I'm 5 months and 14 days into my transition. My first four months weren't really that hard because I was used to stretching my relaxers. I used curl formers and bantu knot outs a lot and recently, for about 5 weeks. I've had a sew in. I guess I'm just not programmed for weaves because I've had them like three times when I was relaxed and this one time transitioning; and I just don't like it. I love my scalp O_o. Any who, I'm itching to grab the shears and get to chopping but I really want to wait until my one year (Just in time to start my second semester of my sophomore year and declare my major–new year, fresh start, big girl moment)! So I'm going to try my hand at other protective styles being sure to take care of my scalp. My biggest piece advice is just to find what's right for you. My friend big chopped after maybe 4 months of transitioning, I wasn't comfortable yet–she wasn't either, but she is the type of person that needs the extra motivation and I'm not. Understand that transitioning is a process. It takes patience and gentle care. Preliminary finger combing is your best friend. Finding the right combination of products that treat both your relaxed and natural hair is absolutely necessary you might just get tired of it and want to just cut it off and that is ok too, there is no right way to go natural. JUST DO IT!
i transitionned for 5 months and 18 days, i have a 3b/3c hair, i've never relaxed my hair, but i have some serious heat damage. i plan on trimming in March and big chopping in May or June.
Tips: avoid heat cause it really damage hair and loose the curl pattern.
I'm about to be 11 months into my transition. It is not that bad…washing is time consuming though so I pushed it back to washing every 2 weeks. I make sure I deep condition with EVERY wash because my hair hates cowashing. I leave it alone for the most part and moisturize as needed.
going on 11mo transition I trim 1/2 inch every 3 weeks I'm loving my "napptural" hair I'm 18 and heading off for college soon i intend to tote along my Kinky Curly ,Cocunut Hair Conditioner and my Argan oil to rock my braidouts twistouts and straw sets I love my hair and I will NEVER again relax it with that being said the remainder of my permed hair are becoming split ends are damaged so I deep condition often. TIPS: patience ,bump some Lauryn Hill while styling lol i do and frequent youtube and blog sites for support
I planned to transition for 1 year and BC in November but I took my micro braids out 2 weeks ago and couldn't take the two textures so I BC'd after 8 months and I'm happy.
I just got through reading in Terri Laflesh's book about matting with the two textures…And how when the natural hair grows, the matting (or knots) move further down the relaxed hair. This is my problem with transitioning.
I'm 5 1/2 months into my transitions, and plan on doing it for another 18 months….or 6 months..we'ell see.
Tips: Don't let setbacks cause you to make drastic changes (BC or relaxing), if you're unsure. It's annoying dealing with duo-texture issues, but with the right textured styles, it can be fun.
13 months and about 6 inches (my mom keeps telling me to cut it lol i really should)of growth when stretched out.
advice- be patient and use this time to get to learn your hair and find staple products. dont be a product junkie and start to find a detangling routine that works best for you. Experiment but not excessively and listen to hair 🙂
Patience is key! Love your texture, read, read and read some more! Deep conditioning is essential! Co-washing is your friend! Nothing beats a hair steamer. The hair steamer was one of my best investments. It has helped me retain length (which was one of the things I really wanted), softened my new growth, and protected my relaxed ends. Jessicurl Weekly Deep conditioner worked magic for me! I also highly recommend Tressemme Naturals as a co-wash. Olive Oil deep conditioning treaments also worked wonders.
There are days when I just want to chop my relaxed ends off. I get sick of dealing with two textures, but I love this journey! Do you! You won't regret it!
I'm in month 6 of my transition. My plan is/was to transition for a full year. Lately I've been flirting with chopping in month 8 or 9. I no longer think I will bc Deep Conditioning is THE TRUTH.
Seriously, I've been reading every blog and website out there about transitioning and going natural. I had incorporated each tip into my regimen except the Deep Conditioning bc I did not have a hood dryer. Recently I purchased a Heat Therapy Wrap and I deep conditioned for the first time in years last night.
The difference is phenomenol. Hands Down. So in addition to all the great tips above about patience preserverance, being gentle, ect. you need to Deep Condition. If you've been holding out, I recommend 'stop it' and get real. Find a heat source and deep condition. It will change your transitioning experience. 🙂
I think that I'll be able to go as long as I want now, lol. Currently have a little more than 2 inches of new growth. Would like a full 4" before chopping.
I transitioned for 7 months, big chopped Saturday. I'm so happy I made the the decision to go natural, I LOVE IT!!!! The 5 biggest lessons I had to learn were to BE PATIENT(your hair takes time to grow), HAVE CONFIDENCE(your natural hair is what you make it, if you love you won't care what others say), EVERYBODY'S HAIR IS DIFFERENT(find what works for you), FIND SUPPORT(I'm only 16 but my mom and grandmom would make fun of me a lot however, my sister's natural but I don't see her that much so I read Curly Nikki a lot…a whole lot lol), and finally sometimes you have to BE YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER(stay strong and try to stick to your decision, in the end it's your hair and you have to make the best choice for YOU). Good luck transitioning!!! =)
I'm 5 months into my transition. Started transitioning with kinky twist (braids) and will continue to wear them until the humidity dies down. Ive been reading all the forums and watching vloggers share their stories. So far so good. Trying different products/oils here and there but sticking to the basics.
I am 1 year and 1 month into my transition…I say do not chop until you are ready! I still don't see myself doing the BC for a long time. I just gradually clip my ends off about every 3-5 months. Find what works for you and keep at it…stay strong!
Im about 13mo into my transition, I plan on just snipping my ends off a little at a time until I'm all natural. My style routine changes depending on how lazy I am. some weeks I'll just bun and other weeks I will do twist outs or flat TnC's. My advice would be just to go with whats working for your hair while transitioning, find what your hair likes and stick to it.
I have been transitioning since March of this year (3 months). I mostly do flexirod sets and ponytails. I am starting to notice the diffrences between the 2 textures and its kinda scaring me! When I see how much my natural hair has grown I get so happy and feel so accomplished!
As far as tips mine are to co wash regularly and oil your scalp on a regular basis also! I find that my hair gets dry easily and if I wet it and oil it, my hair will be easier to work with. Also don't rush to try every single product. use maybe two to three products at a time to see how well they work for you.
hmmmm lets see im i believe 10 months into my transition and im nowhere near done. im use to havin short hair so i wanna do the long hair thing now. i plan to cut the rest off in about another year. i use flex rods flex rods and more flex rods ohh i am startin to do straw sets. i really like those. the main thing i can say is to do it for you not because everyone else is. theres alot of people at my school *im n college* that have jump the gun n cut there hair but yet they wud get a relaxer 2 months later.
I have not had a press since Sep 2010 and have omitted relaxers since 2007. My advice is to do your research.It is great that many ppl have chosen to go natural but I think it is more important to know HOW to do it; how to apply products, what ingriedients are beneficial and how to apply the products are vital. And do not feel, that you are not "as good" as those who are 100% natural because we are all trying to achieve the same goal; natural, healthy hair. Also, DONT JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON, just because there are many reviews on a certain product does not mean it will work wonders for you.
My advice is that if you want to transition for along time, look up bloggers and Youtubers who are doing the same. If you want to BC, look at ladies with TWAs. For me, to see people who are doing the same I am in real life and online, helps to inspire me to continue.
I have been transitioning since December 2010. My advice for anyone, transitioners and relaxed gilrs alike, is to try your best not to comb your hair in its dry state. On wash days, fill a spray bottle with purified water and add a few drops of your favorite creamy conditioner, finger part your hair into small sections, dampen, and enjoy easier combing and less breakage.
I have been transitioning since January of 2010 and I am just about ready to do the big chop. It pains me because, I didnt do the big chop at first with hopes of growing my natural hair out to a nice length but it seems that my hair has been heat damaged, yet I don't own a real flat iron and the only time that I have always gone to the salon to get it pressed out. I am in the process of exploring natural salons to get the big chop! It has come to be a little too much for me…
-Brittney
I forgot to mention that you must be very patient throughout this process and especially when doing your hair. Also keep in mind that simplicity will get you far because less is more. So try to avoid excessive manipulation because it will only lead to excessive breakage. It is a tedious process but it's not as complicated once you take the time to understand your hair and figure out what works for you. I personally believe that the longer you transition the more you understand your hair which makes the process a little easier for you and rewarding in the long run because if you are disciplined and patient enough to deal with the tedious process of transitioning hair then taking care of your natural hair should be a breeze.
The transitioning process has also taught me patience and believe me I had none before my hair journey thats why I relaxed in the first place.
I am 13 months into my transition and still in love with flexi sets! My stylist (who is natural) has given me two mini chops, one after straightening…So, I have 1-2 inches of relaxed hair in the front/crown only…
I have a ton of low porosity/protein-sensitive hair, plus it is high humidity/high dew points in Chicago at present. Currently using:
— Kinky Curly Come Clean (poo)
— Aussie Moist or Curl Junkie Curl Rehab (detangle with Quidad or Jilbere comb then don a plastic cap while doing other things in the shower)
— Flexi rod set on blue rods with Curl Junkie Beauticurls Leave-In (no protein/no glycerin), CJ Curl Queen (no protein, has glycerin) for hold, CJ Curls in a Bottle to finish (no protein, no glycerin)
This past Sunday, 5-6 older brothers were holdin' court outside of a Starbucks. On my way out one said "Hey lil' mama, love that afro." Made my day!
Plan on final chop at 18 months, but we'll see. Good luck to all my fellow transitioners (and naturals)!
One thing I would say is to be veeerrryyyy careful handling the area where the permed and natural hair meet. It's more likely to break. I suffered a lot of breakage here and wish I knew better when I started growing out my hair. You live and you learn though! Onward and upward!
I am 13 months into my transition. I think what has helped me a lot is to not think about how long I've been transitioning so much – just take one day at a time. I always make sure that I wash my hair at least once a week and I use a leave-in. I am constantly moisturizing. I also wear it in a bun quite often. Pretty earrings make me happy! LOL. I would also advise those transitioning not to let anyone push them into a big chop. Do it if you want to but not because of what others think and say. It's your journey.
Going on 9 months!
I had a lot of over processed –damaged ends so I have resorted to getting trims pretty often. I think all of the processed bad hair is off so I will forgo trims until December when I get the rest of the relaxed hair off. I only have about an 1.5 inches left before I BC!! I experiment with some of everything because for one, I have found an obsession in buying hair products but two, I have slowly began to find what works for me.
My advice to other transition-ers or future transition-ers is to be patient with your hair. It goes through ups and downs but just take pride in your mane and experiment with hairstyles and accessories…I use unruly hair days to throw in a flower or a headband.
I am proud to mention that my two sister are going natural as well! They are in their 7th and 8th months!
All in all, I never regret my decision to stop getting relaxers and the support I have found on the web and my other natural friends has been very valuable in helping me get to 9 months. Good luck ladies!
i dont know my dates – but here's what i know – the sooner you dont have to deal with 2 textures the better. in my case the 2 dont coexist. i was holding on to the warped belief that i needed to be able to do a ponytail, but once i cut it off it was so much easier to deal with and i could do a ponytail (a short poufy one). in the interim, updos are my friend and i have to moisturize religiously. all that being said, i wouldnt change it for the world.
It's been 35 months since my last relaxer, next month will be 3 years of transitioning.
It is important to know that good products alone will not make your hair thrive. It's the combination of both proper hair care techniques and nourishing products that will make your hair flourish.
The way you wash and detangle your hair is the most important part of transitioning, especially if you want to have a successful and long transition. You MUST be EXTREMELY gentle while doing so. I highly suggest washing and detangling your hair in small/medium size sections. Also, make sure to use a conditioner that makes your hair feel very slippery like seaweed. That slippery feeling allows the comb to be able to glide through the hair making detangling A LOT easier.
Always moisturize and seal with a heavy butter or oil. Never allow your hair especially the new growth to feel dry brittle or matted. Dryness=breakage.
Reading these comments has given me new found courage and strength. This is truly emotional for me. I am not a person used to dealing with my hair. I was thinking of relaxing my hair. This is my second attempt at trying to go natural and I have been transitioning for 10 months now. The two textures are frustrating therefore I get my hair double strand flat twisted by a natural hair stylist or I wear flexi rods. I try not to use a lot of heat in my hair. I've had my hair blown out twice but the flat iron and a straigthing comb was used and that was just too much heat for me. Wish me luck. This truly is a journey of self love and self worth. I have used the shea moisture products and castor oil on my hair but because it's twisted up or styled most of the time I'm not too sure as to how the products fair in my hair.
The hair from the nape of my neck to about the middle of my head is completely natural. The hair from my front hair line back to the middle of my head is half natural half relaxed.
I don't know how the heck the happened!I'm scared that if I cut the remaining relaxer off I will have some wierd mullet like hair cut! And there's no way I'm cutting the back any shorter.
I've been using Shea Moisture for the past year and have no plans to change products.
I am 19 months into my transition and I plan to cut the remaining permed ends at 24 months, which will be in November of this year. Words of wisdom? Learn to love your hair. Don't try to make it into something it isn't. Be patient.
I'm 13 months, 1 week into my transition (my last relaxer was May 2010). While it can be challenging at times, I must admit loving the journey. Thus, I recommend learning to love the journey with the good and bad that come with it.
Also, I recommend the following:
1. No heat until at least one year into your transition (if you're a long-termer like me).
2. Use the no to low-poo method. I use shampoo maybe once a month; otherwise, I cowash once or twice a week. Conditioner is your friend.
3. Use natural oils (e.g. coconut, avocado, EVOO).
4. Be gentle and patient with your hair.
5. If you find what works for you, stick to it. Product junkyism is a real dilemma! It's not a joke, lol.
I'm a long-termer by the way. I'm transitioning for two years, at least.
I've been into my transition for about 6 months. Last relaxer was in January '11. I haven't applied any heat or chemicals to my hair since my last relaxer and the results have been great!
I plan on transitioning for about 24 months (I have BSL hair, so I'm in it for the long run). Lately, I've been using Shea Moisture products, and Kinky Curly's Knot Today Leave-in conditioner. The combination works great – I also highly recommend using natural oils (such as coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, etc.) as a sealant, or creating your own Shea butter cream for extra moisture during the dry and humid months.
Advice? Learn the ins and outs of your hair. Be gentle, be patient and have fun through out the journey!
wow I read all the comments before and they are also so different. attesting to the fact that we are different. I have been transitioning since my last perm which was around december 14, 2010. So omg I am 6 months now. I guess im fortunate… sometimes i cant handle the two textures but I don't like the idea of having a tiny afro even though I have cut my hair short before (halle berry due).
I said i was fortunate cause I have my sister who is really good at braiding and flat twisting ( she can do all those hairstyles ppl be posting on youtube) I guess the biggest advice i will give is combatting dryness. I haven't combatted it yet ( lol) but i feel like thats the biggest hurdle that one has to deal with while transitioning. Like yu can make up any style with the two textures i.e twist it up, pin it up etc but dryness is so annoying!
I am 17 years old and have been transitioning for about 10 months! I plan on chopping off my relaxed ends in the beginning of July to get used to my hair before college!
Rather than getting used to my new hair texture, I've been getting my hair straightened at the salon every 4 weeks. I know it may be creating damage, but I haven't seen any so far once I wash my own hair, thank goodness. My mom makes me get it straightened so I had no choice. Kind of a "my child, my hair" type deal (lol).
But now that it's summertime I've just been doing wash and go's and twistouts/braidouts which work best for me. And although half my hair is still permed, it curls up too…is that a form of heat damage?
Anyway, my words of wisdom for those who still straighten their hair is get it professionally done with someone who knows your hair well! My stylist knew my hair texture before it was permed so she knows what's best for me and has been suggesting hair products, etc. Also be patient and stay true to you even if friends or family are against your transitioning. Feel comfortable in your own hair; work it! 🙂
I am one year into my transition and I have loved every minute of it!!! I plan to bc this year on my birthday in December which will be 18 months of transitioning. My sister says I'm a trip because I'm always so excited when I talk about my hair. She has been natural for 4yrs and she said the way that I talk about my hair makes her want to transition all over again….LOL. My advice to fellow transitioners… Remember that confidence is key!!!
My last perm was Feb 2011 and last time curling iron touched my hair was May 2011. For the last 2 weeks, I have been wearing cornrows for medical reasons, which is part of the reason why I decided to return to natural. I am still learning about products and techniques.
I am currently using Shea Moisture products to start this journey. It smells so good.
I don't have any words of wisdom about how to care for natural hair because I am newbie. I really don't know what works and doesn't work. Everything I read all points to moisture.
I have been transitioning for 12 months thus far 🙂 this journey has been a labor of love, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
My advice is:
* Be patient
* March to the beat of your own drum! Never let the thoughts, snide remarks, or opinions of others sway you (this includes family, friends, obnoxious co-workers, tae kwon do classmates, etc)
* Look at your new growth and SMILE! God made you in his image, and it's one of beauty!
* Get to know your hair needs!
* Try different things, but when you get a regiment that works for you, stick with it.
* Try different styles, and get a sister friend to help experiment with you if you are style challenged 🙂
Braids braids and more braids !! I wanted to big chop but my boyfriend was not having it so we compromised since I was not going to be flat irioning my hair everyday to braids !!! I must say you still need to care do you hair and scalp I treat my braids like I would my hair : shampoo, deep condition, moisterize ect… I also make sure the braider does not put to much tension… I have been transitioning since sep09 and plan to big chop in jan 2012 🙂 my curly hair does shrink about 60% of it's lent so I need to wait till it gets to shoulder lent in it's dry state.. 🙁 My advice be patient with your hair and with yourself… focus on learning techniques such as how to condition and keep moister in you strands and style and try not to compare you hair to other curlies !!! You are unique and so is your hair
Currently transitioning for the past year and six months. I think I'm ready to do the big chop this fall. This is my fourth time around because, I let my family awful perspectives get to me, and which caused me to go back relaxing during high school >.<
So, if you have any negativity around you causing you discouragement you have to stay strong and stand by it. This is what you want to do.
Also, always stay informed. Had no clue what to do with my hair during the fist three times. I had so much heat damage and breakage because of ignorance :
I've been transitioning for 6 months and it hasn't been easy but youtube videos and blogs have helped tremendously. Honestly, my best advice would be to straighten your hair once in a while. I know the no heat movement is important to some but I felt my strands sing Hallelujah when I would pull the comb through them without a snag. My hair isn't long enough to do protective styles like box braids so occasional straightening(maybe every other month) does wonders for me.
My last relaxer was in July of 2009 23 months NO RELAXER!!!!!! 🙂 I have yet to big chop but most of my permed hair is already gone anyways… only about 1 inch is left so im going to cut that in Aug.! I have been wearing my hair in two strand twists, and twist outs mostly. I have been using Shea Moisture!! GREAT PRODUCT!!!! My advice to other tranitioners is transition as long as you need to. dont let anyone tell you that you are not brave because you did not big chop. When you are ready to cut it you will… its your hair! Have fun!
Last relaxer was in July 2010. I plan to big chop TODAY! June 15 2011.I only have about 2.5 inches left of relaxer and it's going today! My stable styles were flat twists, and bantu knots. I had started with shoulder length hair, and I'm almost completly natural.
i am still trying to find products that work for me, experimenting with different conditioners, shampoos, and stylers so that my hair doesn't become accustomed to one type of product so it doesn't get tired of it.
My advice to other transitioners would be experiment and enjoy the journey. Playing with your hair to find a style you like is the fun part! I'm being liberated today!
My last relaxer was in January. The last time I put any heat on my hair was in March. What's been getting me through since March have been twist-n-curls and braid-n-curls, or just plain ol' flexi rod outs. I plan to transition for as long as possible. I started with shoulder-length hair, and I have about two inches of new growth now.
In March, I switched to the Shea Moisture line of products, and it's been doing my hair well. I wash with the coconut milk & hibiscus shampoo, use a hair oil after that, rinse out the oil then put in the coconut milk & hibiscus leave-in conditioner. I style my hair in the above mentioned styles using the curly smoothie by Shea Moisture. My hair has been looking full and healthy, and I love it!
I make 4 months tomorrow. I plan on chopping on 8/16/2012 exactly 18 months. I'm not sure if it is becuase I'm so early into the transition but I'm loving it. I love the way my curls look, how much healthier the hair is. I have thought about transitioning for a few years but always got discouraged. I really wish I would have dont it much sooner. My advice is just be patient b/c it will be worth it in the long run. GOOD LUCK
I am currently 1 year 2mths and 19 days into my not-really-sure-how-long-its-going-to-be transition!! I have no idea how I made it this long, but I have!!! I just put senegalese/micro twist in my hair for the summer!! Maybe I will BC after I take them out??
I've been transitioning for 14 months strong. All I can say is KEEP HOPE ALIVE LOL. I have no idea what to do with my hair now that it's starting to get extremely humid. My braidouts are not lasting. I need to experiment with some new products. Suggestions?
I'm 5 months and 14 days into my transition. My first four months weren't really that hard because I was used to stretching my relaxers. I used curl formers and bantu knot outs a lot and recently, for about 5 weeks. I've had a sew in. I guess I'm just not programmed for weaves because I've had them like three times when I was relaxed and this one time transitioning; and I just don't like it. I love my scalp O_o. Any who, I'm itching to grab the shears and get to chopping but I really want to wait until my one year (Just in time to start my second semester of my sophomore year and declare my major–new year, fresh start, big girl moment)! So I'm going to try my hand at other protective styles being sure to take care of my scalp. My biggest piece advice is just to find what's right for you. My friend big chopped after maybe 4 months of transitioning, I wasn't comfortable yet–she wasn't either, but she is the type of person that needs the extra motivation and I'm not. Understand that transitioning is a process. It takes patience and gentle care. Preliminary finger combing is your best friend. Finding the right combination of products that treat both your relaxed and natural hair is absolutely necessary you might just get tired of it and want to just cut it off and that is ok too, there is no right way to go natural. JUST DO IT!
i transitionned for 5 months and 18 days, i have a 3b/3c hair, i've never relaxed my hair, but i have some serious heat damage. i plan on trimming in March and big chopping in May or June.
Tips: avoid heat cause it really damage hair and loose the curl pattern.
I'm about to be 11 months into my transition. It is not that bad…washing is time consuming though so I pushed it back to washing every 2 weeks. I make sure I deep condition with EVERY wash because my hair hates cowashing. I leave it alone for the most part and moisturize as needed.
going on 11mo transition I trim 1/2 inch every 3 weeks I'm loving my "napptural" hair I'm 18 and heading off for college soon i intend to tote along my Kinky Curly ,Cocunut Hair Conditioner and my Argan oil to rock my braidouts twistouts and straw sets I love my hair and I will NEVER again relax it with that being said the remainder of my permed hair are becoming split ends are damaged so I deep condition often. TIPS: patience ,bump some Lauryn Hill while styling lol i do and frequent youtube and blog sites for support
I planned to transition for 1 year and BC in November but I took my micro braids out 2 weeks ago and couldn't take the two textures so I BC'd after 8 months and I'm happy.
I just got through reading in Terri Laflesh's book about matting with the two textures…And how when the natural hair grows, the matting (or knots) move further down the relaxed hair. This is my problem with transitioning.
I'm 5 1/2 months into my transitions, and plan on doing it for another 18 months….or 6 months..we'ell see.
Tips: Don't let setbacks cause you to make drastic changes (BC or relaxing), if you're unsure. It's annoying dealing with duo-texture issues, but with the right textured styles, it can be fun.
13 months and about 6 inches (my mom keeps telling me to cut it lol i really should)of growth when stretched out.
advice- be patient and use this time to get to learn your hair and find staple products. dont be a product junkie and start to find a detangling routine that works best for you. Experiment but not excessively and listen to hair 🙂
Patience is key! Love your texture, read, read and read some more! Deep conditioning is essential! Co-washing is your friend! Nothing beats a hair steamer. The hair steamer was one of my best investments. It has helped me retain length (which was one of the things I really wanted), softened my new growth, and protected my relaxed ends. Jessicurl Weekly Deep conditioner worked magic for me! I also highly recommend Tressemme Naturals as a co-wash. Olive Oil deep conditioning treaments also worked wonders.
There are days when I just want to chop my relaxed ends off. I get sick of dealing with two textures, but I love this journey! Do you! You won't regret it!
I'm in month 6 of my transition. My plan is/was to transition for a full year. Lately I've been flirting with chopping in month 8 or 9. I no longer think I will bc Deep Conditioning is THE TRUTH.
Seriously, I've been reading every blog and website out there about transitioning and going natural. I had incorporated each tip into my regimen except the Deep Conditioning bc I did not have a hood dryer. Recently I purchased a Heat Therapy Wrap and I deep conditioned for the first time in years last night.
The difference is phenomenol. Hands Down. So in addition to all the great tips above about patience preserverance, being gentle, ect. you need to Deep Condition. If you've been holding out, I recommend 'stop it' and get real. Find a heat source and deep condition. It will change your transitioning experience. 🙂
I think that I'll be able to go as long as I want now, lol. Currently have a little more than 2 inches of new growth. Would like a full 4" before chopping.
How come yall are transitioning for so long……..?
(just curious)
I transitioned for 7 months, big chopped Saturday. I'm so happy I made the the decision to go natural, I LOVE IT!!!! The 5 biggest lessons I had to learn were to BE PATIENT(your hair takes time to grow), HAVE CONFIDENCE(your natural hair is what you make it, if you love you won't care what others say), EVERYBODY'S HAIR IS DIFFERENT(find what works for you), FIND SUPPORT(I'm only 16 but my mom and grandmom would make fun of me a lot however, my sister's natural but I don't see her that much so I read Curly Nikki a lot…a whole lot lol), and finally sometimes you have to BE YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER(stay strong and try to stick to your decision, in the end it's your hair and you have to make the best choice for YOU). Good luck transitioning!!! =)
I'm 5 months into my transition. Started transitioning with kinky twist (braids) and will continue to wear them until the humidity dies down. Ive been reading all the forums and watching vloggers share their stories. So far so good. Trying different products/oils here and there but sticking to the basics.
I am 1 year and 1 month into my transition…I say do not chop until you are ready! I still don't see myself doing the BC for a long time. I just gradually clip my ends off about every 3-5 months. Find what works for you and keep at it…stay strong!
Im about 13mo into my transition, I plan on just snipping my ends off a little at a time until I'm all natural. My style routine changes depending on how lazy I am. some weeks I'll just bun and other weeks I will do twist outs or flat TnC's. My advice would be just to go with whats working for your hair while transitioning, find what your hair likes and stick to it.
10 months, 1 week, and 1 day according to my ticker. I'm trying to hold out until Dec, but the 1 year mark might just be it.
Words of wisdom? Aubrey's Organics White Camelia Conditioner and Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp conditioner: get some.
I have been transitioning since March of this year (3 months). I mostly do flexirod sets and ponytails. I am starting to notice the diffrences between the 2 textures and its kinda scaring me! When I see how much my natural hair has grown I get so happy and feel so accomplished!
As far as tips mine are to co wash regularly and oil your scalp on a regular basis also! I find that my hair gets dry easily and if I wet it and oil it, my hair will be easier to work with. Also don't rush to try every single product. use maybe two to three products at a time to see how well they work for you.
hmmmm lets see im i believe 10 months into my transition and im nowhere near done. im use to havin short hair so i wanna do the long hair thing now. i plan to cut the rest off in about another year. i use flex rods flex rods and more flex rods ohh i am startin to do straw sets. i really like those. the main thing i can say is to do it for you not because everyone else is. theres alot of people at my school *im n college* that have jump the gun n cut there hair but yet they wud get a relaxer 2 months later.
I have not had a press since Sep 2010 and have omitted relaxers since 2007. My advice is to do your research.It is great that many ppl have chosen to go natural but I think it is more important to know HOW to do it; how to apply products, what ingriedients are beneficial and how to apply the products are vital. And do not feel, that you are not "as good" as those who are 100% natural because we are all trying to achieve the same goal; natural, healthy hair. Also, DONT JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON, just because there are many reviews on a certain product does not mean it will work wonders for you.
I'm only 5 months in and ready to BC.
My advice is that if you want to transition for along time, look up bloggers and Youtubers who are doing the same. If you want to BC, look at ladies with TWAs. For me, to see people who are doing the same I am in real life and online, helps to inspire me to continue.
I have been transitioning since December 2010. My advice for anyone, transitioners and relaxed gilrs alike, is to try your best not to comb your hair in its dry state. On wash days, fill a spray bottle with purified water and add a few drops of your favorite creamy conditioner, finger part your hair into small sections, dampen, and enjoy easier combing and less breakage.
I have been transitioning since January of 2010 and I am just about ready to do the big chop. It pains me because, I didnt do the big chop at first with hopes of growing my natural hair out to a nice length but it seems that my hair has been heat damaged, yet I don't own a real flat iron and the only time that I have always gone to the salon to get it pressed out. I am in the process of exploring natural salons to get the big chop! It has come to be a little too much for me…
-Brittney
I forgot to mention that you must be very patient throughout this process and especially when doing your hair. Also keep in mind that simplicity will get you far because less is more. So try to avoid excessive manipulation because it will only lead to excessive breakage. It is a tedious process but it's not as complicated once you take the time to understand your hair and figure out what works for you. I personally believe that the longer you transition the more you understand your hair which makes the process a little easier for you and rewarding in the long run because if you are disciplined and patient enough to deal with the tedious process of transitioning hair then taking care of your natural hair should be a breeze.
The transitioning process has also taught me patience and believe me I had none before my hair journey thats why I relaxed in the first place.
I am 13 months into my transition and still in love with flexi sets! My stylist (who is natural) has given me two mini chops, one after straightening…So, I have 1-2 inches of relaxed hair in the front/crown only…
I have a ton of low porosity/protein-sensitive hair, plus it is high humidity/high dew points in Chicago at present. Currently using:
— Kinky Curly Come Clean (poo)
— Aussie Moist or Curl Junkie Curl Rehab (detangle with Quidad or Jilbere comb then don a plastic cap while doing other things in the shower)
— Flexi rod set on blue rods with Curl Junkie Beauticurls Leave-In (no protein/no glycerin), CJ Curl Queen (no protein, has glycerin) for hold, CJ Curls in a Bottle to finish (no protein, no glycerin)
This past Sunday, 5-6 older brothers were holdin' court outside of a Starbucks. On my way out one said "Hey lil' mama, love that afro." Made my day!
Plan on final chop at 18 months, but we'll see. Good luck to all my fellow transitioners (and naturals)!
I'm 15 months in and still learning everyday.
One thing I would say is to be veeerrryyyy careful handling the area where the permed and natural hair meet. It's more likely to break. I suffered a lot of breakage here and wish I knew better when I started growing out my hair. You live and you learn though! Onward and upward!
I am 13 months into my transition. I think what has helped me a lot is to not think about how long I've been transitioning so much – just take one day at a time. I always make sure that I wash my hair at least once a week and I use a leave-in. I am constantly moisturizing. I also wear it in a bun quite often. Pretty earrings make me happy! LOL. I would also advise those transitioning not to let anyone push them into a big chop. Do it if you want to but not because of what others think and say. It's your journey.
Going on 9 months!
I had a lot of over processed –damaged ends so I have resorted to getting trims pretty often. I think all of the processed bad hair is off so I will forgo trims until December when I get the rest of the relaxed hair off. I only have about an 1.5 inches left before I BC!! I experiment with some of everything because for one, I have found an obsession in buying hair products but two, I have slowly began to find what works for me.
My advice to other transition-ers or future transition-ers is to be patient with your hair. It goes through ups and downs but just take pride in your mane and experiment with hairstyles and accessories…I use unruly hair days to throw in a flower or a headband.
I am proud to mention that my two sister are going natural as well! They are in their 7th and 8th months!
All in all, I never regret my decision to stop getting relaxers and the support I have found on the web and my other natural friends has been very valuable in helping me get to 9 months. Good luck ladies!
i dont know my dates – but here's what i know – the sooner you dont have to deal with 2 textures the better. in my case the 2 dont coexist. i was holding on to the warped belief that i needed to be able to do a ponytail, but once i cut it off it was so much easier to deal with and i could do a ponytail (a short poufy one). in the interim, updos are my friend and i have to moisturize religiously. all that being said, i wouldnt change it for the world.
It's been 35 months since my last relaxer, next month will be 3 years of transitioning.
It is important to know that good products alone will not make your hair thrive. It's the combination of both proper hair care techniques and nourishing products that will make your hair flourish.
The way you wash and detangle your hair is the most important part of transitioning, especially if you want to have a successful and long transition. You MUST be EXTREMELY gentle while doing so. I highly suggest washing and detangling your hair in small/medium size sections. Also, make sure to use a conditioner that makes your hair feel very slippery like seaweed. That slippery feeling allows the comb to be able to glide through the hair making detangling A LOT easier.
Always moisturize and seal with a heavy butter or oil. Never allow your hair especially the new growth to feel dry brittle or matted. Dryness=breakage.
Reading these comments has given me new found courage and strength. This is truly emotional for me. I am not a person used to dealing with my hair. I was thinking of relaxing my hair. This is my second attempt at trying to go natural and I have been transitioning for 10 months now. The two textures are frustrating therefore I get my hair double strand flat twisted by a natural hair stylist or I wear flexi rods. I try not to use a lot of heat in my hair. I've had my hair blown out twice but the flat iron and a straigthing comb was used and that was just too much heat for me. Wish me luck. This truly is a journey of self love and self worth. I have used the shea moisture products and castor oil on my hair but because it's twisted up or styled most of the time I'm not too sure as to how the products fair in my hair.
I'm 20 months into my transition.
The hair from the nape of my neck to about the middle of my head is completely natural. The hair from my front hair line back to the middle of my head is half natural half relaxed.
I don't know how the heck the happened!I'm scared that if I cut the remaining relaxer off I will have some wierd mullet like hair cut! And there's no way I'm cutting the back any shorter.
I've been using Shea Moisture for the past year and have no plans to change products.
Just passed the 1 year of transitioning mark. Advice – Experiment! Learn your hair! And if a style goes bad, buns are your friend!
I am 19 months into my transition and I plan to cut the remaining permed ends at 24 months, which will be in November of this year. Words of wisdom? Learn to love your hair. Don't try to make it into something it isn't. Be patient.
I'm 13 months, 1 week into my transition (my last relaxer was May 2010). While it can be challenging at times, I must admit loving the journey. Thus, I recommend learning to love the journey with the good and bad that come with it.
Also, I recommend the following:
1. No heat until at least one year into your transition (if you're a long-termer like me).
2. Use the no to low-poo method. I use shampoo maybe once a month; otherwise, I cowash once or twice a week. Conditioner is your friend.
3. Use natural oils (e.g. coconut, avocado, EVOO).
4. Be gentle and patient with your hair.
5. If you find what works for you, stick to it. Product junkyism is a real dilemma! It's not a joke, lol.
I'm a long-termer by the way. I'm transitioning for two years, at least.
10 months and 2 weeks
Hello fellow transition-ers!
I've been into my transition for about 6 months. Last relaxer was in January '11. I haven't applied any heat or chemicals to my hair since my last relaxer and the results have been great!
I plan on transitioning for about 24 months (I have BSL hair, so I'm in it for the long run). Lately, I've been using Shea Moisture products, and Kinky Curly's Knot Today Leave-in conditioner. The combination works great – I also highly recommend using natural oils (such as coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, etc.) as a sealant, or creating your own Shea butter cream for extra moisture during the dry and humid months.
Advice? Learn the ins and outs of your hair. Be gentle, be patient and have fun through out the journey!
Peace,
Camille / visionvintage.tumblr.com
wow I read all the comments before and they are also so different. attesting to the fact that we are different. I have been transitioning since my last perm which was around december 14, 2010. So omg I am 6 months now. I guess im fortunate… sometimes i cant handle the two textures but I don't like the idea of having a tiny afro even though I have cut my hair short before (halle berry due).
I said i was fortunate cause I have my sister who is really good at braiding and flat twisting ( she can do all those hairstyles ppl be posting on youtube) I guess the biggest advice i will give is combatting dryness. I haven't combatted it yet ( lol) but i feel like thats the biggest hurdle that one has to deal with while transitioning. Like yu can make up any style with the two textures i.e twist it up, pin it up etc but dryness is so annoying!
Hi everyone!
I am 17 years old and have been transitioning for about 10 months! I plan on chopping off my relaxed ends in the beginning of July to get used to my hair before college!
Rather than getting used to my new hair texture, I've been getting my hair straightened at the salon every 4 weeks. I know it may be creating damage, but I haven't seen any so far once I wash my own hair, thank goodness. My mom makes me get it straightened so I had no choice. Kind of a "my child, my hair" type deal (lol).
But now that it's summertime I've just been doing wash and go's and twistouts/braidouts which work best for me. And although half my hair is still permed, it curls up too…is that a form of heat damage?
Anyway, my words of wisdom for those who still straighten their hair is get it professionally done with someone who knows your hair well! My stylist knew my hair texture before it was permed so she knows what's best for me and has been suggesting hair products, etc. Also be patient and stay true to you even if friends or family are against your transitioning. Feel comfortable in your own hair; work it! 🙂
I am one year into my transition and I have loved every minute of it!!! I plan to bc this year on my birthday in December which will be 18 months of transitioning. My sister says I'm a trip because I'm always so excited when I talk about my hair. She has been natural for 4yrs and she said the way that I talk about my hair makes her want to transition all over again….LOL. My advice to fellow transitioners… Remember that confidence is key!!!
My last perm was Feb 2011 and last time curling iron touched my hair was May 2011. For the last 2 weeks, I have been wearing cornrows for medical reasons, which is part of the reason why I decided to return to natural. I am still learning about products and techniques.
I am currently using Shea Moisture products to start this journey. It smells so good.
I don't have any words of wisdom about how to care for natural hair because I am newbie. I really don't know what works and doesn't work. Everything I read all points to moisture.
Hello Goddesses!
I have been transitioning for 12 months thus far 🙂 this journey has been a labor of love, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
My advice is:
* Be patient
* March to the beat of your own drum! Never let the thoughts, snide remarks, or opinions of others sway you (this includes family, friends, obnoxious co-workers, tae kwon do classmates, etc)
* Look at your new growth and SMILE! God made you in his image, and it's one of beauty!
* Get to know your hair needs!
* Try different things, but when you get a regiment that works for you, stick with it.
* Try different styles, and get a sister friend to help experiment with you if you are style challenged 🙂
Braids braids and more braids !! I wanted to big chop but my boyfriend was not having it so we compromised since I was not going to be flat irioning my hair everyday to braids !!! I must say you still need to care do you hair and scalp I treat my braids like I would my hair : shampoo, deep condition, moisterize ect… I also make sure the braider does not put to much tension… I have been transitioning since sep09 and plan to big chop in jan 2012 🙂 my curly hair does shrink about 60% of it's lent so I need to wait till it gets to shoulder lent in it's dry state.. 🙁 My advice be patient with your hair and with yourself… focus on learning techniques such as how to condition and keep moister in you strands and style and try not to compare you hair to other curlies !!! You are unique and so is your hair
Currently transitioning for the past year and six months. I think I'm ready to do the big chop this fall. This is my fourth time around because, I let my family awful perspectives get to me, and which caused me to go back relaxing during high school >.<
So, if you have any negativity around you causing you discouragement you have to stay strong and stand by it. This is what you want to do.
Also, always stay informed. Had no clue what to do with my hair during the fist three times. I had so much heat damage and breakage because of ignorance :
Good luck! Stay informed and encouraged ^__^
I've been transitioning for 6 months and it hasn't been easy but youtube videos and blogs have helped tremendously. Honestly, my best advice would be to straighten your hair once in a while. I know the no heat movement is important to some but I felt my strands sing Hallelujah when I would pull the comb through them without a snag. My hair isn't long enough to do protective styles like box braids so occasional straightening(maybe every other month) does wonders for me.
My last relaxer was in July of 2009 23 months NO RELAXER!!!!!! 🙂 I have yet to big chop but most of my permed hair is already gone anyways… only about 1 inch is left so im going to cut that in Aug.! I have been wearing my hair in two strand twists, and twist outs mostly. I have been using Shea Moisture!! GREAT PRODUCT!!!! My advice to other tranitioners is transition as long as you need to. dont let anyone tell you that you are not brave because you did not big chop. When you are ready to cut it you will… its your hair! Have fun!
Last relaxer was in July 2010. I plan to big chop TODAY! June 15 2011.I only have about 2.5 inches left of relaxer and it's going today! My stable styles were flat twists, and bantu knots. I had started with shoulder length hair, and I'm almost completly natural.
i am still trying to find products that work for me, experimenting with different conditioners, shampoos, and stylers so that my hair doesn't become accustomed to one type of product so it doesn't get tired of it.
My advice to other transitioners would be experiment and enjoy the journey. Playing with your hair to find a style you like is the fun part! I'm being liberated today!
My last relaxer was in January. The last time I put any heat on my hair was in March. What's been getting me through since March have been twist-n-curls and braid-n-curls, or just plain ol' flexi rod outs. I plan to transition for as long as possible. I started with shoulder-length hair, and I have about two inches of new growth now.
In March, I switched to the Shea Moisture line of products, and it's been doing my hair well. I wash with the coconut milk & hibiscus shampoo, use a hair oil after that, rinse out the oil then put in the coconut milk & hibiscus leave-in conditioner. I style my hair in the above mentioned styles using the curly smoothie by Shea Moisture. My hair has been looking full and healthy, and I love it!
I make 4 months tomorrow. I plan on chopping on 8/16/2012 exactly 18 months. I'm not sure if it is becuase I'm so early into the transition but I'm loving it. I love the way my curls look, how much healthier the hair is. I have thought about transitioning for a few years but always got discouraged. I really wish I would have dont it much sooner. My advice is just be patient b/c it will be worth it in the long run. GOOD LUCK
I am currently 1 year 2mths and 19 days into my not-really-sure-how-long-its-going-to-be transition!! I have no idea how I made it this long, but I have!!! I just put senegalese/micro twist in my hair for the summer!! Maybe I will BC after I take them out??
I've been transitioning for 14 months strong. All I can say is KEEP HOPE ALIVE LOL. I have no idea what to do with my hair now that it's starting to get extremely humid. My braidouts are not lasting. I need to experiment with some new products. Suggestions?
Transitioned for 5 months, just big chopped last Wednesday…and I'm still happy I did it 🙂