Natural Hair: Making The Transition
Thinking about growing out your natural hair? First, congratulations on taking such a big step!
I frequently encounter people who would like to “go natural,” but don’t know where to start. If your hair is relaxed and you are interested in returning to your natural hair, you basically have two options.
1) You can do what is affectionately known as the “Big Chop,” which is cutting all of your relaxed hair at one time and sporting a short cut. If you decide to take that route, here are some excellent tips from the blog natural belle.
2) You can also transition over a longer period of time, and cut your relaxed hair gradually. When I went natural, I transitioned for a year, cutting a few inches every so often. This is an ideal option for those who aren’t ready to take the big step all at once, but it does require patience.
For those of you who choose to transition, here are a few words of advice to help you along the way:
Transition Styles
Roller/Strawsets: This was my favorite style during my transition. You can set your hair using plastic rollers, straws, or perm rods (see below). A roller set is a perfect style for transitioning, as it blends the relaxed hair with the new growth.
Braids/Twists: You can wear these with or without extensions. Of course, you can get these done professionally. These are easy, low-maintenance styles. Be sure to keep your hair well-moisturized and conditioned while it is in these protective styles.
Scarves/Headbands/Hats: Okay, so this is not actually a style. It is great to have these accessories on hand, however, for the days when you don’t know what to do with your hair. I have a bevy of cool hats and wraps from my transitioning days which can be a lifesaver for those lazy days (like my doo-wop hat below. 
)
Tips to Remember
1. Treat your hair delicately. Your hair will be fragile during the transition, especially at the demarcation line (between the relaxed and natural hair). Try to avoid manipulating your hair excessively or putting too much direct heat on it.
2. Get to know your hair. Remember that your hair will evolve as you transition, and the texture of your new growth may even change. This is the perfect opportunity to rediscover your hair. Here is a great Q & A on natural hair from The Natural Haven. During my year of transition, I learned how to condition, cut and style my own hair. It was so empowering!
3. Find a support system. I think this is the most important thing to remember. As you transition, people (even those who have the best of intentions) may question you about your choice. You may even second-guess your decision at times. Surround yourself with those will encourage you during your journey and remind you of your natural beauty. 
More Resources
The naturalistas on the blogroll to the right have a ton of helpful information on natural hair. Also, be sure to explore the resources below for more helpful tips and advice.
Books:
Good Hair: For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Weaves When the Chemicals Became Too Ruff
Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair
Thank God I’m Natural–The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair
Websites:
Black Girl Long Hair
www.bglhonline.com
Leave In The Kinks
www.litk.com
Nappturality
www.nappturality.com
What tips do you have for transitioners? What books and/or websites helped you during the transition?
April 28th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Ah, this post came just in time for me. I’m transitioning for the third (and final)time.
I recently relaxed after a big chop, ruining three months of the curls in the process.
(If only I had just pressed it for a day…)
I really prefer my hair curly. It’s really thick and unruly and it’s great to not try to fight the way it grows.
Anyway, I read Curly Nikki and Mane and Chic, as well. The blogs are a really good resource (yours as well).
April 28th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
So glad this could help, Laqueta! It’s never too late to start again.
Thanks for the good words.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Hi Miss Lycia, I have a question regarding split ends and natural hair. My daughters hair is all natural and it is pretty easy to comb from the roots, except at the ends. I was told that her ends are bushy due and hard to comb due to split ends. Is that true? My hair is transitioning from relaxed and I dont know what split ends look like on natural hair. Can split ends be repaired and if so, how? I was told by a natural hair stylist to cut the split ends and then a friend that has natural haid said that I shouldn’t becuase the split ends can be repared and that if I cut the ends, the hair it will go into shock and cause more split ends. Help!!! LOL..I’m confused. What should I do?
May 19th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Hi DeNise,
One thing I would suggest to avoid split ends is to comb from the ends towards the root with a wide-tooth comb. I usually advise combing natural hair only with conditioner in it to prevent breakage.
As far as the split ends, like you, I have heard of some conditioners that repair split ends, but I have also heard that split ends are irreparable. The verdict is split. Personally, I trim my hair if I find split ends, because I have heard that the breakage can continue up the hair shaft. I don’t think that the hair would go into shock, since hair is just dead skin cells anyway.
Here are two very informative posts on split ends from The Natural Haven and Black Girl Long Hair that may help:
http://thenaturalhaven.blogspot.com/2009/09/can-you-really-repair-damaged-hair.html.
http://bglhonline.com/regimen-toolkit/trimming/
Good luck! Let me know how it goes.
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Thanks for the info, misslycia! I will let you know how it goes. I’m in the process of transitioning myself.
May 25th, 2010 at 7:01 am
You’re welcome! Can’t wait to hear about your progress!
May 9th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
Hey
I’ve been transitioning for a year and am having a hard time with the 2 textures and I have no clue what to do to it lol I’ve tried a texturizer which lasted for about 2 months but idk if I should use it or if I can damage my hair. PLZ GIVE ME SOME ADVICE LOL
June 9th, 2011 at 11:15 am
Hi Natz!
Forgive my delay. You can successfully transition without a texturizer. There are so many styling options you can do during this process. The most important thing is to treat the two textures carefully because your hair is very fragile at this time. How are you wearing it now?
November 17th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I have been growing out my relaxer for over six months now. I have one side waves and curls other side nothing happening…I’m getting a little discouraged…why is this? Is one side more damaged or what.please let me know.