Transitioning from chemically treated hair to wearing your hair natural doesn't have to be an overwhelming stressful event but there are frustrations in the process. You will find yourself experimenting with a variety of conditioners, shampoos and oil. And for those who forgot how to wear their hair natural as you did as a child can re-learn and experiment especially after seeing/consulting a hairstylist or even watching several videos on the internet.
Here, you can leave your transitioning/transforming stories below and we can all learn from each other. I want to form a community of encouragement, connection and education. No competition, No bashing, No negative criticism, No fanaticism but love, empathy, knowledge, your experiences, support and sister/brotherhood!
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Tips and stories/testimonials of those who has or is transforming/transitioning...
- Personally, as a licensed Cosmetologist, my transitioning was both quite fun and frustrating because, my natural hair is fine and limp. You can see right through it. So when I tried twisting (without extensions) with the hopes of eventually locking it, I didn't like the way it looked-so transparent/porous, unlike my clients whose locs I develop and maintain. The fun part of being natural for me is that I get to wear a variety of styles with or without extension (but mostly extensions for volume and length). I love wearing my natural, curly or straight hair weaves, wearing cornrows or box-braids, goddess braids, press & curls, twistouts and braidouts, flat-twists, Yarn twist (Genie Locs), Senegalese twists, Nubian knots, rod sets and more. I'm every women when it comes to wearing versatility.
- Importantly, I keep my natural hair healthy in between styles with extensions by keeping it trimmed, conditioned & moist. If I'm braiding or weaving, I don't overly blow dry my hair-to avoid dryness which eventually causes weakness and breakage. When pressing to wear it straight, I use a protective coating/conditioner/cream to reduce dryness and weakness from using a hot blow dryer and curling irons/pressing comb/flat irons.
- Note: I'm not knocking anyone who use chemicals in their hair because I'm not partial and I'm not a hypocrite. I recently colored my hair brown to give it a lighter look during the summer. And once in a while, if I wear a straight weave and desire to wear my edges and crown out to cover and blend with the weave, I sometimes use a mild relaxer on those areas and keep them moist and conditioned. I just like to treat hair and scalp, and help others combat breakage and also understand the effect that chemicals/medication have on our hair, scalp and body. It's better to make an informed decision and also explore ways to minimize damage and encourage growth. There are some wonderful styles I've enjoyed when my hair was relaxed.
More interviews & transitional stories below!_______________________________________________________
Kellee’s Hair Transitioning
Journey:
Q: Hey Kellee, I wanted to interview you because you have been a consistent transitioner, and your hair is beautifully colored and curly. Please tell me,
how long have you been natural now?
Kellee: I’ve
been natural for so long I can’t even remember.
If I had to give an approximate time I would say over 15 years. I use to weave my hair and had my natural
hair underneath. At the time I didn’t
know I was doing what some would consider a “protective style”. I haven’t worn a weave for almost 4 years
now.
Q: So what made you decide to go natural, meaning, free of relaxers,
perms, etc?
Kellee: I don’t remember
making a concrete decision to “go natural”.
Since I always had a weave in my hair it did not make sense to do the extra
step of putting a perm in my hair for me to just cover it up with the
weave. As time went by and I began to
wear weaves less and less I began to focus on my hair and began to pay
attention to the texture and quality of my hair. I realized that as a result of the perming,
processing, straightening, hot combing, blow drying, etc. I was damaging my
hair.
Q: What was your initial transitioning decision, to chop or not to chop?
Or growing out your hair while trimming away chemically-treated hair?
K: As
I stated above I didn’t make a concrete decision to go natural. I just thought it was a waste of time to perm
my hair when I was going to cover it up with a weave.
Q: Have you been ridiculed or criticized for doing so?
K: I don’t know. I
would say I’ve been ridiculed or criticized.
People have asked me why I chose to go natural and even go “blondish”
with a tone of disapproval but I simply respond, “Because I wanted to!!!”
Q: What methods or hair regimen you employ to maintain healthy
transitioning?
K: I co-wash
regularly. Some people say that it doesn’t matter if you shampoo regularly
however I have found that doesn’t work well with my hair. Shampooing regularly makes my hair extremely
dry and dull. I normally use shampoo or a cleansing conditioner at least once a
month to assist with getting rid of any excess product build up. There are times I may shampoo more often but
I have learned my hair to know when it is needed. I also co-wash once a month or every other
month with a protein conditioner.
·
I try to always use
a leave in conditioner.
·
I try to use some
sort of oil (almond, coconut, Jamaican black castor oil, etc.).
Q: Do you know what type of hair texture you have? For example, 2b/2c
(wavy curly/wavy whirly), 3a/3b/3c (curly twirly/curly spirally/curly kinky) or
4a/4b/4c (kinure y coily/kinky crimpy/kinky ziggly).
K: I’m
not sure what hair texture type I have.
I’m not really convinced that we can all be lumped into one of 6 hair
categories. I have various textures/curl
patterns throughout my head.
Q: What particular products do you use? Why?
K: So
many products that I love and use, too many to name. Some of my current staple products are:
·
As I Am – I love
the curl pattern I get when I use the smoothing gel. Keeps my hair feeling soft and full and
provides minimal shrinkage. The
conditioner assists in restoring my hair and making it soft.
·
Bel Nuvo, Oiyn
Handmade, Coconut Oil, & Alikay Naturals – Love the way these products make
my hair smell, look and feel. (I do not necessarily use these products
together). I use Oiyn Handmade products
daily.
·
Natural Girls Rock
Jamaican Black Castor Oil (this one doesn’t have a strong odor like some of the
other ones.) and the Almond Oil and Eco Styler Gel (the green one) - I actually
use all those products together. I mix
all of the above in a container and use as one product. My curl pattern is FaBuLOUS and the shine
that the combination of these products provides is AMAZING.
· Aubrey Organics GPB
Conditioner – Strengthens my hair and restores softness after feeling extremely
dry and brittle.
·
Kinky Curly Curling
Custard – I love the curl pattern this product provides. I do not necessarily use the above product together (unless
stated). However they are all currently
in rotation.
Q: Which style lasts the longest for your type of hair?
K: I’ve
learned to maintain most styles with my hair.
How long it last depends on the product that I use.
Q: What has/is most challenging during your transitioning experience?
K: I
really didn’t have any real challenges since my “transition” was done under a
weave.
Q: What natural hair styles do you like best?
K: Some of the natural styles that I like I have
not figured out how to do on me and make it look good so I am still working on
it. I realize that just like with any
hairstyle, not everything fits everyone.
My favorite for myself is simply a wash and go, with a slight bit of
diffusing).
Q: Do you follow or visit any natural hair care sites, blogs, Vlogs or
books? And have you received any transitioning advice from a hair care
professional?
K: When I decided I really wanted to learn how to
care for my hair I did do all of the above.
It was through talking to others, following people on social media, etc
I was able to learn more about proper hair care. Let me just say I didn’t believe everything I
heard and read. If I came across something that I thought would pertain to me I
would do additional research to make sure it was indeed true.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give others who are contemplating
becoming natural or just started their going natural journey?
K: If
I could give advice to others who are contemplating becoming natural it would
be the following:
1. Ask yourself why am
I doing this? If you have decided to go natural because it
seems like the “in thing to do” I would encourage you NOT to do it. People think going natural is less work. I’m here to tell you it’s NOT! Learning your hair and what works and what
doesn’t is a process. If this is not
something you are not doing for the right reasons you will have a difficult
time investing in the process and believe me transitioning and even learning to
care for your natural hair is a process.
2. No one’s hair is
like yours. We are all individually and uniquely
made. Since this is true no two people
have the same hair. What works in
someone’s hair whose texture is similar to yours may not necessarily work in
yours. Someone else’s curl pattern will
not be your curl pattern. I don’t get
into that 4C 4A, etc., hair because even with that no two 4C’s are the same.
3. BE PATIENT. Your hair in its
natural state needs to be cared for. It
is going to take time for you to figure out what products work and don’t work. Pay attention to labels by looking at the
ingredients. This will help you learn
what ingredients work for you. This will
take some time but once you begin to learn what products, combination of
products and ingredients work for you will begin to enjoy your hair even more.
4. EMBRACE and ACCEPT. As the India Irie
song says, “I am not my hair”. Your hair
does not DEFINE who you are but it is a great way for you to express
yourself. Embrace and be ready to accept
your hair, its texture, its curl pattern (whether it’s tight or loose). This is the hair that you have been blessed
with. Appreciate it. By doing so you will realize it won’t matter
what anyone says to you as you go through your process. As long as you LOVE IT, that’s all that
matters.
5. HAVE FUN and ENJOY. Even though some
consider being natural as one of the latest trends, it is still a trend that is
still criticized by some. It is a bold
move to do something that may bring you ridicule. If you choose to do it, ENJOY IT!!! Have fun with it. Try different styles and even color if you
wish to be so bold.
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Q: Hi Imani, I wanted to interview you and share your transitioning journey.
Please tell me, how long have you been natural now?
Imani: I
have been natural for about a year and a half.
Q: So what made you decide to go natural, meaning, free of relaxers,
perms, etc?
Imani:
I had gotten a short hairstyle that required
a perm. My hair was not damaged. However, when I decided to grow my hair back I
assumed that going natural would allow my hair to grow faster and stronger.
Q: What was your initial transitioning decision, to chop or not to chop?
Or growing out your hair while trimming away chemically-treated hair?
Imani: I
decided to let the perm grow out since my hair was already cut short, and I
wore weaves and braids until my length would return to its previous state.
Q: Have you been ridiculed or criticized for doing so?
Imani:
I have not been ridiculed or criticized. I
think that currently, women going natural are now being admired and praised. People
either choose to do it or not.
Q: What methods or hair regimen you employ to maintain healthy
transitioning?
Imani: I
try to keep my hair moist which is most important thing. I sometimes do Bantu knots, ponytails, braids, Senegalese
twists and braid/twist outs. I stay away from using heat on my hair every
day, maybe once in a while instead. Going natural allowed me to dye my hair
healthily. However, I try not to color my hair with products that have a
reputation of drying and stripping your hair and scalp of its natural texture
and moisture.
Q: Do you know what type of hair texture you have? For example: 2b/2c
(wavy curly/wavy whirly), 3a/3b/3c (curly twirly/curly spirally/curly kinky) or
4a/4b/4c (kinky coily/kinky crimpy/kinky ziggly) or a combination or multiple
textures.
Imani: I
believe I have a 4a or 4c texture.
Q: What particular products do you use? Why?
Imani: I
tend to try new things often depending on what my hairstylist recommends but a
few of my favorites thus far are; As I
Am, Crème of Nature, Dr. Miracles, and Organix.
Q: Which style lasts the longest for your type of hair?
Imani: I
think that Bantu Knots and braid/twist outs last longest as long as they are
not too moist or too dry. My hair will still be curly the next day, unless I am
in constant humidity.
Q: What has/is most challenging during your transitioning experience?
Imani: I find
that detangling is time consuming and styling as well but that is a part of the
natural daily or weekly grooming process.
Q: What natural hair styles do you like best?
Imani: I like Bantu Knots, braid/twist outs, Mohawk
styles, box braids, top buns.
Q: Do you follow or visit any natural hair care sites, blogs, Vlogs or
books? And have you received any transitioning advice from a hair care
professional?
Imani: I do follow this natural hair care blog and
Natural Hair Instagram accounts. I have not read any books and I have received
information from a hair care professional. I highly recommend speaking to a
professional because everyone’s hair is different.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give others who are contemplating
becoming natural or just started their going natural journey?
Imani: I
would say that it is a personal choice, you either love natural hair or not.
Though I love changing my hair, I will say that the feeling of touching my
natural hair is freeing and feels like a weight is lifted when I do not have
extensions, etc. I believe that hair is a woman or man’s sense of style and if
he/she pleases to go natural then do it! The journey may be rough and weary or
pleasant and successful, but every human being should embrace the hair they
were born into the world with!
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Ro’s Transitioning Journey:
Q: Hi Rochelle (my godsister), I wanted to interview you as well about
your transition. I love your creativity and versatility in styling.
Q: I would love for you to tell me how long have you been
natural now?
Ro: About 4 years
Q: So what made you decide to go natural, meaning, free of relaxers,
perms, etc?
Ro: It was actually by accident I invested in some extensions,
wore it on and off for about a year, and I said if I could go a year with out a
relaxer I can do another and another. I also started to see my curl pattern and
I liked it and I was intrigued to see what my whole head would look like once
all the relaxer was out.
Q: What was your initial transitioning decision, to chop or
not to chop? Or growing out your hair while trimming away chemically-treated
hair?
Ro: I transitioned I chopped all my perm off 2
years ago.
Q: Have you been ridiculed or criticized for doing so?
Ro: I have the men in my family who don’t like it but I don’t
pay them any mind.
Q: What methods or hair regimen you employ to maintain healthy
transitioning?
Ro: I love wash and goes, twist outs, and my
curly fro-ponytail.
Q: Do you know what type of hair texture you have? For example, 2b/2c
(wavy curly/wavy whirly), 3a/3b/3c (curly twirly/curly spirally/curly kinky) or
4a/4b/4c (kinky-coily/kinky crimpy/kinky ziggly) or what combination (multiple
textures).
Ro: From what I have
researched I am a mixture of a 4a and 4b.
Q: What particular products do you use? Why?
Ro: A Lot!!
Shampoo:Moisture Retention Shampoo by Shea Moisture.
Co-wash: Restorative Conditioner by Shea Moisture
Moisture
Treatment: Deep Treatment Mask by Cantu
Protien
Treatment: Alphoge 2 step protien
treatment
Conditioner:
Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner by
Cantu, and Oils: A
mixture of coconut, tea tree, virgin
olive oil, and castor oil. Curl Control-Gel: Eco Gel (the pink one) to keep my curls in place less frizz or Curl
Boosting Jelly by Curls Unleashed. Edge
Control: Hicks edge control to help
tame my stuborn edges
Q: Which style lasts the longest for your type of hair?
Ro: Nothing really lasts longer than 2 days. I
have to wash my hair at least every 3 days or it will turn into a bird’s nest.
I am not good at re-twisting my hair, and the only style I have learned to
manifest is my curly fro-ponytail.
Q: What has/is most challenging during your transitioning
experience?
Ro: trying to get used o the shrinkage and
trying to blend my straight ends in with my curly hair.
Q: What natural hair styles do you like best?
Ro: 2 strand twist
Q: Do you follow or visit any natural hair care sites, blogs,
Vlogs or books? And have you received any transitioning advice from a hair care
professional?
Ro: On Instagram, I follow @protectivestyles and
@healthy_hair_journey. The only tip I
have received is to do a protein treatment every 6 weeks and to keep my ends
trimmed every 8 weeks.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give others who are
contemplating becoming natural or just started their going natural journey?
Ro: Make sure it’s something you really want to do!
It is time consuming and can be financially draining. These products are not cheap!!!!!
It is not for the lazy or people that don’t have the time to deal with their
hair so make sure you are ready to put in the work!!
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A. Transitioning via Braiding...
As a natural hair care stylist, my client’s hair still has a remnant of oil and degree of softness on their hair when their braids are removed. I recommend developing or purchasing a bottle of natural oils to pour on the braids at least once a week. The oil soaks through the braid onto the client’s own hair to prevent dryness.
B. Transitioning via Twisting...
I. Transitioning via Hair-pressing roots...
Braiding has always been one of the best methods and style to wear when transitioning from wearing curly perms, relaxers and/or constant extensions and wigs or sew in weaves. Although, some may have worn braids and weaves all of the time, it’s still a transition and adjustment wearing their own hair out without the other protective styles.
Braids can help your hair to grow with proper maintenance such as Treatment, trim, conditioning, breaks in between, and moisturizing. It is important to do all of the above between braiding styles especially the trimming if you leave them in over 1 ½ months to 2 months (get rid of those porous/thin/weak/dead ends.
Braids help you leave to your hair alone/rest from the constant abuse of pulling, combing, brushing, hot-irons and neglect (dryness, the lack of using no conditioner, moisturizer or oils) which can leave it dry and brittle-causing breakage, excessive shedding/damage and weakness. If moistened correctly while braiding and every other day, your hair will retain moisture. As a natural hair care stylist, my client’s hair still has a remnant of oil and degree of softness on their hair when their braids are removed. I recommend developing or purchasing a bottle of natural oils to pour on the braids at least once a week. The oil soaks through the braid onto the client’s own hair to prevent dryness.
B. Transitioning via Twisting...
C. Transitioning via Roller-setting...
D. Transitioning via Hair-weaving...
E. Transitioning via Wigs...
F. Transitioning via Haircut...
G. Transitioning via Braidouts/Twistouts...
H. Transitioning via Puffs...
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Detangling to Prevent Breakage:
Precautions have to take place to avoid breakage at the point between your natural and relaxed hair. Avoiding pulling in this area by using creamy/slippery detangling conditioners and/or moisturizers, and/or carrier oils (Olive, Coconut, Safflower, Almond, JoJoba, etc...) is key while combing/brushing.
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