Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair

I'm tired of getting my hair permed!!! It's too expensive and reek havoc on my hair and scalp!!! Do you have a desire to grow out your relaxer and wear your own natural hair? If so, you are not alone. Many women feel the same way, but are unsure about how to accomplish this. Here are four ways to make the transition.

The big chop 
This is the easiest way to make the change just going for it. Many women simply cut off all of their relaxed hair and start over from scratch. If you decide to do this wait for some new growth (virgin hair: hair that hasn’t been processed). I would recommend getting someone professional to cut your hair down to the new growth. Does this sound stressful? Wondering "how you will look?" For some women it is stressful, and for some it isn’t. There are many women that look beautiful with short hair. Short hair gives you a chance to accentuate your other features. You can jazz up your new hairstyle by wearing it with confidence, nice makeup (not over doing it), nice earrings, and keeping your hair neat and well moisturized which will in the end help make the change in your hairstyle less stressful. However, if you are not comfortable with the big chop, there are other ways to transition.

Wear braids
This was how I transitioned from relaxed hair to locks and it was perfect for me. Having your hair professionally braided can help you adjust during the transition from relaxed hair to natural hair. If you choose this method be sure to have a professional do the braiding for you so that it looks neat, and make sure that the braids are not too tight. If you use synthetic hair, be sure to use a good quality hair that camoflauges the two hair textures on your head. Braids that are too tight can cause hair breakage as well as gradual hair loss, caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair (traction alopecia), which is something you want to be sure to avoid. 

Use heat (sparingly) 

I’m not fond of using heat on my hair and hated it when I had relaxed hair, but for some people this isn’t a problem. If you are a person whose relaxed hair can take heat, then consider using a flat iron on your new growth to blend the new hair in with the relaxed hair. Just don’t overdo it with the heat, be sure to keep the temperature moderate - because too much heat will destroy the texture of your natural hair. I would say don't use it but I know the transition process can be difficult on your appearance and confidence so I'll say use with caution.





Wear Sisterlocks

Sisterlocks can be started with one and one half inches of new growth at the scalp.  They are similar to dread locks but with a look more like micro braids or very small twists.  They leave you with many styling options.  For more information (including pictures) go to sisterlock website.



Whichever method you choose it is important to take good care of your hair so that it will be healthy and lustrous. Eat right, take your vitamins, and keep your hair well moisturized and conditioned with gentle hair products and these steps should make the transition process easier. 

Hope this helped. Thank you for reading. Remember to leave your comments on the blog and subscribe to follow me.
Syn