Like everyone around us, we too have been going in for relaxing procedures for our hair since early in our lives. This is how it has been. But now, for many years, the natural hair movement has taken momentum and pushed us to explore our natural hair in all its glory, a journey that’s not easy and has its challenges.
There are many YouTube channels and tutorials showing how to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair, but many still find it difficult to figure out how it should be properly done. So if you have decided to go down this road, worry not cause we are here to help.
Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is a deeply personal and transformative experience that can come with its own set of challenges and rewards. In this blog, we aim to give you practical tips to ease your transition from relaxed hair to natural hair.
What Is Transitioning?
Transitioning is the process of growing out your relaxed hair until you have enough new natural hair to cut off the relaxed ends. Unlike the "big chop," which means cutting your entire hair length, transition allows one to keep relaxed hair at the time of the change while slowly welcoming new growth.
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Why Transition From Relaxed Hair To Natural Hair?
There are many reasons attached to why many women opt to take this journey. Let’s find out what they are:
Healthier Hair
Due to the fact that natural hair is not exposed to the use of relaxers, it is normally much healthier compared to relaxed hair.
Versatility
Natural hair can be styled in a twist out way, bantu knot, wash and go, and much more.
Individual Preference
Most individuals feel more confident and authentic in their texture when they are natural.
How to Transition From Relaxed Hair To Natural Hair?
Set Realistic Expectations
Transitioning takes time and patience. You need to realize that your hair is going through phases and will not look as nice as you saw it in your dreams suddenly. Having some real expectations will get you motivated and keep you in the process longer.
Educating Yourself
Educate yourself on natural hair care. There are very many resources at your disposal. Books, blogs, YouTube channels, and social media pages on natural hair. You can get information pertaining to hair type, porosity, and the best products and techniques to use on your specific hair texture.
Hair Care Tips
Moisturize
Natural hair is drier compared to relaxed hair, hence needs to be kept moisturised. Leave-in conditioners, oils, or butter seal in moisture. Use products with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe Vera.
Gentle Detangling
Detangling proves to be difficult during the transition. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb or with your fingers when your hair is wet and covered in conditioner. Work in the full length of the hair, beginning at the ends and working towards the roots to avoid hair breakage.
Protective Styles
Protective styling is great for when you are transitioning your hair. These styles protect your hair, be it braids, twists, or Bantu knots, protecting from damage and breakages. Just be sure not to make the styles too tight, as this can lead to tension and breakage.
Regular Trims
Regular trimming eliminates the relaxed ends of hair and makes it break less. Hair should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks. With time, you will notice more natural hair and less relaxed hair.
Styling Tips
The biggest challenge will be managing the two different textures - the natural new growth versus the relaxed ends. Here are a few good tips you might want to try while putting those styles together to help you blend those different textures.
Twist-Outs and Braid-Outs
Simply twist the hair or set the hair in a braid overnight to help give a blended texture to the hair.
Roller Sets
Do a set on your hair by either wrapping or using perm rods or flexi rods. Of course, this is a perfect style that also helps in blending various textures.
Bantu Knots
These will give you beautiful curls that mask the line of demarcation of your natural and relaxed tresses.
Heat Styling
You can always straighten your hair on extremely uncommon occasions. You only need to be very cautious and pre-treat using a heat protectant to minimize the damage. Excess use of heat will severely damage your natural hair and, hence prolong the transitioning period.
Managing The Emotional Aspect
Be Patient and Positive
Transitioning to natural hair is literally as much of a psychological trip as it is physical. Be patient, and give the process its own sweet time. Celebrate the small milestones and embrace the beauty in your natural texture.
Build a Support System
Befriend those who have a similar interest or have gone through the same journey to help you feel included and give you a sense that you are not alone in this. This could be done on social media pages and meetups for people who have gone through the transition themselves. Sharing experiences and tips will encourage and lift one another.
Self Care
How you treat your mental and emotional health is as important as how you treat your hair. Engage in activities that will help you feel positive, filling your mind and soul with confidence and happiness. Cause at the end of the day, it's your journey, and you have to be mentally and physically prepared to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair.
At The End
Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair is a very personal experience that tests your patience at some other level. But by staying true to yourself and following the above-mentioned steps it will be easier to achieve your goals.
But in this journey of yours, if you find yourself being overwhelmed, you can always take the help of our 100% natural human hair that comes in all-natural textures to ease the transition process. There is always something for everyone at Indique Hair!