Transitioning to natural hair does not have to be hard. If you arm yourself with the right knowledge and give 100%, you can not only succeed but actually enjoy it.
So many “naturals in the making” are happy to have finally taken the plunge but there are still many who are afraid or have tried and failed.
Many times it’s over not knowing what to expect. Sure allowing your natural hair texture to grow is a big change but don’t let that stop you. Keep in mind there are sites like this one ready to give a loving hand.
As I have said before, there are two ways to go natural. You can either do the BC (Big Chop or Long Term Transitioning.
Big Chop (BC) – Cutting off all relaxed hair immediately and starting fresh with only natural hair. This method allows you to use products for just one type of hair (natural) and most women start with the TWA or Teeny Weeny Afro.
Long Term Transitioning – Allowing the relaxed hair to grow out for a while before cutting the relaxed ends off. Here, you will be left with two textures to work with (relaxed and natural) for the duration of the transition but you will have the benefit of keeping your length until you are comfortable enough to cut the relaxer off.
There is no hard and fast rule on how long you need to transition. I actually spoke with a woman who was still transitioning after four years! That’s an extreme case but if I were to garner a guess I would say one year to a year and ½ should be long enough length for most people to achieve a wide range of natural hairstyles.
Now, you can stop your transition and BC at anytime and many do but don’t feel you have to be on anyone’s timetable but your own. How successful you become at working with two different textures will probably determine just how long you will transition.
There are certain types of women who choose to long-term transition over doing the BC.
► Loves length – There are many women who are ready to go natural but they already have long relaxed hair and are not ready to sport or rock short hair. The BC is too drastic of a step for them.
► Hates short hair on her – There are plenty of women who hate really short hair on them. Let’s face it, we have to feel beautiful about how we look if we want to make the transition successfully. Also depending on your shape of face, you may feel that short hair does not suit you so if you cannot stand a short hairstyle on you then the the long transition is your route.
► Needs time for adjustment – If you are not completely sold on going natural then a long-term transition is an ideal way to go. You can allow the perm to grow out while you feel if this is something you truly want to commit too. This is an ideal way to transition if you have a significant other who is not crazy about you going natural and needs time to ‘get used to it’.
► Wants to practice on styles – Do you love trying new styles and want to play with the natural styles you see already? Then slowly transitioning will give you that opportunity. Twists, twist outs, braid outs or straw sets are always more fun with length so go crazy and have fun. You are learning as you are growing so enjoy.
Love Dee says
Some time last year lol
Erica says
I transitioned for 28 months. Was aiming for 30 months (2 1/2 years) but had a special event coming up and wanted to rock my natural hair for that.
Sunia Elizabeth Byers says
I didn’t. I don’t have the patience to deal with two diff textures!
Sabrina Perkins says
I didn’t transition either but back when I went natural I had no clue what a BC or transitioning even was!
Sabrina Richmond Perkins says
Your hair is beautiful!
Sunia Elizabeth Byers says
aww thanks Sabrina Richmond Perkins
Valencia Quiet Storm says
I transitioned since 2008, was all natural by 2009, but big chopped 10/12/2013
Sabrina Perkins says
Sounds like you had a good plan.
Lesa Anne says
I transitioned for a whopping 2 months! I too excited!
Aleecya Bazile says
Long time. And last week I just chopped it all off
Karen Jackson says
Transitioned only. Didn’t big chop
Iris Brock says
I stopped in April ’03 and cut the last away October ’04. I did a full big chop September ’10.
Iris Brock says
I stopped texturizers in April ’03 and cut the last away October ’04. I did a full big chop September ’10.
Paris Williams says
7 months because I didn’t have patience to deal with two textures. I big chopped June 07,2013 🙂
Colleen Vialva says
Trying to do this but its frustrating. Afraid to make tge big chop lol..
Colleen Vialva says
The*
Fallon Johnson says
About 2 months, then one day I grabbed the scissors. Couldn’t wait! So glad I did it.
Sabrina Perkins says
haha! Long or short transitioning is truly up to the woman to decide.
Juliana Williams says
me toooo!!! lol
Angeline Nolovelost Hudson says
Last relaxer was in August 2012.. I b/c in March of 2013.. My hair is stronger and longer than it gas ever been relaxed…
Aisha Kenyetta says
I have no issues transitioning! I’ve been rocking two textures since last summer. I “dust” monthly, and I’ll cut a little more if I am going to get a weave. Bantu knots are a great fit for me.
Sabrina Perkins says
That’s awesome! I heard some woman do bantu knots as a way to blend the two textures. So glad it’s working out for you!
Sabrina Richmond Perkins says
Great to know someone has success with bantu knots.
Nakia Williams says
Hair in between stage.
Akilah Smith says
Literally one month and I had so much growth in that one month so I just chopped it off and was happy
Kembarly Thompson says
I didn’t do a big chop! My stylist has clipped and trimmed my ends all last year! (2013) my last relaxer was last March…So 2014 here we come Team Natural
Lisita StayFabulous Huntley says
Had mines in November 2013
Ameenya German says
I transitioned for 3 months! That’s all I could take of having to deal with the two textures of hair.. And I don’t regret it neither.. Big chop was 7/9/2012. 🙂
Sabrina Perkins says
Yes, never regret when you choose to stop transitioning. It’s your decision.
Andrea Whyms says
Yea I’m dealing with two completely different textures right now it’s pretty frustrating.. but I don’t want to cut my hair :0( I don’t even know how many months it’s been probably about 4-5
Sabrina Perkins says
Just follow some of the steps and styles mentioned above and you will be fine. You are still pretty new on this journey so stay patient and remember this is your journey and you decide when you want to stop. Good luck.
Tabrice Harrison says
11 1/2 months. . Big Chop on 12/24/13
Tamika Birmingham says
Nearly 8 months! Then chopped before I went completely insane…
Sabrina Perkins says
Hey, you do what you have to do to keep your sanity!
Janessa MizzLovely Burts says
8 months in
Pamela Willis says
I started Jan 2013 and kept my ends trimmed. About 2 inches to go.
LaTasha Pollard-Warren says
14 months, when i did cut i only had about 1 1/2 -2 in left. Tooo scared to BC
Adriane Washington says
5 Month’s Now……I’m wearing My Protective Style So I won’t Revert Back!!!!! Its A Hard Processes……….Pray For Me….lol
Sabrina Perkins says
You will be fine. Take your time and have lots of patience with your hair and yourself. Deep condition weekly and be gentle to your hair. What protective style is your hair in right now?
Sabrina Richmond Perkins says
I’m sure you will be fine. Have patience and be gentle with your hair.
Cassandra Thomas says
Didn’t have the patience, did the BC 10 yrs ago.
Sandra Ifeoma Orimilikwe says
I transitioned for a year…I cut my relaxed ends gradually over the year…My natural hair is so fabulous and healthy:)
Sabrina Perkins says
Awesome and congrats!
Eunice Thomas-Troupe says
1 week and said forget it, had hubby to BC
Sabrina Richmond Perkins says
Hey, whatever works love!
Leandra Mauricio says
8 months transition but i was wearing a wave in that time that helps a lot cos i cant deal with 2 diferente textures and next that time i do my big chop #alive
Tia Campbell says
Transitioned for a year. I won’t say I big chopped but it was a big chop for me Jan 2012. 3 years natural
Angela Ankie Murray says
Transitioned for 6 months big chopped in November of 2013 and love the end results
Carol Edmonds says
I transitioned for 8 mths 2/12 -9-12 big chopped or finished the chop on sept 3.. 9/3/14 is my 2yr natural..versary
Mieshel Jett says
Big chopped…no transition! If you transition, then that’s not a big chop..Your just trimming relaxed ends. Right?
Shadeye Smith says
I’m in my 6th month! Last June I got so frustrated with everything so I went to the hairdresser and she did the big chop for me so I’m totally looking forward to seeing my growth in a few weeks from now, because of winter I’ve decided to get braids which I’ve had in for 2 months now!
Sabrina Perkins says
I would love to see a pic.
Samantha 'Deltamade' Green says
I transitioned for about 15-16 months..
Quishandrea Richards says
I transitioned for 11 months and then did the BC in May of 2013
Esha Whitlow says
6mths ago need help on products to help me grow My hair & keep it moisturized??
Brittani Michelle says
11 crazy months and I’m so glad I got rid of those ends last week!
Britnea SweetandSpicy Tidwell says
One year through protective styles
Laurie Mupompa says
Since march 2013…
Amber Anderson says
I transitioned for a year and some months. But still relaxed my edges and small leave out. Then I did the “big chop” last June
Aminatou Diallo says
Since june 2013
Cassandra Miles says
1Yr and 3 months so far. Planning my BC for the 1 1/2 mark but i don’t think I’ll make it that long. The relaxed ends are killing my style! lol Only an inch left. #I’mReady 🙂
Sabrina Perkins says
Good for you.
Sabrina Richmond Perkins says
LOL. YOu might need to let that last inch go.
Loren Tennyson says
Ten months, I needed some hair before I did my chop.
Maww S Moore says
Last time I went 3 months then big chop I’m going to try for 6 this time but my hair is short this time so idk
Chelsea Crouch says
8 months
Desiree Johnson says
9 months did my bc 6 months ago love it wish I would have done it 6 years ago when I went thru my battle of traction alopecia my hair would be so much longer. I love my curls 3c/4a curls I was told I have
Sabrina Perkins says
What’s going on right now love? Is it dealing with two textures that is giving you a hard time? Maybe you need to put your hair away in a wig, weave or braids to allow you to not go back. Be patient with yourself and your hair. You have come to the right site for help. We have a whole series on Transitioning called Transitioning 101 so check out the posts and get armed with all the knowledge you need to make this successful!
Alisha So Blessed McCombs says
BC – May 2013 and the pic below is as of today 1/22/2014 !!! Im loving my hair journey !!! 🙂
Lalis LaMoi says
6 months.. drove me crazy.
Diamond Nelson says
4 months. Went to get braids and my hair braider (she’s also natural. She has locs) says too me “Diamond. What are you going to do with all this uneven hair.” Lol, I told her to choppppp! And I got braids the same day lol 🙂
Nyca Anthony says
I did a year and 3months so there was about 6inches once i bc’d
Alana Smith says
I transitioned for almost 11 months. The main reason BC was because I noticed that I was seeing splits travel up my hair shaft and thought this relaxed hair has got to GO!! Plus I had been comtemplating cutting it anyway before that but seeing all the splits solidified it.
Sabrina Perkins says
Yes, you got to get rid of the split ends because it will only get worse if you don’t!
Quetta says
I’m six months in to transitioning! But I have a plan! So so far, no big chop for me! Frustrating but learning to be patient!
Nicholet McCullock says
About 5 months I am so happy I did it Just Loving My Natural Hair 🙂
Kimberlynne Sweetz Lewis says
7-8 months then I chopped it off the end of December and again on the 19th of January as a final chop. Let’s see how this goes protective style starts this weekend
Gwendolyn D. Simmins says
In transition for 11.5 months. I plan to transition for 2 years before the BC.
Sabrina Richmond Perkins says
Good for you. I spoke to a woman who transitioned for 4 years!!
Tena says
I’m 9 months into my transition and April 14th would make a year relaxer free! Currently rocking box braids and don’t know when i want to BC :/… Gonna keep going a little longer and try the curlformers this summer with the two textures. Excited! But not really cuz idk how that’s gonna turn out! :/ Lol!
Cherine Smith says
My last perm was in August. I did the Big Chop 1/3/14.
Michelle F. says
I transitioned for 3 months then did the big chop. I didn’t really have the patience for two different textures, I just wanted to work with my natural coils already lol.
Tamika Murrell says
I transitioned for 6 months then chopped.
Isidora Verónica says
2 months
Michelle Hammonds says
I got tired of seeing hair in my comb, so one night I went in the bathroom with a pair of scissors and just started cutting it all off and followed up with a pair of clippers. This was my second time going natural.
Cynthia Matthews Hall says
12 months
Latoya Golman says
Transitioned for 9 Months, Big Chop in May 2013…Natural 7 months
Sapphire T Mc Burnie says
About 3 to 4 months, then i got irritated with the relaxed hair. I passed in front of my mirror stopped n looked at it angrily, next thing I know I’m chopping off my hair! But giiiirrrrrrrrrrrllllll I FELT FREE!!!
Amber Mcentire says
No transition just cut it all off a year and 6 months ago
Eugènia Nini Santos Lucas says
3 months
Andrea Leflore says
I did not bc I transitioned for one year.
Mia Eubanks says
3 months. Then it had to GO.
Mamet Haile-Keflezighi says
Transitioned for 1 year
Nicole Caldwell says
I transitioned for about 5-6 months and decided to do a big chop when my relaxed ends just snapped off lol. I literally still have that relaxed piece of hair bahahah! I knew it was time to let go of the perm then lol
Treva Barnes says
close to a year..and a half..now 4-4-14..will b 1yr..
Tori Le Angel Randell says
1 yr and 4 months. My hair is bra strap length note
Melissa Streeter says
I transitioned for a year and a half and did a mini chop in August 2013…..
Monique says
This is funny to me because when I was transitioning I didn’t even realize it. One day, 7 or 8 years ago, I thought why do yI keep perming my hair? At that time in my life I was wearing braids, weaves, wigs, etc. I never had my hair out unless I was washing and prepping for the next style. While doing this I would cut off the straight ends…I did it about 3 or maybe 4 times and that was it…Now that I think of it I had my last perm in 2006 and that was that lol. I just felt I was doing too much with my hair and it was unnecessary, perming hair and then styling it with weaves, braids or putting on a wig. I guess it was a habit for so long but once I began taking care of my own hair, I realized a lot of things that I needed to change lol.
socalgal says
I’ve been transitioning for 19 months. My two textures blend quite well together.
Kanna says
Hello,
I want to start my healthy relaxed hair journey since today I did the big chop. Do you have any articles that will help me make my hair journey successful, especially with breakage? Thank you.
Martina Griffin says
I just did it one day…after months of thinking.
Martina Griffin says
current situation 4 months after the boy cut.
Emirca L. says
3 1/2 monthe
Latoya Aaliyah Small says
Ended up doing 6 months planned to do 12 months but couldn’t wait lol
Shayla K. Samuel says
A year more or less
Felicia Ahmed Grant says
9 months in and it is so hard to keep up going crazy right now cant get it to do right lol on my broken point
Erica Williams says
Just 4!
Jamie Carter-Bailey says
So far almost a year my goal is a tear and a half to Keep hubby satisfied
Pamela Smith says
4 months. Wish I cut it all off even sooner.
Anna Ogonji Smith says
2 months!
Tracey Tavares says
13 months
Kyra McDonald says
One year
Sonita Simpson says
Am afraid to do it,want to but how to manage it?
Michelle Nicole Charley says
I’m big chopping NOW!! It’s been 18 months and my big day has arrived 🙂
Tanisha Watkins says
I just stopped perms (3 yrs ago) never did a big chop (too afraid), gradually through trims the perm grew out, but it wasn’t an easy process!
Sakina Pecchillo says
I’ve been transitioning since 2009. I have no plans to do a BC. I go to a salon for trims every now and then to take an inch or two off. You have to do what works for you and what you are comfortable with:-)
Kristin Douglas says
Almost 4 years. Stopped relaxing, no big chop.
Zsa Zsa Brunson says
I transition for 13 months, then BC. Love my all natural hair!
April Reneé Brown says
2 yrs.. it was a process but sooooo worth it!! My BC didn’t even seem that big to me.
Sarah Nicole says
Almost 4 months. BC august 3rd 2013.
Anette Sanders says
I’m transitioning, is it necessary to cut it off or can I just wait until the perm hair turns kinky?