How To Easily Transition From Relaxed to Natural

Are you looking for ways on how to easily transition from relaxed to natural, and you are not sure where to start or what to do? Believe me, girl I have been there. I started my transition back in 2009 and I transitioned for 24 months! So, you can say I was definitely a long-term transitioner! Let me tell you the story behind my transition

I went to a new stylist to get a relaxer, but it was going to cost me $90. I said, “oh no I can’t pay this”. I had just graduated and didn’t have the additional funds to keep paying $90 for a relaxer. So she told me I had the option to grow my relaxer out and go natural. Honestly, before she said this I had no idea that I could go back to my natural state. I thought that once I got a relaxer that I had to keep getting them. Silly little ole me! From then I transitioned slowly by only cutting off small bits of my relaxer from month to month until I was fully natural in August 2012. Here are my top 10 tips on how to easily transition from relaxed to natural.

The Choice: To Transition or Big Chop

The choice is yours. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to transition. I personally decided to long-term transition rather than do the big chop. The choice is really up to you.

Build a Healthy Hair Care Regimen

Your regimen doesn’t have to be difficult. Your regimen should be built upon the needs of your hair. Remember that things may change as you go along but you can always alter your regimen to add or change things. If you need help creating a natural hair regimen check out my personal healthy hair regimen.

Find Products and Stick With What Works

When it comes to products, finding products that work for your hair is really a trial and error process. It that takes a lot of patience in order to find what really works for your hair. Create a journal and jot down what works and what doesn’t. If you find products that work, stick with them and add them to your staple products in your regimen.

Be Patient

I have probably said this so many times but if you don’t have patience then this natural hair journey may not be for you girl. Going natural is a process and it will take time to achieve your desired length, health,  and hairstyles.

Follow Blogs/Youtube

Follow different blogs and vlogs for inspiration on your natural hair journey. There are tons of tips and tricks on how to maintain your natural hair online.

Avoid Heat

I am not going to lie, when I started my transition all I did was heat style my hair. This was because I didn’t know any better, or any other way to style my hair. For a try to lay off the heat. Going natural should be about embracing your natural texture and curls. You need to take the time to figure out how to style and maintain your curls. That’s where I messed up, in the beginning, I didn’t take time to learn how to style my hair. Using heat isn’t that bad but it shouldn’t be done all the time to avoid heat damage.

Low Manipulation is Best

For transitioners, low manipulation styling is your best friend. Twist outs and braid outs are a great way to blend the two different textures of your hair when transitioning. Protective styling is also a great way to style your hair and keep your hands out of it.

Don’t Give Up!

I know many times you will want to quit but don’t give up! If you need inspiration check out this article. Your natural hair journey may take you through many different emotions. You may be happy, sad, frustrated but it will all be worth it in the end. Healthy hair and length don’t happen overnight, it takes time so be patient. Happy Transitioning!

What are some tips you have about transitioning? Did you have an easy transition?