Transitioning relaxed hair to natural hair.

A guide to transitioning to Natural Hair

This post could provide step-by-step guidance and tips for those who are interested in transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.
Transitioning relaxed hair to natural hair means allowing the relaxed hair to grow out without cutting off the relaxed ends and simultaneously caring for and styling the natural hair as it grows in. The process can be challenging because the texture of the relaxed hair is often different from the texture of the natural hair, which can make it difficult to style and manage. It is important to use gentle hair care techniques and products during the transition to minimize breakage and damage. Some people choose to transition to natural hair by gradually cutting off the relaxed ends over time, while others choose to transition by growing out their natural hair under a protective style, such as braids or twists. It is a personal decision and there is no one “right” way to transition to natural hair. Below are some methods to use to transition your hair:

Protective styling:
Protective styling is a technique that involves selecting hairstyles that protect the hair from damage and minimize the appearance of new growth. Protective styling is often recommended for those who are transitioning to natural hair, as it can help protect the hair from damage and reduce the appearance of new growth. There are many different options for protective styling, including braids, cornrows, twists, and buns among other styles. These styles can help protect the hair from damage by minimizing manipulation and exposure to the elements. They can also help reduce the appearance of new growth by hiding the line of demarcation between relaxed and natural hair. Protective styling can be especially helpful during the early stages of transitioning, when the hair may be more prone to breakage and dryness. By minimizing the amount of styling and manipulation, protective styles can help reduce the risk of damage and allow the hair to grow and strengthen. It’s important to keep in mind that protective styling should not be used as a long-term solution, as it can also cause damage if left in for too long. It’s generally recommended to give your hair a break from protective styles every few weeks, and to maintain the health of your hair by keeping it clean and moisturized.

Trim your hair regularly:
Trimming your hair regularly can help get rid of damaged or split ends, which can make your hair look healthier and more manageable. It’s generally recommended to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks. Trimming natural hair involves cutting off damaged or split ends in order to improve the overall health and appearance of the hair. Trimming is an important part of natural hair care, as it can help prevent breakage and promote healthy hair growth.
Here are a few tips for trimming natural hair:

- Trim your hair regularly: It’s generally recommended to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks, or as needed based on the condition of your hair.

- Use sharp hair cutting scissors: Using sharp hair cutting scissors can help ensure a clean, precise cut and minimize the risk of damaging your hair.

- Section your hair: Sectioning your hair into smaller, more manageable sections can make it easier to trim your hair evenly.

- Cut small amounts at a time: When trimming your hair, it’s generally best to cut small amounts at a time rather than trying to cut off a large chunk all at once. This can help prevent overcutting and ensure that you only remove the damaged ends.

- Trim dry hair: It’s generally best to trim your hair when it is dry, as it can be easier to see and identify damaged or split ends.

Be patient:
Transitioning to natural hair can take time, and it’s important to be patient and allow your hair to adjust. Here are a few reasons why patience can be especially important during the hair transitioning process:

- It takes time for the hair to adjust: When transitioning to natural hair, it can take time for the hair to adjust to the lack of chemicals and heat styling. It’s important to be patient and allow your hair time to acclimate and adapt to its new routine.

- There may be setbacks: There may be setbacks or challenges that arise during the transition process, such as breakage or styling difficulties. It’s important to be patient and not get discouraged by these setbacks, as they are a normal part of the process.

- It takes time to learn about your hair: Transitioning to natural hair can also involve a learning curve, as you may be learning about your hair’s unique characteristics and needs for the first time. It’s important to be patient and give yourself time to learn and experiment with different products and techniques.

- Comparison can be harmful: It’s natural to compare your hair journey to others, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s hair is different and grows at its own rate. Comparing your hair to others can be damaging to your self-esteem and can take away from your own progress and achievements.

- Overall, transitioning to natural hair can be a rewarding and empowering process, and it’s important to be patient and not rush the process. By being patient and giving your hair time to adjust, you can better enjoy the journey and embrace your natural hair
  It is also helpful to have realistic expectations and not compare your hair journey to others.

Understand your hair type:
Understanding your hair type and texture can be helpful in determining the best products and techniques to use during your transition.

- Know your hair type. Different hair types have different characteristics, such as curl pattern, density, and porosity. Knowing your hair type can help you choose products and styles that are most suitable for your hair.

- Understand your hair’s porosity. Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low porosity hair may be resistant to moisture and require special products to hydrate it, while high porosity hair may absorb moisture easily but have trouble retaining it.

- - Keep your hair moisturized. Moisturized hair is healthy hair, so it’s important to find a hair care routine that keeps your hair well-hydrated. This may involve using a leave-in conditioner, a deep conditioning treatment, or an oil or butter to seal in moisture.

Use deep conditioning treatments:

Deep conditioning treatments can help moisturize and nourish your hair, which is especially important during the transition period when your hair may be more prone to dryness or breakage. You can try using a deep conditioning treatment once a month or twice depending on your hair needs.