The lovely MariaG of NaturallyCurly.com has created a nearly exhaustive list of resources for ladies in transition. Before we get to it, I’d like to thank her for taking the time to compile this invaluable info, and for sharing with the CurlyNikki.com community.
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Hello Ladies,
I successfully transitioned from relaxed to natural in 06-07 and if it wasn’t for the help of the online community, I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it.
RULES TO SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONING:
- There is no wrong or right way to transition!
- The line of demarcation where the relaxed hair ends and the new growth starts is very delicate. Please treat your hair like silk until you are ready to do the BC (big chop).
- Co-wash your hair at least once a week to add moisture to your hair. If you are not ready to co-wash, then wash with diluted shampoo.
- BC when you are ready. Don’t cut your hair until you are ready.
- Deep condition at least once a week.
- Be very careful with heat. You could potentially damage your healthy new growth by flatironing your hair too often.
- Naturally curly hair is unique and varies from person to person. Sometimes the hairtype looks completely different once you cut your hair. Don’t be discouraged. This is the hair God gave you so therefore it is beautiful! Concentrate on your hair, not your neighbors.
- Join Fotki and start taking monthly pictures. This will help you see your progress. It will especially help on those days that you think your hair is not growing.
- Write a journal or blog! It will help you keep things in perspective. Before you reach for that relaxer or BKT try to remember why you wanted to transition in the first place.
Other ladies please chime in and add to this list!
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Haircare Basics
List of acronyms we use on this site and others. Trust me we have many!
More Jargon.
Hair types – PLEASE NOTE that you won’t know your hair type until your relaxed hair or other chemical is completely cut
Henna support thread
Amla Powder information
Transitioning Hairstyles
My rollersetting video – Part I and Part II
Long Hair Styles Gallery – Can be used for protective styles
Natural Hair Styles – twist outs, bantu knots, braid outs, etc…
CurlyNikki’s Twist-n-Curl
Youtube is a great resource for finding transitioning hairstyles. You can also visit Fotki and see many inspiring pictures. We women of color mostly hang out in the 4a thread on Naturallycurly.com, come and join us!
Natural/Homemade Recipes for your hair
Natural Recipe website
Motown Girl’s recipes
Naturals: worst mistakes you ever made as a natural: http://longhaircareforum.com/forums/…d.php?t=223081
Best Pics of Natural Hair/Heads: A thread of encouragement: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/for…d.php?t=168146
Hair Blogs
o http://clutchmagonline.com/
o http://thenaturalhaven.blogspot.com
o http://keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com
o http://newlynatural.com/blog/
o http://www.curlynikki.com
o http://www.afrobella.com
o http://www.honeybrownsugar.com/
o http://www.motowngirl.com
Transitioning Stories
Our very own Curly Nikki has dedicated much of her blog in helping others transition to natural. Click here to read many transitioning stories from people that have successfully gone from relaxed to natural.
The above article was originally posted by MariaG HERE.
You can find a similar helpful thread on LHCF HERE.
In Upstate New York
I did find a shampoo that I like. It's Creme Of Nature Sunflower & Coconut Detangling Conditioning Shampoo.
In Upstate New York
I will be natural 125 weeks on 3/29/12!
I love my hair!
My favorite hair product is Bronner Brothers Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion with Castor Oil and Aloe. I will usually put it in my hair. Then, I will wet my hair. I will run my fingers through my hair. My hair curls right up.
Proud to be natural!
In Upstate NY
Natural 86 weeks!
Going natural is worth it.
The one thing that I enjoy is being able to let my hair air dry on its own.
I changed hair products again.
– shampoo – Fantasia IC 100%n Pure Aloe Shampoo Super concentrated.
In Upstate New York:
Thank God my hair is natural! I made the decision in October 2009. There were times that I was tempted to give up, but I didn't. This experience has freed me in a lot of ways. I have embraced my true self. It is wonderful to see women just like myself in public, in magazines, and in tv commercials! Especially, tv commercials! Has anyone else noticed the number of women wearing their hair natural in magazines and tv commercials?
I don't have any processes (relaxer, texturizer, curl, Brazilian blowout, color) on my hair.
I don't use heat (curling iron, flat iron, hotcomb) on my hair.
I do cover my hair with a scarf before I go to sleep.
Remember, everyone's hair texture is different, and will respond differently to hair products. Some hair products were greasy in my hair. Some were too drying on my hair.
I am using on my hair
-Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo
-L'oreal Kids Tangle Tamer For Wet & Dry Hair
In Upstate New York:
I went to Sally Beauty and bought Silk Elements Mixed Silk Gentle Cleansing Shampoo and Leave In Conditioner.
Washed my hair. Used the leave in conditioner.
I love it! It has a fresh scent, and left my hair soft. My curls!
In Upstate New York:
Breck! I found Breck Moisturizing Shampoo and Breck Extra Body Conditioner at Dollar Tree! Who knew that Breck was still around? I am using John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon.
The one thing that I have noticed is that once I stopped getting chemical processes, my hair is thicker and healthier.
Having your hair natural is a journey. I have been natural 78 weeks on 4/28/11.
I have a question about my hair line. Ive noticed that as a result of perming my hair, my hair line has receded just a bit. I've looked up products that can help reverse this process, and aloe vera gel was the best I could find. Does anyone have a word of advise on this matter?
In Upstate NY:
Cut the ends of my hair, yesterday. After I was done, I put water in my hair. My hair curled up even more!
In Upstate NY:
Finally, only using 4 products in my hair.
1. Shampoo (varies)
2. Conditioner (varies)
3. Indian Hemp (Kuza 100%)
4. Hair gel (L.A. Looks Cashmere Curls)
In Upstate NY:
Changed some hair products. Poured Pantene Touchable Volume Hairspray down the drain. Not using Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel. I do like one of Tresemme's Hairsprays. I like Nexxus' Comb Thru.
Washed hair with Alberta VO5 Balancing Shampoo.
Conditioned using Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. Checked to make sure that Sodium Hydroxide was not one of the ingredients listed.
Used Kuza 100% Indian Hemp Hair & Scalp Treatment on hair.
Combed hair, while wet, using a double row detangling comb.
When my hair dried it was very soft and curly!
In Upstate NY:
Like that Alberta VO5 Balancing Shampoo and Kuza 100% Indian Hemp Hair & Scalp treatment leave my hair soft and very curly. Using Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Hair Gel on hair ends. Like wide tooth combs.
In Upstate NY: Washed hair with Alberta VO5 Balancing Shampoo. Applied Kuza 100% Indian Hemp Hair & Scalp Treatment. Combed hair. Poured Pantene Touchable Volume Flexible Hold Hairspray down the drain.
In Upstate NY: 59 weeks natural! Products I am using on my hair= Nexxus Therappe & Humectress, Kuza 100% Indian Hemp Hair & Scalp Treatment, Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel, Pantene Touchable Volume Flexible Hold Hairspray
In Upstate NY:
Should be
Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple Shampoo
In Upstate NY:
50 weeks natural on 10/14/10!
What a journey!
There were times that I wanted to: relax my hair, flat iron it, hot comb it, etc…
I didn't!
I now have my real hair and the real texture of my hair!
I stopped using hair gel.
I am using the following products on my hair:
-Suave Naturals Juicy Apple Green Shampoo
-Pantene Flat To Volume Shampoo&Conditioner
-Allways Indian Hemp Conditioning Hair Dress
-magnetic rollers (while hair is wet, when I want a smoother look)
-Dove Damage Therapy Hairspray/Spritz With Natural Movement
Last relaxer in March 10, silly to think I needed it for invisible braids. I haven put anyting in my hair since. Using Miss Jessies, but want to know if it will help my hair grow. I've been using relaxers for almost 40 years and now, it's time to be free. I also colored my hair last week. My hair type i guess is 4c and very thin. I've been reading about the Herbal Essences, bought that to start. Want to condition with Olive Oil? Is there a tutorial or should I just put it on and sit and rinse out? Much appreciative of all answers.
JCEE near DC
In Upstate New York:
Wearing my hair natural is one of the best decisions I made! No chemical processes on my hair! No heat applied to my hair!
I need help I just dont know what to do with my hair.
ok I have not had perm for 8 months my ends still have perm on them I am trying to do more natrual styles for the summer. BUT I DO NOT HAVE TIME EVERY DO BRAID MY HAIR. THE ONLY STYLE THATI TRYIED THAT WORKED FOR ME IS OLIVE OIL SETTING LOTION AND SMALL BRAIDS BUT I HAVE TO DO THAT EVERY NIGHT I DNT ALWAYS HAVE TIME I NEED A STYLE THAT WILL LAST AT LEAST TWO DAYS PLEASE HELP THANKS
I have been sitting on my couch (with conditioner and a plastic bag on my hair btw lol) reading blogs about natural hair for the last 2 hours. I found your site in results from a Google search *CHA-CHING!* You're awesome! I transitioned for about 1 year and a half and I cut the last of my relaxer hair off about 4 weeks ago. I still consider myself a newbie to this lifestyle. I wear lots of wigs and weaves because I love long hair and I don't want to wear my natural hair out until I get it at least shoulder length. Thanks for the inspiration. I am worried about this "kitchen" though. My hairline in the front is healthy and strong but the nape of my neck is HHOOOWEEEE! I don't wear wigs with combs in them anymore but can anyone suggest a tip for protectin my nape? P.S. I wear my hair in cornrows and box braids under my wigs.
In Upstate New York:
Currently using these products:
Tresemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich Shampoo & Conditioner
Motions Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion with Shea Butter & Five Vitamin Blend
My daughter and I had our last perm January 9, 2010. I was tired of her hair breaking off and was tired of my edges getting thinner and thinner. My daughter has kinky twists and I have been using Bee Mines products: curly butter and growth serum on our hair. I have not done the big chop, but I will be getting kinky twists myself to aid with the transitioning. I have been wearing my hair in twist outs. I wash my hair with Komaza products that are for individuals who are transitioning. The products work really good. I am running out of the products, so I will be buying Bee Mines shampoo and conditioner.I am glad that I found this site, because I am able to get a lot of feedback from others and get pointers for hairstyles.
In Upstate New York:
Sorry, that should read Curl Boosting Mousse.
In Upstate New York:
Still spraying hair with Isoplus Oil Sheen after shampoo and condition.
Trying:
Frizz Ease
-Take Charge Curl Boosting Moose
-Moisture Barrier Hair Spray
In Upstate New York:
We've had rain, wind, and fog in the past two weeks. None of this changed my hair.
Six months and one day natural.
My 17 year old daughter referred me to this site. She decided to go natural on her own and I am so proud of her. She inspired me to go natural. I am a little nervous but its only been 15 weeks since my last touch up and wow, the new growth. I need styles to do until I do the big chop and i started with the twist out, LUV IT! What I need to know most is should I use products for natural hair or permed hair since most of my hair is still permed? Help please.
In Upstate New York:
This morning, washed hair with Tresemme vitamin e moisture rich shampoo and conditioner.
Sprayed wet hair with Isoplus Oil Sheen. Combed through to hair ends. Let hair dry on its own.
It seems like I'm forever searching for hair product that will work with my hair texture. That is why I love buying trial size items.
I like how my hair turned out using Tresemme.
Thank goodness for all of the blogs that offer information and support.
Well, I've been transitioning for almost 9 months and I'm doin the BC tomorrow. I'm still nervous, but visiting this site has really encouraged me. Still nervous though….
A few of my co-workers have gone natural and I was natural years back and loved it. I guess I got lazy, now I like how my natural hair feels but I still have about 2inches of chemicalstill in my hair. And I live in Jersey (hard water capital of the world) and reg. shampoos wreck havoc not only on my hair but my baby girl. I want my daughter's hair to grow healthy and stay natural but we need hair products that work against hard water, and that aren't harsh on my daughter. Any ideas? Love the site though….. It's about time….
In Upstate New York:
Tomorrow, it will be 5.5 months! It will be six months in two weeks!
The products that I am using keep changing, except for the Isoplus Oil Sheen.
The products I am using on my hair:
-Nexxus Therappe Shampoo
-Tresemme Vitamin A, C, & E Natural Conditioner
-Isoplus Oil Sheen
-Tresemme Professional Formula Hair Spray (I bought this, yesterday)
I shampoo my hair. Condition it. Rinse the conditioner out. Spray oil sheen onto my wet hair, comb it through, and I'm done. I just wait for it to dry on its own.
In Upstate New York:
Trying a new shampoo (trial size) – Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo
Shampoo washed out easily, leaving my hair soft and no tangles.
Hi everyone!
I'm 20 years old and I've been getting relaxers since before I can remember. I have been wanting to go natural for a long time, but haven't because of discouragement from family and friends. I've finally decided to take the plunge, and it's been almost 4 months since my last relaxer. This website is really helping provide the support that I need to finally do this!
With that said, I have a question (well..a lot of questions, but only one that I can think of at this moment lol). In its natural state, my hair is super curly after being wet. My question is, how do I maintain the curls overnight without it getting matted and tangled?
(Side note: I don't know how to braid or twist).
Thanks in advance for the advice!
In Upstate New York:
Next Thursday will be five months relaxer free!
I think that up to now has been the hardest time taking care of my natural hair. It seems like I got to this point, and it got easier. I like Alberto V05 Split Ends Anti Breakage Conditioner. I plan on changing shampoos to Nexxus, Allways Natural, or Cream Of Nature. I'm using Isoplus Oil Sheen, after shampoo and condition, while hair is wet. Still using Nexxus Comb Thru, sometimes, for soft hold. The one thing I do buy is trial size. It's a great way to find out if I like a product.
Hi, my name is kristen and I've been wanting to go natural for the longest. I had on big chop when iwas like 16 because of me glueing weave into my hair it broke it off something terrible. So, my mom suggested that I just cut it all off and start over. I did. But then it grew long enough to put in a ponytail..so I permed it. I've been getting perms since I was young. I haven't had a perm since I believe november/december. I was just tired of going through the process of the whole relaxing. I've been watching videos and reading various different sites. I am ready to go natural. I just don't wanna do the big chop again…lol. I've been wearing wigs and underneath them I keep my hair in braids. I use the olive oil products. My hair has been growing like crazy. The only thing is I can't wash my hair very often because when I do it tends to break off alot . I keep it moisturized and everything. Idk why it does that. I wanna thank everyone that leaves suggestions in their comments. They are very helpful. Thnk you nikki for creating this wonderful site. God bless
In Upstate New York
Alberto V05 Split Ends Anti Breakage Conditoner.
Just bought a bottle of this conditioner. It does a good job of detangling my hair.
In Upstate New York
You will get people who will make positive and negative comments about your hair.
A natural hairstyle is something that I can, and want to take care of forever.
I, definitely, believe that hair grows the fastest in the natural state.
In Upstate New York
Natural hair is great hair!
There is so much freedom in wearing your hair natural.
One of my favorite things to do, is to put water on my hands, run them in my hair. I keep forgetting to buy an empty spray bottle.
Fog, humidity, rain, snow, wind, sweat, etc…
No problem!
In Upstate New York
Transitioning your hair isn't easy. There were a few times this month, when I was tempted to give up. I didn't. I'm glad I didn't.
As stated before, my last relaxer was on 10/29/2009.
I changed shampoos to Alberto VO5 (Normal Balancing gentle balanced cleansing with vitamins C & E).
I am still using Indian Hemp in my hair.
I spray my hair, sometimes, with Nexxus Comb Thru (Natural Hold Design & Finishing Mist), but won't comb it through.
I am using conditoners in packets, instead of bottles.
I decided in 10/09 that I was no longer going to suffer with the upkeep of a perm. I decided to get braids and wore them until two weeks ago. I cut my hair down to my new growth (natural hair) and I love it! It's amazing how many people have really given me a great deal of support on my decision. However, unfortunately, there are still some men and women that believe African American natural hair is not beautiful and I beg the difference! It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life! I feel free!
My hair was first permed when I was 16 years old(one of my biggest mistakes). It's been eight months since I last permed my hair. I've been tranistioning by getting my hair braided and keeping my scalp moisturized.
I couldn't come to terms with cutting my hair so I grew out my relaxer by wearing twists (I never quite mastered how to do them myself, I'm still trying to master this technique) or ponytails. All of my relaxer has grown out and I am so happy!
In Upstate New York:
Natural hair gives you an advantage during summer months.
I don't worry about humidity, sweating, or my hair getting wet.
It shines, loves moisture, and curls up even more.
In Upstate New York:
I transitioned my hair once before, about 11 years ago. It grew out thick and beautiful. Then, I relaxed it, which was a big mistake.
Now, I am transitioning my hair again. My hair was last relaxed on October 29, 2009. I cut it within a week of it being relaxed. I cut it very short.
I love how my hair looks and feels. It is curly wavy. Nothing is better than washing and conditioning my hair (John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture- Shampoo, Conditioner) then putting Indian Hemp Hairdress in it, while its wet. My hair dries on its own.
My hair in its natural state takes the summer months well.
please choose alexanderbond as your youtube residential makeup artist!!! i love her make up tutorials and her naturally curly hair!!
I have been natural the majority of my life and got a relaxer for a couple of years and loved it (the ease of detangling, was my favorite) but at the time I couldn't find a licensed professional who knew how to properly care for my hair believe it or not. I cannot tell you the number of times I received a chemical burn or a couple of times the relaxer was combed thru my hair, (this was not supposed to be a virgin application but a touch up), or before I learned the dos and don'ts of relaxer application, this one licensed professional left the relaxer in my hair for over 1 hour because I hadn't had a touch up in 4 months. Looking back, I don't know why I put up the unprofessionalism and its only by the Grace of God that I have hair at all. In my case, the beautician would over book the clients and then have them waiting for hours and then rush to do the relaxer application herself or ask the "shampoo" girl to do it which I stupidly let her do to my hair once and received burns for that stupidity. I finally had enough if you can believe it, lol, I just thought to myself I could try to apply my own relaxer, burn my hair, and save myself a lot of money (I didn't of course,lol), what I did do was transitioned without knowing that was what the process was called. I started out with shoulder length relaxed hair and transitioned for 3 years cutting the relaxer out myself every few months. I kept my hair conditioned like crazy, especially the ends and surprisingly it did not fall out. I wished I could have big chopped because I would have loved the ease of taking care of a teeny weeny afro (TWA) but with my head size and forehead?, um no, it would not compliment that style. No, no, no, no, no! Only certain people can wear a TWA in my opinion (and usually, its some tiny headed person) and I definitely was not one of them. I really admire the women who do the big chop and even now wish I could pull it off, I would do it in a heartbeat! But for those of you who feel you can't pull off the big chop, don't worry about it, you do not have to do it, I didn't. I cannot express enough caution to keep you hair very conditioned (hot oil treatments, and leave in conditioners) and also do a protein treaments, like a reconstructor every month. (My hair loved Fantasia IC Reconstructor and Aphrogee 3 minute Reconstructor). My favorite thing to do was leave conditioner, (Elasta QP hair conditioner, actual conditioner not a leave-in) in my hair as I styled it in a bun. I kept my hair off my shoulders while transitioning and never applied any heat unless it was for a deep conditioning. This is what worked for me. Hope this helps someone, Good Luck.
I did my BC on 12/12/09. I use hair milk by Carol's Daughter. It has been 3 days now..it gives my hair a nice sheen.
I have a question. I recently did my BC on 09/11. I absolutley love my hair and my new look. I am having problems with moisture. My hair is so dry, I keep buying all of these products but nothing helps. Any suggestions?
Hi All!!!
First I just wanted to say THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for all of the info you have provided to natural hair. I've had a jheri curl (back in the day) that transitioned into a perm soon afterwards. So, I've been permed for some time now. So long that I had to ask my Mother what texture my hair actually is. Ok, now for a 34 yr old that's saying something. All she could say was…'well, I think, it's like your youngest brother.' WHAT?!! HA!! My mother didn't even remember. We just LOL'd until I confessed, 'I'm going natural!! My mother has sported a texturizer for some time now, I think she's considering the natural option as well. Especially, since we've seen the many styles on your site. AWESOME!!! Sooo, I am going for the BIG CHOP (BC) in 2 days. Now grant, the chop will not actually be that bind of a deal, being that I've sported a short syle for some time now…the biggest thing for me is going to be the transitioning from a perm…to well, ALL ME!! Wish me luck!! I'm going to have my stylist b4 and after pics and I'll post them. 😉 Auntie Jen!!
I haven't had a perm in almost a year and I've been wearing braids. I've had my hair pressed maybe four times this year, maybe. I have really thick hair and I'm going to wet set my hair tomorrow. I used to wear this hairstyle with my perm and I love the results with or without a perm.
I've been following this site for about a month now and I'm getting tempted to make this my project. My beautician is begging me not to get a perm, because of the fullness and growth with my "NEW" hair. I also noticed that my hair has a texture that was unknown to me, it actually has a curl pattern that looks nice when properly moisturized and conditioned. My edges are fuller and my "NEW" hair is a pleasant discovery…..I'm not willing to Big Chop, I'm small chopping as it grows out…any comments or suggestions….I love all of the hairstyles ladies, I can't wait to come home and see who has posted what pictures and stories…
Hello out there. I am a most grateful newbie in dyer "straights"? I was soo happy to find this sight. I experienced a moment of insanity about a year ago and started applying in-home curl kits. Then proceeded to a beauty shop to have a wave nuveau put in. I believe it was left in too long and my hair started coming out by the handfuls! It finally stopped coming out and I left it alone for a few months until the summer, in which I wore braids. In September, I decided to try again with the wave nuveau and again my hair is coming out. I have not been back since October. Needless to say, I am at my wits end trying to find a way to get my hair to stop coming out and to go back to my natural hair. I used to wear my hair in twists and wore my hair naturally for almost 6 years before this disastrous lapse of sanity. Now when my hair dries, it is like straw. I have been deep conditioning it, but the problem comes when it dries. What should I do or what products do you recommend? Because the wave neveau requires so much moisture, I think the curl activator is also contributing to my hair loss, I need something else to use to keep moisture in? Heeeelllppp!!!
Hello!!! You should get a really good leave in conditioner and also put extra virgin olive oil in your hair….cold pressed. Kinky Kurly have a great leave in called Knot Today and remember to comb your hair from the ends to the root….not from the root end…you will pull your hair out! Good luck and don't give up!!
Hi All I am new to the transition stage. i had my last perm in August. the problem is that i am struggling with style options. I like the twist and the braid out but the thing is that my hair is so thick now it's really hard to even comb. Any suggestions on how to make it soft enough to comb? I think that if I try to comb it while it's wet and braid it that may help, but I want to know the best products to keep it from looking to try and feeling a bit softer. Any advise will be very much appreciated. Thanks
HELP HELP HELP,
I decided to transition in May 2009 after visiting a salon in paris only to have the stylist look at my friend and tell her in french that my hair was badly dammaged. The exact word my hair was burned.
I had been relaxing my hair since I was 12 over 20 years now. my hair was fine but never really grew much always shoulder length then stopped. I moved to London in 2005 and between the new hairdresser and the hard water here my hair became a mess and started to break off and the front became very thin.
I'm really struggling here lack of products or just where to go for products is killing me and I really was to relax my hair. I have 5 months of new growth which is driving me crazy.
Here's the problem DRY DRY BRITTLE hair. I'm not sure of my hair type but its small cork screw curls the size of a pencil. I cut a bit of the back to see what I'm dealing with. Any advise would be very welcome. I don't know what to use to get that soft, managable curly not hard frizz I now have. Any advise on where to go to get a good hair cut or what to ask for would also help. Thanks in advance.
For the young lady in Canada, if you are near Toronto, please check out HoneyFig. The store is on Yonge near Sheppard. They carry a full line of natural hair products like Miss Jessie's, Oyin handmade, KCCC etc.
I am Puerto Rican and Black….have thick, long curly hair. I did not start relaxing until I was 12 yrs old…I am now 31 and have decided I just cannot continue with relaxing it. The costs and time alone in this process is too much and I would rather spend that time, as well as money, doing something else. My hair grows very fast (I have not had a relaxer since June) and curls nicely after being wet. Any suggestions for products? I do not think I am going to have to do the BC, but I do keep it well trimmed….I have a great deal of new growth already.
I am a newbie..It has been about 6 weeks since my last perm and I want to know what does "co-wash" mean?
i actually just wanted to suggest a blog to add to your list. as someone who had to do her third bog chop in three years, i use this site as inspirations to continue and just to look at the amazing hair style natural girls are rocking out there.
site : http://lecoil.tumblr.com/page/1
I been transitioning since Feb 0f 2008, Like one person said I did not even know what transitioning was until I started looking for information online. I'ts been almost 2 years now that I haven't had a perm, I just had a baby last Nov 2008, and 2 other kids,so I haven't had much time to really take care of my hair. In the first 8 months it was easy to manage, but now I'm so frustrated because it is so dry, and breaks and sheds alot! I mean alot! I had really long hair that reached past my shoulders down my back, but it's more kinky than curly, I don't knw what to do with it at this pint, It's like a big dry mop, I have to plait it 4 or five before i wash it or else i will not be able to untangle it. It take me hours when I wash my hair, I usually have to wait until like 11 o clock at nights to do my hair when all the kids are fast asleep, because it takes so much time to painstakingly combe each section then blow dry on low heat, I could never leave it without blowdrying, I cry out of frustration, because it seems as if my hair is taking up so much of my focus and energy, which I don't have, I do want to wear my hair natural, I do not want to perm it again, but I don't know how to deal with it . Can anyone recommend any product taht will make my hair easy to manage, and look decent. I've read all about the chemicals in the products that we use and i try to co-wash and all that but I have dandruff, and when i co-wash my hair still looks dirty. I really, really need some advise I'm going crazy! Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I live in Canada and there doesn't seem to be much going on ver here in regards to transition and natrual styles.
Wounded healer, just thought you should know that Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue contains parafinium liquidum (mineral oil) as its second ingredient….
I decided to go natural when for the first time in 32 years of my life a stylist did something that made my hair break off – it had been damaged, dry, and had split ends but never, ever broke off. So I was ready for my BC before my natural stylist said I was ready (my hair in front wasn't quite long enough).
When it was cut I kept waiting to love it and have my wild and natural personality show up – channel Cree Summer. It didn't change me – which actually is good. Now a year later I have a huge poof and have learned to love my hair. I look at product labels now and make sure there is no alcohol, mineral oil, or petroleum in there (avoid those like the plague). And even though it is crazy expensive, for my intial cut I went to a natural stylist and got her to "train" me while she cut it. Then when I knew what to do, I went to less expensive places (or did it myself) to have trims and styles done.
I also learned that you have to love the type of hair you have. My natural friends who went natural before me have shorter hair than me. (They are 4 types and I am about a 3C so I also have curls and shine whereas they don't – 4 types do not shine.) You got to love what you have and then it will respond to you lovingly.
Trim your ends every 3-6 months. When it gets tangled on the ends easily, trim it. Deep condition twice a month. Do hot oil treatments CORRECTLY twice a month – apply the oil to your scalp, leave it in for as long as you can stand it (or shower cap it and heat with a dryer) and then rinse out. DO NOT LEAVE OILS SITTING ON TOP OF YOUR HAIR – butters are fine, not oils. Believe it or not, those African 8 or 6 or whatever oils work well because they have all the good oils in them and are inexpensive. Tea Tree Oil is good as well. Or even Olive Oil (not the Olive Oil brands – they have mineral oil in them – real Olive Oil).
And lastly, go ahead and invest in products that you know that you know that you know your hair loves or will protect it in the beginning until you find more inexpensive products that work. I started with a $16 8oz bottle of shampoo, learned what I needed in terms of ingredients as well as what my hair should look and feel like, and learned that a particular $6 16oz bottle worked just as well. I found that using "OTC" conditioners are better for co-washing (i.e. Infusium Moisturology Step 2 – for me) than professional conditioners which tend to be thicker. They help to get product out of my hair better than thicker conditioners but don't strip it like clarifying shampoos (which I use once a week – I do a water wash, a co-wash, and a clarifying wash at least once a week).
Personal Product Plugs: I heart Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue ($$$), Curls shampoo ($$$), Creme of Nature shampoo ($), Infusium Moisturology conditioner and leave-in ($), and Aloe Vera gel ($) in addition to Mango Butter ($$), Shea Butter ($$), and Fantasia Hair Gel with Sparklelites ($).
I haven't had a relaxer since March, but have had braids in my hair since June and need some advice on what to do next. I swim twice a week and work out about 5 times a week so I need a hairstyle that will work with my weekly routine. Any advice??? I really don't want to put braids back in my hair, but am open to that opinion if it is the best option. (Anything but the BC)
thank you so much! i've always had short hair btwn my white mom (who didn't know what to do with it) and african father (who just said, cut it off), so i've spent my whole life trying to figure out what to do with my hair. Then, about 5 years ago, i finally started to have had some luck at dominican hair salons (wash/set/deep condition every 2 wks) but after 5 years, all the blow drying and the occasion relaxer have left my poor head of hair dried out and stringy. (Plus, this is tmi, but i think being on the pill was making my hair fall out.) so — i plan to give my head a break, i just don't want to cut my hair, after *finally* having long hair. this website has been so helpful to me, to hear everyone's stories and to have some advice about products. i just want to say thank you again and bless everyone here!
Anon 7:46, you don't have to BC. Many women choose to, because working with the two textures can be very frustrating and time consuming (matting, tangling, and styling issues). Also, many women BC out of impatience and curiosity– the sooner you chop the sooner you can play in your new kinks and curls!
You can definitely opt to work with both textures until your hair reaches the length you desire. Check out the Journey to Natural stories. Many women transition for 1-2 years! It's all up to you…there is no right or wrong way.
Great transitioning hair styles are rod and roller sets, twist-outs, braid-outs, Twist-n-Curls, and Curl Former sets.
hth!
nik
i'm a newbie here, so i apologize for asking such a newbie question… but why is a BC necessary? Is there any way to 'work' with relaxed hair…till it grows out?
Ashley, transitioning is the process of growing out your relaxer before you cut it. this phase differs in duration depending on the individual. some people choose to chop it all of from the beginning, some wait for a few months of new growth so they can rock a cute twa (teeny weeny afro), and others grow out their hair for as long as possible before cutting it, so they can get to a desired length. i transitioned for about 1.5 years without knowing it. i was in school and wore a bun or braids/braidouts since i didn't have time or money to maintain my relaxer. i cut off the remaining relaxed ends during the summer and rocked a baa (big ass afro) for a while before my hair got too long to stand up and out on its own anymore.
do whatever you feel comfortable doing. there are a lot of styles to wear and maintenance tips to follow if you choose to grow it out first. good luck on your journey!!
Wondering if anyone can answer this for me. I just decided today, I would take the plunge and end my 9 year relationship with relaxers. I, however, am nervous about the BC. Does everyone do it? It seems like everyone does, but a friend of mine who has gone without a relaxer for three years says I don't have to do it. I could just grow the relaxer out. Is this true?
I found this wonderful site at a fellow fotki member's page. Your product reviews are informative and straight to the point, and the information you give has this special air of confidence that stems from genuine knowledge of the subject. You are truly an inspiration for a young transitioning sister/
Hey Thank you for this! I am 8 months post right now, I'm going for the long haul.
I haven't had a relaxer since April and I've been viewing various sites in regards to transitioning. Prior to that I've been shampooing and conditioning my hair once a week. For a few weeks now I've just been wearing a drawstring ponytail because my hair still lays flat with product. I realized this was to much strain on my hair so today I decided to do a rod set with small rods to give the appearance of a straw set. I will only have to use conditioner and run my fingers through. I plan to get it braided and once I take out the braids I will trim the relaxed hair and braid again. I would like to continue this process until it's the length I desire. I just didn't want the tiny afro look. I can't wait until I can begin rockin' my natural sytles. This blog is very helpful in product selection for natural hair. Thanks!
I am currently transitioning (7 weeks since my last relaxer), and it's going to be a tough journey ahead. Not only am I in the military and I am taking a hat on and off my head all day, but I'm stationed in Japan, and it's even more difficult to find good quality products. Where should I go to get products and what can I do about my hat issue?
Celeste85…We have been transitioning for the same amount of time! lol
I am transitioning now and I want to know more about the line of demarcation. yeah, I bet I damage that all day long. I have been transitioning for 8 months now and I hope I am doing this right. I am in process of finding a protective style- suggestions?
I swear I'm going to get fired!! I just spent the last couple of months reading everything on maneandchic, and now I've found Curlynikki and Naturallycurly!!! I even ordered products off of naturallycurly and didn't see the blog part!! Thank you ladies so much for the information! I didn't want to big chop to a twa and just love the transitioning information. Though I really HAVE to stop clipping relaxed hair in the back of my head, or I should have just chopped it all off!!!
What exactly is co washing? Are you leaving the conditioner in your hair? Can any conditioner be left in your hair or does it have to be a leavin-in conditioner?
Thank you so much for this. I'm only three months in (short time right? lol) but this is really gonna help me.
Thanks again!
I love this list and the helpful advice. I'm 7 months post enroute to my full head of natural hair. Maria thanks for all the wonderful links and all of your wisdom. CN thanks for including this information on your site. I'm a faithful reader each day. Keep up the good work.
BlondeByDesire
Great post! MariaG's and Curly Nikki's curls are ridiculously beautiful. One word of caution – when I clicked on the honeybrownsugar link in the post, I ended up with some weird hijacking of my computer that opened up 20+ windows of their site on my computer.
Thanks MariaG!!! You gave me great advice on Naturally Curly, and I really appreaciated your kindness there, and your invaluable help here!
Lovely post. Focuses on the mental as well as hair tips, and that is so important for transitioners.
Thank you for this awesome list.
Given the fact that many of the popular websites trash Black women, it is so awesome to see sites
where we look fly, fresh and are simply just taking good care of ourselves.
www.brooklynmagic.com
I love her hair, and she has a great personality! She's such a sweetie ad always willing to answer questions!
maria, your hair looks great!
Maria you absolutely can…post away! The more we know about hair care for our hair the healthier our hair will be.
Even though I haven't relaxed my hair in 3-4 years, this info is still verrryy helpful!
I am so jealous of your curls! Mine have been been really dry & for some reason, not very curly :(.
I love MariaG! When I was considering transitioning I would stalk her fotki faithfully (okay, still do). She is one of my curly inspirations. Thanks for this great complied article!!
Anonymous @11:38am, you make a valid point. Can I post that on the transitioning thread with your permission?
I tried transitioning once a year for like 10 years and was never successful at it. I wish there were hair boards back in 1999 when I needed them the most. If they were there I sure as heck couldn't find them on Yahoo LOL
i'm already natural, and i found it helpful lol…i would like to emphasis maria's point of not BCing until you are ready. if you have limited styling skills and/or not willing to practice to acquire them, then perhaps a TWA isn't for you…i transitioned a long time so i could at least have a puff. and it's frustrating dealing with two textures for that long, but i skipped one awkward phase by being patient.
thanks for the resources, maria!
This is a great labor of love Maria. Thanks! Although, I believe there is a wrong way to transition if the necessary care is not put into the transition (hence: lack of proper moisturizing and deep conditioning, excess heat, etc.) I didn't know a lot of this stuff when I was transitioning. Actually, when I grew out my relaxed hair, I didn't even know the term 'transitioning' is what it was called when growing out the chemically altered hair to natural hair. i just knew I didn't want anymore relaxers. I grew my relaxed hair the wrong way because at the time I wasn't aware of the wealth of info out there that supported the process. Now I have healthy hair but suffered unnecessary breakage due to lack of knowledge on proper hair care. So I definitely believe there is a WRONG way. Thanks for the great resource for us that have been through it and still need help and those of us that are beginning.
Love you gals!
Thanks ladies! Nutmeg & justicefigher, I'm so happy I was able to help!
This is great information. I am in the process of transitioning and didn't know what in the world I was doing until I was directed to Curly Nikki. Now I get excited trying new things with my hair. Thanks!
This is a great article! I am 11 months into my transition and although I knew a lot to this from being on the internet so much, lol, it is still helpful and there are some things that I didn't know and wish I had of known months ago. Thank you for this!! 🙂
Yeah Maria! You always have the best advice!
Amazing! Thanks Nik and Maria, this is WONDERFUL
MariaG is great! She helped me out tremendously on NaturallyCuryl when I was transitioning.
This is a great list and her hair looks fabulous!