How To Go Natural: Transitioning Edition
Hello people, today's blog post is on transitioning; what it is and how it goes.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRANSITION
Transitioning simply means to let your hair grow out in it's natural state while still hanging on to the old hair instead of cutting it off like when you big chop. If you don't want to sacrifice your hair length to get to 100% natural hair then this process might be for you.
The major difference between big chopping and transitioning is the about of hair you have left when you're done, the basic end point which is having natural hair is still the same.
STEPS
- Stop relaxing your hair
- Avoid sing heat as your hair is in a fragile state and can easily break off or get heat damage
- Stop all form of chemical treatment like permanent hair dye and texturizers to ensure your hair is growing as healthily as possible.
- Deep condition frequently and use protein treatments to strengthen your hair especially at the line of demarcation where your hair is weakest.
- Moisturize your hair with water or water based products
- Wear low manipulation or protective styles to help retain length
- Trim your hair as much as you are comfortable with until you are fully natural
So now you know the basic steps to take, but you need some tips on how to go about them? no problem, we have you covered:
TIPS
- Be gentle when styling or detangling your hair to prevent excessive hair loss.
- Protect your edges! don't do hairstyles that put too much pressure on them so you don't lose them.
- Keep your hair moisturized, dry hair breaks.
- Keep your scalp clean
- Detangle hair when wet, it's easier that way and you'll have to put up less of a fight with your hair.
- Find transitioning hair styles you like that blend your two hair textures and have a favorite one so if you try a new hairstyle and it fails, you have something to fall back on.
- Take your time in deciding when you actually want to cut off your relaxed ends, no need to rush.
SHOULD I BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?
Honestly, the answer to this Question is completely up to you but to help with your decision making we'll give you some pointers on Things you should consider. Lets get into those:
Things To Consider:
- Personality: If you're someone that doesn't care so much what people think or you can live with negative comments here and there if they come then maybe big chop, if not? consider transitioning
- Environment: If your family might not approve of you big chopping and you don't want to deal with negative comments from them then transitioning might be for you
- Money: it's a little cheaper to big chop since you'll have little hair but if you don't mind finding the right products for your transitioning hair then transition it is.
- Time: Transitioning needs a little more time to take care of both your curly new growth and your relaxed ends.
There you have it, now it's up to you to decide what you want to do, whether you big chop, transition or stay relaxed make sure you do you!
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section. Our next post is another Naturalista's hair story, don't forget to check back.
LINKS
https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/top-10-transitioning-tips/
https://blacknaps.org/how-to-transition-to-natural-hair-without-a-big-chop/
