Once I finally decided that I was “going natural” and needed to grow out my relaxer, I looked for information on styles that would help with my transition. The last time I applied relaxer to my hair was in July 2008. It was now October and my new growth was coming in thick and wavy. At the time, all I did was wear my hair straight. This was harder and harder to accomplish the more my natural hair grew. I looked to the internet and found tons of videos on how to do different styles while transitioning. I figured why not just start doing my hair as if I were already natural. That way, I would have some idea of what to do when I cut off the relaxed ends.
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| Braids with Perm Rods on the ends |
Previously, in August ’08, I went back to a darker hair color. With that out of the way, I began focusing on teaching myself how to style my hair without using any heat. This was all very new for me. Some styles turned out great and others were complete disasters. In the months before my “Big Chop“, I taught myself how to Flat Twist, Roller set with perm rods and even do my own braid extensions. Some days I just wore it up in a bun to give my hair a break.
Now when I look back on my transition, which ended up being for 9 months, I realize that my plan worked. I use these styles all of the time. I don’t do extenstions anymore, but I enjoy wearing my hair in small individual braids from time to time.
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| The “Braid-out” with Satin Scarf Headband |
My advice to Transitioners; “Do your hair as if you are already natural,”. Once you decide to go natural, you might as well start your journey and begin using products and techniques that will help you later on. Not only will you know what to do once you do the Big Chop, but you’ll have some idea of how you’ll look wearing your
natural hair.
Love this post! There seem to be little or NO transitioners out here! š I am transitioning from relaxers, and it's been 9 months since the last relaxer. Since then, I've been wearing sew ins back to back and the growth it nice, now that I FINALLY know what I'm doing lol
The transition period for me was tough towards the end but it was worth it.
Check YouTube for transitioners and FaceBook for natural hair groups. There are tons of transitioners out there – you just have to find them.