BN Beauty: 7 Things you Should Know about Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair

The natural hair movement is really gaining speed and we can decide on one of three things; Join in the movement, keep relaxing your hair and decide natural hair isn’t for you or do both (yes that is possible).

For those of you that have decided to join in the natural hair movement, the process can be scary, especially when you’re thinking of doing the Big Chop (BC). Most have described the BC as the easier way to go but for some it’s like cutting off an arm. So instead of having the BC, they transition.

Now this is where this post starts to make sense. When transitioning, it can be a whole world of discomfort you have never experienced. You no longer head to the salon at the first sight of a new growth, your hair may start to act stubborn and become hard and styling can be a task. So, what are the things that could help your transition to natural hair easier? We are here to help out.

Check out the 10 things you should know about transitioning.

1. You must be mentally prepared
Going natural can give your mind a hard time. As the new growth starts to emerge, your hair begins to get stubborn and more difficult to handle. You need to be mentally prepared to handle all that extra work. Remember that changing your mind back towards relaxed hair is as easy as heading to the salon which you are all to familiar with. So be sure this is what you want to do then go for it.

2. Reduce the heat used on your hair
When you transition, the move from relaxed to natural hair takes a while to get used to. This is usually when a lot of people decide to flat iron their hair. This is not good.

Applying heat damages hair and this makes your new growth, even at this early stage, damaged. And so when you do eventually cut off your relaxed ends, you still end up with some parts straight and some parts natural because of the flat ironing.

Instead of this, use flat twists or flexi rods to style your hair. It is limiting, but this way youy dont ruin what you have been working so hard to achieve.

3. Watch the line of demarcation
The line of demarcation is where your relaxed and natural hair meet. This part of the hair is the weakest because it is the transition point. So, to keep this part healthy enough till you cut it, it is important to moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. Moisture is your hair’s best friend and this would help strengthen your hair and keep it firm and also prevent breakage.

Be sure not to pull your hair too tight or brush too harshly. Instead you can use a wide-toothed comb to keep your hair from breaking.

4. Always protect your hair
The fact that you are transitioning doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of your hair. Every part of your hair needs love and attention so as not to get damaged. Sleep on a silk pillowcase at night or tie your hair in a silk scarf so you don’t strip your hair even as you are transitioning.

5. Pay Attention to your Natural hair
Once you have started growing out at least 2 inches of hair, it is time to start thinking like a natural.. The products you use in styling and protecting your relaxed hair is very different from what you will use for your natural. Products & treatments like shea butter, hot oil treatments, deep conditioning, pre-conditioning, protein treatments, protective styling etc should all be on your to do list for handling your hair.

6. Drink lots of water and eat protein
You can positively impact your hair growth by eating a good and balanced diet. Drinking lots of water and eating and applying a lot of protein to your hair can boost hair growth making your transition time shorter.

7. Explore products
With every new naturalista, there are a bevy or products you would like to try. Hold on and take a breather. Every curl has its own requirements so it would be best that you discover what your hair needs and go with it while you transition. This way as your hair grows out you can figure out what you need to get your hair fabulous.

We have only scratched the surface with this list but I know we have some beautiful BN Beauty naturalista’s out there. So if you transitioned, don’t forget to share some tips with us and if you had the big chop, tell us about your experience. Stay Beautiful.

Photo Credit: Blacknaps.org