If you are anything like I was when I began my transition in March 2010, you may not know what to expect with your natural hair transition.
It’s definitely a journey — both mentally and physically (see these myths), so you need to prepare yourself for the following…
1) You are dealing with two different textures, and if you want your hair to look its best, you may be limited to styles that blend your two textures effectively — especially as your transition progresses (rod sets, twists, etc.)
2) If you are eliminating direct heat (recommended) and your hair is short (no ponytails), then your styling options are limited even further
3) If you’ve never managed your natural hair before, it takes some time to find out what it likes and needs. It’s tempting to copy someone else’s routine, but I quickly learned I had to discover what my hair likes.
4) Be prepared to deal with naysayers who may not like natural hair and attempt to discourage you from this journey. Your confidence WILL be tested, for sure.
Having said all that, it’s absolutely the most rewarding experience in the world once your transition is over and you are fully natural.
My Story
Below I will tell you what you can expect during your natural hair transition by the month. Keep in mind, a lot of this information has been influenced by MY journey and the health of my hair at the start of my transition (which was not very good.)
Also, I was texturizing prior to my transition so my hair was not completely straight, and I had some natural hair in the back because the texturizer didn’t take at all.
Just as a reminder, my last relaxer was June 2009 and my last texturizer was March 2010. My hair was bob length when I began my transition.
So more than likely your hair is in a different condition, length, etc. than mine, so your results may be different. This is just a general guide.
Months 1-2
These are obviously the easiest months of your transition because it’s not much different than when you were relaxing. Most people wait at least 6-8 weeks between relaxers so the first two months won’t require much change to your routine.
However, I would highly recommend you start to wean yourself off direct heat — i.e. blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons. You want your natural hair to grow out healthy and retain moisture. Direct heat is not its friend.
If you are going to use heat, at least limit it to the ends of your hair (bumping/curling ends etc.) Remember those ends will eventually be chopped off anyway.
However, if you’re going for a long-term transition, you’ll want your entire strands to remain healthy. Eliminating heat altogether is the best option for long-term transitioners. However, if you must use it, read my guide here.
I didn’t do much different during these months in terms of styling. I did use the flat iron to curl my bangs once, but that was the last time I ever used direct heat on my hair.
Months 3-4
This is where it started getting challenging for me. This was the longest time I had ever gone without relaxing my hair and new growth seemed to be coming out dry and brittle.
I had too much new growth to successfully wrap my hair, but not enough natural hair to wear natural styles. My hair was too short for a decent-looking ponytail, so I was at a loss for styling.
If your ends are still healthy and not too thin (like mine were in this video) you can try to do two strand twists or two strand twist outs, but you should put a rod on the end to help your ends look finished.
This is when I started experimenting with rod sets. My first one didn’t come out too well, but I got better with practice.
Rod sets eventually became my go-to style for months 3-8. This style blends your hair textures so well, and if you use small rods they can last a long time.
In month 4, I started deep conditioning my hair every week with Organics Olive Oil Replenisher. This was the best thing I could have ever done. My natural hair began to soften up and my hair seemed to be retaining moisture better.
You MUST deep condition your hair regularly!
Scab Hair?
Some believe that if your hair follicles become damaged during relaxing, your follicles produce “scab hair.”
This is hair that grows out with a protective coating. The coating can make your hair more brittle and dry to the touch.
Basically your hair is trying to protect itself from the chemicals. Even when you stop relaxing, your follicles may still produce scab hair for awhile.
It can take several months for your hair to grow out healthy again.
So if you notice that your new growth is hard/dry and you are not using any direct heat, it could be a result of scab hair. This may not be your true hair texture you’re seeing. I DEFINITELY noticed a huge difference in my texture as my transition progressed.
Many women stop transitioning because they assume the scab hair is their natural texture. In some cases it may be scab hair. There’s really no way to know unless you keep transitioning.
Some people don’t believe in scab hair, but I can tell you that the texture of my new growth is drastically different than when I first started transitioning. I honestly believe I had scab hair. Deep conditioning and patience is how to get through this period.
Months 5-6
Things started getting a bit easier for me during this phase. I should also add that I trimmed my hair every single month during my transition… even if it was only an 1/8th of an inch. Sometimes I trimmed twice.
I’m not saying you have to do this, but remember my hair was very damaged when I began, and since I was doing a long-term transition, I knew I had to trim to keep my ends as healthy as possible and maintain some length.
By this time you will probably have anywhere between 2 1/2 to 3 inches of natural hair and you can REALLY start to see your texture. I also noticed the positive impact of deep conditioning and using no sulfate shampoos.
When I finished shampooing, my hair seemed to almost glisten and I could tell it was retaining moisture better. That dry, brittle feeling was now a distant memory. 🙂
Also, by the time I got to this point in my transition, I began to notice the multiple textures of hair on my head. Most people do not have just one curl pattern.
For me, the top and front/sides of my hair had almost no definite pattern at all. Some parts were wavy, others were zig zag. And the back of my hair had a more distinct, loose S-shape pattern.
So don’t be surprised if you notice parts of your hair behaving differently. It’s likely due to the different textures.
Months 7-8
By now, your texture should be really evident. I’ve noticed on YouTube that a lot of women “big chop” between the 7th and 9th month.
For many women, they feel they have enough natural hair at this point to rock their fros or wear two strand twists. For others, they just get tired of dealing with the two textures.
For me, the transition got easier as I went along — maybe because I trimmed my ends a LOT. Also, because my hair was not completely straight when I started transitioning, I didn’t have to deal with those straight ends hanging down.
By this time all my relaxer was gone and I was only dealing with texturized/wavy hair.
Even though texturizing my hair turned out to be a nightmare, in a way, it made my transition a bit more gradual because I went from straight to semi-straight to natural hair. That also helped blend my textures better.
Having said that, I would NOT recommend texturizing to ease yourself into the transition unless you know what you’re doing or you have a professional who can help.
During this period, I finally began to get better at flat twisting. My edges were very thin and weak from relaxing so the flat twists really helped protect them while they grew back out. So I started wearing a lot of different flat twist styles.
Months 9-10
By this time, you’ll have about 4 1/2 to 5 inches of natural hair. That may sound like a lot if you’re just starting out, but remember natural hair shrinks. So 5 inches of natural hair may only be a 2 inch afro if you were to big chop at this point.
When you’re transitioning, your new growth may seem as if it’s taking over your head, but you’ll be surprised how much natural hair can shrink up — especially after you trim off the relaxed ends. Some people experience up to 80% shrinkage (especially people with more coiled hair.)
I’m not trying to discourage you from big chopping at any point. By all means, do it if you’re ready. Just don’t be surprised if your hair is shorter than you expected. A lot of women are unpleasantly surprised when they big chop because they didn’t realize how much shrinkage they would have.
So if you’re tied to your length, be mindful of this when transitioning. Relaxed ends can weigh your hair down, giving you the illusion of more length. But when those ends are cut off, your hair may curl up and be shorter than you think.
At this stage, I was mostly natural, with maybe 2-3 inches left of texturized hair on the ends. I started wearing two strand twists and I would put rods at the end so the remaining relaxed ends would curl (see pic on the right). It was winter time so this was a great protective style with help from my beanie.
Months 11-12
Congrats! You have transitioned for a full year. Most people have between 5 1/2 and 6 inches of new growth at this stage. If you big chop at this point, you’ll probably have a good-size afro and most likely be beyond the TWA (teeny weany afro) stage. Of course, everyone’s curl pattern and hair growth is different so results may vary.
One Year and Beyond
If you can make it past a year, you are officially a long-term transitioner (in my book anyway)! By this time, you probably know exactly what your hair likes and you’ve gotten better at managing the two textures.
By the time I hit my one year anniversary, I was mostly natural so it didn’t really feel like I was transitioning anymore. I continued to wear a lot of flat twist styles (to protect/nurture my edges) and I wore quite a few twists and twist outs. Here are a few pics of some styles I’ve worn 12 months and beyond…
Click here to view more of my hair styles during my natural hair transition.
Final Note About Hair Growth
One thing that surprised me while transitioning was how my hair grows at different rates. For example, the back of my hair grew out really fast, while the front and crown of my hair grew the slowest.
That is why my hair is layered. When I ended my transition, my back was much longer than the front.
So that’s just something to keep in mind. It’s totally normal to have different growth rates so don’t be alarmed.
Meet Fellow Transitioner, Aisha
This video will inspire you, and perhaps you’ll even see some of yourself in it. It’s by Make Me a Naturalista on YouTube (definitely make sure you subscribe).
In the first series they introduce you to Aisha, a self-proclaimed salon junkie who gets her hair done twice a week.
Yardley and Natasha have a sit-down with Aisha and discuss her challenges with finding appropriate transitioning styles for work. Enjoy!
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Don’t forget to read my long-term transitioning guide.
Have Questions?
Join the NapturallyCurly.com Transitioning and Natural Hair Forums to chat with other transitioners and get the much-needed answers to your burning questions about your hair!
As of May 2012 i have and will not perm again…..On Monday July 9, 2012 I am transitioning to Natural….I am ready for the Journey
*singing to the tune of Mary Mary’s song* Go get it! Go get it! LOL Good luck. 🙂
I’ve been wanting to go natural for years because I’m a heavy sweater when I run. I kept texturizing because from most of the websites that I saw, natural hair takes a great deal of time, lots of expensive product, and dozens of steps to maintain. The last thing I wanted was more work, time, and money to look presentable! My lifestyle screams for wash-and-go hair. Thanks to your site and talking to some natural ladies who don’t believe in spending whole paychecks on product, I’m excited and ready to take the plunge. It’s been 8 months since my last processing treatment and I’ve been wearing braids since. Hopefully I can fully transition without the big chop. Thanks for the great site!
Great Saundra! That whole idea that natural hair is more expensive is a myth. Sure, it can be if you’re a product junky and just like buying products, but I’ve found that I buy less products now that I’ve found what works for me. Good for you!!
I was convinced by my hairdresser after a year of transitioning from a perm to get another one. I wasnt strong enough at the time so I gave in and got another. My hair is breaking and is frizzy again even so, my kinks are slowly waving back into motion after a month af getting it done. I even noticed a quarter sized bald spot which is embarassing. I want my curly kinky tresses ba,k. I know nothing about hair….H E L P PLZZZ!!!
Hang in there Yanni. If you stop perming, your hair will probably grow back. You just need to give your hair a break. I would go to a stylist who specializes in natural hair only and they can help you with the transition.
Hi Lisa, love, love your site and the info is much appreciated. I just made the decision to commit to the process of going natural. Yay!! Your site has answered a lot of the questions I have and more so. I need some assistance with humidity (I live in the South). I am in my 3rd month of transition, did a rollerset with , Doo Grow olive oil, Eco Styler Gel (black) & leave-in conditioner to soften new growth, with rollers overnight. The set was pretty this morning but my curls fell after a couple of hours. Partly due to humidity and I am also wondering if I needed more gel for holding. Do you have any suggestions? I plan to purchase your suggestive products to help with rod, twits, roller sets and was using what I had at home to get started. Any help is appreciated. Be Blessed my Sista!
You can try more gel but be careful because it can be drying. Also see if you can try keeping the rods in a little longer next time. Do you leave them in overnight? That helped me a lot!
Thanks a lot !!! Im in a 4 month transitional hair and i was about to give up ! this site is really helpful thanks again !!
I am ever so grateful to have found this site!! I too have recently decided to go natural!! I keep my hair in free style braids (extensions) due to being in nursing school and not having much time to deal with my hair. Im encouraged and excited about my journey. Ms. Lisa, it is sites like yours that makes something so scary a lot more enjoyably bearable!!! So much so that I am excited to see the end results!! I am 4 months in and when I take my braids down this time im going to get my split ends clipped. I have shoulder length hair and I was really afraid to have to cut it being that Ive always had hair….permed hair!!! LOL! My question is, since I get freestyle braids, what is the best way to condition my hair..I know I can grease my scalp, but I was concerned about my deep conditioning? I really want to do this right, just prefer to transition with braids due to my time limitations. I do however plan on going all the way and cutting off the perm in a year…8 more months! Sooo, what shall I do to make sure i am moisturizing and conditioning the way that I should, i also dont want to clog my pores….You are a jewel!!! Thanks so much for helping us!!
Hi Lisa.. First, let me say thank you for all your EXCELLENT information. My goodness I would be lost without you. My issue… I stop using relaxers about 2 years ago when I told my stylist I wanted to go natural… Well she did but she would blow dry and flat iron the living life out of my hair – She Called it :”Training my Hair” – Mmmmmm. Don’t get me wrong it did look lovely for a day or so but oh boy was it ever so dry. Any who… I’ve now taken over the care of my hair after realizing something is just not right here. Now I thought I could transition quicker but reading this material and working on my hair I think I am just as bad off as if I had a relaxer. Not sure BUT this time I am going to make it work. Of course I have only one friend that understands cause she has been natural a few years now everyone else seems to really dislike natural nappy /curly hair … Odd and sad all at the same time… Well.. Thank you for STRESSING that any type of HEAT is not good for your hair. I totally believe in the Scab Hair because That is What I have but did not understand what the heck it was so Thank you!!!! I would have thought after 2 years I would be natural but blowing drying and heat will make it just a hot mess for transitioning. I have selected July 4 for the big BC….. (What to a “heat slave” is the 4th of July :-)… I know my folks will wonder why I have selected this route but in my soul I think its wrong to deined my hair its true status. Wish me luck! and Please keep the advice going … You can NEVER tell this information to many ways or too many times!! Thank YOU!!! And much Love your way!!!
Thanks so much for the feedback. Yes, folks are always going to wonder, but when your hair starts growing out healthy I guarantee others will follow. It’s what happened to me. So just embrace your journey and good luck on the rest of your transition!
Hi Lisa,
It’s been over a year since I told my stylist I wanted to go natural. We did weave for 6 months and since then she has flat ironed e/o week. I noticed some thinning at the crown recently. I know that can’t be good. I would often ask her why was I not having a difficult time like others and were we doing it right. I never used at home conditioner and was instructed not to use oil because my hair is soft and it would weigh it down. I’ve been doing research and discovered that I have been going about this all worng, and shouldn’t have been using heat at all. Which is crazy, cuz my stylist blow drys and flat irons me. I am now ready to take my hair into my own hands to attempt to lessen the shedding and the thinning. I am a total newbie and don’t want to do the chop, I can do twists and sets w/o a problem. I am glad to have found your site. Can you suggest a regime for me? I know I should wash and deep condition weekly, but have no clue what products to use. HELP? What works for you?
Hey Kay
Just understand what I use may not work for you, but when I was transitioning I would just try a variety of natural twisting creams when doing my two strand twists and flat twists. I love Miss Jesssie’s Curly Buttercreme but if you don’t want to pay that kind of money you can try Organics lock and twist gel or something similar. As far as shampoos and conditioners I created a page because I get this question so often. https://napturallycurly.com/2010/07/my-favorite-transitioning-products/
Hi Lisa,
First I have to say, I love your website! It’s really been a help to me with transitioning! I’m currently 7 months post relaxer and my hair and I have had ups and downs. But it feels so good to feel the new texture after I’m washed and deep conditioned it! You’re sooo right about scab hair! I have 2 patches of it in the back where the hair is super coarse and brittle no matter how much I deep condition. I almost wanted to cut off that entire section but after reading your article I’m going be patient and keep giving my hair TLC. I initially planned to do a big chop after month 5, hut after coming this far, I want to see if I can make it to a year. I need to trim more regularly though. I love rod sets but you’ve inspired me to try out the flat twists and I’m doing a hot oil treatment for the first time tonight. Once again, thanks for your site and keep up the good work!
Awesome, Hope! So glad you stopped by. Hang in there and all the best with your transition.
Hello Lisa.
I told myself seven years ago that I will relax my hair once every year. I religiously did it for the past four or five years. I kept doing things like coloring my hair and trying out new products and also cutting. Three years ago I decided to grow my hair but still used relaxers once every year. I remember in February this year I sat under some girl who I thought knew what she was working with. She told me about a straightener called keratin. She told me she will put something which turned out to be a straightener too in my hair before putting the keratin in. She said that this product makes the hair very straight and stays in for three months but for the first week, I should not wash it out of my hair and that I should flat iron my hair every morning. I knew that was not healthy but I sat anyway. The straightener was put into my hair and then while wet, she put this white creamy thing on my wet hair and used the flat iron to make my hair straight. The smell was killing and boy the heat. There was smoke in the whole saloon that we had to leave the doors open. I got burned and the this thing burned my eyes and that of my husband when he came close to me. I had to flat iron again to reduce the smell and then went to bed. I flat ironed two times in the morning for two days and then stopped because my hair was all over the bathroom floor. I washed the second day after I flat ironed bacause I started to feel some painful sensation on my scalp and also pain when I touched my head. Last month I colored my hair and this again was another mistake because this chinese woman told me it was a very good product. Only to find out that it was the same cheap thing in the local market sold for one dollar. I was mad. I ended up with orange hair. Aah!! Now when I think of this scab hair, I don’t know if my new growth is going to be healthy soon or not after all I have done to it. I decided this month to go natural. I have gone without a relaxer for a year so I know I CAN DO THIS. But without heat, I know only the best product can and will help me. I love the ORS products but I want to try the Jane carter solution curl defining cream and the nourish and shine. How do I use these products along with the ORS products? Please help this newbie.
What a journey! Girl, I’m exhausted for you! You have been through it. How you use the products depends on which ones you use and how you use them. I’ve only used the Olive Oil Replenisher (deep conditioner) and the Lock and Twist gel for my twists. I use Jane Carter’s Nourish and Shine to seal moisture after taking out rods or to polish up my twists. So that’s how I’ve been using it.
When I was transitioning I only used ORS for deep conditioning.
Sounds to me like your hair needs a good two months of weekly deep, deep, deep conditioning. I grab that ORS Olive Oil Replenisher product and deep condition for at least 30 minutes once a week and of course stay away from heat. Try rod sets to keep from using any more heat for awhile.
Hi, I cut all my hair off in Jan but the part that was left (enough to brush) still had perm in it. I have sebhoric dermatitis which means I have to use prescription dandruff shampoos. My hair is hard, dry and coils are only in some spots. Should I just go back to perms? Oh! I wash and conditon it every week. I also wear a wig because its not long enough but I dont want to.
AWESOME posts!! I have been transitioning since October 2010 and in kinky twists since March 2011 so this year will be 2 years!! I love my texture but have not been brave enough to go with out the added hair of the kinky twist style. The back is BEAUTIFUL…but the crown is still really short and kind of thin. This has been my problem area for a long time. Still I can see a lot of growth….BUT this time when I took my twists out I was concerned that my ends were spitting…it was not dry because I had a ton of braid remover on it but with natural hair how do you really tell…and what do you do about it??
I’ve noticed more split ends with natural hair and I think mine was coming from not gently taking my twists down. Now I make sure my hands are coated with oil and I am more gentle when I unravel the twists. When shampooing, I also make sure I coat the ends with oil before I get into the shower for strength. And I also pay more attention to getting the conditioner on my ends too.
Natural hair is dryer by nature so you have to take extra steps to make sure your ends are healthy. Also, detangling can cause split ends because that’s where the tangles are so it’s important to be careful when detangling.
Thanks for the advice ladies… i’m a month in and still going strong.!!
i must say i’m loving the thickness i’ve gained back, and my styles are getting better as well…
When i began the tranasition my hair was very dry and hard to detangle.. the ends were so heat damaged they would unravel if braided or twisted…it wasnt good at all… but the more i follow some of the regimens posted on this site i can already see and feel the difference…cant wait for these straight ends to be GONE!!!!
Can anybody recommend a good quality PORTABLE hooded dryer… i’ve been looking at some of the steamers but they are a bit pricey…
Thanks again guys!!
I wish I could. Girl, the one I’m using is my mama’s from the 1970’s!! Pretty sure this brand is obsolete. But I love it! I tell ya… they don’t make stuff like they used to. LOL
Hi there Ray of Light,
Just had to comment on your comment, hahaha. Glad of the steps you are taking Girl.
AS for the Naysayers, some are simply curious, some are fascinated and others are just plain jealous!!!!
You go girl, rock your hair and and others will just have to deal with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy the weekend ladies and Have fun!!!
Hi there Ms. Lisa, will be doing the Twist in a friend hair tomorrow, she has about 12 inches of hair, so that will take about a century!!! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Miss Lisa
Thank you again for sharing your journey to natural hair…. u r so informative that it almost makes the process mindless!!! I wouldnt have been able to transition without all the info that is on the web today…
Ur site is my go to source whenever i’m unsure about something.. i cant thank you enough!!!
i have my no sulfate shampoos, oils, conditioners and rod set rollers stock piled!! lol only thing i’m trying to master now are the flat twist… it doesnt come natural for me for some reason… i think i may have even sprained my wrist trying!!! I’m sure i just need to keep practicing… when my wrist feels better anyway!
I guess the only thing i really would like to know is how did you deal with the nay sayers when u began ur transition? I work in a hospital with mostly caucasians and they are used to seeing me with straight press and curled hair… Everyone wants to feel my hair and ask questions about whats going on with my head… Sometimes i dont care, but then it gets a little annoying… I feel like i’m back in my predominantly white high school again 🙁
I’m very excited about my transition and would just like to know how u dealt with it emotionally?
Thanks again… U r beautiful inside and out.. i dont know you but i can c this by how passionate you are about helping us through this journey
Hey Ray of Light,
Hang in there, lady! Probably the most annoying question I kept receiving was “Why would you want to wear your hair like that?” Which if you think about that, it’s very insulting. Why should we have to explain why we are choosing a more natural, healthy option?
In other words people are REALLY saying, “Your hair looks better straight, why mess it up wearing it natural?” On my Facebook page for my business site, I had a guy tell me “If it wasn’t broke, why fix it?” So yes, I have had to deal with a few of those kinds of questions but nothing really mean. Fortunately it didn’t happen often.
When I first started transitioning I caught a few people staring at my head as if they were trying to figure out what the heck was going on and there was a lot of silence — people just said nothing but you could tell they noticed a change.
But if anyone asked why I told them this is a healthier option for me as my hair was very damaged before.
Overall, it’s been pretty positive, though. I haven’t had much negativity, just a few looks every now and then. LOL This was a big contrast for me because I always wore my hair long. But the more you get used to it and comfortable in your own skin, the better it gets. Wouldn’t trade this journey for the world!
Hey Lisa! I am in month three and I was just wondering since my hair is growing fast in the front but slow (with a dry texture) in the back is it safe to get braids? Will this help since I wont be messing with it in case i am the one actually drying it out? Also thank you for your tips!! I have had little family support about transitioning since im in college not close to my beautician.
Hi Parker
I can imagine it must be tough at that age but hang in there! Braids should be fine, just make sure you go to someone who understands the words “do not put in too tight!” I had kinky twists put in in month 2 of my transition and they pulled my already-weak edges out. Fortunately they grew right back but I should have told her not to do them so tight.
hiya!
I’ve been reading this and I’m excited and nervous all at once. I havent really seen my hair in about 6 months. I’m really curious but i’ve always had long hair. I don’t have a clue as how to style my own hair. I have been going to a stylist and getting relaxers since I was 4. I wanted to go natural just because I was curious about what my hair comes out like naturally. I’m super worried and very impatient with the transitioning process 🙁 I need pointers and help on maintaining this do! I really want to have a cut kinky/curly afro looking do. at this moment I am wearing senegalese twists. Its burning me inside to just take them out. haha I miss my hair but I want to give them a good month or so. How can I condition my hair well with my twists/ weave in??
Hi Micah
I remember those days. I was so anxious to know what my pattern was like but it took a good 5 months before I could really see what my hair’s texture was like. So after you take them out you should be able to see more since it’s been 6 months.
I would add some conditioner and water to an applicator bottle and distribute on your wet hair. Leave on and then rinse like normal.
Your website is awesome. I have been debating whether to stop wearing my sew ins and wear my natural hair. This is my 2nd go round with going natural. I did the big chop in Nov. 2011. Reading your blog help me to decide to wear my natural hair. Thank you!
Hey. Lisa. I am 7 months in. I have breakage on the side and the back of my hair.
Have you stopped using heat altogether? Do you deep condition? If so, how often? Are you wearing styles that pull your hair?
I had my hair trimmed and then even’d out by some other naturals… but some of my end’s remain staright… And they tell me that i should no longer have to cut my hair and that it just needs time to get used to being curly. Could this be correct?
*straight
So are you transitioning and still have relaxed hair on the ends? Is that why your ends are straight?
Ms. Lisa,
Your site has truly inspired me to start this journey. I’ve been getting relaxers for well over 20 years and have recently noticed thinning at the crown. I went to a dermatologist to have a biopsy done to rule out any heredity traits. She informed me that the thinning could be a result from years of chemicals. So here I am. The BC is out of the question unless my hair truly begins to break off durning the transition.
I’m one month into my transition. I have tried twist outs but it seems my ends are extremely dry. I used the organic root stimulator lock and twist gel, but it made my hair hard and crunchy. Is there anything else you suggest I use to do my twist? My hair is cut into a bob sitting just on my shoulders. Also, should I wait until I get some new growth before using the natural oils?
Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated. I’m here for the long haul ☺.
4BoyzKween
Try adding Jojoba or Castor oil underneath the twisting gel. Those products can make your hair feel dry if it’s not properly moisturized. It’s never too early to start using natural oils.
Lisa
I tried the oils as well as the tahlia waajid lock it up on my twist last weekend and I can see/feel the difference. Thanks.
Hello. =) first Id like to say you are the 1st person in my life that has ever made me consider going natural. =)…I did the big chop march 3rd 2012…..my questions are..
1.) How often should I actually shampoo my hair??
2.) What is considered a ‘clarifying’ shampoo and how often should i do it?
3.) What is co-washing/wash and go’s…and the protocol on that
I’ve noticed that when i put the product (water, oils, cantu shea butter leave in conditioner and wajiida’s curly coiler product (forget the exact name)) in my hair that there’s straggler hair in my hands…is that bad?? MY hair grade is 3c/4a…
I shampoo every 7 to 10 days. But you have to find what’s best for your hair through experimentation.
Clarifying shampoos remove product better than regular shampoo and is good for removing build up.
I never cowash because I just feel shampoo gets my scalp cleaner. But some people love washing with conditioner only because the hair doesn’t feel as stripped.
Never done a wash and go but if I do I’d probably try kinky curly curling custard.
Hello Ms. Lisa,
Ok dearies, today is the day, Feb. 27th 2012, I am doing the BC, I have 2 inches plus of natural hair and I am cutting all the relaxed ends off, don’t care what others say, my friends and family love me for me and not for my hair so I am ready. I really am getting into the TWA and have taken my before pictures. Ms. Lisa, you have no idea how you have helped and will continue to help me in my journey. For the record, you should be receiving as Oscar for all the advice, care and help you have given out girl!!!
Will blog tomorrow about how it went, My mum is going to do it, my Dad will probably have a heart attack but will come around!!!!!
Big Earrings, Hats, Scarves, Headbands, here I come!!!!!!!!!!
LOL @ Oscar! Cracked me up!! And good for you for not caring what people think! That is more than half the battle with transitioning and being natural.
HAhahahaha, indeed I am loving it!!!
You know what’s funny, anytime I see a girl with relaxed, I am all like, go natural girl!!!
Hey Girl,
Love the New Updates on your Website.
Ok, yesterday, I had my Mom cut off 15 percent of my hair in the back, it looks so cute and I am in love!!!!
It shrank so it looks like 1cm but I love it!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks girl, will do the BC next year January 1st, in the meantime, have two hair styles, i love playing with different hairstyles.
Thanks girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yaaaay! You’re getting there. 🙂 Isn’t the journey fun?
Hi Lisa! Quick question: my hair is doing very well (thanks in part to you), it is very moisturized with minimal breakage/shedding. I’ve been two-strand twisting my hair and wearing it in a twist-out/curly fro. I don’t comb them all the way out, I just use a pick and my fingers to get rid of the parts, and my ends are always moisturized. My hair is pretty short, my ends are still relaxed (which means they won’t hold a twist without a clip or bobby pin), and I don’t want to wear braids, wigs or weaves. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think this is “protective” enough?
Yes, the key is keeping those ends moisturized as much as you can. I wore my hair out in rod sets for most of my transition and that’s not even considered a protective style. But I tried to keep my hair as moisturized as possible.
It’s been 3 months since I’ve permed my hair and so far it is going pretty well. I have just started twisting my hair after I wash it (once a week, every Monday) and take them out each morning and it looks fabulous! It blends both textures very well! I will keep my hair in twists for the remainder of this year and hopefully retain the length that I have which is bra strap! *fingers crossed* Thank you so much for this website it has helped me a lot!
Hey Stephanie! I love all of the natural websites, blogs and videos to help us out! It’s been almost 2 months since my last touch up, and I do the exact same things that you do: wash weekly and twist nightly. I agree, it does blend and “hide” the new growth very well! My hair is cut short, but I can see the new growth coming in at my edges already. I’m so happy about that! I’ve always been so so embarrassed by my hairline, not to mention the fact that I was pretty limited in my hairstyles.
Yes! I’m kind of excited that I’m not alone on this journey this year! It was kind of a nonchalant decision since my mother and my sister both did the big chop. I did not want to cut my hair so I’m patiently growing it out. With doing the twists I don’t see why a lot of people are frustrated with the process it actually is a little more fun for me now! haha I get to wash my hair each week, compared to every other week! AND I get to rock a cute kind of curly hairstyle everyday that I get a lot of compliments on! I can’t wait to go all natural and then grow my hair out! Long, Natural locks here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
The last time I had a perm/relaxer was June of 2011 and I wasn’t to sure what i to do with my hair but i knew for sure I didn’t want straight hair anymore… I wanted to know what my natural hair look like I’ve been getting perms since I was 8 so I really don’t know what my hair is without chemicals. even 7 month of no perm I have a lot of perm still in my hair so so I wait it out or clip the ends. Today after watching a few you tube video of tranistion hair I washed my hair deep conditioned it with the hair mayo is that good to use? and I used the hair pudding from olive oil which my hair is soft shiny but my freaking ends are straight. this is me just experimenting. I used to wash my hair before and braid it into corn rolls and let it dry out and wear like that is that real different from the two strand twist out? Well you blog help me understand the process and I”m ready to rock out thanks
Faith 🙂
Hey Girls,
Hope all is well, so far so good with the hair, she is growing really fast, an inch every month, I am using Olive Oil, Carrot Oil, Organic Carrot Oil Moisturizer by Africa’s Best Brand. Right now I am going to try a this moisturizer my natural hair sister told me about, here is the link by Target so can check it out:
http://www.target.com/p/Shea-Moisture-Coconut-Hibiscus-Curl-Hold-Smoothie-12-oz/-/A-12239244.
I just use conditioner to wash my hair, NO HEAT AT ALL, and cheap conditioner too, will try it and will comment on how it came out.
Thanks a mil Ms. Lisa for this site, love it!!!!!
I’ve been meaning to try this product myself!
I just BC’d this wknd and feel I have scab hair. It’s very dry and then some areas it’s curly. What can I do to correct this? Product suggestions…
Thanks
Omg it feels so good to find all these videos and websites where ppl tell you how to manage your natural hair.. about 4 months ago I said I was going to start stretching my relaxers about a month ago a week before christmas I put a put a perm in my hair 2 weeks later I started reading up on natural hair and I decided togo natural now I’m a little upset because I could be in my 4th month but its all good I’m one one in and my hair seems to be growing pretty fast so I’m excited I’ve got my mom and little sister going natural so we’re all going on the journey together but anyway just wanted to say thanks for the tips..
Hi Alexis
Don’t beat yourself up. I texturized my hair for 10 months and was really mad when I started my official transition because I kept thinking about how much natural hair I could have had in those 10 months. But those days are long gone and when I look back it all seemed to go by really quickly. That’s great you and your family are going in it together. I wish I had a transitioning buddy! lol
So the last time I relaxed my hair was October! No texturizers or anything after that. But I’ve been under a hood dryer to dry my hair. I straightened the roots twice (I know not good) to make it match my relaxed hair. I was wondering what products should I use because 1. My hair uses a lot of product it needs loads of moisture 2. My hair is really long and I want it to stay long 3. I have no idea how to style my hair. Also sometimes after hood drying it I just comb it out and leave it. Is that bad? Help me! A new transitioner in need.
Hi Girl,
I wanted to know if it will make your hair grow faster. I heard it´s great for your natural hair.
Thanks a bunch for the Help. Almost 2 months now and I have 1.5 inch of natural hair. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!
Loving it!!!!!!!!!
Hey Lisa,
Were you able to find out if sulfur is good for your hair, sorry to keep bugging I know you do your homework so you are the best one to ask.
Please let me know.
Thanks a mil!!!
No, I haven’t unfortunately. I know I used to use Sulfur 8 on my hair for anti dandruff solutions when I was relaxing but it had a very minimal impact. I’ll have to do some research. Refresh my memory. What were you (or are you) going to use it for?
Just reviewing your website again, when I came across some interesting information. My new growth is so hard I can’t stand it, but I am going to try the conditioner that you mentioned for deep conditioning.
Happy New Year! Happy new me! Miss Lisa I thank you so much for providing this site for us and sharing your journey and expertise! I’d been thinking of going natural and your You Tube vids were one of the first I saw (and saved). I was pleasantly surprised to find your website, don’t know how I missed it. Anyway you and others inspired me to go forward with going natural, and so here I go! I’ve learned a lot already but I’m sure I’ll be posting again soon. Your website is honestly one of the best I’ve seen in terms of thoroughness and training. Thanks again and God Bless!
Wow, Denise! That is some compliment. Thanks so much for the support and good luck on your journey. 🙂 Stop by and keep me posted.
Hey Lisa I really love your hair. I want to go natural also. My mom gave me my first relaxer at 3, I was very young, then my hair was just like a twa, then when it grew back, she relaxed again. My hair has never been long, always the same length for years to come. I have always wanted full, thick, long hair, other races of women do, so what about black women you know, even though I saw some with long hair before. Everytime I saw a girl with long hair, I felt inadequate, jealous, envious, not for texture but just for length. I love straight and curly hair, I would do braid outs but they never stayed. I’m going to do bantu knots(out) for my transitioning process, I’m nervous but I just want to get rid of this thin, weak, dry relaxed ends I have. I have been transitioning for a month now, & I’d bc in about 6 months after my high school graduation, & for my 18 bday. Growing up I used to want beautiful long licks, curly
y or straight, but I never got to because of relaxers. I have found CURLS & Miss
Jessie’s to be pricey but good. I am now rarely using heat and I am planning to was with CURLS sulfate free cleanser, regularly condition every week, & deep
condition every two weeks. I also use a curly souffle which mousturizes, a leave
in condition and and mousturizing hair lotion a
nd gel, and I yse natural oils. I also let my hair dry naturally after the bantu
knots and use a satin scarf or the head cap. I never had a sew in, but I am thinking of getting one on my prom/graduation though. I just want to look prettier, this hair issue has taken some toll on my self esteem, but I am looking forward to this journey, I already have about a 1/4 new growth, I’m going to buy my products and I’m ready to start my journey, I’ll be looking new on my 18tj bday, you are beautiful with natural hair, I don’t knock relaxers every1 us different, but I’m ready to start looking new, ppl tell me I’m pretty, I’m Nigerian (African American) born here, and.natural hair with curls looks gorgeous, I’ve seen so many that I’d love my hair to be that way, I’m anxious but ready, my mom always used to say “black women don’t have long hair” mine never grew so I believed her, but I’ve seen it firsthand and I’m ready to stop conforming to look different than my own natural good given Nigerian hair, I would love to see myself in 3 years relaxer free. Whoo!
Good for you!! Keep me posted on your journey. 🙂
Thanks for the website i have been natural since April 2011 and lately i have been feeling down thinking i should return back to the creamy crack…lol….but your website has encouraged me to continue to fight am running out of transitioning hairstyles. thanks for the encouragement once again!!!!
Good Day Ms. Lisa,
I just wanted to know if Sulfur Hair Products are good for your hair. I have researched and have found some reports saying yes, others no. Please let me know, because if it works, then I want to purchase them to apply it to my hair so she can grow faster. Thanks a mil!! It’s now 2 months without relaxer, so far so good. My natural hair is very soft, Yayyyyy!!! Loving it!!!!
Earthbound
Hi Lisa,
I reached my three month transition this weekend – Yeah! I still go to my stylist every two weeks because I’m so afraid that I may do something to damage my hair during my transition. My relaxed hair is bra strap length, so I really would like to try to maintain the length of my hair during my journey. Also, I don’t think my husband was too excited to hear me talking about potentially chopping off my hair.
During my journey so far, I’ve noticed a couple of things: my natural hair and relaxed hair is becoming hard and brittle, almost like a crunchy brillo pad. I have been using coconut oil, olive oil, and other products that claim to put moisture back into the hair. During the weeks that don’t go to my stylist, I am doing twist outs or braid outs to maintain. By the way, my stylist ONLY
roller set her clients hair. So, I believe my hair is pretty healthy thick and shiny. Just this past weekend, I had her trim the ends for the first time in 4 months. How do I maintain the health of my hair and maintain length?
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi, enjoyed your post and the pictures. I’m going natural and I’m about 8 or 9 months without a relaxer. I had my hair twisted for about one month and after I took those out I had a deep condition treatment done. I’m now struggling with my edges and I don’t know what to do. They are puffy. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Hi Tanisha,
There’s not really anything you can do for your edges permanently if your hair is naturally fuzzy. You can apply gel to the edges if you want or wear headbands, but I just had to realize that it is part of my texture and pattern. 🙂
Im so happy i found this website! i am transitioning from relaxed hair, I have not permed my hair for 4 months now, and to tell the truth, i have been just wearing braids and weaves since then because im afraid of what i may look like without permed .I notices that the hair at the nape of my neck is coiled and yes, my new growth is very dry and unmanageable. what my problem is is that i live in Germany and over her it is very hard to find products that can help me in my transitioning journey. I am a firm believer in natural , homemade, remedies for growing, and maintaining health natural hair and skin so if anybody has any PLEASE help a sista out!!!! recently my BF made a comment about my hair, saying “you are beautiful but, i would like to see your natural hair so i can know for sure how beautiful you are” this has kinda motivated me to go natural. Please if you have any transitioning styles (other than weaves because im tired of them) PLEASE help me! thank you sisters
🙂
Hi Donimika
Did you see this page with all my transitioning hair styles? https://napturallycurly.com/category/hair-styles/
I’m 40 and am thinking about going natural, my question is I have “female pattern” thining and want to know if my hair will thicken in that area or will there be an obvious thin spot in my temple area? Thanks for any advice or expertise.
Hi Sharon
I’m no specialist but if your thinning is not related to relaxers then going natural is probably not going to make that spot go away much. Now because of how curly/kinky natural hair is, that area may look a little fuller. However since it seems that your thinning is related to something else, then going natural probably won’t fill the area completely.
i finally did it !!! lol i feel sooo happy icut thewhole back part of hair off , but not the front .my natural hair feels so soft and curly. i told some of my friends they didnt like it at all.. but idont care because i love it 🙂 cant wait to see those curls lol
Yippee!!!! And good for you for not caring about other’s opinions — a key step in the natural hair journey!!
istarted transitioning , im 15 nd i havent permed for 3 mothes !!. im so proud of myself my hair has grown alot .. i really wanna cut my hair but im nervous of wat people will think
Hello there Ms.
Thanks a mil for the website, it is helping me beyond belief. My sister and I have decided to go natural, I have type 4a and she has type 4b, so you know, very stubborn hair. We are going to transition for 1 year then adios to the relaxed hair!! I really like your description cause now I know what to expect. I tried a cream from Africa´s Best ‘ Carrot Oil and really nice defined curls. SO we will see!!!!! Again thanks for the cool website and you look fabalous!!!!!!!!!
Earth-Bound
Hi there….enjoyed reading your information about the transition from relaxed to natural hair. I did have a question regarding the maintenance of the hair while going through this time. Today (10/26/11) I decided to go natural and up for the challenge ahead. I want to know how I should start styling my hair after it has been shampooed and conditioned.
I have gone two months without a relaxer, I
I have a lot of new growth, my question is how can I manage it?
I cannot really braid so I was leaning towards the rod set.
Thank goodness I have found this website. Thanks for all your information. I have just decided to transition my relaxed hair. It has only been two months since my last relaxer but it is still the longest I have gone without relaxing. Thanks again for all your tips. Keep them coming
your site has been an inspiration.Thanks for the encouragement.i decided to go natural about a 1n1/2 years ago and it’s truly one of the best decisions one can make to avoid the destruction of hair by chemicals.
jmk.nigeria
I’ve had my natural hair since Jan 2011 but have been doing lots of braiding and weaving. I took my weave oyt and my hair is courser than I’ve ever seen. Its nappy .. dry and brittle. I use alot of natural products castor oil, shea butter but my hair is just nappy. HELP !!!!!!!!!!
That’s normal with braids and weaves. You probably need to start deep conditioning your hair weekly. That will soften up your tresses. 🙂