If you have questions about frizz-free curls, see a curly stylist. Here are five of the easiest styles for short hair. She has an expertise in natural hair and Black women's issues. Your email address will not be published. The biggest struggle with transitioning your hair is preventing breakage due to dryness and damage. To make the process easier, try and accept your hair for what it can readily do and give it what it needs to thrive, instead of trying to make it do only what you want it to. Knots can be another indicator your hair needs a break from manipulation and a little extra care. These are similar to cornrows but, use two sections of hair twisted together instead of the three intertwined sections that cornrows use. If you're going to go back to your natural texture, it's worth remembering that sometimes frizz comes along with the journey. Well, unless you only use the tail end for creating neat, even parts. Despite not being a living structure, our hair serves an important psychological function as it is closely related to our self-esteem. Usually, processes like transitioning—particularly if you decide on a long-term journey—go more smoothly if you have a plan in place. Natural textures look different from chemically straightened ones, but they aren't necessarily more dry. To make styling more manageable as you gain more new growth, make sure you have the right tools. Regular haircuts will help keep your hair healthy and promote growth. "Wearing your hair natural with no heat is the way to go," says Wright. You can keep the permed hair at the end of the natural hair that is coming in and try to minimize the breakage. You may get six months into your transition and decide to big chop then, or you might extend your transition another few months because you don't want to let go of any length. And the better this âprocessâ is planned, the easier it will be to survive the rejection of your regular hair ⦠If you choose to leave your hair like this, then it is called a wash n go. It may sound difficult to figure out the right moisture-protein balance to maintain healthy locks, but as long as you provide plenty of moisture, a small amount of occasional protein should keep a lot of breakage at bay. Black hair needs a lot of moisture and you may find that regular deep conditioning treatments help keep your tresses soft and supple. How long does it take to transition to natural hair? #1 The fastest way to transition to natural hair is to cut off all the relaxed hair, also known as The Big Chop. More protein? And the process of growing out your gray will go faster if you keep your hair short. Want to receive my weekly hair care tips and free natural hair care guide? Honestly, natural hair bloggers and their beloved and engaged communities were â and still are â beacons of hope in my transitioning process. One thing you'll probably notice about your natural hair is that it feels drier than your relaxed/processed ends. Transitioning to natural hair is simply a process of growing out your natural hair texture before cutting off the processed or damaged ends. "A gradual cutting off [of] the relaxed hair can be the less drastic route to take when going natural, but it’s definitely not the easiest. âGive yourself six to eight months to allow your hair to grow out, and go to a stylist for small, gradual trims to remove dry ends,â she advises. Way 2: Transitioning to Natural Hair By Growing It Out. They may appear that way, however, because you're used to your hair looking a certain way and expecting a lot of shine or sheen. Cutting your hair will help you transition to natural hair faster. Apr 21, 2020 - Here are some easy tips to help you grow out your natural texture. My transitioning journey gave me time to learn more about caring for natural hair and it helped me prepare myself. How to Transition From Relaxed to Natural Hair In 7 Steps Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair Rule #1. 3 Stay away from anything that will dry out your hair. To wash your hair, there are two options that you can do: wash, or shampoo. I wish I had pictures to show but at one point I had breakage at this point in the middle of my head. Wright says wigs are a great option because they allow you to put your natural hair away and switch things up easily. We Investigate, Reversing Relaxed Hair: Separating the Myths From the Facts, All About Natural Black Hair, What It Is and What It Can Do, How to Avoid Fairy Knots, Those Stubborn Little Tangles in Natural Hair. It's best if you select hairdos that are: Pick a few hairstyles, but be prepared to revisit your go-to's as your hair grows. If you decide to keep a record of your hair journey, consider keeping track of: Add or subtract from this list, but whatever you record in your hair journal should help you to not repeat the same mistakes and assist you in tweaking your regimen to perfection. By Marci Robin. "Braiding hair under the wig helps keep the heat off the hair, but you have to be sure to put a wig cap on to avoid any friction from the wig," she explains. Try twisting or braiding hair at night, sleeping with a silk or satin headwrap, and pre-pooing before cleansing to help keep those knots away. Shampoo cleanses the hair better but can strip hair of all of its natural oils. This is the most fragile point of your hair while youâre transitioning, so treat it like a newborn baby. Options for transitioning styles include: You have others, of course, but the majority if your day-to-day styles should try and either work with your differing textures or blend them together, preferably allowing your natural texture to be just that—natural. Too much protein can lead to dry hair. Going natural is hard work, but itâs a journey you can be proud of once it is complete. This damage cannot be reversed so be prepared to trim your ends every month until the relaxed ends are gone. Look for moisturizing shampoos, conditioners and stylers. If you're going through a particularly rough time—you can't find an easy hairstyle, you're frustrated with the different textures, you're thinking about relaxing again because you don't know what else to do—give yourself a break. As long as your hair is healthy, then it will grow. Get the proper tools:The same tools you used on your relaxed hair arenât necessarily going to be the best tools to use on your natural hair so you might as well switch them out from jump in your transitioning period. Here's What to Expect When Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair, Life After Relaxers: 5 Top Transition Hairstyles, Don't Make These Mistakes While Transitioning to Natural Hair, Help! Here is how the process works: #1 Stop using chemical relaxers To begin the process give up the creamy crack completely. You can decide how often to wash and moisturize depending on how often your hair needs it. Instead of going the quick route of the big chop, you've chosen to transition, which allows you to retain length. I love to share healthy hair care practices, as this is what helped me achieve waist-length hair. Some products have no place in your natural arsenal, and texturizers are among them. Trim your ends at least 1/4 inch per month as you transition to get rid of processed ends. The Felicia Leatherwood Detangling Brush should also be in your drawer of hair tools. The line of demarcation is where your natural hair and relaxed hair meet. There's nothing wrong with this if you only do this on occasion; otherwise, constant straightening isn't helping you become more comfortable with your own texture. The transition from relaxed to natural is more than a hair thing: You have to change ⦠Today we're going IN DEPTH on how to transition to natural hair for beginners! While transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, there are many protective hairstyles for transitioning hair such as box braids, Bantu knots, crotchet twists, faux locs, etc. She says you can also do a double strand twist-out with a gel or curl cream, if you want to skip the heat. The process of transitioning to natural hair involves several different components, but the two most important things to understand right now are the physical transition and the mental transition. Required fields are marked *. This requires a lot of patience. Reply Lindiwe October 9, 2020 at 9:02 am Hi my name is Lindiwe and I live in South Africa Soweto, itâs really exciting to know that I can also transition my Hair and learn to really take care of my hair The hardest part about transitioning hair is the two textures your hair will have until the ends grow out and are trimmed. So, you've made the decision to return to natural hair. The best way to moisturize is using the L.O.C method. It may sound like a long process from colored to gray, but it'll be worth it. See more ideas about natural hair styles, hair, curly hair ⦠Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo, Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow, and Restore, Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner and Leave-in, Curl Junkie Hibiscus and Banana Deep Fix and Curl Assurance Leave-in, Mega Growth Deep Conditioner and Leave-in. I’m the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. For those curlies with perms or relaxers who don't want to make such a drastic or immediate change, there is the transition method. Plus, they lubricate the coils as a bonus, which makes curls slide apart much easier. You can unsubscribe at any time. Transitioning to natural hair is a longer, more difficult journey than the big chop, but going natural has many benefits. Does the Inversion Method or Mulholland Method work for Hair Growth? 05 of 10 Get the Right Tools 8 Crucial Mistakes that Stop Your Natural Hair from Growing. It impacts on our interpersonal relationships whether they are professional, social or just personal. "The process of growing out a relaxer takes a lot of patience," says LaFond. The time you take to transition is up to you; some women want a very short one and plan to cut off their processed locks within several months, while other ladies want as long a transition as possible, which can be more challenging. The top of your hair will be your naturally curly hair, and the ends will be straight. Both styles help stretch the roots of your hair, keep manipulation to a minimum, prevent too much heat styling, and leave you with a style you can wear for up to a week. As youâre growing your hair out, you must focus on the overall health of your hair. The options are endless and because they last for so long there is minimal manipulation to your natural, allowing your hair to transition faster. Even some hairstylists will apply these weak relaxers, in an effort to make your tresses "more manageable." Once you find your transitioning hair regimen it’s important to keep your hair on a schedule and commit to it. Bantu Knots and cornrows are great, too," says Wright. Whether youâve been using chemical relaxers for years or like taking a straightener to your curls, thereâs often damage associated with straightening curly hair. For many people, they transition until their hair is an acceptable length then they big chop. How To Grow Natural Hair Fast: Tip 2 â Adopt A Daily Natural Hair Regimen to Grow Natural Hair Fast, Long & Healthy in 3 Months. But for those who want to transition to natural hair without the big chop, it will take at least a year, or even longer. Del Sandeen is a contributing writer with over 20 years of experience in editorial. Add low heat in the form of a hood or bonnet dryer (or attachment onto your regular blow dryer) for even more cuticle penetration. Apply a water-based deep conditioner while your hair is still wet after getting out of the shower on days that you shampoo. Keep your hair hydrated. Just braid your hair into cornrows and add the crochet twists. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair. Protein helps to strengthen the hair, but it shouldn't be used too often because, while it strengthens, it doesn't add moisture. Here are 10 FAQs, I Bleached My Natural Hair to a "Honey Blonde" Shade at Home—Here's How, Transitioning to Natural Hair Won't Be Hard If You Use These Products. Hair grows an average of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month, so to keep your tresses healthy and looking good, you should aim to trim at least 1/4 inch per month as you transition. My Natural Hair Lost Its Texture From Flat Iron Damage. So, in making the transition, there are two choices. 1. Less manipulation? If you love your length and donât want to lose it all at once, you can grow out your hair instead. Bantu Knots and roller sets can also be a good no heat alternative. Ahead, check out 10 expert-approved ways to ease your transition to natural hair. No matter which you use, afterward you need to moisturize it. One of the best ways to fight breakage with transitioning hair is to protect it. You can also sport braids, loc extensions or Senegalese twists. Transitioning to Natural Hair Slow & Steady. Growing your hair out without adding more chemicals will allow you to perform the big chop without losing as much hair all at once. To make the process easier, try and accept your hair for what it can readily do and give it what it needs to thrive, instead of trying to make it do only what you want it to. Unless your routine is incredibly streamlined, chances are you may forget which product gave you a great twist-out or what shampoo left your tresses feeling stripped. Everyone’s hair is unique, but here are some of the best transitioning hair products. It also allows you to maintain a uniform length throughout your transition if that's important to you. You can reach me by email or through social media below. Those fine-tooth combs that glided through your straightened hair aren't going to work with your new texture. This style typically lasts up to a month. Putting your hair up and away for a few weeks can take the hassle of day-to-day maintenance away and allow you to explore more options once your extensions are removed. No all-natural product or ingredient permanently straightens the hair. All texturizers have chemicals in them and these chemicals are designed to break down the protein bonds in your hair in an effort to straighten it—permanently. Transitioning hair products. It can be tempting to fall back into straightening habits, especially if your hair is going through an awkward phase or you're becoming frustrated with the transitioning journey. Going natural without the big chop simply means that you will have to transition to natural hair. Some of the frizz-factor is due to climate, products, or just the nature of your hair. 6 min read. Hey, Curl Friend I'm Patrina! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Moisturized hair is a must all of the time, but especially during a transition from relaxed to natural hair. Is it moisture? This is another protective style. You'll also find weave hair that mimics natural textures, for women who want to give their own tresses a break but still showcase a natural vibe. Many texturizers make these claims while also stating they're "natural." Transition to your natural white hair from color: What to expect When those first gray and white hairs start showing, itâs easy to pluck them out and ignore them. straightening) process so if you pick up a box of something and the directions instruct you to apply the product and then use a flat iron on top to "seal it in," chances are you're dealing with a texturizer. The important thing to remember is that transitioning to natural hair is not a race. As you become used to caring for your natural hair, you'll gradually learn what makes it look and feel its best. 5 Things to Know Before You Transition Your Dyed Hair to Natural Gray. This doesn't mean your plans won't change. Do what you can to keep your hair conditioned and fully hydrated by ⦠Please check your email for further instructions. Deep conditioning is critical to healthy natural hair, especially if you are transitioning from relaxed hair. Try a bantu knot out or a natural girl's favorite: the twist out. Haircuts and trims are vital during any hair transition, and going gray is no exception. Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. Keeping a hair journal can be very useful in helping you remember what worked versus what didn't. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. More: Curly Hair Growth Chart 2. While transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, there are many protective hairstyles for transitioning hair such as box braids, Bantu knots, crotchet twists, faux locs, etc. Because today's texturizers can hide behind vague language, be on the lookout for any product that says it will: Several modern brands work with heat in the "loosening" (i.e. Just note that if youâve straightened your hair, worn extensions, had a perm, or had relaxer in your hair your entire life, transitioning back to your natural roots is not going to be easy. I'm a wife, mom of 2 boys, and a Public Health researcher from Southern California. If you have permed, relaxed or have worn natural hair extensions in your hair for most of your life, you can expect a long journey when you transition back to natural. To get a curly look with foam rollers at home, wrap a one-inch section of conditioned damp hair around a rod at a time, then sit under a hood dryer until hair is completely dry. You can pace yourself and go back to natural hair at a rate that you are comfortable with. A properly conditioned hair allows for easy combing and styling. You are going to want to get wide tooth combs, and toss the rat tail combs. Below is the Jostylin daily care routine for hair growth and healthy Afro hair. If you are transitioning with braids or other protective styles, then this isn’t as important because you will not be manipulating your hair. These stretched styles will help make your two different textures have a unified curl pattern.. 3. The goal is to blend two VERY different textures of hair into one. To be a happy natural, you'll have to get to a point where you "listen" to what your tresses need. First, choose a water-based liquid or leave-in conditioner, and then add an oil and cream to hair. Here are some things you can do to become accustomed to your hair as you transition from relaxed to natural hair quickly: Prepoo â Soak your hair in some kind of oil. Finding the best products for transitioning hair can be tricky as different products may be suited to each texture. This is a good style because it gets rid of some of the dead ends that relaxer causes without having to completely big chop. Detangle when hair is a good style because it gets rid of ends... Transitioning your hair is your ultimate goal properly conditioned hair allows for combing... Find that regular deep conditioning is critical to healthy natural hair in 7 Steps transitioning from to... ’ s important to you makes curls slide apart much easier conditioner, and texturizers are among.. 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