Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Tips and Tricks

Making the journey from relaxed to natural can be a long, daunting one. When I first began my journey, I had every intention of transitioning for two years. How hard could it be, right? I planned on continuing straightening my hair every week and big chopping when my hair was bra strap length. I never realized that heat and poor treatment could negatively affect the way your hair grows. The line of demarcation, the point where the relaxed and natural textures meet, is very fragile and could pop off whenever damaged. I learned that the hard way. My journey ran smoothly after learning how to take care of my hair. Here are some steps to make your transition a bit better.



1. Determine your transition goal

How long do you expect to transition? Pick a goal that is realistic. I transitioned for a year and three months although my plan was two years. Since I reduced the amount of heat I used, I began to like the texture that was hiding under the mountain of straight hair. One day I woke up and chopped all of my relaxed ends off. I was tired of the two different textures and was ready to wear my curls. Planning to transition for longer than two years isn't very realistic. Keep in mind the two different textures and maintenance.

2. Reduce the heat

For the first year, I straightened my hair just about every week. I got it professionally straightened almost every eight weeks. I was still stuck on that relaxed-hair-time-to-visit-the-hair-stylist schedule. After I practiced styles that would blend my straight hair with my curly, it became easier to let the flat iron go. At first, roller sets were difficult, but with some practice, I really enjoyed the way they turned out. Roller sets can be done with or without heat. Don't risk obtaining heat damage by using heat on your hair. It would ruin all of your hard work and set your process back.

3. Become a product junkie after you big chop

Becoming a product junkie is an inevitable part of the process. Natural hair opens up a whole new world to explore. Don't purchase new products until you big chop. The shampoo, conditioner, and any styling products you already have will continue to work well during your transition, especially during the beginning. Once you big chop, go forth and purchase all of Target my friend. Save your money while you're still experimenting by trying homemade products as well.

4. Be patient

Transitioning is a process. Length and healthy hair will not happen overnight. It takes a lot of patience. In order to grow your hair long and strong, you have to be willing to take the time to de-tangle. Everything will take longer than it did before. Washing, conditioning, styling are all longer than with relaxed hair. Sure, you can do all of those things very quickly, but you'll risk popping off your relaxed hair and breaking your natural hair. Plus, deep conditioning for 30 minutes rather than 5 will make your hair nice and soft.

5. Keep manipulation to a minimum

Low manipulation styles help prevent your hair from breaking off from constant touching, pulling, and combing. Remember, that demarcation line is very delicate. You can keep manipulation to a minimum if you...

6. Utilize protective styles

During my transition, I used a protective style usually 3 weeks out of the month. High buns were my favorite. I especially loved them because they hid my ends away from the elements and allowed me to wear it for the week. To keep the moisture in, I washed weekly and sealed with oil. Before big chopping, I had Senegalese twists installed for two months. You can use extensions or your own hair for your protective style.

7. Deep condition

There are plenty of masks and deep conditioners out there, both homemade and store bought, that will help to keep moisture in your hair. I deep conditioned weekly and used protein treatments once a month. Keeping your hair moisturized is crucial to having a smooth transition. The more moisture, the better. Protect that line of demarcation.

8. Don't compare your journey with anyone

*Insert cliché part* we are all different. We all have different backgrounds that affect how we were created. Don't compare your journey with that of anyone else. Whether you have 3c or 4c hair, it is all beautiful. One's curl pattern could be desirable to one person but not to another. The most important step is to focus on what's growing on top of your own head. Due to genetics, our hair grows at different rates. Focus on growing long, strong, healthy hair. We all have hair that is amazing. Just love yours.


If you have more questions about my natural hair journey, leave your comment below. Have a happy, healthy hair journey.