Rachel, a long term transitioner featureKinkyManny (not pictured) writes;
Everyone is doing a BC!! I feel alone at this moment because I don’t see any advice for long term transitioners!! I’m four months in and I wanted to wait a while before the BC. I’m totally out of styles and I’m thinking about getting Senegalese Twists. Did anyone else transition for a long time or is anyone on the same boat as me?
CN Says;
When I asked y’all for suggestions for the site, I received a ton of requests for more long term transitioner interviews. Where y’all at?!
Sound off!
Are (were) you a long term transitioner?
Any advice (regimens, products, techniques, etc.) for the ladies going through it?
**To see the forum responses to this question, click HERE**
I've been transitioning for a 1yr / 8mths and I'm trying to patiently do the long-term transitioning but I will be honest. Its hard! Matter fact, last night I was doing corkscrews (thats when you put a lot of leave-in conditioner or any hair product that gives good slip with a lil' oil and twist around your finger. They look like lil' shirley temple curls. I call it corkscrews. Im not sure of the actually name for it) and I think I have a good…I would say 4-5in. of new growth in the front & back of my head (the middle is all natural. I did a half-weave during my b-day so only the front & back is still relaxed, which is why I said 1yr/ 8mths). Anyhoo, as I'm doing the corkscrew the curls would come out perfect at the roots but then my ends would look like a spider's leg. (I don't advise this)—-> I was very annoyed at the way it was looking & I didn't want to bantu knot them so out of sheer (<–haha) frustration I cut them off (in the back. I did cut a few on the side -_____-. But not the front. I wasn't sure if a natural bang would be smart). Did I feel better? Yes! Was it stupid & impulsive? Yes & Yes! Cause now certain parts of my head is uneven; thus, giving me more work to find styles to hide it. The moral of this story: PATIENCE IS KEY!
Telion, I'm 9 months in as well and plan to transition for 2 yrs, maybe three. I have 10" relaxed hair and 3" of new growth. A tip for you: keep a hair journal to track your progress, and write down all your gripes and frustrations with dealing with the multiple textures. It helps me a LOT!!
I'm 9 months in right now and it's been difficult for the last three. More and more I contemplate cutting my relaxed ends off, and balk at the thought in the end. I'm already impatient, so I know I'd be worse if I BC'ed now. I'm aiming for a 2 year transition, so I've still got fully 15 months left to go! When I look at it that way it seems like so long, but I'm truly enjoying the process of growing my hair with full growth retention!
Man, this was needed! It's very encouraging to read everyone's experience. I was starting to feel alone too! I've only been transitioning for 5 months. I don't straighten or use direct heat at all (only hair dyers). I trim my ends in twists. Since my hair is curly the majority of the time, I'm not too concerned with it being even.
My go-to style is a flat twist out(ends were curled with rollers). I pull it back to look like a big curly bun.
Products I can't do without are: Herbal Esscense Hello Hydration (the only way I can detangle), Chi Keratin Mist (when my hair needs more protein), and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (like butta baby!)
I transitioned for a little over a year and by that time I only had about 2 inches or so of relaxed hair to chop off for my BC. During that year like many other ladies that have commented already I transitioned with weave. I always had a sew-in in my head and it helped my hair grow faster without the wear and tear of daily manipulation to my own hair
I've been transitioning for about 8 months. My staple styling technique is the roller set. Frankly, it's the only style that I know how to do well. Braid outs or twist outs don't last for me since my relaxed ends are so straight. I usually wear buns after I roller set.
I do straighten my hair for trims every 2 months. I'm trying to stick with transitioning for another 10 months, making it an 18-month transition.
My staple products so far have been: Pantene Relaxed and Natural Shampoo/Conditioner or Mizani conditioning shampoo (1x per week), HE Hello Hydration for deep conditioner (bi-weekly), Henna gloss (1x per month), Infusium leave in, One n Only Argan Oil Style Cream, and Oils (daily): argan, olive, grapeseed, jojoba, almond.
Don't forget the satin scarf and pillow case!
Good luck and hang in there. I loved hearing from my fellow long-termers!
I transitioned from July 2009 to December 2010 or 1.5 years so I was a very long term transitioner (LTT).
I transitioned that long 1. because I was afraid to cut my hair 2. because I have never and didn't want to cut my hair. I did two BCs, one in February '10 when I cut 4-5 inches, and the final BC in December when I cut the last 7-8 inches. I feel like I should have waited longer to cut my hair now, but it's approaching the length it was before, so I'm okay wit it. I didn't want to do any major cuts or BC for such a long time because I had never had short hair and I didn't know how or what to do with it. If while perming your main i'm-feeling-lazy-and-my hair-is-a-mess go to style is a ponytail or bun I advise you to wait to BC. After I BCed I couldn't get all my hair in a ponytail (still can't and it's been 10 months) and I had a problem with that.
Some really good styles for LTT are:
-braid n curl
-twist n curl
-bun
-ponytail
-bantu knot out
-updo
I don't recommend:
-wash n go
-banding
-twist out
-braid out
One of the main styling problems I had when I was uninspired was dealing with limp/flat permed ends. Braid n curls were my staple style and got me through most of my transition. They allowed me to have big fluffy hair and my ends weren't a problem. A tip for any of the above styles would be to always curls your ends and to make sure they are wet/damp when you curl them. Also henna/deep condition once a month; it does wonders!
Good products for hold with relaxed ends are:
-Fantasia IC Gel <3
-Sleek and Shine Gel
-Garnier Fructis Cream Gel
-Hydralicious self-targeting conditioner
Cowashing is a lifesaver (1-2 times a week) and sticking with a set for at least 4 days. Pineappling at night is ESSENTIAL, cause I can't tell you how many times I woke up to flattened curls on my ends. My pineapple method is different (and works better in my opinion). What I do is take the hair on the top of my head where the ends will stick out of the ponytail holder at least an inch. The rest of the hair at the edges and around the nape of my neck I pin in a fauxhawk as if the pins are their own loose ponytail holder (I sleep on my side), avoiding pinning where the curls would be flattened. So if you sleep on your back pin the loose curls towards your ears away from where they could be flattened between your head and the pillow.
Yes the same boat. I have been transitioning since Jan 2011. Nearly 8 months. I have come very close to cutting it off. But I want to retain my length. My advice do a lot of blogging and research. Looking lots of pictures and tutorials to find different styles. Try and see what works. Also be a product junkie. Sometimes trying new products will give your hair a different feel and a new look. Experiment. Wish you the best.
I transitioned for 14 months (May 2010 – July 2011), rollersets (Giovanni Direct Leave-In/Styling Foam), then flexi rod sets (Curl Junkie Beaticurls Leave-In and a variety of hold products, most recently Koils by Nature Gel) were my staple.
Hang in there, I kept my hair at about chin length the entire time (so if yours is longer you can have fun with buns, etc.)! Here's a link to by fb album:
http://tinyurl.com/3mvtthm
My last relaxer was April 17, 2010 and I'm still hanging in there. It's been interesting for me because I don't like extensions/weave. I started out with braid/twist and curls, flexirods, and two-strand twists (not cute LOL). Recently, I've been twisting my hair in fairly small sections and "spiral" rolling them on perm rods. VERY cute. It looks very much like a straw set and it lasts for a week. I flat iron every once in a while to cut my ends a little. I'm still experimenting with products but, my "tried & true" are Aussie Moist conditioner, coconut oil, and eco styler gel. I recently purchased Giovanni Direct Leave-in, so I'll see how that works this weekend. Hang it there… it CAN be done!!
I was a long term transitioner for 1 year. During that time, I kept my hair in tree braids but my hair grew really fast and I didn't like how it didn't last a long time. My remedy was kinky twists. I swear that's how my hair grew from a short china bob cut to below chin length in one year. If I didn't use them I know I wouldn't have been able to go natural this long.
Yeah, I transitioned long term. I word box braids for about a year, and I have a good 4-5 inches of natural hair. It is funny because I only wore braids because I was preggers and too tired to do anything else, I hated braids I thought they were so played out, but looking back on it, I liked them while I had them. They made my hair grow like crazy, and 1 year was nothing for the amount of length I have now!
http://goldenrebirth.blogspot.com/search/label/transition
That's an entry from my own blog with pictures. I was a long term transitioner and I took a few different steps to end up with completely natural hair.
Feel free to take a look!
(There are also some style tutorials on there and product recommendations as I went along through my journey)
Hi Ladies 🙂
Long term transitioner here! 15 months in…my goal is 2 years though…for me the toughest part about it is resisting the temptation to cut off my relaxed ends! I look at my crinkles and feel the urge to BC! I cut a few pieces off in the back but I want to see my bush blown out! 😉
Anywho here are my tips:
Be patient! Long Term Transitioning is all about patience!
Make time to do your hair! I've noticed that depending on the style, I can make a style last 3-5 days, but I have to plan! Planning is monumental, especially if you don't know how to style your hair.
Try some protective styles so you don't have to think about your hair. (Besides cleansing your scalp and keeping your strands moist).
Finally, if you aren't comfortable with your style, by all means, add an accessory! Adding an accessory can shift the eyes off your hair and put them on your lovely piece!
Speaking of which, my store is open! I have accessories of all shapes, colors, and adornments! I am continually adding so please, check back for updates!
www.lillian-mae.com/shop
I'm only in month 7 of my transition but I intend on being a long-term transitioner. I have had Senegalese twists for 3 months. I have taken half of them out. Some people don't reccommend them or braids but, hey it's working for me. My hair has grown a lot and is pretty tough so it handles braids pretty well. Also, as long as you take care of your hair while in braids and be really careful detangling as you're taking them out…I don't think it's a problem. After these are out, I'm going to be doing twistouts and then will probably get a sew-in with an invisible part. It's frustrating but it can be done. Hang in there. ONE TIME FOR ALL OF US LONG-TERMERS! Hehe 🙂
i transitioned for a year then after I got the remaining perm off, I wore weave for 8 months. I decided January 1, 2011 I will wear my own hair and its the best thing I have done for myself, FREEDOM!!!!! I loved the weave but I'm more happier creating my own styles and trends(well some of y'all hair styles lol). Being completely natural is not all about wearing big wooden earrings and earthy colors. It's about doing you!!
*ETA plan on big chopping at the 2 year mark in Feb 2012 but i am flexible in doing it earlier if i am ready. 🙂
I'm 19 months post relaxer here's what works for me:
Simple Regimen:
-Weekly Co-wash(finger detangle in sections)
-Kimmay tube modified leave-in: Herbal Essence Hello Hydration,Aloe Vera Gel,castor Oil,Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* This moisturizes my hair for ages so i skip daily mositurizing and don't deep condition as much for this reason, if i do i simply add Olive oil to my condish of choice.
-In between washes i mist my hair or wet it and re-apply leave-in if needed
-Airdry in braids then rock a braid n curl at the weekends
-I flat iron my hair Quaterly for a length check to and to enjoy my hair. ^.^
-My protective /low manipulation style are Box braids on my own hair! I always rock buns with them so my ends are protected and keep it in for 3 weeks max and i wash them in the 2nd week and oil my scalp to keep the itches at bay.
I hope this helps, love your hair and keep it moisturized.Stay focused and you will find what makes your uniquie curls happy in no time! (^.^)
Also chek the basics tab on the Curly Nikki site as it has PLENTY of info for you.
Happy hair growing! 😀
I have been transitioning for over 6 months. I plan on continuing for another year and then transition chopping. It's definitely a journey, to say the least. However, it's been a transition of all sorts including a mental transition. I'm head over heals about natural hair now. During the beginning I was afraid I'd return to my relaxer, now I can't stop obsessing over how beautiful all natural hair is!!
http://transitiontogether.socialgo.com/
I started going natural when i was 13 and didn't BC until i was 22! In the initial stages of growing out my hair i wore a lot of braid and twist styles (i had a lot of hair). For me the braids worked better than the twist for blending the curly hair with the straighter ends. Once it gets to be about half and half is when it really became challenging, but it's really a time to explore various styles. Cornrows, flat twist, braided patterns and designs, bantu knots (which is a great option if you want big fluffy curls), pin curls, etc.! Make the best of it, just know every day is not going to be a good hair day (unless you have a wig, which is another option my friend used when she transitioned) and you just make the most of it. Remember the most important thing is keep it healthy and have fun with your hair!
if anyone was wondering how i went so long with before i BC-ed, I just trimmed the ends until the relaxed hair was gone
I'm currently transitioning (7 months) and I plan to go for at least 2 yrs. Ill be trimming as I go. Although I feel I'm ready for the bc other ways Im not. Im still in that difficult stage so basic styles like ponytails, buns, braids are what gets me by week to week. I know soon it will get easier. But good luck on your transition!
I transitioned for 11 months before i cut off the permed ends. Bantu knot outs worked great for my hair. I washed every week with Curls. Some days I pulled my hair back in a bun or puff. For variety, I did rod sets.
I was a long term transitioner, I transitioned for about 2 yrs with back to back weaves and braids…I love senegalese twists but be careful who does them cause your hair is very sensitive during transitioning. In between weaves and braids, I would get trims and slowly cut off the permed ends. It worked out really well for me. I might still be "transitioning with weaves" if I didn't move to a small town with no one to braid my hair.
But I'm glad I finally let my hair loose and learned how to care for my curls.
During my 2 yr transition, senegalese twists were my BFF. I would keep them in for about 2-3 months, and would let my hair breathe for about 1 month before I put them back in. I did that for a year! Just recently I did a mini chop (just cutting of remaining relaxed ends) in July I believe it was.
What helped me the most is keeping up with the research and trial and error. I should still have the twists in my hair but i cut my challenge short since I loved the way my curls looked. However I continue my challenge of no heat for a year… in Jan I plan on getting my hair straigthen to see how much length I got!!!!
Good luck and remember to have fun!!!
I transitioned for two years and cut my relaxed ends off in May. I used braidouts and twistouts to hide the difference in the two textures. There was a lot of experimentation and detangling. That's the one thing I really learned to do, since the relaxed ends can get easily tangled in your hair.
In a few more weeks (Oct. 16th) I will be a full year post-relaxer. All of my styles start with a bantu knot out. It's great as a base to blend the two textures and I can style it how I want. If I want big curls, I make a few knots. If I want smaller curls, I make a lot of knots. I can wear it with a headband, clip the sides up to make a faux hawk, clip one side only, make a pony puff… The list goes on! Be patient and creative. Trial and error is your best friend… Have fun!!
I transitioned for 2 years before doing my first "mini chop". I did flat iron my hair a lot before I knew better so I did some damage but I also used sew-in weaves, twist and curls, bantu knots, and rod sets as transitioning styles. It is difficult but it can be done. I didn't use any specific products, just experimented with different things. Deep condition every chance you get and try to be patient. 🙂
I transitioned for a full year. Just cut the relaxer off this past May for graduation. As far as styles go I was big on bantu knots. Once my hair got thicker the roots werent curling up like they use to in my knots so i started getting kinky twists. While taking time off for kinky twists it was braid outs that got me through. Youtube helps a lot with styles if you need extra ones.
I'm about 9, almost 10 months into my transition, I plan on transitioning for about 22 months. It does get hard I was recently very tempted to BC, but I really have this goal of being patient and letting my hair grow. Right now I deep condition once a week with Lustrasilk shea butter conditioner, mixed with castor oil. I co wash once a week with Say Yes To Carrots, and shampoo with Giovanni 50/50 when needed. Braid and curls and twist and curls, along with buns have been the best way for me to transition. Stick it out, you can do it 🙂
I've been transitioning for almost 2 1/2 years.My transition hairstyle has been and still is crochet braids.Next summer i'll take out my crochet braids for my 43rd b-day.I BC'd after 1 year and i realized i looked 10 years older with short hair, so i put in crochet braids.My hair is almost where i want it.
i transidtioned for 14 months, if you get senegalese twist just make sure your hair is fully detangled when they are blow drying it because it will cause unwanted tangles and knots when you take them out
also, buns are a great style, esp. braided buns, no one can tell whats natural from whats permed.
I transitioned for 9 months. I was going for a year but made the mistake of getting Senagalese twists. My relaxed hair was so knotted and matted up that I had to cut it. So it was then that I BCed! That was two weeks ago! I wouldn't suggest the twist if you have a lot of relaxed ends left. Good Luck!!
Long-term transitioner here! I just hit 22 months relaxer free last Friday, with about 5 trims over the last two years. My hair is currently in Senegalese twists, so I don't know exactly how much relaxer I have left–maybe 2-4 inches? It varies. My hair, when stretched, is APL. I'm planning to cut off the rest of the relaxer in mid-November, which would make it just over two years of transitioning.
Braid and curls work best for me to camouflage my straight ends. My normal regimen is to shampoo once a week (Aveda Scalp Benefits, I've been using it for years, and it's sulfate-free), and deep condition with heat for 30 minutes using Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment. Sometimes I pre-poo with coconut oil or a mix of amla oil/mayo/egg. I use Kinky Curly Knot Today as a leave-in, and seal with sweet almond oil. To moisturize daily, I made a spray of rosewater, aloe vera juice, rosemary essential oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil. I use that on my Senegalese twists, as well. I henna every other month– that really helps cut down on the tangling. I get my hair blown out and trimmed every 3-4 months. I haven't had much breakage and my hair is healthy and full.
Words of advice: Be patient. Be gentle. Be kind to yourself and to your hair. Be prepared. I PROMISE it's gonna get annoying, but it's a whole lot easier if you have a goal in mind. This is my second time trying to transition– I gave up after 5 months during a prior attempt at going natural. This time, what helped was that I did a LOT of research before I began my transition. I read Curly Nikki and other natural hair blogs for a year before I started. I have a collection of natural hair care books. I came up with a two-year transition plan, and for the most part, I've stuck with that plan.
You can do it. You just have to make up your mind that you can and you will!
I transitioned for about 2 years. Chopped about 3-4 inches off initially and then trimmed every few months. I wore my hair flat-ironed the whole time unless I was rockin a curly pony.Finally cut the rest off last May.
I got my hair cut into cute styles that I could wear straight or curly like a bob, bob with bang, that rhianna cut with longer hair in front and shorter nearly shaved in the back, and a pixie version of my first rhianna cut but with the hair a little shorter in the front than it was the first time. I got these cuts gradually at different stages of my transition. I could not properly manage the new growth and processed hair without these periodic hair cuts because my hair was breaking too badly even though I was properly taking care of it. While my hair was in these cuts I either flat ironed, washed and went, but mostly I roller set. Roller sets allowed me to leave my hair alone for 2 weeks at a time while keeping it oiled. I transitioned for a year before I did my final pixie cut which cut the remaining processed ends. My hair wasn't long at all. It was short in the back and longer in the front but it wasn't a big chop per say. It was just a shorter style that was worn curly. I have noticed that most women transition with lots of protective styles that can be boring or they just chop it all off without it being in a specific cut. I did something kind of in the middle. Thats an option too.
I'm a long term transitioner. I decided to go natural January of 2005 and I've been doing my hair like I normally did when I had a perm. Wash, blow dry, and ponytail with some eco styler gel. That has been my staple style since I got a perm and still is. (Oh and I clip my ends every now & then…)
Recently I've been trying new styles, twist outs and wash-n-go but I am not a fan of those because I wasn't a fan of letting my hair out when I had a perm, and still not a fan of that now, so for now ponytails/ buns will do.
I guess what I'm trying to show you is, you can still rock some of the styles you were rocking before – now, and if those are not working for you, always check the site, Nikki posts some cute styles to try all the time.
Good luck! 🙂
I'm in the 16th month of my transitioning. I'm not doing the big chop (although I've lightly trimmed here and there).
Buns, hats, and wigs have helped me a lot. Also, I keep a simple regimen of cowashing, deep conditioning, and using Oyin Handmade products. I believe moisture and patience are your friends.
Enjoy the time!!
It seems like almost all the features on the site are people who transitioned for at least six months or a year. Read the On the Couch transition tales (tab above) and read the first question which asks how long someone transitioned.
I never big chopped, well not all at once anyway, I was doing the flat iron thing at the hair salon, I had bra strap length hair, but no curls to show for it bc the "heat training" anyway answering your question I recommend roller sets, or straw sets, you can get a sewin which is a great protective style and you can leave it in for 3 months. So I hope this helps, you can also do rod sets at home, amd maybe twistouts or braidoust, low manipulation is key and make sure you keep that line of demarcation moisturized (the line where your natural hair and perm hair meet)
I am in my 15th month of transitioning, I plan to cut off all of my relaxed ends in 2 months. Braid outs and flat twists outs have worked best for me. I currently use Hello Hydration HE conditioner, shea moisture deep treatment masque, olive oil ecostyler gel and shea butter as my main products. I try to keep my braid and twist outs for 4 days if I can. This minimizes breakage.
Don't make any decisions that you are not comfortable with. Do your research and ask questions. When you are ready do your BC.
I transitioned for 19 months and recently BC'd on 8.19.2011. As I began to care for my hair as if it were fully natural, I started to realize that my natural hair was virtually fighting to get out!!! I wore a sew-in from March to June (whic I do NOT advise) and have not heat styled (blow out or flat iron) since June. My hair is in the best condition ever!!! I have no breakage and the healthy amount of daily shedding. My advice to you is this….you know yourself. You know what you will be able to manage and what will make you the most comfortable. I never had short hair and did not want short hair. I waited until I reached my comfort zone and you should do the same!!!!
I long termed transitioned… like 2 years. I used braids and weaves. What caused me to BC was, one time, when I went to get my hair braided and the tech wanted to charge me twice the price to braid my hair past the perm. I went to the car with some scissors and cut off all my perm right then and there.
Detangling would be a itch, but I only had to deal with that when my hair was loose, which at that time it never was. I went natural in 2000 and there wasn't natural hair salons and websites dedicated to the care and maintenance of my hair. I did the best with what I had. I'm locked now.
I forgot to mention that box braids are a good option as well.
I transitioned for 10 months before my big chop (was supposed to be a year, but I got fed up). It was very hard to transition that long, even harder (in my opinion) than dealing with my natural hair now. During my transitioning, I did braid-outs, twist-outs, Senagalese twists (which I don't recommend), and towards the end, I put a thick, tight headband on my new growth and gathered the rest into a ponytail. I would suggest you do micros instead of Senagalese twists (not as heavy, easier to take out, more styling options).
In general, be very careful with detangling, wet or dry. A wide tooth comb is good, but I'm sure using your fingers would work even better. Also, keep your hair moisturized and deep conditioned. Protective styles are much better than low-manipulation styles while you are transitioning.
Well compared to the other ladies, I wouldn't say that I was long term. I transitioned for 8 months and then decided to BC. I was anxious to see my natural hair and the two textures was a lot of work. During the early stages of my transition I did braidouts, rollersets, and flexi-rods. As the textures got noticeably different I wore wigs, weaves, braids, and buns. This was my second time around, but I found success in planning ahead. I usually did a style that lasted at least two weeks. Not having to deal with your hair helps a lot.
I am into my second year. I hope that by next summer I will be comfortable enough to cut the rest of my ends off.
Peace, Love and Chocolate,
Tiffany
I was a long term transitioner. I transitioned with braid extensions, rollersets, fake ponytails and even got a weave. Between hairstyles, I would get a little of my relaxed ends clipped at a time. I transitioned for approximately 2 years before cutting off the last of my relaxer. I transitioned over 10 years ago and I had no desire to BC and wasn't really familiar with the term back then. I wasn't familiar with the term protective styling either, but now realize that the stles I chose while transitioning were protective in nature and definitely helped to make my transition less difficult.
I transitioned for almost 3 years. I just cut my relaxed ends off a week ago (minus one small section I didn't notice until it was dry). It wasn't always easy, but it can be done.