Natural Hair Transitioning can be easy!
5 Steps before you start your natural hair transition (A must read!)
The natural hair transition is one that is most memorable. For myself, it was a time to reflex on all my hair mistakes and good hair choices that I made over the years. I knew that I was never really in control of my own hair. My natural hair transition changed everything I know about black hair, afro hair, and even relaxed hair.
If I could say I started my natural hair journey anywhere. I would say that this place is the spot where I knew I was going to be successful.
Yes, it is best to have a hair action plan! So let’s make sure you are ready to get the hair ball rolling ;)
#1 How long will you transition from relaxed to natural hair?
This is a very important question, because this will set the tone for the other steps. Some have only transitioned for a month while others go on for many years. I knew right away that I wanted enough natural hair to style and play with after I cut off the relaxed ends. So I transitioned for one year. My last relaxer was in July 2009 and I cut my relaxed hair off in 2010. After transitioning for a year...I big chopped!
#2 Will you big chop or let it grow out longer?
So this pretty much flows from number one. Will you do the big chop? It’s called the big chop because most people see this as their big day…the day they become a “true natural”. It’s simply the day you cut off all of, or the rest of, your straight (relaxed) hair. So you need to ask yourself, if you will do the big chop at all. Big Chopping (BC) is not something you have to do, so if you have heard that you have to BC, you were told the wrong information.
#2.5 If you do big chop, who will do it?
I chose to BC my own hair. I actually did it live on my YouTube hair channel. It was really fun and exciting. I had a lot of emotion going through my mind, but it was in that very moment that I knew I would never be the same…well at least hair wise =)
You have to decide if you are going to cut your own hair or if you want to ask a friend, family member, or hairstylist to cut your hair. It is best to choose someone is is familar with natural hair and relaxed hair.
#3 Create a hair routine
You have to create a natural hair transition routine that includes how often you are going to wash and conditioning? Are you going to use heat or no heat? Are you going to go to a stylist or learn how to take care of your own hair? For myself, I did everything during my transition. I wanted to know how to handle the new growth coming in since it was going to eventually become my full head of hair.
#4 What products and tools will you use?
Do not jump into the hype of this product grows your hair faster, or this products will make your hair longer. It is all about how you use the products along with how you handle your hair. Start now during your natural hair tranistion to not become someone who spends all their extra income on finding the "perfect" black hair product.
Before you purchased your products make sure you are researching and reading product reviews. Know how to use the product before you even put it on your hair. I used only homemade hair products during my natural hair tranistion. I made my own shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, leave in hair conditioner, oils, and moisturizers.
#5 Research, Research, Research!
This by far is the most important step in growing out the relaxer. You know the saying, “Knowledge is Power?” Well it’s definitely true during the natural hair transition. You need to search as many Natural Hair Websites, YouTube Videos, Books, and Articles about transitioning hair and natural hair.
I spent countless months researching all matters of African American hair and black hairstyles. I would sometimes go all day and night finding out as much information as I could. After all I wanted to be a successful natural. I also knew that if I could study and learn as much as I had for my college courses, why not for something that was important in my personal life.
Still I have not stopped researching information and most likely never will. Although my natural hair transition was a few years ago, hair is something I love talking about. Showing others how to tame their manes =) is what I truly enjoy.
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