and keep you from having to comb your hair daily.
4. Drawstring Ponytails - Use these to switch it up sometimes.
Find a pony tail that has texture exactly like your own growing roots. Then put your hair in a bun and attach the ponytail securely
over the bun it. If you do it right this style can last up to a week.
5. Sisterlocks - If you're transitioning with dreadlocks in mind, think about doing
sisterlocks. With this locking technique you don't have to cut off your processed hair to make a smooth changeover.
BWBC Tip: Wear a satin cap and sleep on a silk pillowcase to help keep your hair from drying out and breaking.
How to Care for Transitioning Hair
- Use Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner - Keeping your hair tangle free is your goal if you want to go natural through the long "scenic route" of transitioning. Get your hands
on a good detangling shampoo and conditioner and save lots of time on styling.
- Use a Leave-in with "Slip" - Leave in conditioners are very important to keeping your hair as strong and supple as possible. Using a
leave-in with slip agents in it make it much easier to comb and detangle your hair. It'll save you headaches and time by cutting down on knots and
tangling.
- Handle Hair Gently - The line of demarcation between the new natural hair and the older processed hair is where most breakage is likely
to happen. You won't be able to prevent all breakage, but handling your transitioning hair very gently will cut it down to a bare minimum.
Get yourself a BIG wide toothed comb...it will become your best friend throughout the process.
- Trim Ends Regularly - Be sure to trim the old process ends off your hair as you go along. As the hair gets older it starts to get weaker
and 'trashier' and it suits you to cut off as much of it as you can every so often. This makes it much easier to manage and style.
If you follow these steps, making the big step in transitioning hair won't be as difficult as you may have thought.
Good luck on your journey to natural hair!
Remember to come back from time to time for updates. Better yet, sign up for my RSS feed and bookmark this site using the buttons on your left.
You can also sign up for my Black Beauty Buzz! Ezine and get valuable beauty tips, free e-book offers and all the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox!
To see more pages about hair, skin and makeup tips check out the links at the bottom of the page, the main navigation or the site map.
|
