How to Effectively Transition from Relaxed to Natural Hair
ON TRANSITIONING
If you are a naturalist, you probably have an idea about how frustrating it can be to transition from permed hair to natural hair.
For some, it is a decision they would rather postpone for a lifetime. A mere thought about it sends thousands of shivers down their spines! The sound of the suggestion is probably gibberish in their ears! That is how tough it gets for some.
For others, it is the fear of cutting off all their hair and starting from scratch. A story is told of a married woman who cut off her hair after deciding to return to her natural hair state. On reaching home, her husband shrieked in horror. “You aren’t going to catch me spending a night with a little girl. Bring back your hair…” He shrieked. The next day when she got to work, she was met with endless stares. Everyone probably thought she had gone off her rocker.
For the rest, they would rather not deal with afro-textured look. So they simply do the big chop and start afresh. “I got frustrated after doing the big chop because my hair was short and I had no idea on how to make it look great. I hated combing daily….” Rachel, one of our clients recounts.
As you can see, transitioning will affect you in one way or the other. We share with you a few tips on how to transition at your own pace and comfort. Shall we? Let’s dig in
Experiment with protective styles like weave-on, braids, and wigs. These are great at dealing with new growth in your hair. It is however best to take this option with the health of your hair in mind. That means that your stylist must not make your edges either tight or painful. When they do, it ceases to be of any help and instead turns out to be disastrous to your hair. “…I find it more relaxing and time-saving to keep my hair in weaves. I am an extremely busy person and do not have time to regularly visit the salon….” Carol, one of our transitioning client recounts
Try out new hair accessories. The beauty about hair accessories is that they add an edge to your style or help put the attention off your hair. So if you are stuck on how to style or wear your hair on what may presumably be a bad hair day, all you have to do is to pull out your headband or Barrett, try a head wrap or simply a pre-made rose flower for your hair. You will be amazed at just how more comfortable you will get and gorgeous you will look
Meet a professional stylist and consult more. Someone probably just rolled their eyes on reading this. You may wonder why you would need a professional stylist to help you on your transition journey. Having zero knowledge on hair care will not only frustrate your journey but will also affect its growth since you have no idea on how to deal with the breakage, tangles, dryness and other challenges you may meet along the way. Your stylist will help take the guesswork out and answer all your questions
We could go on and on about this, the most important thing is to ensure to keep your hair moisturized and to gradually trim your ends. Your journey will be much easier. We celebrate your courage and the boldness to transition.
Audrey Ruhangalinda
Thank you for sharing this piece with the world. I remember my transitioning period as being very uncertain but not regrettable. At the time, it was trending to have natural hair and riding along was out of F.O.M.O(FEAR OF MISSING OUT) . Every period of transitioning should be enjoyed right from the process of the big chop, to the TWA
and beyond, its quite a test of patience for me . Finding a salon that did free Consultations and good hair products made the journey easier. Overtime, what i know for sure is that i can never look back, I AM HOME.
afrosandmohairbeauty
Very happy to hear Audrey. Indeed, going Natural is one of every Naturalista’s ever best decision made. Its really hard to look back. Glad you feel the same. Goodluck on your journey.