Transitioning

This page is dedicated to anyone who is thinking about or has just begun the journey of transitioning from chemically treated hair to natural hair.  The process can be long and at times difficult, but in the end it's well worth it.  I've found that transitioning to natural hair is not only about your hair becoming renewed, but also your character and spirit becoming renewed.  So, sit back and enjoy the journey.  My advice to you is to take lots of pics during your transitioning period, ask lots of questions, read as much info as you can, and BE PATIENT :-)  Oh, and enjoy!!!!

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                                                  nappier than expected syndrome


Hey there my lovelies,
So I was reading curly Niki's blog and came across this post.  I absolutely loved this young ladies story-click the nappier than expected syndrome title above to  access the story.  Point of the story is that after she did the BC she thought that her hair was nappier than expected; she termed this the nappier than expected syndrome.  I too have gone through this experience.  After I did the BC I loved my hair, but throughout the years I have definitely had my days of feeling my hair it too nappy.  I have tried many a products in an attempt to enhnace my curl pattern, loosen my curls, make my hair shinier and more silky all to little avail.  So, now I know that products don't make your hair great-time, patience, love, and dedication make your hair great.  The curl whisperer likes to use the term "naked hair."  She states that if you aren't happy with your hair in its naked state-freshly washed and without any product-then you need to work on your hair, not try a million new products.  Regardless of what the commercials say, there is no one miracle product out there that will all of a sudden make your hair "perfect."  So, love your curls for what they are, uniquely yours!


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Hey there my transitioning lovelies,
Transitioning is such a wonderful time.  The transition period gives you time to slowly embrace your hair and the you that you are becoming.  Take this time that you have during your transition period to learn as much as you can about natural hair.  Read, read, read, read blogs, books, websites, anything that you can find related to natural hair.  The transitioning process can be long and gruesome so stick in there and let me know if you have ANY questions.  One thing you'll learn during and after your transition is that you don't really know your hair.  Relaxed hair and natural hair are two totally different animals.  Step number 1 is to know your hair type. Check out the know your hair type link and get to learning your beautiful tresses. 



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                                  Going Natural:  How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair

For those beginning the transitioning process, or who are early in the process, a really good book to read is Going natural: how to fall in love with nappy hair.  This book deals a lot with ways to transition and does a nice job of talking about different products that you may at some point find beneficial.  So, if you have time, go out to your nearest public library or bookstore, get a copy, and read away :-) 

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                                                                        My story

So, I've had a lot of people ask me about how I transitioned; therefore, I decided to make a transition page.  I will share my transition story and thoughts, and hopefully others who have taken that journey will chime in also.

When I decided to go natural, I wanted to keep wearing my hair straight until I felt like it had grown out a good amount for me to comfortably cut it off.  I got my last relaxer in August of 2006, and continued to wear my hair straight until May of 2007.  I would wash, condition, and straighten my hair once per week, with regular straightening touch ups of the roots in between.  I used Pantene Pro-V shampoo and conditioner (I think, you guys know me, I've used so much).  To blow dry my hair, I would comb through it with a wide tooth comb while it was still quite wet (I only blotted it dry with a towel), I then sprayed a heat protectant (I used Chi keratin, I don't think this really protects, but it is supposed to rebuild protein), I then blow dried on high with an ceramic blow dryer until my hair was pretty straight.  Next, I put on some moisturizer (the brand varied), and then flat ironed my hair with a Chi flat iron section by section starting with the back, moving to the sides, then the middle followed by the front.  At night, I would either wrap my hair and tie down with a wrap cap and bonnet or put rollers (but not the little black sponge rollers) in and secure with a bonnet. 

I got my ends professionally trimmed about 4-6 times between August and May.  The last time I got my hair cut during my transition (in April of 2006) I got all of the relaxed hair cut out, but continued to straighten it for about another couple of weeks.

Towards the end of my transitioning period, I would wear a twist out doing flat twist (as opposed to traditional two strand twists), but this was mixed in with straightening, and only began, maybe 1-2 months before I was completely natural.    

When I first started wearing my hair natural, I simply washed, conditioned, put on moisturizer and that was it.  I will caution that, although you think you know how to care for your hair, it is so different caring for relaxed hair, transitioning hair, and natural hair.  Be patient, and take time out to get to know your natural hair.  

If I had to do all over again, I would cut all of my hair off in the beginning and start anew right up front.  I think that just starting fresh helps you connect with your hair and better learn and understand it.  In addition, transitioning, is hard when you try to keep your hair straight, it's definitely possible, but in my opinion, more work than it's worth.  So, my advice is to India Arie it, and chop all of your hair off ;-)

However you decide to wear your hair during your transition, remember to be patient, and think of the payoff you'll get in the end ;-) 

Tootles, for now.......