The Ultimate Guide: Transitioning From Relaxed Hair to Natural Hair (And Loving It!)
Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair is a journey, not a sprint. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn about your hair’s unique needs. This comprehensive guide provides you with everything you need to know to successfully navigate this exciting transformation and embrace your natural texture.
**Why Go Natural?**
Before diving into the *how*, let’s briefly touch on the *why*. Many individuals choose to transition for various reasons, including:
* **Healthier Hair:** Relaxers weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage, thinning, and dryness. Natural hair, when properly cared for, is often stronger and more resilient.
* **Embracing Natural Beauty:** Many feel empowered by embracing their natural hair texture and celebrating their heritage.
* **Reduced Maintenance (Eventually!):** While the transitioning phase requires effort, a healthy natural hair routine can ultimately be simpler and less damaging than continuous relaxing.
* **Avoiding Harsh Chemicals:** Relaxers contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and pose potential health risks. Going natural eliminates these risks.
* **Versatility:** Natural hair offers a wide range of styling options, from afros and twist-outs to braids and protective styles.
**Understanding the Transitioning Process**
The transitioning process involves growing out your relaxed hair while maintaining the health and appearance of both the relaxed and natural sections. This means you’ll have two distinct textures to manage: the straight, relaxed ends and the new, natural growth. This dual texture requires specific care and attention to minimize breakage and promote healthy growth.
**Two Main Approaches to Transitioning**
1. **The Big Chop (BC):** This involves cutting off all the relaxed hair at once, leaving you with only your natural texture. This is the quickest way to transition but can be a dramatic change for some.
2. **Gradual Transitioning:** This involves slowly trimming away the relaxed ends over time while focusing on healthy hair growth. This method is more gradual and allows you to adjust to your natural texture progressively.
**Which Method is Right for You?**
The best method depends on your personality, lifestyle, and hair goals. Consider the following:
* **Patience:** If you’re patient and don’t mind dealing with two textures, gradual transitioning might be a good fit.
* **Confidence:** If you’re confident and ready to embrace short natural hair, the Big Chop could be a liberating experience.
* **Hair Health:** If your relaxed hair is severely damaged, the Big Chop might be the healthier option to prevent further breakage.
* **Styling Preferences:** Consider which styles you prefer and whether they’re achievable with your chosen transitioning method.
**Step-by-Step Guide to Gradual Transitioning**
This is the most common approach. This step-by-step guide provides a detailed plan for gradual transitioning:
**Step 1: Assess Your Hair’s Condition**
Before starting your transitioning journey, take a close look at your hair. Consider the following:
* **Damage Level:** Are your relaxed ends dry, brittle, and prone to breakage? Are they thin or thick?
* **Elasticity:** Does your hair stretch and return to its original length, or does it break easily?
* **Porosity:** Does your hair absorb water and products quickly (high porosity), slowly (low porosity), or somewhere in between (medium porosity)?
* **Hair Type:** Determine your natural hair type (e.g., 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 4c) to better understand its needs.
Understanding these factors will help you choose the right products and techniques for your hair.
**Step 2: Develop a Healthy Hair Care Routine**
A consistent and effective hair care routine is crucial for successful transitioning. This routine should focus on moisturizing, strengthening, and protecting your hair.
* **Cleansing (Shampooing):**
* **Frequency:** Wash your hair every 1-2 weeks, depending on your hair’s needs and lifestyle.
* **Product Choice:** Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Look for moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and honey.
* **Application:** Focus the shampoo on your scalp, gently massaging to remove buildup. Avoid rubbing the shampoo vigorously through your relaxed ends, as this can cause breakage.
* **Conditioning:**
* **Regular Conditioner:** Use a moisturizing conditioner after every shampoo to replenish moisture and detangle your hair.
* **Deep Conditioner:** Deep condition your hair at least once a week (or more often if needed) to provide intense hydration and repair damage. Look for deep conditioners containing ingredients like protein, shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil.
* **Application:** Apply conditioner generously to your hair, focusing on the ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair gently. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and apply heat (e.g., a hooded dryer or steamer) for 20-30 minutes to allow the conditioner to penetrate deeply.
* **Moisturizing:**
* **Daily Moisturizing:** Moisturize your hair daily (or as needed) to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness. Use a water-based moisturizer followed by a sealant (e.g., oil or butter) to lock in moisture.
* **LOC/LCO Method:** Experiment with the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method to find what works best for your hair. These methods involve layering moisturizing products in a specific order to maximize moisture retention.
* **Sealing:**
* **Oil Selection:** Use a lightweight oil like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil to seal in moisture without weighing your hair down. Heavier oils like shea butter or castor oil can be used for sealing, especially for thicker hair types.
* **Application:** Apply the oil to your damp hair, focusing on the ends.
* **Protein Treatments:**
* **Frequency:** Incorporate protein treatments into your routine every 4-6 weeks to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. Use a protein treatment that is appropriate for your hair’s needs. Light protein treatments are suitable for regular maintenance, while stronger protein treatments are recommended for damaged hair.
* **Caution:** Avoid overusing protein treatments, as this can make your hair brittle and prone to breakage.
**Step 3: Protective Styling**
Protective styling is essential during the transitioning process. These styles minimize manipulation, protect your ends from damage, and promote hair growth. Some popular protective styles include:
* **Braids:** Box braids, cornrows, and other braided styles are great for protecting your hair and allowing it to grow undisturbed.
* **Twists:** Two-strand twists and twist-outs are versatile and easy to maintain.
* **Weaves and Wigs:** Weaves and wigs can provide a break from styling and protect your natural hair from the elements. Ensure that your hair is properly moisturized and cared for underneath the weave or wig.
* **Buns and Updos:** Simple buns and updos can keep your hair tucked away and prevent breakage.
**Tips for Protective Styling:**
* **Moisturize your hair thoroughly before styling.**
* **Avoid styles that are too tight, as this can cause breakage and hair loss.**
* **Take breaks from protective styling to allow your hair and scalp to breathe.**
* **Cleanse and condition your hair regularly while in protective styles.**
**Step 4: Trimming Your Relaxed Ends**
Regular trimming is crucial for removing split ends and preventing breakage from traveling up the hair shaft. Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks, or as needed, to maintain healthy ends. You can trim your hair yourself or visit a professional stylist.
* **How Much to Trim:** Start with a small trim (e.g., 1/4 inch) and gradually increase the amount as needed. The goal is to remove the damaged ends without sacrificing too much length.
* **Trimming Techniques:** Use sharp hair-cutting scissors to avoid causing further damage to your hair. Trim your hair when it’s dry or slightly damp, as this makes it easier to see the split ends.
**Step 5: Detangling with Care**
Detangling can be a challenging part of the transitioning process, as the line of demarcation (where the relaxed and natural hair meet) is particularly prone to breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair gently. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots.
* **Detangling Products:** Use a detangling spray or conditioner to lubricate your hair and make detangling easier.
* **Detangling Techniques:** Detangle your hair in sections to avoid causing unnecessary breakage. Be patient and gentle, and avoid pulling or yanking on your hair.
**Step 6: Dealing with the Line of Demarcation**
The line of demarcation is the weakest point in your hair during the transitioning process. It’s where the relaxed and natural hair meet, and it’s prone to breakage due to the difference in texture and strength.
* **Minimize Stress:** Avoid styles that put stress on the line of demarcation, such as tight ponytails or buns.
* **Strengthening Products:** Use protein treatments and strengthening conditioners to fortify the line of demarcation.
* **Gentle Handling:** Be extra gentle when detangling and styling your hair around the line of demarcation.
**Step 7: Styling Your Transitioning Hair**
Styling transitioning hair can be tricky, but there are many styles that can help you blend the two textures and minimize breakage. Some popular styling options include:
* **Braid-Outs and Twist-Outs:** These styles can blend the relaxed and natural textures and create a uniform curl pattern.
* **Rod Sets:** Rod sets can create defined curls and waves that blend the two textures.
* **Flexi Rod Sets:** Similar to rod sets, flexi rods create bouncy, defined curls.
* **Flat Twists:** Flat twists can be styled into various updos and create a seamless blend between the two textures.
* **Bantu Knots:** Bantu knots create defined curls and can be a stylish way to protect your ends.
**Tips for Styling Transitioning Hair:**
* **Use moisturizing styling products to hydrate your hair and prevent dryness.**
* **Avoid heat styling as much as possible, as heat can damage both the relaxed and natural hair.**
* **Experiment with different styling techniques to find what works best for your hair.**
**Step 8: Patience and Consistency**
Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Be consistent with your hair care routine, and focus on maintaining healthy hair. Celebrate your progress along the way, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
**Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them**
* **Breakage:** Breakage is a common challenge during transitioning. To minimize breakage, focus on moisturizing, strengthening, and protecting your hair.
* **Tangles:** Tangles can be frustrating, but gentle detangling techniques and moisturizing products can help.
* **Dryness:** Dryness is a common issue for transitioning hair. Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to combat dryness.
* **Uneven Texture:** The difference in texture between the relaxed and natural hair can be challenging to manage. Protective styling and blending techniques can help.
* **Frustration:** Transitioning can be frustrating at times. Remember to be patient with yourself and your hair, and celebrate your progress along the way.
**Product Recommendations for Transitioning Hair**
Here are some product categories and specific ingredients to look for when choosing products for transitioning hair:
* **Sulfate-Free Shampoos:** Shea Moisture, Carol’s Daughter, Mielle Organics
* **Moisturizing Conditioners:** Shea Moisture, TRESemmé Botanique, As I Am
* **Deep Conditioners:** Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil, Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (strengthening), Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
* **Leave-In Conditioners:** Kinky-Curly Knot Today, Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner, As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
* **Oils:** Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil
* **Butters:** Shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter
* **Protein Treatments:** Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment (strong), Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment (gentle)
* **Detanglers:** Kinky-Curly Knot Today, The Mane Choice Detangling Hydration Solution
**Ingredients to Look For:**
* **Humectants:** Honey, glycerin, aloe vera (attract moisture)
* **Emollients:** Shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil (soften and moisturize)
* **Proteins:** Keratin, amino acids (strengthen and repair)
**Ingredients to Avoid:**
* **Sulfates:** Harsh cleansers that can strip the hair of its natural oils.
* **Parabens:** Preservatives that may be harmful.
* **Mineral Oil and Petrolatum:** Can create a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair.
* **Silicones:** Can create build-up and prevent moisture from penetrating the hair (unless water-soluble).
**Step-by-Step Guide to The Big Chop (BC)**
If you’ve decided the Big Chop is for you, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Mentally Prepare:** The Big Chop is a significant change. Ensure you’re comfortable with the idea of having short natural hair.
2. **Find Inspiration:** Look at pictures of women with short natural hair to get inspiration for styles and maintenance.
3. **Choose a Stylist (Optional):** If you’re nervous about cutting your hair yourself, visit a professional stylist who specializes in natural hair.
4. **Gather Supplies:** You’ll need sharp hair-cutting scissors or clippers, a comb, and a mirror.
5. **Determine the Length:** Decide how short you want to cut your hair. A good starting point is to cut off all the relaxed hair, leaving about 1-2 inches of natural hair.
6. **Section Your Hair:** Divide your hair into small sections to make it easier to cut evenly.
7. **Cut Your Hair:** Carefully cut each section of your hair to the desired length. If you’re using clippers, start with a longer guard and gradually decrease the length until you achieve your desired look.
8. **Style Your Hair:** Once you’ve cut all of your hair, style it as desired. Try a twist-out, braid-out, or simply wear your hair in its natural state.
**After the Big Chop:**
* **Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!** Short natural hair can still be prone to dryness. Focus on moisturizing your hair regularly.
* **Experiment with Styling:** Try different styling techniques to find what works best for your hair.
* **Embrace Your Natural Texture:** The Big Chop is a great opportunity to embrace your natural hair texture and learn how to care for it.
**Transitioning is a Journey, Not a Destination**
Remember that transitioning is a personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Be patient with yourself, experiment with different products and techniques, and celebrate your progress along the way. Embrace your natural hair and enjoy the journey!
**Maintaining Your Natural Hair After Transitioning**
Once you’ve successfully transitioned to natural hair, it’s important to maintain a healthy hair care routine to keep your hair strong, healthy, and beautiful. Here are some tips for maintaining your natural hair:
* **Continue with your established healthy hair care routine.**
* **Protect your hair at night.**
* **Eat a healthy diet.**
* **Stay hydrated.**
* **Trim your hair regularly.**
By following these tips, you can maintain healthy, beautiful natural hair for years to come.
**Conclusion**
Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair is a rewarding journey that allows you to embrace your natural beauty and celebrate your unique hair texture. Whether you choose the Big Chop or gradual transitioning, remember to be patient, consistent, and loving towards your hair. With the right knowledge, products, and techniques, you can successfully transition to natural hair and enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful curls, coils, and kinks!