Transitioning is a great way to “go natural”, without having to start from scratch.

Where’s scratch?

Cutting off all your relaxed hair.
While the idea seems drastic, I kinda wish I’d done it. Short hair isn’t so bad. In fact, it’s pretty awesome!

But, I understand the multitude of initial reactions & genuine concerns.

• I don’t have the right face shape.
• I have a big head.
• Ugh!
• I don’t want to look like a boy.
• I don’t want to look like a man.
• Cut off all my hair?!…Are you crazy?!
• I don’t want short hair.

Hey, I was there! In many of those thoughts.

Transitioning is the perfect solution to ditching relaxer touchups. It allows you time to go at your own pace & make adjustments as your natural hair grows in.

I transitioned for 8 months. The phase was pretty much a smooth one. Though detangling did become a real chore around months 6 & 7.

Here are my transitioning tips:

• Wear your hair. It’s probably less work & worry to just hide it (under faux hair). But choosing not to, is the best way to become familiar with it. Seeing & working with your hair, especially during the transitioning stage, well prepares you for the natural road ahead. Through regular cleansing, conditioning & styling, you can soon become an expert of your own hair! Not only will you know what works & what doesn’t when all the relaxed ends are gone but, you’ll also be more accustomed to seeing yourself as you are.
• Less shampoo, more conditioner. Moisture is key during the transitioning stage, as both the new growth & relaxed ends tend to become quite dry. Shampoos tend to strip hair of moisture, so use as needed. When shampooing, try to focus more on cleansing the scalp. When rinsing, the suds will travel down & to also cleanse the hair.
  Deep condition regularly. With heat, is ideal. The warmth from a hair dryer, or a wet towel will help the conditioner to better penetrate the hair follicules.
• Try two types of conditioners. A moisturizing one on the “new growth”, and a moisturizing/volumizing one on the relaxed ends. The effects of this are soft, natural roots & not-so-limp relaxed ends. Both of which, should feel moisturized. It may take some time to find the right conditioners that work on your hair. (For your reference, I liked Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner, Jane Carter Replenishing Conditioner, and Giovanni Smooth as Silk Leave-in Conditioner.) To save on $ (when experimenting with products), look for sample or travel sizes.
• Wear styles that blend the two textures. Braid outs are beyond awesome! Simple, heat-less, and they can blend like no other style.
• Cut as you grow. To avoid the frustration that can come with managing two different textures of hair, trim regularly. A good measure is to cut an inch, as one grows in. This way, the ends stay fresh.
• Big Chop when you’re ready. How do you know you’re ready? The thought crept into your mind more than once & did a little dance.

Have you transitioned? What are your hair tips for this phase?