Going Natural Transitioning from Relaxed Hair Without Cutting
Picture of the Worlds Biggest Afro
How do I transition to natural hair
Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is a process that allows you to maintain the length in your hair while it grows.
Some transitioning methods and going natural advice will help you maintain healthy hair in 2012 while reducing unnecessary breakage.
African American hairstyles transitioning allows you to lessen the need to do the BC or big chop. How long you decide to transition and what products will help with keeping your hair moisturized is things you will need to consider when you start your natural hair journey.
Relaxers also known as creamy crack can cause so much damage to women of color that the idea of continuing on a course of hair abuse is now leading napptural women to go natural. It is an emotional journey that many have experienced.
Hair forums and discussion boards are available to help with the transition period as well as giving the needed support to all you curly heads out there.
In black hair the curl pattern will be more noticeable once it reaches some length, so be patient because it does take time.
Find products that cater to your natural hair, start experimenting with various products to see what will work best for you. Everyone's hair is different and what may work for you may not work for someone else.
How long should I transition?
The length of time that you transition depends on the person, some have opted to transition for up to a year or more, while others do the big chop right away, and others keep their ends trimmed slowly reducing relaxed ends as their natural hair grows out.
Its important to note that the point where the natural hair and the relaxed hair meet is really fragile, so in order to minimize breakage you will need to treat all your hair as if it is natural, this means to avoid pressing out your new growth to blend in with your relaxed ends.
It is important that if you decide to transition for 6 months or longer that you will need to start moisturizing and taking care of all your hair as if it is all natural, use products that will help in the process.
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Big Afro Styling Ideas
transitioning from relaxed to natural hair without the big chop
So many ask the question is it possible to grow ones hair out without cutting off the permed hair.
The reason this is such an issue is because if you have grown your hair long past your shoulders to do the big chop would be traumatic at best, not only for you but everyone in your life.
People get used to seeing you with long hair so suddenly have a twa just may be too much for most to bear so can you still be natural with permed ends?
Some have succeeded with the no chop method in which you stop relaxing your hair and you maintain your new growth in a long term transition.
Unfortunately there are no products that will take the relaxer out of your hair, so you will have to just wait patiently as your hair grows.
It starts by learning how to develop a healthy hair care regimen. The two things that will become your friend is deep conditioning and protective hair styles.
Your goal should be to grow long and healthy hair, no matter if you are maintaining relaxed hair or natural hair.
You will eventually have to start trimming the ends of your hair as your new growth gets longer. If you do not want to wear short hair then you will need to commit to a long term transition process.
Miss Jessies rapid recovery treatment is a deep conditioner that with give you healthy, shiny hair results. To grow longer hair you will need to stop breakage that occurs from using hair products such as combs, brushes, hair accessories.
Protect your hair with satin covered hair rollers, wide tooth combs and satin pillowcase and scarfs.
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What products should I use while transitioning
While you are transitioning it is important to remember that you will need to moisturize, deep condition and use hot oil treatments.
You are entering a whole new world with your hair and it is one that is less traveled by many black women and napptural women who want to gain healthier longer hair.
So the first thing to do is to look at the product labels, read ingredients on hair care products, make a list of moisture retaining ingredients
So that you can purchase products that will maintain your curl definition, provide softness and manageability as well as retain moisture for added length.
Some of the most popular products include Karens body beautiful, elucence moisture balancing conditioner and shampoo, unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, carrot oil.
Essential oils and moisturizing gels and creams is what you need to apply to your hair on a daily basis around the temples, hairline and ends of your hair.
It is recommended to try and get the right PH balance in your hair by using aloe vera gel, coconut oil and a cream based leave in conditioner on the hair.
The key is to keep the ends from drying out and breaking off.
You have been natural for several years or most of your life and you may have been natural in the past but for whatever reason you have decided you want to go natural again in 2012.
Esperanza Spalding Big Natural
What transitioning methods should I use?
During the transition process of growing out your relaxer you will need to find good natural hairstyles to wear that way you can allow you hair time to rest while it is growing out.
Some of the best natural hairstyles for transitioning is two strand twists, flat braids, and banti knots.
Using protective styles require that you change up and have variety, due to added stress your hair will receive if you stick with just one protective style method.
So if you find that you like to wear twists, wear them for a month and then the next month pick a different transitioning method for your hair.
Braid outs is also recommended to use while transitioning.
Natural hair is stronger than permed hair but it is also can be fragile, fine and course so it needs to be handled with gentle care.
Going Natural without cutting hair
I get so many emails from woman who want to go natural but they do not want to cut their hair or do the big chop, what they will eventually find is that they will have to cut off the ends of their hair as it grows to avoid damage and breakage.
Once hair has been relaxed it is no longer healthy, it will be weak and not as strong as your new growth, also the curl pattern you seek will be unattainable as long as you keep your straight ends.
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Regrow Hair Tips
Some hair growth options include being able to transition without much hair breakage, but if you do incur hair loss some simple solutions would be to use natural home remedies to grow healthier hair.
End hair loss naturally
A natural topical treatment that accelerates hair growth without any unwanted side effects, you will be able to regrow thick natural hair with saw palmetto, nettle, capsicum, ginger and camellia.
Coconut milk and oil is also natural and moisturizing to the scalp and hair, rosemary leaves in water and castor oil provide the needed nourishment.
Perfect 10 Haircolor
Dying your hair when it is natural is easier if you pick a color that matches your current hair, simply because if you bleach it or use high definition colors it will disturb your curl pattern and most times it will relax the curl to the point that it will not return to its kinky state,
which is not a good look especially in the front of your forehead when you need to wear a afro or blow out and kinky twists, sticking with a dark brown, black or even a reddish brown will give your hair some shine and healthy pickup.
Best Hairstyles for Transitioning From Relaxed Hair
As you go through your natural hair journey you will find that some styles work better than others, some of the more popular protective hair styles are kinky strand twists.
Remember the size of the kinky twists is what you want to keep at a small to medium size because if they are too big they will drop and not stay very long as your hair starts to grow out.
One method that I use to keep my twists neat is shea butter. I have found that the thickness of the shea butter helps maintain my natural hair and keeps it in place even after a few weeks in the same hair style.
If you decide to wash your hair and keep your twists you may want to re-apply the shea butter along with a leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp. To save time you can re-twist at the root of your new growth and secure with bobby pins.
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Worlds Biggest Afro Aevin Dugas
How to Straighten Natural Hair without a Relaxer
Once you have some length to your natural hair you will want to blow it out and straighten it at least one time each year to do a length check.
The easiest way to do this is to wash your hair detangle and either blow dry your hair with a comb attachment on your hairdryer or use the no tension method where you just dry your hair by stretching it as you put the dryer close to your natural hair.
I like to stretch my hair with braidouts and twistouts, it usually takes a few days but it saves on me having to put too much heat on my hair.
Once you hair is stretched you can use the heat training method with a flat iron, keep the heat temperature at a moderate degrees and then you can achieve the look of a relaxer without the damage. Click Here to read more about the Heat Training Straightening for Natural Hair.
Comments
I used to relax my hair once a year, now I don't , except for my bangs. I found that when I didn't fight my curly hair, it got healthier. Good tips!
Love your avatar and chic do! :)
Its amazing how healthy curly hair really is, when we learn the right products to use.
I went natural while in college and it was tough because I did not do any research prior to doing so and I learned that my hair is rather kinky verse the soft curls I though I had. Problem now is that I decided to go back to relaxers and now my hair is back with damages and breakage. I would like to again and hopefully stay natural. Do you have any suggestions on what products I can use to make the maintenance easier as dealing with really kinky hair is tough.
you right about that if you have been like me and you were used to working with straight relaxed hair and now learning to deal with natural kinky hair it can be a challenge, I have found what works well is to keep the hair moisturized on a daily basis with products that do not dry the hair out, Shea Butter has high recommendations and I personally do a braid out which keeps the hair more manageable.
At night take sections of your hair and add a leave in conditioner not all at once just put a little on each section then braid each section into platts or cornrows, then when you get up in the morning take the braids out and you will have a wavy crinkly texture, now blend the sections together and style. Once you do this for 30 to 90 days you will train your hair to stay in a looser curl pattern.
i have cut my hair and have decide to go natural it is already starting to regrow and i am exicited about goin from now on naturally curly my natural hair texture which i love some much and can't wait till it grows out really long and can finally style it as i please
It is exciting and there are so many natural hairstyles to choose from. one of the things I have been told from other natural curlies is that they love the versatility of being able to wear their hair anyway they want to.
has any one heard of these products??? i am in transition growing out my relaxer.
http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/training.html
i have NOT had a perm since January of this year (GO ME!) and I'm excited to have gone this long. At month three I decided to get micro braids, but I didn't like the wair the girl braided my hair, so I took it down after a month. I later went to a salon where they used hydrotherepy and it felt great, but with the atl humidity, the style didn't last 3 hours. Two weeks later I went to a dominican salon and got a "blow out" when i say mami had my hair STRAIGHT...it felt like I just got a relaxer!! That process is cool, but the heat is HORRIBLE! It felt like she had the dryer right on my scalp during the process, and her words were, "mami, if chu want go naturale it will be bery bery hott, that how it is for natural hair". So i had to sit in the chair in suffer, but the end result was flawless. She, the dominican stylist, suggested I try a cinnimon stick dominican product to soften my new growth, but i'm not to sure on that yet. So I'm looking for a product that will help my transition flow more smoothly. My new growth is THICK and it tangles where the natural and relaxed hair meet. Another thing is that i take cycling classes about twice a week, and do regular workouts on the days in between, i need a product that can stand the sweat. Any suggestions? Or if you've heard of the products above, do you recomend?
Shelly I do recommend while you are transitioning to take really good care oof your ends, because they are weaker, and I have heard that coconut oil and aphrogee treatments are good to prevent breakage and sheeding, the best thing to do is to wear protective styles such as two strand twists, bantu knots and braid outs, just remember your more prone to breakage until you do the big chop.
Thanks for your questions.
okay i am a young girl[15 years of age] and i have been thinking about going natural because i noticed that my hair would be way more healthier and i like the curly-natural look because wen i wash my hair now after about 1 and a half from not havin a relaxer my hair is curly but it doesnt stay that way for a long time and my friend doesnt think that i should do it because she said that my hair would be and look nappy..so my questions are [1] can i use like the curly shampoo and gels to get my hair to stay curly.?? [2] do you think that i should go to a dominican salon so they can help me get my hair natural but still have it lok straight and decent for school.?? and wat are some producs that i can use to get my back to being natural curly.?? [i thank you for the advice that you are willing to give me, it really helps me out alot.]
Hello Zhane, going natural is the best for your hair and many have found that their hair grows longer after they stop putting relaxer in it. Some of the best ways to keep defined curls is to use leave in conditioner instead of shampoos,also if you use Eco Styling Gel and Coconut oil, these work well if you want a wash and go hairstyle. If you want to try twist outs you can use shea butter on dry hair and do two strand twists, this will allow you to wear your hair in wavy hairstyle.
Some recommended products are the Kinky Curly, Miss Jessies Curly Pudding, Aveda's Curl Enhancer, Aloe Vera Gel, Carol’s Daughter Honey Mimosa these products work well especially if you want to get your curls back after flat ironing it or blowdrying it straight.
Hope this helps!
I am a teenager and am currently transitioning from relaxed to natural. Could you reccommend any products(conditioners and styling) that can promote new growth and prevent breakage of the relaxed hair? Also do you know any local stores that would sell them for a low price and are there products that can create a curly look for relaxed hair when dry? If so which ones? Thank you for all of your advice and suggestions.
I am going natural "agan" after about 10 years. I know that I will have to get used to the breakage between the two types of hair....but my 12 year old daughter, I had a texturizer put on her hair about 18 months ago...she has long wavy hair almost to her elbows...if we transition back to natural, will she also lose hair from the texturizer?
Hello Amber, the most cost effective hair care products are the ones you buy at the grocery store, avocado, coconut milk, jojoba oil, honey, olive oil, are all natural homemade haircare products that can be used for curly hair.
Hi Karen, the best way to retain length and not lose hair is to keep the ends moisturized, use conditioners that will keep hair soft, plus protective styling keeps ends from breaking, texturizers are chemicals so the natural hair will be a different grade as it grows out, so the best way to protect the ends is to do braid outs, twist outs and avoid excessive brushing, combing and pulling on the hair.
I am in the process of going natural. I go to a stylist every two weeks and he washes, deep conditions and straightens my hair. Do you have any suggestions of what I can do to maintain for the week that I don't visit him? I don't want to try braids because my hair is really thin and weak.
Hello Ty, its great that you have decided to go natural, the transition period is the most difficult of being natural, going to the salon will help maintain your hair and keep from experiencing breakage, the reason your hair is thin and weak is due to the many years of using hair relaxers, chemical relaxers break down the hair causing it to be limp, I would suggest doing wash and gos and also using a headband to smooth the edges in the front, also separating your hair into two sections and making large two strand twists will allow for you to wear a protective style that is not as stressful on the hair as braids.
I have not had a relaxer since March 2009. I started taking swimming lessons twice a week and have decided not to relax my hair while taking lessons. I have been taking lessons since May and will probably continue until September. I am not trying to transition to natural, but do you have any suggestions for keeping my hair healthy during this period?
Hi tara, swimming lessons really sounds fun, you will want to protect your hair from the chlorine an use deep conditioners, shea butter comes highly recommended because it can be used sparingly, a little goes a long way, anytime we grow out our relaxers we will experience breakage.
If we are going to be blowdrying our hair or using flat irons to make it straight, protective hairstyles are the best with braiding hair into cornrows, flat twists, or keeping hair in a ponytail making sure to use a head covering when going to bed at night. Also wearing hair extentions and hair weaves allows hair to take a break during the summer.
The Dominican Cinnamon Treatment (espiritu de canela) has worked for me. It burns a little bit, but I use it in conjunction with suela y canela cream conditioner. Despite the 15 years of relaxing my hair, it is continuing to grow. It is now to the middle of my back.
Hi, as many of the other commenters, I am in the process of going natural as well. Thanks to you for your research and insight and for the commenters for all their advice.
My question is this: I am 34 years old and have just decided to go natural (last perm in April 2009). Even though I am still young, I have more than my fair share of gray hair and my gray hair is really breaking off, making the transition even more difficult. Can you offer any suggestions for this situation?
Also, I moved a few years back and unfortunately have not found a beautician as good as my beloved Andre (sniff, sniff). So, I do A LOT of home hair care. What are your suggestions if you can't get to a stylist but are transitioning?
My last perm was 1 month ago. I decided to go natural after almost 15 years of perms... I choose to go back natural b/c of all the breakage I was getting with my perms and it was not growing. Im thinking about doing little chops everymonth and then by december of this year (2009) chop to rest off it there is any more relaxed hair left. Im really scared about shooort hair. and what I would look like with my natural hair. IM exicted about the process but real nervous at the same time. Any tips of hair styles,products to use, and words of wisdom?!! HELLLP
Dani I can understand how you feel, it can be scary to change from long straight hair to short natural hair, Once you overcome the new look to natural curls when transitioning it leads to true bliss. Having natural curls has so much versatility especially when you learn new ways of styling it, and having the right products, when your first starting out it is best to learn which products work the best for your hair type, find out what type of curls you have, such as spiral, z shapped or flat curl, it will make a difference when using the rake and smooth method, of wash and goes with co-wash, shorter curly hair looks good with hair accessories, it is when you start to get more length that you can do braid outs and twist outs. Be patient it is a labor of love that will take time to develop.
Lawlady, I was just thinking about what you said, if you are unable to get to a beautician, it is helpful to start your own haircare routine, by day or by week, if you choose to style your hair each day, its best to prepare your locs at night, some suggestions are depending on how long your hair is, you may want to slightly dampen the hair with leave in conditioner and then put hair in flat twists, cornrows or two-strand twists, and cover up with a head scarf, because when you wake up in the morning you can just undo the braids and your hair will have a more wavy lengthening of the curl pattern for easy styling. As for covering gray hair, semi permanent haircolor is best, plus henna has been recommended as achieving the best results for covering gray.
HI, im also thinking about going natural. i have have a couple of friends who are transitioning but they go to the dominicans to have thier hair blown out every two weeks? i wanted to know if that is healthy or damaging to your hair.
Jay, I hear of woman who are transitioning like to get their hair blown out, partly because they are not ready to do the big chop, and they are trying to grow out their natural hair while leaving relaxed ends. It is not good for the hair to be left in the transition phase for too long, because ultimately the two hair textures do not mix well and you will incur damage, to me the best way to take care of your hair is to just cut off the relaxed ends, because the hair will grow better, other factors is that while transitioning you want to have good deep conditioning treatments such as aphrogee as well as natural hair oils such as coconut oil.
Hi. I really want to go natural, but perms have left my hair thin and highly prone to breakage. I need some ideas for protective styles. The only one I can think of at the moment is braids...but could that be too stressful on my damaged relaxed hair? And what exactly are braid-outs and twist-outs?
Honey546, the best way to grow out a relaxed perm style is to put your hair in two strand twists that way you can give your hair a chance to heal from the damage and two-strand twists do not put added stress on the hair, you can also brush your hair back into a bun and keep your hair in an updo hairstyle. Braid outs are the after look of when you take your braids down in the morning after having your hair cornrows, flat twists or braids, that crinkle look can be put into a hairstyle.
Anyone tried Komaza Curl pudding? Will it work on my permed ends while I'm transitioning?
I am currently in the process of transition so this was EXTRA helpful for me. Thank you!
Ok, i do twist outs every now and then and I am transitioning but I also love to flat iron my hair. Is there a way that you can transition and still blowdry and flat iron?
You can still blow dry your hair when transitioning you just have to be careful that you do not damage the ends of your hair because of the two textures.
I'm 14 years old and I have never put a relaxer in my hair so although i dont have anything in common with anyone else here I still need help with different styles for my hair. I've been twisting and braiding my hair since i was about 7 yrs old and when I started going to private school in the 7th grade my mom decided to straighten my hair more often for school. My hair is still very curly when I wash it and to tell you the truth my curly fro kinda freaks me out (when blowdried my hair is in the middle of my back) so you can imagine the intensity of my curly fro. I wanted to know if there are any other styles I can do with my hair.
Wow elizabeth you have some really long curly hair, thats great, but I can see as you mentioned finding new hairstyles can be challenging, Some cute hair styles would be if you parted your hair horizontally, separating the hair at your crown into a pony tail and then taking the lose hair in the back and twisting it up into the pony tail then putting mini twists that fall forward, next day take out twists and you will have a beautiful versatile hairstyle that you can wear with any outfit.
thanks :D
Hi.... I need desperate help.... I've bin transitioning for a few months now n my hair's been growing pretty good. I'm not prepared for the big chop as yet. But Miss Universe is in a few days n i'll be attending so i need desperate help with styling options because, if i don't get any help....I'll be forced to relax it again!!!! Plz help me!!!
You welcome elizabeth, thanks for the comment.
Roots, I would suggest you go see some great natural hairstyle videos on youtube, my personal favorite is "PrettyDimples" she has some of the best and creative natural hairstyles on the tube.
I am a 15 year old girl who has decided to go natural. My mom has been relaxing my hair since my sixth birthday. I am now in my fourth month transition (haven't relaxed since April 2009, yay me). I have enjoyed my experience so far and have always loved my curly hair, but my mom got to "tired" of having to "deal with" my wild curls. My hair really didn't start to grow as much until I decided to go back to matural state of hair. I just want to say thanks for the hair care tips they really are helping me along this very curly and natural path. I am so anxious to see how long my hair is this time next year.
Alexis imani, thanks for sharing your experience I am glad to hear that you are able to see a improvement in hair growth since you went back natural, it is also nice to hear that you find the natural haircare tips useful too!
Hi, I have recently decided to start my transitioning ut process from relaxed to natural as well. I am cutting the ends off little by little and all the relaxed hair will be cut by December 2009. During this process, I have been keep my hair braided but would like to know of conditioning treaments/methods for micro-braided styles. Please let me know what you recommend, thanks:)
I too am going natural (for the third time!!!). Every time I make the decision to go natural I get frustrated mostly because of the waiting period and then I relax my hair! I am glad to have gotten these tips which may help me hold out for longer this time around! lol...
Eve, thanks for sharing your experience with transitioning from relaxed hair, it is a journey and is worth the time and effort, wearing micro braids can add stress to your hair so make sure to keep the braids big in size so as not to lose hair around the hairline, a good moisturizer is coconut oil, tea tree oil, shea butter and believe it or not fruit is actually good as a natural conditioner. Who would have thought.
Hana Marie I can feel you on the transitioning phase, I went through the same thing, I wore weaves and hair pieces for a long time and in between I would see my natural hair growing and so I would try to wear it for a couple of weeks but it was hard, especially since it was so short. Once your natural hair gets some length then you will like it much better, plus watching youtube videos of various natural hairstyles really helps too!
As I always say going natural can be a love hate relationship it just takes patience and a desire to see your hair at its healthiest state possible. Thanks for the comment.
Hi.. i'm in my teens and thinking about going natural... my straightened hair is rly a nice quality (as in it looks almost exactly like type 2 hair). I REALLY don't want to cut it off, but after looking at the vids on this page and realizing i wouldn't know my REAL texture until around 3 mnths down the line, I'm really hesitant. it's shoulder length and i would NOT look good going really short. Braids and cornrows give me headaches hence my relaxed hair. What to do? i would like to go natural but what method should i take and what should i do with my hair during the transitioning period?
Hi, Kay, it sounds like you can keep your hair length, not everyone who goes natural needs to get the big chop, especially if they have a nice grade of hair and the new growth will blend well into the relaxed hair. I would suggest that you try braid outs and twist outs, this way you can wear your hair wavy and with crinkles, kinda the way I have my braidout in the picture above.
How you get the look is you slightly dampen your hair at night and section off peices you want to put into a french braid, you can have 6 to 8 braids, next take a thick moisturizing conditioner and apply it to each section, you only need a little bit, it will not harm your hair and you can leave it in, because what this will do is act as a setting lotion for your braids, you can also add a dab of olive oil, coconut oil or hair oil, do not use hair grease because it will be too heavy for your hairstyle.
Once you braid up each section put on a silk scarf or bonnet at night while you sleep, in the morning you can take out each braid, you will notice your hair has a wavy crinkle texture, break apart each section with your fingers and fluff it out, do not comb or brush it, because it will frizz up, just use your fingers and then add hair accessories, wear your hair down, parted to the side or up in a pony tail. This way you can train your relaxed hair to be curly, it works really well during the transition period.
The key is to keep experimenting with braidouts and twists outs untill you have a method that works best for you. Just remember that you do not want to comb or brush your hair, you want to let your hair retain wave pattern, after awhile of repeating these steps, your hair will start to curl up naturally on its own.
It works the same way when we straighten our hair it gets used to being straight, so now we have to train it to be curly.
Hope this helps!
THANK YOUUU... so soo much! I think i will try that and see how it works out!!
okay great, let me know how it works for you!
hi,am also going through transitioning phase like everyone else and its very painfull but am very excited i have been perming my hair for lst15yrs and am i really miss my curls so my lst perm was april 09 and i have short hair so i decide to not cute it shorter. i have been doing henna treatment and hot oil treatment now for the past few month my taxture is softer but still getting breakage and its anoonying so wht am i doing wrong and if u could also suggest hair dos for short hair i would appreicated :0
sadiakogaar, its a great decision you made, because your hair is going to love you for it. The downside is that you will experience breakage during your transition phase and what can help is to use shea butter, it retains the moisture in the hair and gives it slip. Short hair styles work best with wet sets and finger rolls, you can find some great hairstyle ideas on youtube. Thanks for stopping by my hub!
Well im 15 years old and i been having a perm since i was 12. My hair was long all the way to my elbows. Ever since 3 years ago my hair start getting shorter. Now i decide i want to go natural. My hair have always been thin and long.
so how can i get ready in doing my hair natural? I want to also make it grow because my hair is now to my shoulder.
mizz dimples it sounds like you could wear two strand twists, a side puff, individual braids, or a bantu knots, while growing your hair out keep it moisterized and tie it up at night, braid outs are my favorites too!
I'm going natural.I'm transitioning until my newgrowth reaches my shoulders or at least my collar bone. I haven't had a relaxer since dec.2008. I'm wondering, is it necessary to cut off spit ends while transitioning?
My last perm was july 25 and i have alot of new growth. i choosen to trim it every month.Im wondering if you could give me any ideas on blending my new growth with my relaxed ends.Thanks for your time.
Hi, I'm a freshman in college and I haven't had a perm since July, I was unaware of how to go through this transaction, so I didn't keep up with my hair as much and its very dry and my ends are bad. I have been trying to keep up with it now, but every time I try to do something with my hair more of my hair is shedding. I was wondering what can I do to recover my hair. I have been using pantene pro-v lately, is this a good product to use? and if not, what are some better products to use? Thanks
I enjoyed reading your article. My last perm was 8 years ago. I started using MissJessies products about 5 years ago and I love it. Go to www.missjessies.com. The products are great.
Thanks for sharing your experience with miss jessie's products, I hear a lot of good things, for healthy natural hair care.
I regret to this day relaxing my hair a few months ago. I had little baby dreads sprouting and was so impatient that I picked them all out and wore an afro for a while. Getting bored with that, I decided to relax my hair, and it was all good until I had to touch up my roots. I forgot how easy and beautiful my natural hair was, so I am now growing it back :) Also, some other great products to use I personally love that are designed for natural hair are from Taliah Waajid
lipstiklovr, I can relate to you story, I have started over at least 3 times, it can be a challenge to wait out the process.
Well first off, I want to clarify that black people do not get a perm. We get relaxers as it says to relax our nappy hair. I hate black hair and I think most natural styles are ugly. However, since I was unfortunatley born with this type of hair I am trying to do what is best for it. The relaxers has left it frail. The frustation is when I go out the door, I like to look kempt. Weaves and braids I can't do. The are damaging too. What do I do?
Thanks for the tips. I havent done the big chop. I am a little bit afraid to. But trimming my ends every now and then is working out well.
Hello, I desperately need help. I too am currently in the process of going back to my natural curly hair (last relaxer was about 3 months ago). However, I recently took out a weave that I only had in for 2 weeks and my problem is that the girl made the braids underneath the weave SO thin and close to my side hair line and when I took the weave out...it left me with bald spots on the sides which is freaking me out (the rest of my hair is pretty healthy). I've never had a hair damage problem or with hair growth BUT the "little" bald spots on the sides of my hair line feel very smooth and as if the hair follicles in those areas are dead. I think it's growing slowly but its been a little over a month now and I'm starting to worry that it will NEVER grow back!!! Thoughts anyone???
I too am transitioning my hair from relaxed to natural. My last perm was October 2009, and I am sooooo tempted to get a touch up. My question is what conditioner do you suggest I use weekly for a "co-wash" ? And is it alright to blow dry my hair when I "co-wash" my hair ? Also is it ok to use natural oils on my scalp and then use olive oil lotion on my ends?
Thanks
I am transitioning just like everyone else. Im only 1 month into it. My hair is in that not short but not medium phase, so the back is actually all natural at this point but the rest is full of perm. I have maybe 1 inch of new growth and even though I have worn my hair short for years Im not ready for the big chop. So I dont know what to do with my hair....the front and sides and part of the way down the back is straight and the rest of the back is curly.....so what styles can i do...will my perm hair curl up if i do a braid out
I think am still transitioning to natural hair after being without a relaxer for about a year and a half (last relaxer July 2008). How will I know that all of the relaxer has grown out?
Hi,
I've been transitioning for not too long just almost two months now without the "big chop" and I was wondering if you could give me any advise on what to do to handle my new growth and my relax hair meeting. My new growth has no type of definition it's just rough, dry and hard with no curls or anything..if you could help me on what to do I would greatly appreciate it...
Thank you,
I have not permed my hair in 11 years. Cutting off my perm was the best thing I could have ever done. After I cut that mess off my head, I felt free. I did have to get use to wearing Afo until I could braid it. My hair has great texture, natural body and it has gotten super thick. My hair is healthy which it NEVER was with the perm. I wish I had never peremed my hair. I have locks now but I do need to learn how to style them.
Hello,
I am a teenager going natural, i just had my first big perm about 6 months ago, and i don't like the perming. I just decided to do so last month and I have about 5 and a half cm(when i don't pull it to stretch it out)of new growth. I noticed that when I combed my hair before and after braiding it, a lot of hair came out. Can someone help me be able to tell if that is just normal breakage or if I need to switch hair products? Also, I plan to grow my natural hair until it is chin length(without being stretched). I have heard that this can cause damage, but I don't know why. please email me at naturemuse650@gmail.com. Any help is greatly appreciated
Hi... i just decided to go natural because i kept some braids in my relaxed hair for to long so I had a lot of breakage in my hair when i took them out. I DONT want to do the big chop,but im not sure how to take care of my hair while it is growing out. Are sew ins and braids a goog Idea?
Question..is it a good idea to go to the dominicians while trying to go natural
I've been growing my hair out for the past 4 months. I didn't go with the big cut, but did cut quite a bit off for a short bob. My daily routine consist of wet, conditioning, and moisterizing my hair and out the door I go. Before I would tried hot ironing my hair during the transition, but the breakage was horrific! Now that I go with a wet set the breakage is still there, but has calmed down a great deal. My hair has two different textures. It is 2b in the back to middle and 2c/3a everywhere else. The relaxer waves up with a scrunch and blend in with the new growth, but I'm looking for products that will stop the breakage all together. Am I damaging my natural hair by not making the big chop?
I am going natural. I am 45yrs old & just so tired of relaxing my hair. The last relaxer I put in my hair was in November 2009. I am not sure if I am going about it the right way though... I wash my hair and cut an inch off every month, 3in. so far. My hair is midway down my back. Both my mom & my husband are not happy with my descision to cut & go natural, but once I want to do something.... its pretty much done. Anyway, I'd like advice on products & any tips you can provide. Thanks, "Natural & Happy!"
Hi... me again. I can be contacted at rhondala1@yahoo.com if anyone has any tips. Thanks "Natural & Happy!"
Everyone please try Wen Fig cleansing Conditioner and Fig Oil! It is very moisturizing and good to the ethnic hair!!
WenHairCare.com or QVC.com or Chaz Dean hair products!! There is no need for a separate conditioner; it is cleanser and conditioner in one product. Please read directions carefully. There are no sulfates to dry out your hair!!!
Okay, I have a couple of questions lol. So I went 6 months without a relaxer, and when I took out my sewn in, it was just so unmangable, that I tried to put a relaxer in, but it didnt take and I was left with some of my hair relaxed and some of my hair natural. that was like a month ago, and I have decided to give the natural a try for real this time (lol). I have been doing research on going natural, and some of the things that I have read I'm pretty confused with. I have been straightening my hair with a hot comb, my question to you is can I do that? My other question is I have been using only one new product since I began and that is Cantu Shea Butter. My question is what other products can I use to ensure that my hair stays healthy? I have a lot of other questions to ask but I dont want to flood the blog with them. (lol) Thank you
I am 23 years old and I decided to attempt to go natural about 3 months ago (Dec. 09- last relaxer). I still have not relaxed my hair but I am at the point in my life where I am trying to establish a career and going on many interviews. I am worried that this may not be the best time in life to attempt to transition. Most of the previous entries seem to be from younger, high school age girls or established women. My mother has dreds and is all for me going natural, but also thinks that I should wait until I am at a stable job that is understanding about the transitioning phase. I just don't know what to do with the new growth. I dont feel that it is long enough to make the BC yet. Please help me!
Hi im a college student and I have recently decided to go natural. Its been about a month and a week since my last perm and this process has been very stressful. I really dont know how to style my hair since I keep reading and hearing that I should treat it as it is already natural? I have still been straightening my hair with a flat iron and hotcomb. I was hoping you could give me some sugguestions becsuse my hair is also short too and I don't know what to do with it.
aveda's control paste is all natural unlike gel, and is a miracle for the edges while trying to grow out the perm. i haven't had a perm since january and when i get my blow outs, my stylist put me on to this product. It's perfect for working out too. It really makes your edges slick and sleek
well now am still transitioning from perm to natural started and went for perm but this time i am done with the perm giong natural for good.
Hi everyone, I cried this morning because my 12 year old daughter decided 9 months ago to go back natural after perming it only twice (she didnt want the chemical no more). It has grown out alot but she also wont let me chop off the permed part yet either that is left. The permed part is very thin but her natural part is very thick. I have been braiding it and OMG it stopped alot of breakage that was comming out. I suggest braiding if you want to stop alot of breakage cuz it helped her. However I felt bad because she always had really long hair and now it is officially short compared to what it was(end of her neck length now). I ask her if she felt bad she said she hated the process but she would not go back now. She left for school ok and I left for work crying.... But im proud of her for standing by her natural side. FYI I am all natural and leave in conditioner REDKEN Curly, keeps my curls defined. Keep in touch SDW29S@msn.com
I want to wear my hair natural. I've been blessed to have what people consider "nice hair". it's always been thick and perms have helped me put in a ponytail every once in a while. Sometimes when I wash it, I let it dry or I put curling mousse so it can wave. I'm tired of perms. it's nothing against relaxing and those that relax, I just want a change. however, at this point int my life, The change is going to be difficult. I'm 23 getting ready to leave school, and I don't want to hinder any jobs that I may have because of my hair. I work in hospitality and upkeep for blacks is more important and scrutinized than it is for whites. I have long hair and I don't want to do the big chop. My hair does not take to well to braids and weave so any hair styles that requires either is not going into my head. I'm excited, scared, and lost. I wouldn't be so lost if I was in a city that specialized in natural hair. I'm from DC and that was a common thing, here in Charlotte, it's not. I think it's because of the extreme heat.
Hi, i am transitioning right now. it hasn't been long only 2months. some one told me that if u use beer as a conditioner in your hair it will help your relaxed hair to look more natural, but is this healthy?
I have decided to go natural, due to damage done to my hair and scalp. I am new to the process and. I have not had a perm in 6 weeks and was wondering if wearing a sew in was good in the transition process.
Ok...so I am 15 and got a perm about 4 years ago ! I really hate having relaxed hair, because I feel like I am changing who I am when this is the way God intended me to be. When I was younger, I had really curly, "good" hair. But now, my stylist says I shouldn't go natural because I don't have the hair type for it. I REALLY WANT TO GO NATURAL ! I think it is beautiful, and I love the waves and curls that flow from my scalp. So the main question is..."Do you have to have a certain type of hair to go natural?"
I use Redken Curl (in green bottle) they have the best conditioner to enhance wavy/curly hair. I didnt know i had wavy/curly hair till i put that on...
trell the same thing happened to me, when I first went natural my hair was always so dry and frizzy, I did no realize that all I needed was moisture for my curls. Finding the right conditioner made the difference, also I watched other natural girls on Youtube that shared the products that they used so once I learned that our hair needs lots and lots of moisture then I started to see a significant change in my curl pattern.
After much analysis into the natural hair community and watching tons of videos and going to natural hair blogs as well as looking at natural hair pictures I noticed that most of us african american woman have really nice hair and the kinky, nappy annotations are just a myth, we just had to learn how to take care of our hair properly.
i am 15 and decided togo naural.it was the best desion ive ever made last perm was on midseptember of 09. i have 2in. of newgrowth. am doin every thing wrong b/c i have no money for all the products...i am doing my best and very happy. ive mad my mom and sister change couple of friends at school also so pray for my successful endings
HI I JUST RECENTLY DECIDED TO GO NATURAL AND ALSO MY 3 GIRLS. WE A MILITARY FAMILY AND NEW TO THIS AREA .MOSTLY JAPANESE OR KOREAN PEOPLE DO HAIR.I am not into the dreads really just the flat iron. Will you please give me some tips on products and your advice?
Should i go to the salon if so what should i get done?????A I NEVER SEE ANY BLACK PEOPLE IN THERE SHOP BUT THEY SAY THEY DO BLACK PEOPLE HAIR!
Hi I've been in the transitioned period for about 11 months. As much as I love knowing that I'm not dependent on a relaxer, it's really hard to keep my hair under control since it's thick and long. I really want my hair to stay natural but what haristyles can I do that's easy to upkeep but very versatile. Also I'm going to prom in well... a month and I have no idea how to do my hair! My mom keeps trying to convince me to get a relaxer and while my friend tries to encourage me not to, her hair is not at all kinky the way mine is. Please pleas help me.
What are some good hair salons in DC for transitioning hair?
im starting to go natural because im tired of perms the smell annoys my idk why. so like i've been researching so i'll know what i will be getting into with the whole going natural. i just recently moved to a new city and i cant find a hair dresser so ive been washing deep conditoning and as for stlying i bought a pack of wet and wavy weave and now im doing clip in's and its going good and oiling and all that good stuff twice a day but i was wondering what shampoos and conditioners could i use that'll help and should i treat my hair like i did when it wasw relaxed my relaxing and if it ok to hot comb my bangs or should i just let it grow like the rest of my hair. thanks alot for the information you already provided to others
I found a website that lists some natural hair salons in the DC area, http://www.treasuredlocks.com/salons.html
HI 2 weeks ago after seeing how damage my hair was after, she took my sewin out and blow it out,very fine texture and thinning at the top of my head I was just sick of it. So I went and had it cut very low. But I have continues to perm it as recently as yesterday. After perming it yesterday I notice alot of breakage in the towel. I really want to just cut it bald and start over WITHOUT chemicals just stay natural. My question is will it grow back thicker especially on the top. I'm worried that it want grow back healthier just the same fine texture and thinning on top. I'm running out of options. HELP
I've been transitioning since last sept, and I'm happy that I finally went natural because I've never seen my natural hair since I've had perms since I was very young. My hair is very very curly, but it elongates when I wash it and when it dries it shrinks back to its tight curl. I have found that my hair is very hard to detangle and I use detangling conditioner to help with it. But I can't help, but notice that I keep getting little tangled balls in my hair. I decided not to do the big chop and gradually cut it off. Is there anything you would recommend for the tangles. I do put a shea butter moistuerizer in it before combing with a wide tooth coomb because its more easy to manage wet. I've also noticed that in certain parts of my hair I have strands that have grouped together forming spirally curls like springs and I was wondering if those are causing my tangle problems.
I am in Los Angeles and I am sure there are many places that will help me go natural. I have been getting a relaxer for YEARS!!!! Ok more than 20 years. I am over it and just want my natural curls. It is really hard for me to transition because it is so think and my edges are a mess. I work for a company where image is everything, so it is really hard for me to not get a relaxer. If anyone know of someone who can help me transition and I can still keep my job. I greatly appreciate it! =)
Hey...I am South African and I have decided to go natural...It's been six months now, now and then I get tempted to relax but I figured that it is not worth it because relaxed hair breaks all the time anyway...I was just wondering, how different is African hair from African American hair, is my hair going to be even more difficult to manage as time goes or do we all experience the same challenges?
Lolita, I think there may be a slight difference in our hair, but both A and AA hair is coarse. I am a natural 3 years now and it is difficult for me to keep my hair natural constantly cuz my ends break (feel like I need my ends trimed every month). So I wear it natural for about 3 days then I straighten it with my flat irons. If you did the BC you should be able to manage your hair as time goes on, if you r growing your perm out slowly then i would say we all go thru the same challenges. The perm part is weak and thin compared to the natural..
Hi, I have been in the transitioning process for 10 weeks now, I have done alot of research throgh youtube, but my main issue is protective styling. I have been growing out a short pixie cut, and have scalp and growth prblems in two areas. They stay relaxed with no natral growth and that makes me halt on the big chop or else I would have done it already. Abot protective styling, because those very short patches wont grow, I cant proceed with braids that will be full, since they are at the back of my head and my hair is growing ot a tapered cut where as the front is right under my ears now. My new growth appears to be 1/2 an inch now, and I contine to take hair down in the back because it grows uneven. What are some styles I can do while I have this problem?
I have very long wavy hair. I used to relax my hair at least 3-4 times a year. I then decreased to 2-3 times a year and eventually went to once a year. I decided to stop relaxing and have not relaxed my hair since January 2009. Since my hair has always been long I did not want to do a big chop, I didn't think I needed to since I wasn't relaxing as often. I have been doing twist, wash and go, and braid outs however my long hair always tangles and I like to be able to comb through my hair but I find it to be an excrutiating process. The only time my hair doesn't tangle is when I blow it out, or put it in a bun (which is most of the time). How can I maintain long wavy hair without it tangling especially underneath when I twist or wash & wear? What do I do? I refuse to go back to relaxing, but I cannot stand this tangling.
Indian girl the best way to avoid tangling is to not use brushes, combs or wash hair unprotected. rinse hair while still in plates or braids, also use you fingers to take hair out of any type of natural hairstyle, plus the more moisturized the hair is from essential oils like olive oil and coconut oil the more tame the hair will become making it easier to style.
I've been transitioning my hair since Aug 09. Over the past 4 months I've cut my hair short. Still my hair has two extreme textures. The back is curly but the front and top (which is longer) is still stick straight. I'm so very confused. I'm 100% sure that I've cut the perm out seeing that I haven't relaxed my hair in 10 months and have cut my hair to where there was only 3 inches in those areas. I have blowdryed and flat ironed my hair more than not. Could this be the reason that my hair has no curl on the end?
Yes Nicole the culprit is the flat iron, I had the same thing happen to me, I flat ironed my hair for 3 months straight and then when I started doing co-washes and when I did braid outs I noticed my hair did not curl up like it used to, instead it stayed straight on the ends.
Hi,I'm also a young one(15 years old)and i really have been wanting to go natural for about 1 year now,my hair is reallly damaged and uneven so i'm probably just going to do the big chop.My only concern is can i wear Kinky twists and micros during this transition because i hate having short hair and is there any products you recommend for my baby afro to be curly? Thnx for ur Time
nerdichix, miss jessies, kinky curly are some of the top natural hair products, some other options is natural hair products from carols daughter.
I'm 17 and I am now sick of getting perms, my hair is soooo damaged. My hair sheds extremely too much. I am not really used to perms. I started out getting home perms while in the 9th grade and then 10th and 11th I went too a beauty salon. The woman put a perm in my hair and let it set for too long. Now I have little spots and short ends in my hair. I soo want to go back natural. Any advice?
I've been thinking about going natural and so far after looking at a lot of tutorials and natural hair journeys I'm hooked. My mom was kinda peeved when I told her but I shrugged it off. She said it was my hair so in hence, its my hair. What I want to know though it how can you transition with short hair? I recently got a lot of inches cut off after my hair broke off due to the fact that I hadn't gotten it relaxed in months and I wasn't taking care of it. I have a pixie now and I want to transition at least until Christmas Break and start a new semester with the BC.
I haven't seen many videos or heard many stories about people starting their transition with a pixie so yeah. And tips?
AMAZING POST! sooooo informative and info packed! hahah just how i like 'em
i've also found a great deal of help here:
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/tips/5-t
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/ingredie
ANDDDDD i started a blog there too. http://www.naturallycurly.com/blog_contests/index/
and speaking of HAIRspiration, check this out! http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/super-ki
it's websites like hubpages and NC.com that really helped me out :')
I've been relaxing my hair for 8 years now (20 years old) My mother did my hair for years until I got a relaxer... She just did the old straightening process... I've always had natural wavy curl hair but I got a relaxer because my hair was extremely to long to manag & my mother didn't want to continue to do my hair and I thought it would be easier to do... Although my mother waited til I started my menstrual cycle to give me a relaxer she said something due to the changes in the body...would be better... Etc my hair did fine with the relaxers until I went to college in 08...My hair stayed long (was pass the middle of my back) but my hair broke off really bad my freshman year of college... I guess I didn't take care of my hair well... Was stressed out my eating habits & due to the weather change (Michgan)... I usually only get relaxers every 3-6 months so I don't get my hair relaxed frequently... But I haven't had a relaxer in 3 months and I really want to go Natural! I want my hair as long as it was... It's Currently past my shoulders but not too much... But I love the wet curl look how my hair use to be so Im not sure what to do... I don't want to do the BC! Ive Been doing some research and looking into going natural... ESP with heading back to College in the next month I would have to manage my hair or just go bak to the relaxers before I head back. I do have a currently stylist and I haven't been to her in the past 3 months so I haven't discussed the whole natural thing... Ive just been washing & deep condutioning my hair on my own and then straightening it...but I am moving to Michigan permanently and my bf Mother has had her natural hair for years and I was going to start going to her hair stylist every two weeks to keep my hair conditioned and trimmed... I don't know if the relaxer is damaging my hair or not probably so but I didn't see the major damage and change til I went to school in 08. Now its hard for my hair to grow, my ends seem to always b damaged...so the hair I thought has grown realky hasn't...& my hair has thinned out over the years...I currently have been using this shampoo & conditioner from KeraCare, and my whole life I've always used Ultra Sheen (Blue Hair Grease) for my scalp and Dudleys PCA on my hair... Works great I guess...So i basically just need some advice on what to do?... Is just going to a natural hair stylist every week or two a good thing for natural? I know that u can't press out ur new growth which is what I thought would work but I was wrong...I really don't want to result in going bak to getting my hair relaxed but for some reason I mite just do it... So any helpful advice or tips with be really appreciated... THANKS!
Dia your situation is similar to many other women who have wanted to take the journey of wearing their hair natural, it seems that the chemical relaxer is breaking off and damaging your hair, that is why it is thinning out, you did mention a valid point about your diet and stress during college is affecting the condition of your hair.
The one thing about your new growth is that it will be stronger and thicker than the chemically treated hair so as it grows out you will incur more damage because of the two different textures, that is why protective styling is going to be very important, you will need to wear your hair is styles that will allow your hair to rest.
Protective styles for natural hair ideas, include: the bun Chignon, two strand twists, braids and flat twists, it will take trial and error until you find which style will work best on your hair.
The big chop is not always necessary it just will require some careful TLC on your everyday hair care routine.
Hope this helps.
all yall hair is nappy ha ha
I am trying to transition right now...against my moms advice. I had loong curly hair when I was younger. All the way til I was about 12 years old and got my first perm. I have very thick biracial -like hair( I'm native american, black, and dominican) and my mom simply got exhausted with all the work to tame the curls. I start at Howard next month and I'm nervous about going natural during my first year of college even though I've done a lot of research. Today I purchased Kinky Curly shampoo conditioner and curling custard. Hopeful this'll work. My last perm was in may for prom and over the years I have never had more than three perms a year. Thanks for your tips
Brie congratulations on your going to college at Howard, I know you will do just fine, the thing about hair is that it adjusts very well, once you train your hair to be used to being natural you will find that some pretty amazing looks can be achieved. Kinky Curly Custard is a good start, plus as you experiment with various hair products you will find ones that work best for your hair type.
Thanks for commenting.
I am in the very beginnings of transition. What can I do to train my hair to have a looser curl pattern and are Aphogee and Dr.Miracle's products appropriate for natural and transitioning hair?
So I have been transition since March (that was my last perm!) But im confused as to what i should do now, I've had a sew in and mircos all summer so i havent really worn my hair out, but now i want to, and school is starting back up and i have no idea what to do to my hair! When i tried to do 2strand twist, my hair is limp and does now have the natural look except at the roots because my relaxed ends are long and soooo straight. My relaxed hair is VERY damaged and thin but long , but i still do not want to do the bc.. is there any specific product and style that would make my hair look natural and healthy because now it looks very dry. And how often should i wash and deep condition my hair?? help me please :")
If you have not started your peroid will your hair hold a perm??????
I am currently in the transition stages. I got a weave and whem I took it out I had two bald spots on the side....now I am wondering if I should actually continue on with the process....please help my hair is already thin..
Raye my daughter is transitioning and I keep her hair braided bcuz she too has long thin perm pieces and natural hair. So until more of her natural hair grows out to a length she is comfortable with we keep it braided mostly cornrows every 2 weeks. It is doing really good but it takes patience. O yeah we trim the perm little by little every 6-8 weeks.
Shan it sounds like the hair routine that you have used on your daughters hair is a good one, thanks for sharing your experience.
I've been going natural for well over 6 months..somedays are better than others but i love the freedom my hair now gives me. No longer do I have to worry did my straight wrap mess up. I just let my hair do its own thing :). If anyone has tips on how to keeps permed ends curled or any suggestions on really good moisturizers feel free to share!
~today is aug 11, 2010~
ok so i am 14 and i am trying to go natural {my last relaxer was on June 2nd}, my mom is not sure what to do and what products to use. i have done some research and i know hairstyles that i can get but i need some inexpensive products that i can buy at any beauty store. also the products need to help maintain frizz.
HERES WHAT PRODUCTS I NEED:(ps: i think my hair type is 3b3 and 3b8)
-a good shampoo
-a good conditioner
-a good deep conditioner
-a good daily moisturizer
-a good daily conditioner
and im going to use jojoba or pure shea butter as a natural oil
please answer back and thanks for your time
Sequoyah W, carols daughter natural hair care products are great..
Healthy Hair Butter - $12.50
Tui Hair Oil - $8.00
Hair Milk - $10.00
So is Oyin Handmade products:
Greg Juice - $9.00
Honey Hemp Conditioner - $9.00
Shine & Define Styling Serum - $5.50
You may also like Burt’s Bees products:
Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar - $6.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo - $8.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Conditioner - $8.00
I FIND THE INFO ON THIS SITE TO BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL. M GOING NATURAL AND I'VE RESEARCHED AND THINGS ARE WORKING OUT FOR ME. MY HAIR IS SO HEALTHY THAT I AM INSPIRING MY TWO SISTERS TO DO THE SAME. INITIALLY THE SACRIFICE IS TOUGH BUT THE REWARDS AND SATISFACTION OF HAVING HEALTHY BEAUTIFUL HAIR IS SO WORTH IT. STAY UP!
Jillian, I agree with you when it comes to having healthy hair, the extra effort is worth the end results.
I just decided to make the transition to natural because of a lifestyle change to dedicate myself to working out at least 4-5 days a week. For the past year I have not had a relaxer but I have been getting braids every 3 months so that I can workout but still have a good looking hair do when I am finished. I have been back and forth on whether I should get a relaxer or just continue on the natural journey. I am to the point where I need a break from the braids cause I am now starting to see some thinning around my hairline due to the braids. I was debating maybe locks but I am still up in the air about that but I do love the 2 strand twist. I was wondering what would be a suggested best locks or just a plain ole natural starting with a mini fro?
I've been wearing a sew in for almost 2 years now. I recently decided to go natural being that I have not had a perm in those two years. My only concern is that I'm a personal trainer so i will have to wash my hair quite frequently thats why wearing a sew in has been so much easier for me to maintain. I'm going to wear the sew in for the remainder of the summer and once fall comes, I am done with the weave and I'm so nervous about wearing my hair natural. Are there any tips you can give for a beginner. I have noticed that my hair does curl naturally after a wash but the texture isn't as soft as I would like. Please help. I'm so over the sew in
I was looking for some Sodium Laureth Sulfate free shampoos and noticed Carols Daughter has it also. The SLS dries my daughter scalp out. I found some Shea butter shampoo without the SLS and so far no dry scalp..Just thought I would share
Your site is extremely helpful, and I am trying to remain encouraged. My last relaxer was 11/09...I am almost 9 months post. For the most part, when I was relaxing my hair it was relatively healthy. I didn't experience any breakage or dryness, I just wanted to stop using strong chemicals. Until today, I haven't had a difficult time managing my two textures. My hair is waist length, thick and tangles easily. I don't want to relax, but I am loosing so much hair, spending so much time detangling and styling (4 hours today and now air drying) and so much money trying to find products that will detangle and moisturize. My hair does well when I flat iron because I don't manipulate it as much, and the style will last for almost 2 weeks. Braid outs are okay, but I have to manipulate/detangle my hair every night, and the style only lasts 5 - 7 days due to the use of styling products. I'm aware that breakage is to be expected, but I don't feel my products are effective in detangling. When I purchase products, I look for ingredients that my low porosity, thick hair responds to, but nothing seems to work well. My hair doesn't respond to heavy proteins, but the moisturizing proteins are okay...hydrolyzed wheat protein. Any tips/words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
Tysha,-- locks would be a great solution to your hair needs giving you a break from the braids and allowing your hair to grow back along the hairline, you will also find new versatile protective styling as you experiment with your natural hair.
Qdee -- I can understand the frustration with wearing sew ins and the need to try something new, it can be a challenge to find good protective styles, especially if you work out alot and need to constantly wash your hair after fitness training.
To preserve wash and go hairstyles you can try mini twists that can be rinsed out after working out, and once dried make good braid outs and twist outs.
Andrea -- air drying your hair is a good idea and it will really save your natural hair from breakage, it is best to not put undue stress on the hair from combing it or pulling it back in ponytails, allow the scalp to breath and use more essential oils in your hair, they will help your hair keep its moisture and they are really light and won't weigh the hair down.
hey, thanks for this website, it is really helpful! I am transitioning and i wanted to kno if it is o.k. to blow dry my hair dry, or should i roller set it?
NatalieRN, you will notice that there is less breakage and you will not dry the hair out as much if you roller set your natural hair to achieve a healthy straight style, but if you do use a blow dryer its best to use a comb attachment and separate hair into small sections while using a heat protectant. Some have found after blow drying hair its best to wrap it up to make the style last longer.
I need help! I have been transitioning now for 3 months. I am having alot of breakage so what hair moisturizing hair products should I use???
Im so glad to have come across your site. 2day was my 1st day doing research and I have learned so much!! I recently decided I want to go natural but did my touch up 3 weeks ago because I had no idea what to do next. I want to keep braids to the back(getting them redone every 2 weeks) in once this perm becomes unmanageable. Then I would like to keep the braids until I can cut the perm out enough to have a mini afro and continue from there. Will I still get damage to the new hair being that it will be pulled by the braids?
thanks for sharing
I've been transitioning for 6months now, I was experiencing a lot shedding and hair coming out when i detangled or even part my hair to style it. I want to do small kinky twist in my hair using my own hair. If I do that how do i wash my hair and condition it with kinky twist?
Good advice that I've been reading. Last perm was April 2010 and I've been wanting to go natural/pressed for some time. So far so good. Went to get my hair done today and it had already grown 2 inches. I did buy some extra virgin olive oil to apply everyday. I've gone this far and I think I can make it all the way.
i never said thankyou im sorry
I have decided to go natural as well. I haven't had a perm since July and I've been wearing plaits. I don't wanna do the bog chop, so I think I'm going to have it braided; however, I don't want to damage my hairline. With that being said, how do I prevent that? While researching I've read that we should rinse our hair daily and use a leave in conditioner daily. Is that necessary? My last question, when wearing plaits and braids what are some of the most effective ways of moisturizing the hair? What products are most recommended?
hello
Hi. I am planning to go natural again and I believe I have been doing the braid out method. I am planning on getting some products from Carol's Daughter and I'm wondering what I should use. Will the Hair Milk curl defining products work well with my hair? Like, is it to add curls to my natural hair, or should my hair already be curly?
Hello, it’s been a few months since the last post but I have questions/concerns. First, some background. My last perm was January 10 (all new growth), then on April 9 (edges only). On August 9, I cut approx 5 inches so now my hair is just below my shoulders. On October 4th, I plan to trim the ends. I am bi-racial. I guess my hair “type” falls somewhere between 3a-c, but I really am not sure. Just guessing.
Now for my questions/concerns. I really have absolutely NO idea what to do with my hair right now and I am VERY concerned about what products to use. In the beginning, I spent an exorbitant amount of money on leave in conditioners, frizz tamers, glosses, etc. As time passes, I realize that I don’t want to use products with long lists of ingredients/chemicals. Recently, I started using coconut oil. I put it in my hair once a week overnight and wash it out the next day. What should I use AFTER washing my hair? I always let it air dry but don’t know what to put in it after washing. The coconut oil is kind of heavy. Is there another kind of oil I can put on wet/damp hair that will keep it moisturized without weighing it down?
lissette, I would suggest that you use coconut oil, tea tree oil, rosemary, olive oil, sparingly these are light and you will just have to make sure your not adding too much while your hair is damp.
Also with the length of your hair you can combine regular moisturizing conditioner with the hair oil this will keep your curl pattern and achieve a desirable look as your hair air dries which won't weigh it down.
Nicole C going natural is a great choice, carols daughter is a great product too. The hair milk curl defining product will have different results on each persons hair type. You will have to test and see which natural hair products will work best for you.
Some say that heavy creams work best while others say that light mist sprays work best, so it really depends on your hair type as well as how you plan on styling your hair.
Ashley Y and Luvie you both seem to have similar questions as to the best way to wash and moisturize plaits, braids and kinky twists.
The first goal is to protect the edges of your hairline to avoid thinning, balding and breakage, one of the best hair treatments I have found include using your favorite essential oils such as olive oil, tea tree oil, vitamin E oil or Jojoba oil and add minced garlic to them. Heat oil and let cool then apply to hair edges twice daily, this will protect your hairline and stimulate growth, especially if you are wearing tight braids or hair puffs.
As for cleansing the hair, clarifying shampoos are the best, also Mane & Tail shampoo is recommended because of its high protein formula.
When its time to rinse it out try adding apple cider vinegar to your water because it is known for removing, dirt, dust and lint from the braids without causing frizz.
To moisturize it is suggested to use a water based conditioner that won't weigh the hair down, plus use the oil mixture mentioned above for the scalp and edges only.
Thank you so much for the help! And great article btw. I will post back with progress, updates, etc.
hi, i've read majority of these postings that were pretty helpful. i've decided to stop getting perms after 7 years of perms, its been 6,7 months since my last perm and ive been getting sew-in weaves, i was wondering if the transition is still possible without the big cut off and if so how?
Thanks for the comment laninoelle, you are at a good stage with your new growth, I would suggest that there is no need for you to do the big chop, all that is required is that every time you take your sew-in out just trim a few inches off the tips of your hair. After doing this for several months, you will notice that all the perm is gone and you did not have to sacrifice length.
Hello all,
A few days ago I got my hair relaxed and I decided, after almost 7 years of relaxing, that it'd be my last. I'd always wanted to go natural, I just never knew how. I know its still very early for me but I want to be prepared for what's to come. So I've spent just about all day researching and I've gotten tons of useful information. I want to regain strength and health back into the natural hair God gave me. I am all together anxious, afraid, and excited for this journey because I don't know what to expect. I still have a few questions though.
What procedures/products do I practice in order to prep myself for having completely natural hair? Shampooing/Conditioning/Wet Setting is my normal practice for my texturized hair and I know this is a general procedure for all hair types. But I've read many places that 'Hot Oil Treatments, Deep Conditioning, etc.' are vital to natural hair growth. My question is HOW and with what products are these tasks performed and what other things should I get in the habit of doing while my natural hair grows in?
Also,
Is flat ironing with a ceramic iron also suseptable to giving hair heat damage?
Thank you nd good luck to everyone whose made this decision, please don't give up.
I am glad you decided to go natural JL, since you just had your hair relaxed it is going to take a while for you to really be able to take advantage of some of the great natural hair styles from two strand twists and wash and go styles. Some have found that relaxed hair behaves differently than natural hair does.
Many reasons include the density and thickness of the hair is different. It will be hard for you to actually prepare for natural hair care because you will not get the same results. Once kinky curly hair is relaxed it losses its fullness, volume and elasticity.
The best way to know which products will work for your hair type is trial and error. Each persons experience with a product can produce different results.
Also you will experience a stress on the hair from having two different hair textures once your hair starts to grow out. I am not sure if you are planning on getting the big chop and wearing a TWA, but all I can suggest is until your hair gets long enough for some of the leave-in conditioners and henna based moisturizers. You may want to try braiding your hair up at night into cornrows and then take the braids out the next day to achieve a more crinkled look, to see how you like it.
Transitioning from relaxed hair is a challenge and can result in hair breakage. straightening the hair with flat irons is damaging to the hair. Some suggest to use low heat and a protective gel to reduce the breakage.
Some good reference websites are: Nappturality.com, Mowtowngirl.com, longlocks.com, carolsdaughter.com, blendedbeauty.com, and treasuredlocks.com are just a few of the sites that offer detailed information in regards to hair care products for all hair types especially naturally curly hair.
Youtube is another place that gives you "How to" hair tutorials from several natural curly girls.
thanks a lot. i'm still very apprehensive about making the decision but i think it'll be best for me seeing how my hair would bounce from long to short long too short ever since my hair broke off about four years ago after i dyed it.
Hi, I have been relaxer free for 12 months and I was wondering if ther is a way to cover up my natural hair while it grows? Example, quick weave or sew in? If quick weave is an option, is the glue free, morning glory good to protect my hair?
Sparklejs, that sounds like a good idea, let me know how it goes.
Hi,
I've had a perm for 2 yrs and but now I decided to grow it back natural, not because of hair loss or anything... I haven't had a perm since february 2010. I had my hair in braids ( did not work well) then twists, which is better. I'm planning to do the big chop next yr because I don't want to keep putting weaves in my hair.I do alot of home care using olive oil shampoo and deep treatment conditioner and it's working well for me but I have alot of breakage..Is there something that could help? I'm sure this question has been asked but that is alot of comments to read. lol.
THXXX
hi ive been goin without a perm for abt a year now but i wear quick weave and i wash my hair n condition it everytime i take my hair out which is every two weeks.. but now i wanna start wearin my hair i like to have body n nice wraps.. any suggestions
Mel - that is a good idea to use olive oil because it really helps the hair stay healthy, also deep conditioners are great too. You may want to try henna as well they really add to the texture and restores hair from breakage.
Tawana you can try the french twist it is always a nice look on natural hair, also double braids work well for getting more body and bounce in day wear styles.
hi, i have been thinking about going natural for awhile now and I think I am ready. Right now my hair is cut in a short style and I have a relaxer. Since I have been thinking about going natural, I started realizing that my hair gets thinner and thinner and I think it's from getting it relaxed. The only time my hair was thick was when I had braids for a few years and took them down, ever since its been thin. I am just scared that maybe i won't get the thickness back. I AM GOING TO GO NATURAL because i really do feel like a slave to the relaxer as crazy as that sounds. When i miss one appointment to get my hair done, it starts to break off. do you have any advise for my transition. THANK YOU
Monica, it is very insightful of you to notice how your hair has changed over the years. Hair relaxers damage our hair and breaks down the cuticle so that it gets weak. Hot oil treatments and Keratin protein leave in conditioners can help, as well as mixing mayo and eggs for a home remedy wash and rinse conditioner.
You may want to try getting braids back again, this will do one of two things. First allow your hair to grow with out any extra stress to the ends, and you will be able to see the difference in texture.
If you decide to put braids in your hair you can take them out every three months and have your ends trimmed, depending on how fast your hair grows you can have a complete head of natural hair in as little as 6 to 8 months with this method, and it will make your transition from relaxer much easier.
Any protective hairstyle will work while your growing out your hair, it will be hard to wear your perm because as you comb and style your hair there will be too much breakage. Its best to find a way to protect the ends of the hair to retain length.
Hope this helps.
Hi I'm 12 and I've been transitioning for only about t
3 months now I decided to go natural because
It's something that I really want to do
But I'm actually kinda of scared because
I've always been so intense about my hair
So I'm going to be kinda of nervous to wear a flat twist
Or something like that to school
Sharmaine it will be an adjustment to make simply because it will take time for society to change their perceptions of how us natural curly girls wear our hair, Also while transitioning it can be a real challenge to stay motivated as our new growth gets longer,
You may want to try taking each of your flat twist and pinning them up into an updo or french twist, either way be confident and the more you show your comfortable with your own style the better people will start to accept the look as being something that is true to ourselves.
Thanks for sharing.
i've wanted to wear my hair naturally for some time, but i think that if i grew it out naturally, it would be kinky. is there some way to make my hair go from kinky looking to like the curls that spanish girls have?
you can have the curl pattern you desire by using good moisturizing products on a daily basis, it just takes trial and error to find a method that will work best for you
so i have 4b hair or 4c and i wanted to know if it is possible for me to have really loose curls. if so, how can i do this and what type of products do you suggest?
I have a thinning spot in the middle and wants to go natural, nut I want it cut short, is that possible with the spot being so noticeable.
Dee I have found that it is possible to have a looser curl with all hair types even if you are a 4b or 4c because it has more to do with the products you use then the hair type.
Some of the best products to use on natural hair are ones that moisturize and smooth the hair while wet, you may want to try youtube to see step by step instructions on how to apply kinky curly custard and miss jessies curly buttercream.
Also at night make sure to put your hair in two strand twists or french braids, this will keep the hair from having too much shrinkage.
Toot it probably would be best to transition first and once you get enough length slowly trim the ends each month, it is not necessary to do the big chop because you want to use essential oils on your scalp to promote hair growth, I have a feeling that once your hair starts to grow in it will blend real good.
Also avoid parting your hair in the middle or adding stress on the hair follicles instead brush the hair backwards and wear styles that will allow for more volume at the top of your head.
Hey!! I have recently decided to go natural And I would like to know what styles I can do throughout the process of growing out my relaxer???
Hey I was just wondering what to do because I recently cut my hair in a slanted bob in which my hair goes from short to long from the left to right....should I just let the hair grow and get it trimmed until it is even or do I have to cut the hair even before I begin the natural process!!! Help
D Girl I have been watching some natural hair videos on Youtube and one thing that they all have in common when it comes to transitioning to natural hair from relaxer is that protective hairstyling is key to success.
One of the main reasons that you want to wear styles that put your hair in a bun, bantu knots, flat twists, cornrows, wet sets or weave sew-ins because it will allow the ends of the hair to stay protected from damage.
The biggest draw back to leaving the straight permed hair on the ends is that the hair textures are so different, your new growth will be stronger and coiled while the ends of your relaxed hair will be weak, limp and break whenever you comb, style or detangle your hair.
trim your ends a few inches each month so as to prepare for the full length of your natural hair.
AnitaShae you can grow out your angle bob just the way it is, I do not see any need to cut it at this point, you will know when is the best time, just wait until you get a good length of new growth.
Thank you so much!! I was really at a loss!!! Ur advice is so helpful and I ha e really learned alot from reading all of the responses
Hi, i am so confused about my hair right now. I havent had a relaxer since June 4th and my hair seems to be gaining new growth in the top, but not the back. What should I do, should I cut it. Also, my stylist straightens it out sometimes, should I ask her to stop? And does flat ironing my hair mess up my curl pattern. What products should I use to treat my roots? I hope you can help.
Layna you have some common questions that many woman face when going natural.
The one thing you will notice is that your hair will start to grow longer on the top of your head this is normal and please do not cut it.
You will be happy you let it grow, because even though your hair is short now in the back, it will all start to even itself out as you gain more length in the coming months.
As far as using a flat iron and trying to straighten your hair if you do it on a daily basis it will start to effect your curl pattern, so I would recommend that you try braid outs, twist outs and this will stretch your hair without the need of heat.
Your braid outs should be done each day to see the maximum effect, also avoid wetting the hair while doing braid outs, instead use a creamy leave in conditioner along with olive oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil or other essential natural hair oils to keep your hair moisturized.
The roots of your hair can do well with less products but the ends of your hair will get the dryest and need the most attention.
I am honeymooning with the idea of going natural. I have worn relaxed hair a long time, and I very seldom switch up my hair style. Recently my hair started to break and thin. I take good care of my hair and see a stylist regulary, but I think that going natural may be best for my hair. The hairdresser I have currently does not truly support the decision of going natural nor does she know how to take care of it. Leaving me to look for someone who does. What can I do to make this transition easy?
Mel, it is good that you are looking to maintain healthy hair and going natural is one of the best ways of doing this. Remember that it will take you learning a new hair care routine. So now is a good time for you to educate yourself as much as possible on the different products for natural hair, also the many protective styles and beauty treatments that will work for your hair texture.
At first you will not be able to really assess how your natural curl pattern will look or what products work best on it, until you get a considerable amount of length.
So I would recommemd going to youtube and getting a first hand look at the woman who have been natural for many years, they answer many of the the FAQ that will really help you on your journey.
One I found recently is Kimmaytube,from LUVNaturals she shows how her natural hair grows by documenting it on her channel plus she discusses how to moisturize and retain length.
Hey GREAT site...
I have been natural before, actually late last year I cut it all off. My fro was about 4 inches but I ran out of hairstyles so I permed it again. Now my hair is long again but my scalp became very very damage due to perming so I have no choice but going natural again. I have about 7 inches of perm hair BUT a inch or more of very natural hair. What styles are best for me, I was thinking about yarn twist for a month. Do you think its a good idea? Do you have any ideas, I really need a solution.
Thanks!
Tanya, The nice thing about african american braiding styles is that you can wear them to work and still have a professional look it looks best when you are able to pin the cornrows up into a updo.
You can also try coil out hairstyles which work well with permed hair that is transitioning to natural.
Finger styling with shingling is also a favorite among those who use two strand twists
well i recently decied to go natural i have been receiveing relaxer's since i could remember, so now i have been doing my research on how to translate before the big cut...i really want to keep my hair natural in healthy..so what are any products that you recomend?
trashawna, one thing you will notice when you start using hair products is that the brands will change, because your permed hair will be straight and smooth so you will not need to use a cream conditioner on it as frequently, it will do well with just coconut oil or olive oil for shine.
As your hair texture changes to a curly pattern the new growth will need tons of moisture so finding a good leave in conditioner will be important, some of the top ones that I have used personally or have been recommended are Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter, Hair Milk and Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner.
hi, ive been hearing about all these great stories of women going natural from having relaxers in their hair...i would like to go natural to but i never had a relaxer in my hair, does that make sense, basically i dont want to put any heat in my hair whatsoever...and how long should i transition?
itsjazzyboo11 good choice to not put heat in your hair because this can be just as damaging to your natural hair texture, I have seen girls who never had a perm but they get their hair flat ironed on high heat several times a month and wear their hair in a wrap at night.
It still can cause damage and is recommended to not put excessive heat in your hair and limit it to once a year. The reason being is after such use of blowdryers, flat irons and straightening hot combs the natural hair texture actually stays straight after shampoo and conditioning.
so your transition period maybe shorter than someone who is changing from a relaxer but still the same you may want to try wet set to get the curly look as your hair grows out.
where can i get the wet set from?
This website is just what I need. I have just decided to go natural! I have been getting relaxers for as long as I can remember. I really need some help. I have no clue what to do, but I love how the natural hair looks. My hair is long, the middle of my back. I do not want to cut my hair off. Please help me. My last relaxer was 4 weeks ago and it is time for a relaxer, but I am not going to get one. So, can you tell me what to do to stop the breakage, because my hair tends to break bad when it is time for a relaxer, and what products do I need to purchase to keep my hair manageable while doing this transition?
MoNatural, you have some really long hair, and I can understand why you would not want to cut it. Some transition secrets include having protective hairstyles that will help you reduce breakage as much as possible.
One thing you will notice that is best to change is the need to flat iron or straighten the hair, try to let the hair air dry and use natural curling techniques that are less harmful than chemicals or heat.
Braid and curl twist sets work really well and some of the hair rollers for natural hair include: curlformers, magnetics, perm rods, satin covered foam rollers can work too.
Hi, I'm 20 years old and I just decided to transition back to my natural hair. I'm not sure on the best way to go about it. I want to look nice but I'm not really sure how to handle and I fear the big chop.....the last time I had a perm was august of last year...I've been doing the best trying to take care of my hair but I feel like its not enough.....I'm considering going back to braids, like it was for highschool and my first year and half of college...but I'm combing out my hair some nights and frightened by what' left in my comb....what do I do? What are the best products to put in my hair that won't break my wallet?
-a struggling college student
Rissa S. I was on the internet the other day looking at home remedies for natural hair in order to save more money.
It can get really expensive buying all the commercial products available for transitioning hairstyles.
So this is what I found:
Easy to make recipes with ingredients found in your kitchen, essential oils can be added to each of the mixtures for hair rinses, hair treatments, leave in conditioners and no or low shampoos.
You can bookmark the site for reference:
Hi I have not relaxed my hair in 2 months, I have tons of shedding, breakage, and I am unable to comb my roots/new growth without the hair popping and breaking. I am very afraid to cut my my hair off because in some areas the hair is ver straight without much new growth, what can I do to make this process less intimidating? I would like my hair to be health and grow pastmy normal shoulder length....HELP!!!!
greattttttttttt
Tiffany you will be amazed at how much looser and manageable your new growth will become just by applying a cream conditioner such as Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner and Tresemme Vitamin B12 Gelatin Anti-Breakage Conditioner directly on your hair while it is dry, there is not need to add water.
I know this may sound weird at first but I personally use both products on my dry hair with out water, its best to use it at night, put a dab in your hand then rub it in your hair from root to tip.
Next take the hair and either put it into 6 to 8 platts or twists. The next morning you can put your hair into a protective style.
Hope this helps, let me know how it works for you.
I have gone natural twice (the big chop). The first time I was surprised as the natural texture of my hair is very curly. I tried it again a few weeks ago but it has been difficult to maintain. I tried keeping it braided but here women charge an arm and a leg just to braid the hair (one woman told me $95 just for cornrows!). I recently relaxed it because I was starting to look rough without my hair done. As much as I hate relaxing it, it's just much easier to manage when the hair is straight. If I can find someone to micro braid it for me I will try it again. It's easier for me to go natural by keeping it braided for a year and then chopping off the relaxed ends. Wonderful article with lots of great tips.
I've been getting a relaxer for more than 10 years now and I don't like the way my hair is, it still looks good, but it sheds a lot and its uneven, and I've just grown to hate getting the relaxers,I've been thinking of going natural for a while now, but I just didn't know what to do and finding this site has helped me make the decision to go natural, my last relaxer was the week of christmas I think, I don't want to do the big chop b/c I wouldn't look good with short hair and I was wondering what would be the best way to start the transition?
Kalenna it is a big decision to make, the good news is that you can transition from relaxed hair without cutting your hair.
You have two ways of achieving this, one is to use deep conditioning treatments, second is to wear protective hairstyles.
As far as I know there is no product out that will remove the perm from the hair. So it will require a long term transition process.
Also avoid breakage by using a wide tooth comb and satin pillow cases or head scarf at night.
Find your favorite protective styles to wear while your hair grows out.
I always had really thick long hair, even after getting it relaxed at 12. Sometimes I used to wear it wild and curly in between relaxers. After a couple of bad chemical experiences from a trusted beautician and having a baby my hair was badly damaged. I decided to go natural in 2007. I experienced a lot of breakage which I expected. In January 2009 I decided to get a short bob haircut. I thought all my relaxed ends were gone but I was wrong. Last year I started going to a Dominican salon that uses really high end products and I noticed that my hair was growing healthy and I did not experience any breakage until the past couple of months. I noticed a lot of thinning and breakage at the nape of my neck. I got a trim and a few emergency reconstructer conditioners and a protein and the beautician continues to roller set my hair but I just blow out the roots after. They told me that I should trim every 7 weeks and then get the major chop in the summer. I expected that my relaxed ends would get considerably thinner but it seems that the nautural hair is thinning too which I did not expect. My old beautician tells me that I should get the Brazilian Keratin treatment but my current beautician tells me not to bother with it. Is this process/ordeal natural? I know girls who grew out their natural hair without chopping it all off in 2-3 years. Help...PS..I also have really dry hair
estecongo, there can be many reasons for your natural hair to be thinning inspite of your relaxed ends, going to a beautician is a great idea especially if they are familiar with your hair type and condition.
Trust experienced professionals because they have the right products and they can help you get healthy hair.
From what I understand the Formaldehyde free Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment will help your hair get rid of frizz and makes hair sleek ,silky, and shine, but it also gets rid of the curl for only 2 to 3 months.
I to have also decided to go natural Its been about 3 months since I last had a perm. Each Week I wash and do a deep condition on my hair and grease my scalp for extra moisterization. I also flat iron my hair after washing it and maybe one other time within that period. I haven't had really a lot of breakage nothing other than normal. But I have really notice the roots of my hair is really starting to change. I'm ready for the transition. But i'm not really into rocking the fro look i prefer to have my hair straight and wraped. are there any tips you would advise i do to make the process easier and healthier? also is the flat iron not a good idea?
KSMC flat ironing your hair is okay especially if you use a heat protectant to protect it from heat damage. Also those who are natural and use heat on their hair regularly will want to keep a deep conditioning treatment to keep the hair healthy.
Wearing an afro is not for everyone and it will take you practicing a variety of protective natural hairstyles until you find one that will work best for your lifestyle.
I have not had a relaxer since October 2009. I haven't done the big chop yet, I just get my ends trimmed regularly. So to get the strait look blow dry and flat iron. I'm just unsure of what the next step should be. I haven't been natural since I was 9ish (now 26) so I have no idea what to do!
Renee the best thing to do is to use a heat protector before you blow dry or flat iron your hair, also as your natural hair grows longer it will be best to keep protective hairstyles.
Moisturizing will also be a top priority to keep hair healthy and to avoid heat damage.
let me know how it goes.
Hi. So my hair is natural, I have never relaxed my hair or nothing I only blow dry and straighten. I play basketball so my hair is usually pulled back into a bun or pony tail. I decided I wanted to start wearing my hair down to prevent breakage from the ponytail and not only that from blow drying my ends started to thin a little bit. Is there anything I can do to save my hair without cutting it because my hair is long and I really don't want to cut it. Thank You!
BB
The best thing about natural hair is the versatility and once you decide to take a moment away from applying heat to the hair, then it is time to use protective hairstyles and keep the hair moisturized preferrably with natural products such as carols daughter.
Having a good healthy preservation routine for your natural hair will give it more life and fullness.
Start with trying some new hair care products and then experiment with protective hairstyles. Two strand twists and braidouts are probably one of the two favorites from curly girls who want to wear their hair down without heat.
When you do braidouts, how to you keep the ends from looking so straight?
And thanks for all the advice!
I have found that adding a cream conditioner to dry hair will give the right amount of moisture and allow the ends to curl up better for braid outs.
HI, all your comments are very helpful. I've just decided to go natural about a month ago. I've had a relaxer for 24 years and luckily my hair has been thick and long. Recently I've had a lot of breakage and I feel like my hair's not growing like it used to. My question is, I work out a lot, so I was thinking the best style would be for me to get my hair braided?? I feel if I did the braid out or twist out, after I worked out I wouldn't be able to go anywhere after that because I would sweat out the style. What are your suggestions?
AATW
You bring up a good point when you work out you will want to put your hair in a protective hairstyle and braids will be a good idea, to prevent your hair from having excessive shrinkage.
So what products do you suggest for moisturizing and shampooing & conditioning braids?
AATW, on the web I have found that for shampooing, conditioning and moisturizing braids these products:
Taliah Waajid Hair Care Enhancing Herbal Conditioner, Stimulating Herbal Cleanser, and 123 Moisture Plus System.
You can find more at naturalhair.org
Hi, I have recently permed my hair and today i have decided to go natural. I have the hardest time trying to grow my hair. I have coarse hair already and i do have breakage. I have no idea what i should be using on my hair to start the natural process. I really dont want to cut my hair off. What can i do to avoid the cut?
SH
One of the things you will notice that when you start growing out your hair from a perm is that the new growth is courser and can cause breakage to the straight ends.
It is recommended to wear protective hairstyles and avoid combing or brushing the two textures but instead keep the tresses moisturized with a product that does not contain mineral oil.
Plus the hair texture will change as your natural hair gets longer, so it will be hard to tell how it will actually turn out until 6 months to a year.
Hey,Im 16 and i decided to go natural because the temples of my hair have begin to get thinner and thinner...It is kind of hard because my mom has been perming my hair since i turned 4. I dont know what to do with my hair besides put it in a ponytail because braids and twist dont really fit my personality. And i really just want to regain the strength and length my hair once had then go back to the chemicals but without being so intense. But i heard going back to perms after going natural causes breakage. Is that true? Is there a way to prevent it?
KeKe
I was reading online some Helpful Tips to Stop Hair Breakage while having Healthier Hair by avoiding harsh chemicals, regularly trim ends of your hair, detangle hair when wet, keep hair moisturized, avoid hair braiding and hair extensions, minimize use of heat, take plenty of vitamin C and E tablets.
Hi there,
I am so happy to find this forum...I am the (Caucasian) mother of a 17 year old biracial daughter. She used a home relaxer twice over the course of six months and about half of her beautiful long hair broke off. She had it cut to shoulder length and has been wearing clip in extensions. It worked well until the new growth really started coming in. Now she has about three inches of very curly hair and six inches of straight but damaged hair. She can wear it pulled back in a ponytail, which is easiest, but because of the breakage, her face is framed by a bunch of two inch pieces that stick straight out and look a bit crazy...Any styling and or product ideas would be hugely hugely appreciated! I like the idea of the braid out and will try that with her tonight. Thanks so much...I need this education and am so glad you're here :)
MOM
It can be a challenge when dealing with naturally curly hair, it is good that you have been trying new ways to style your daughters hair, remember to keep her hair moisturized with essential oils such as extra virgin olive oil mixed in some cream conditioner, it will help with her damaged ends as her hair grows out.
Hey there. Thank you for reading. My last relaxer was Oct 2010 and the stylist did not rinse out my hair completely. It left about 3 inches high from one side of my head to the other hair gone and on my left side some of that hair gone (it's about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long). Thank God I had some hair that covered the damage. I have decided to go natural, but without adding extensions do you think there is actually a protective style I can get or b/c of the damage I have to chop it all off?
buteeful,
you will want to wear protective styles for growing and retaining your new growth, it is not necessary at this point to chop off all your hair in a BC, because our hair will eventually fill in again.
I had a similar experience and it was in the front of my head, for some reason every year my hair would grow out in the front down to my chin and then it would all break off to just 2 or 3 inches long.
This was really frustrating, so I had to use the hair that had length which was higher up on my head to come down and cover the shorter peices, eventually the front caught up again so that is how I know that you can just preserve what you have already.
Also I found out what kept causing the breakage, since I have been natural for 4 years it was not due to chemicals but it was due to me using heat styling aids.
I would always use a flat iron to straighten the front of my hair when I added hair pieces and sometimes I would leave it that way, (which you can see in my hubpage profile pic) the result was that my new growth would be stronger than the heat treated hair so every few months the ends would break off.
So I had to learn the hard way that I can not flat iron my natural hair anymore, which is a bummer sometimes.
Depending on where the damage is located in your hair you can check out photos online to find a protective style to use for a while.
hello i'm new to the natural hair scene. Im finishing up college and havent had a relaxer for about 2 1/2 months. My hair has always been cut short and now the longest length is about 5in. I havent been to the salon in a while and well funds are kind of low. I looked at a few protective hairstyles and I'm using the braid out method. My hair was never good with braids even before I started getting relaxers. Do you have any tips or advice about hair care? I'd like to let it grow out some more before I cut it off.
kriz_mc,
Growing it out is probably the best option, Youtube has been a great help to me and I would recommend some of the natural hair gurus on there because they have such a history of trying a variety of products and hairstyles.
Let me know how it goes.
Hi , my name is Jennifer , and I've decided to go natural. I'm just tired of the perms and up keep of relaxed hair. I just want natural long hair. So , I haven't permed my hair since Feb of last month and I haven't washed it sinced I permed it either. So , I want to wash it and start my transitioning process. My hair length is in a bobunder my chin and I don't want to chop it all off , I wanna keep my length but , I know I will have to chop the relaxed ends off. So , what products to use and I heard Aphrogee products are great , what do I need to do to go about going natural , how do I style my hair , and how long is it gonna take ? Please tell me what I need to use hoe often to wash an condition my hair , how do I style my hair ? Can you give me some advice ?
Jennifer 25
Going natural is hard work and takes commitment, learning the right products to use as well as hairstyles is key to success.
1. Keep hair clean with moisturizing shampoos and rinsing hair with a conditioner is recommended.
2. It is best to retain as much length as possible so protective hairstyles that include braids, twists, updo's, buns or even individual micro braids can help during the transitioning process.
3. Natural hair gets very dry so you will find that daily moisture is necessary to keep the hair manageable, some of the best products include shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and cream based leave in conditioners.
4. Homemade hair recipes can help as well, such as aloe vera gel, egg yolks and mayonnaise. Remove build up of products on your hair with apple cider vinegar.
5. Everyones process of new growth and maintenance will be different depending on your curl pattern and type, thickness, genetics or experience. Many times you will learn as you go along.
6. Reading natural hair blogs, watching natural hair videos are the best place to get tips and practical solutions to transitioning.
7. Make sure to take vitamins such as B complex, flaxseed oil tablets and vitamin e, along with other natural supplements to help keep your hair healthy and strong.
8. As far as the products that you need to use, or how to style your hair, or how often to wash and condition will change from month to month as you learn your hair.
Going natural is a process and it will take patience. Your hair goals will change as well, some who have transitioned to be natural decide to keep a TWA while others decide to get sister locs or dreads, and others like to keep their hair braided and only let their hair down for special occasions.
You will have to experiment with different styles, different products and see which ones will work best for you, all anyone can do is offer suggestions and recommendations but it will be your special journey.
Depending on your hair texture and how manageable your hair is the need to trim your ends may not be necessary it is something that you will know when you get there.
Hope this helps.
Thanks soo much , that was helpful , well I've been reading and I went got the Parnevu , T-Tree products , the deep conditioner and the moisturizer but , it's like a conditioner , and the herbal oil to grease my scalp. Thanks for the advice and I'm so excited about this change I'm making.
Thats great, Jennifer25 your welcome.
well i have a permed hair and i want to go natural. its being a month now since i decided to go natural ok and am finding it difficult with the hair cos i do go to work so i did not went to cut it stright forward but rather grow it bit by bit. please can you help me with some of the things and product i can use to grow the hair back to natural and moreover can i briad the hair and waer a wage on it always. not forgetting please do help me with the process thank you.
Gertrude,
your journey is similar to mine, I actually let my hair grow out to neck length before I cut the permed ends off. It was a after thought because I was wearing hair pieces and human hair wigs for several months at a time and when I took my hair down after being braided for so long, I could see my new growth and that is when I decided to keep growing it to see what it would eventually look like without the perm.
Since you are working and want to transition without actually cutting the permed ends it may be best to try a wet set or even a twist out, some have stated that they were able to wear their hair in a crinkled and curly looking style by setting the ends on soft bendy foam hair rollers.
I think hair rollers for natural hair is a great option for transitioning, you can try a cream based leave in conditioner on small sections of your hair to prep it for wearing the rollers overnight.
In the morning take the foam rollers out and use a hair accessory such as a head band to cover up your new growth. The results are really cute.
Let us know how this option works for you.
I have decided that I want to go natural because all my hair does in shed. I'm sickle cell anemia and I do take my vitamins but I want my hair to be health. I don't want to go for the BC so I want to know should I do braids until than. And what products can I use or make myself I really feel lost. I want to know how to style my hair while and after.
i been wanting to go natural...for a while now but something always stop me and i came to a conclusion to day why keep damaging my hair with these chemicals the more i flat iron and perm my hair the more damage i see so this time i am taking it seriously and go through the process to get to that natural stage,,
That is the same reason because my hair is shedding,permed,and I use irons. And I wonder what it is going to look as I get older. So, I think it is a great ideal that you are going through with it. It is great for you and your hair because spelling those chemicals. And paying all of that money for getting a perm that is why they deep condition our hair. But, mines is so damaged and my daughter is 9 and said she don't want the kits anymore. I was happy to hear that she just started getting them at 7. With this website and YOUTUBE is going to help me get through this.
Hello, i am 17 years old and i was natural for 4 years,my hair was very thick, soft,wavy and verly long, but i didnt know what to do with it, so a month before my junoir year started i got a relaxer and started going to salons to get it trimmed and styled. Through out the year my hair stayed thick and nice but it started to thin out in the back of my head, so i started braiding it for a while and it grew back thick, but im tired of the sliky hair and i have decided to go back natural, through out this year i only had 3 relaxers. The last relaxer i had was in Febuary, and I satred my transiton this month, I wased and deep conditoned my hair with a olive oil colesterol conditioner,hot oiled and trimmed my ends (my hair is shoulder length) and got cornrows, and i plan to contnue deep condtioning my hair and trim my ends untill my natural hair comes back, is there anything i should be aware of during my transition? will my hair fall out? Please give me any advice so i can get my natural healthy hair back! :)
Hi I'm 15
I have relaxed my hair as long as I can remeber but I'm thinking about going natural but I really don't want to do the big chop
My hair reaches my shoulder and I have not trimmed my hair in about 2 years now
And also if I go natural is ok to still straighten in the process
Yes you can flat iron your natural hair I went to Sally's and got this product called ION. And I go the ION titanium platinum gator flat iron this is so great. I done my daughter hair with this and the product to spray on you hair before you flat iron it. It gives her hair some much body and shine and I can get up in the morning after and just comb it. It will still have that body and it is 100% Vegan. I watched it on YOUTUBE.
I have been transitioning for almost 6 mos. I have fine hair and noticed a good bit of breakage so I have recently decided to do the big chop. I do have some thinning along my hairline but was wondering if it would still be ok to do kinky twists with extensions? Or any other suggestions?
Hi, I need advice
I did a BC in a year ago. My hair had grown alot. I normally wear weaves to protect my hair. I recently wore a straight weave. And I wanted my hair to blend perfectly with the weave so I was tempted to perm the hair I had left out so it can blend better. I regret doin this now! What can I do? Simply grow it out or what do I do? Thanks
After 2 yrs of no relaxer, I decided to put a relaxer on my hair. The relax did not take that well. how long will it take me to grow out this relaxer? Thanks!
I just decided to go natural and it has been about 3 weeks, i have relaxed hair and i am not chopping off my hair...what product do i use to maintain healthy beautiful hair without using a relaxer
hey so ive been transitioning for about 3 months now and my hair is already hard to deal with I usually set my hair rod it braid it or weave it but my concern is about products. I normlly use Organics creamy aloe shampoo and organic (africa's best) olive oil leave-in conditioner and organics olive oil moiturizing hair lotion (im a big fan of olive oil products) i wanted to know if they are to harsh on my hair or if there just right. Oh in addition i think my hair is about 6 inches now after my cut but now ii want my hair back its not bin growing much over the past 3 years and i dont really want to cut it all off but i really want it to grow faster and longer throughout my natural period i really need help.
Also I live in the bahamas so the weather here is really hot most of the time so im not sure if thats putting an extra strain on my hair but im wide open for tips and ideas
From what I heard Olive Oil is natural so the products should be things that you can understand. Make sure that you wash your hair this is what I heard every two weeks. Deep condition every week and co wash is great because you aren't shampoo your hair. Hot oil treatments are important if you don't really know what to do. Buying books and seeing what is on the internet just do some research to help you. But, stay positive and like they keep saying it is only hair. I'm still transitioning it has been since March since my last perm. My natural hair is growing really fast underneath my permed hair. Don't comb to much use your fingers more to style sometimes.
Thanks alot they are excellent ideas but ive learnt alot from watching youtube videos but where I live its hard to find alot of the products i see everyone using but i think i will stick with the olive oil but i moisturize my perm ends every two nights and i oil my scalp the same i use mizani jojoba seed advacado oil and rosemary extract since then my hair has gooten fuller and i enjoy seeing it come back to life I dont care how much my hair changes and gets hard to deal with im not goin back to relaxers cause I love how fast my hair grow when its natural i sure cant wait to see my results.
Hey im back so I did my bc on the 11th and the reason I did was because I wants whats best for my hair I didnt want to leave those perm ends for to long and i didnt know when it was best to cut those off so I did before I have to go through all of that but a day later I ended up putting braids in Im aadjusting to it but i want it to stay in for about 2 months to gro out but this is me now I have a twa now yayyy me I cant wait to see it grow (hope it does grow fast.)
I have been natural for about 6 or 7 months now. I go to the dominican sytlist for blow outs every other week. I love the way it straigthen my hair. It is not growing as I would like it to. I also would like tips on at home styling. Right now i wash it and wrap it, let it air dry and I straigten with an instyler.
I just transitioned from weave to natural lol. Im excited for my journey however when i do my twist out my roots are so dam nappy, i can never get my hair to lay right. The hair seems to stick outward and u cant see my parts. This is frustrating cuz my hair doesnt look tammed at all. any help?? thanx so much!!
I'm 22, i got a perm going into HS, so i've had one for about... 6 years now. but the blow-drying and what not of the salons has caused breakage. I want to go natural and have not gotten a perm since... january of this year. i have about an inch and a half of new growth & my hair is in this awkward stage. aside from not liking how i look because my hair isnt the way im used to, some styles dont look right on my bc of the shape of my head. my question is: what is the best method for me to go natural and still maintain a decent appearance, since i do have to work and teach & coach.
Im a sophomore in college. I run track so I work out mostly everyday of the week. I'm in the transition phase of going natural and it's super hard because I already have short hair and its very hard to comb through (unless its soaking wet). I was wondering what products could I use. I stay busy every day so I need something real easy and less time consuming. And also I was wondering is it safe to wash my hair everyday being that I work out everyday in a very very dry climate. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!
Im 13 years and i have recently decided to go natural. I haven't had a relaxer for 3 months now. My hair is chin length but thick. I get blow outs and i wash my hair every two weeks. Is there any products i can use to help keep my hair healthy?
I'm in my 40's and have had relaxed hair since my 20's after having to grow out a wave nouveau. I had to cut my hair for that and grew it back to mid back. My hair is between 4b and 4c i guess but with soft fine wavy hairs all along the edges (people would call them baby hairs). My hair looks thin and fine and silky when relaxed and people say it resembles mixed race hair. I used to be able to wash and air dry into natural looking curls when it was relaxed. It was nice and healthy and long and soft and smooth. Well now it has broken off, especially the back. I can barely pull the hair on the top and crown into a pony tail. The back has some length to just past my neck. The front comes down to my upper lip and . When i come the sides down it comes to just below my neck but the top parts are shorter. It just doesn't look or feel the way it used to. When i got a relaxer 7 weeks ago i tried to let it air dry into curls and it looked a mess. It was like thin dreadlocks, it didn't curl at all. It looked like spaghetti and it was not soft or smooth and didn't look shiny like it used to. The split ends were sticking out all over the place and nothing i put on them could make them stay down. I have been trying so hard to take care of it, not use heat and it just looks a mess. I try to use healthy products. I use coconut oil and pure shea butter, rosemary and sage rinses, i try not to use products with harmful ingredients. My hairdresser swears i am doing something wrong like using the wrong products. She thinks anything with glycerine is not good. She recommends products that i think have harmful ingredients like petroletum and mineral oil. I thought maybe the relaxer used was not right for me but she said its not the relaxer thats causing my damage and she doesn't think its good to stretch relaxers she said it causes breakage. I want to try to grow out the relaxer and go natural but i am not good with hair. I do not know how to cornrow or flat twist, i am not crazy about braids anyway the tightness gives me a headache and they itch. Plus i have split ends all the way to my scalp and they stick out and won't lay down. I tried to do braid outs and it came out a mess. I tried using the flexible rollers and again it came out a mess. I am only 7 weeks since relaxer and i can't do anything with my hair. I was slicking it down and putting it up but now with my new growth its not working. You can see the new growth which looks about 1 inch now underneath the permed hair . When i did the braid out and roller set i can't describe what it looked like but it did not resemble braid outs and roller sets i have seen pictures of. I don't know how to grow out this relaxer if i can't figure out how to wear my hair. If i go to my hairdresser and tell her i'm not relaxing anymore she is going to say i'm making a mistake. I don't know what to do. I'm thinking about just going back to the stupid relaxer and making do with the hair i have at least it will be somewhat manageable as long as i flat iron it or use a curling iron. I feel like a sell out though. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Eden, I would say hang in there. I am 49 years old and have been perming my hair since my teens. Oh, how I wish I had started this process several years ago but better late than never. I have been transitioning for about six months. I am still learning how to keep my hair moisturized and to deal with the straight ends. The frustating thing is that our hair has it's own story. You have to have patience when trying to figure out what is going to work for you. It sounds as if you are having a really tough time. You may need to as yourself if you really want to be "natural" because frankly it sounds good but it really isn't for everyone. I only know its for me because I have been wanting a curly afro since I was in the third grade and I have no idea what took me so long to pursue it. Your main goal should be to get your hair HEALTHY because it doesn't matter what you want. You have to start with healthy hair. There is a ton of information out there, especially on youtube. I am at that awkward state with about four inches of new growth, but I'll never go back. Two strand twists with perm rods on the ends work best for me right now but I know that will change. Try to revisit some of those styles that you have tried. Some times they don't come out right the first time. If your not good with hair guess what? You can "get good" at it. Best of luck to you.
Hi Eden I dont think you should wait any longer I suggest you cut it all off and start over new. You hair is dead and is no longer alive,, I to had experience it its not the best feeling knowing your beautiful hair is no longer there so dont wait any longer. Before you know it your hair would already have grown back once you take care of it check out youtube for more information and helpful tips. I hope my opinion was helpful to you good luck and hope your hair gets better in time.
Hello,
I last relaxer was March'11, and I am transitioning to natural-I have found some really good products thanks to the youtube nation. My only frustration is with my gray hair across the front of my head...I have had gray spot in the front of my head since the age of 16. I can't find anything that will lay it down...do you have any suggestions.
I haven't had a relaxer since Nov. '08. I decided to make the decision because I was sick of relaxers breaking my hair off. I look at pictures of when I was younger with hair down my back, and get upset to see it ruined by the choice of my mother to start relaxing my hair. I continued to relax because that was what I was "supposed to do." My hair remained pretty thick, but would NEVER grow past my shoulders. I made the natural decision without researching it first. Reading these posts help me to realize that even now, about three years later, why my hair isn't fully where I want it to be. I never made the big chop. I still have relaxed ends, and I admit, I haven't had a trim in over six months. To style my hair I have been using sponge rollers(not sure if that's problematic also) I roll my hair up at night, then in the morning I finger comb my hair and go. It's easy enough, but rolling takes me an hour at night, and I'm DESPERATE for something that will allow me to just put a scarf on at night, and comb and go in the am. Even after three years, I made an appt today to get my hair relaxed. After reading these posts, I feel the strength to keep going and fix what I've been doing wrong. I'll continue to use creme of nature products as I really feel they help my hair to keep from getting so dry. Then I'm going to change my appt to just a haircut and finally let go of the relaxer destroying my healthy new growth. I went out and bought the kinky curly curly custard at 20$ a 8oz. jar (yikes)and I can't wait to try it tomorrow.
WELL IM TRYING TO GO NATURAL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. AND IM KIND OF AFRAID TO CUT THE WHOLE THING OF CUT I CUT MY HAIR INTO THE REHANNA HAIR STILE AND STARTED GROWING IT OUT NOW I HAVE BRAIDS. NOW IM STARTEING SCHOOL AND IM ABOUT TO TAKE OUT THE BRAIDS AND MAYBE CUT IT BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT IM VERY TENDER HEADED AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER IS GOOD TO SOSTEN MY HAIR AND MAKE IT GROW STRONGER
Good post, I have a similar post on the subject. I have been transitioning now for over a year, but I am still determine to carry on with this journey.
Hello, Ive been looking for a site that would help me out with my problem and I came across this site ..I have a problem! I recently cut my hair neck length (my hair was down past my shoulders) because i want to go natural..I didn't chop all the perm off..NOW, I WANT TO CHOP IT ALL OFF RIGHT BUT MY LEFT SIDE OF MY HAIR IS STRAIGHT-PUFFY and MY RIGHT SIDE IS VERY CURLY...I MEAN, I HAVE LIKE 4 INCHES OF NEW GROWTH THROUGH OUT MY ENTIRE HEAD...BUT IM SO CONFUSED THAT THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD DOES NOT CURL...THE BACK AND THE RIGHT SIDE CURLS SO EASILY WHEN I WET IT...WHAT SHOULD I DO?IM AFRAID TO CHOP IT ALL OFF BCAUSE I FEEL THAT I WOULD LOOK RIDICULOUS WITH ONE SIDE REALLY REALLY CURLY AND THE OTHER SIDE PUFFY-STRAIGHT....PLEASE HELP ME, I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT....IM GOING THROUGH A HAIR CRISIS....SMH.....also, Ive been trying to not straighten or blow dry my hair and i have been using products such as gel activators, and conditioner...however, after like 3 hours my hair gets EXTREMELY dry even with all the conditioner that i use...what products should i use to keep my hair looking healthy and not dry the whole day??
Well, I've been using the kinky curly product line and I love It!!! I started out with the gel for three days and I love it, but I didn't want to have to wash my hair everyday. I went out and got the shampoo and leave-in conditioner and I can go three days without touching my hair!!! I cut off the rest of my 3 yr old relaxer and I feel great. My hair is SOFT;not crunchy, moisturized without being GREASY, and HEALTHY!!!! Without this HUB I wouldn't have known to try the kinky curly line...THANKS!!!!!!! My other two sisters are natural also and they love the line too.
I am a teenager actually 13 and my last perm was a month ago and my new growth greww in really fast i have almost 3/4 of an inch and usually when i put my perms thaat doesnt happen until at least 3 months i want to go natural and my hair is short in a bob AND I DONT WANT TO CHOP ALL MY HAIR OFF and i dont know how to keep my natural hair up when itss fully natural
My hair tend to sweat a lot when it hot, what should I do?
I started my transitioning with relaxed hair , I was wonder what product should I use and I have some am thinking about : I want to use Carol's Daughter now I am start the transitioning , I want to use Mixed Chic when the relaxer is gone from my hair, I want to use organic product in my hair.
HOW MANY TIMES: you have to wash your hair when you have you natural hair ?
HOW MANY TIME CAN YOU BLOW DRY YOU HAIR WITHOUT BEING DAMAGE?
My last relaxer was in February of 2010. I have been keeping it braided in the summer month's because of the humidity and pressing it(the old fashioned way) in the winter. I sleep with satin covered rollers and constantly condition my hair. Aphogee Leave in, deep conditioning cholesterol. My problem is my edges. They are thin and weak. I can assume from relaxing and then braiding in the summer. What do you recommend to help maintain, strengthen and grow my edges? I have recently tried organics kids olive oil hair pudding for my ponytails, which helps to lay them down, but I don't know if that is helping with breakage.
I wished I discovered you hubpage before I even thought about relaxing my hair! This is fantastic! I love everything about this hub.... these tips will do me justice and they give great advice. I am starting my own hair journey blogs soon! So keep your eyes peeled for them. I have currently got in kinky twists but they keep dropping as my hair starts to grow out and I have been wondering if there any other styles that I can use to transition from relaxed hair to natural and on this discovery your hub page came up! I am loving it and I am going to promote this everywhere as it is really good. Hopefully your'e words can inspire people everywhere that natural hair is excellent hair!
I am thinking about going natural but I am not sure how to go about it... My hair has some serious damage from relaxing it for years.. If I do decide to go natural is there anyway to achieve the straight look, of having a relaxer?
I love all your tips thanks so much for the kmowlege its greatly appreciated I just did my big chop last week because I went to a salon and they did a color correction on my hair and I permed it a month later and it ALL FELL OUT well most of it so I had no choice but to get a fade I'm so sad but at the same time happy because now I get to grow my natural hair my hair been permed for so long I don't even know how my real hair looks so I'm excited to see......I have curls growing all ready but baby curls I miss my hair and I'm so sad that happened to me I'm actually taking them to court because I didn't sign a release form and I had no idea that he was over processing my hair so I'm all tears right now :( but reading and viewing YouTube videos been inspiring me because I see I'm not alone I'm just glad I have a great support system through this horrible experience that I'm going through
I just have one question how do I brush my TWA I been brushing it like guys do since I have a fade HELP!
Hi,
I am currently transitioning (my last perm was in Dec 2011). I cut my hair into a nice bob. Once the new growth starting coming in around the 8 week period, I would roller set and blow-dry the roots to blend in with the style and have been ever since. After reading a lot of the info on hair care, I realize that it may not be the best way to transition but I do not find the twist out look as appealing and sad to say but in my professional setting it's not a look that I can carry into the workplace, for me that is. I would like some advice on how to keep growing out my natural hair but to keep a more demure style which is more my personality. I love the big hair style but it does not work for me. Simply, I have stopped using chemicals to straighten my hair because I realize my natural hair is healthier without it, but I have converted over to heat styling which is probably just as bad. Could use some sage advice. Thanks :)
packerpack 3 years ago
Good tips and I hope you will add more to this Hub. Atually I too have a Hub on the similar topic. It gives you tips on how to maintain a good and healthy hair.