Transitioning From Relaxed To Natural Hair

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair can be a journey into the unknown for many women. But, its a fun one! Learning to take care of your natural hair is a rewarding experience.

With this in mind, here are a few points to consider before transitioning from relaxed to natural.

How To Start Going Natural

Now that you’ve decided to go natural, there are two ways to go about it. First, you can do the ‘big chop’. This means cutting or shaving off all your hair. When you're ready to take the plunge, all you need are some clippers, a sharp razor blade and lots of courage!

Transitioning is more of a ‘soft landing’ into life with natural hair. As you grow it out gradually, you’re retaining your relaxed ends until you decide to cut them off. Lots of women do this as a way to keep length until they’re comfortable with the amount of natural hair growth.

Some women transition for a few weeks, others for months. But, there are some cases where women take years to transition. Obviously, it depends on how much length you want before you want to be completely natural.

Also, you need to be more patient with your hair. Why? Because transitioning hair can take longer to comb and style. So, it’s worth weighing the amount of time this will take, and if your lifestyle allows for it.

Additionally, your hair regime will significantly change from that point forward. For this reason, are you willing to put in the time to learn along the way about your hair care afterwards?

Hair Care While Transitioning From Relaxed To Natural Hair

Step 1: Try to wash your hair once a week. Avoid tangling during shampooing and conditioning.

Step 2: After washing your hair, ensuring your scalp is clean, apply a conditioner from root to tip of hair. Pay special attention to your relaxed ends. Gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Also, finger combing while the conditioner is still in works great too.

Step 3: After washing and drying your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner. Moisturizing regularly will keep your hair healthy. Plus, it will allow you to retain length. Try Louticia Grier’s Beautiful Hair Renew Lotion. It’s particularly great for transitioning hair after applying a moisturizer. The lotion contains natural ingredients that strengthens hair and moisturizes your scalp. This promotes healthier new growth. It coats the new growth making the strand thick and adds a layer of protection.

Step 4: Lastly, treat yourself to a trim every few weeks. If you don’t remove all those dead ends, they will get worse as you transition.

Change How You Wash Your Hair Weekly

Before transitioning, you may just have quickly shampooed and conditioned your hair. Now, your natural hair will need more time. Partition your hair into sections when you’re washing it. Also, you’ll need to get use to 'finger brushing'. Or using a wide-tooth comb instead of the conventional brushes used for straight hair.

You may want to consider setting aside an hour or two for your shampoo sessions. But don’t worry, the more you get used to it, the less time it’ll take.

Avoid Excessive Heat Applications When Transitioning From Relaxed To Natural Hair

While you’re transitioning, try to stay away from curling irons, flat irons, and ideally blow dryers. The condition of your hair is changing, and avoiding using heat means less chance of drying out your hair.

So if you do decide to go from relaxed to natural hair, make sure you follow all the easy tips we’ve listed above. Then you’ll find yourself with a beautiful head of natural hair in no time!

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If you don't feel comfortable starting this journey on your own, we can help. At our Uptown New York Style salon, we can help you look flawless while transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. Call (619) 820-0290 to book a consultation.