Part 2: Tips on Making the Transition from Relaxed to Natural Hair

Okay as promised here is Part 2 of the transitioning from relaxed to natural hair series. These tips and suggestions are compiled through research on my own as well as helping my friends embark on their own natural hair journey ! Hope they help you.

1. No matter how hard or how long you try to hold on, you will need to cut off the relaxed ends of your hair sooner or later.
• Tip:This can be achieved either by doing one big chop of your hair, or by small chops- trimming your hair every few weeks. 
2. The longer you transition the longer your natural hair will grow out- giving you a comfortable length to work with provided you take care of your hair during this process. 
3. Wearing your hair in low manipulation styles will give you the greatest results while you transition. You won't have to worry about battling with two different textures everyday -- but it will also give your hair time to breathe and rejuvenate.
4. Create a simple hair regimine that is low in cost and time efficient. No need to go all out on products that may not work or even be of use to you when you fully go natural.
• Tip: A simple shampoo, deep conditioner, conditioner, your favorite oils, moisturizer, leave in and hair butter are all you need!
5. Eliminate heat ! Especially direct heat ! Blow dryers & flat irons should be avoided. Use of a hooded dryer is ok if heat is set to a minimum temperature. What's the point of growing out healthy hair to only have heat damage in the long run? 
6. Try to deep condition as often as you can. This will help keep hair manageable and soft. This is especially for new transitioner's who are not use to the texture of kinky or coiled hair. 
7. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals such as silicones, parabens, sulfates and alcohols. (I personally try to use products that are 100% organic or mostly organic). 
8. If you are slowly transitioning trim your hair every 6-8 weeks or after a protective hair style. Remember at the end of the day, the relaxed ends must be gone and buried :)
9. Do not be afraid to try out different hair styles such as bantu knot outs, braid outs, twists outs, wash and go's, rod sets and etc. 
• Tip: Saying you don't have the face for certain hairstyles or you won't look right is not an excuse if you've never tried them ! Learning about your hair, the texture and what styles work for you are by trial and error. Don't assume, just try ! 
10. Don't make assumptions about your hair texture. You won't know your hair texture until you fully make the transition. Also hair textures can change. My hair was very coarse and hard when growing up- but now with better techniques my hair is still soft and manageable.
11. Do not become a product junkie ! What works on Susy's hair may not work on yours and vice versa. Keep products at a minimum. Not everything you buy will work so do a little research before making purchases. 
12. Have realistic expectations for your hair. Do not expect it to grow over night. Growing out your is a process that requires patience and you need a lot of it. 
13. Expect some breakage and shedding during this process. It is normal so do not freak out. 
14. Incorporate hot oil treatments into your regimine. 
15. Your relaxed hair may not work with certain products and your natural hair may not work with some products you were using while relaxed. Do not worry. Products are made to target certain hair textures so this is to be expected. 
16. Remember to eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. Our hair thrives on what we put in out bodies as well. So remember to drink plenty of water, eat the right foods and so on.  

Hope this was informative ! If you have any other questions please feel free to leave a comment below! 

Nay