Styling transitioning hair is very different from styling relaxed or natural hair. Going natural by long-term transitioning is the complete opposite of doing the Big Chop. Transitioning hair is temperamental and must be treated gently and patiently.
If you can’t muster up the strength to handle both textures then you may need to BC or take a break from your hair with a long term protective style. No sense is lying or glossing over what’s necessary to style or take care of transitioning hair. OK, maybe I’m being harsh.
I understand that some of our relaxer styling ways may still be with you but just be open to the idea that some may need to be dropped so that you can properly take care of your transitioning hair.
What to expect
Well, you have to expect different textures as your natural hair begins to grow in. First off, it’s may not your true natural texture that first grows in. That first hair is actually scab hair. Scab hair is not a scientific term but it’s a term used by those in the hair comunity to describe the initial hair that grows out as your transition to natural after you have been relaxing for a while.
Transitioning 101 – What Is Scab Hair And How Should You Deal With It?
Another thing to know about your hair is the line of demarcation. This is the weak area between the relaxed hair and the new growth of natural hair. It’s very fragile so be gentle and low manipulation is a must to keep breakage to a minimum.
Tips
Be gentle with your hair
I cannot stress this enough! Being rough will create breakage and all your hard work will be for nothing. Use wide tooth combs or a Denman brush* but don’t work with a rat tail comb* right now.
If you need it for parting then great but trying to rake that through three different textures with it will create a great deal of breakage. That comb used to glide through your relaxed tresses but now you are working with scab hair, natural hair and the line of demarcation, trust me, none of those respond well to that type of combing.
I wouldn’t advice a ton of brushing either while you are transitioning. Relaxed hair is stronger when dry but not transitioning hair. Brushing your hair when wet is better but don’t go crazy! Make sure you have conditioner, oil, cream or gel in your hair to help glide the brush and reduce the need for harsh brushing.
Wear curlier styles
Reason being it’s much easier to blend two (or 3) different textures in curlier styles than it will be in straighter styles. Styles like roller sets, flexi rods*, straw sets, and even Bantu knots work great with long term transitioners.
Wear extension hairstyles but in moderation and be smart about it!
Adding hair like weaves, wigs* and braids should be done in moderation and smartly for two reasons.
► You need to learn how to care for your hair and the ONLY way to do that is to actually work with it. If you only wear wigs*, weaves and braids for two years of transitioning you may not know exactly how to work with your own hair once your transition is over.
Also your hair needs a break in between applications of added hair so give your hair a few days or weeks to rest before going to another extension hairstyle.
► Tight extension hairstyles will do more damage than good! Braids too tight or sewn in weaves that are too tight may leave you with thinning edges, broken hairs or even bald spots.
I know that many of us feel that the tighter the braids it is the longer the style lasts but in your new regimen you won’t be wearing your extensions* for longer than 4-6 weeks anyway. Remember that your hair, particularly around the edges, is fragile so be cautious or you will be sorry in the end.
I swear I’m about to give up and perm my hair. I haven’t permed it since May & I’m really getting frustrated. I really need help getting through this transition process.
What seems to be your biggest challenge? Is it retaining moisture or styles?
Both. Im really new to this. My hair is thick and frizzy and it dries fast.
Girl, get some braids.
Thanks, that is probably what I’m going to get, Jamillah Davis.
Ms Butler, you’ve lasted this long! You can continue the process. Love the hair you’re in!
I’m going to give it a try. Maybe when I cut the relaxed hair off, I will be able to manage it better but my hair is thick & frizzy and I’m not use to it. Thanks!
It does take time to learn how to work with your and find out what works best for your hair.
Jakesha, I feel you, but hang in there. I’m 5 months transitioned and this relaxed hair is a major problem.
Are you wearing protective styles? Braids? Rods? Twist?
Those styles work best for me.
Good luck on your journey.
I’ve been wearing sew-ins and braids the the past year. I’m trying to wait until may to cut the relaxed hair off. My hair is extremely thick and frizzy. I’ve had a perm in my hair since I was 16 and I’m 32 now. So u see how difficult it is for me to manage my hair. But I’m going to try and wait. Thanks!!!!
I also had been in transition since May of 2013. I actually big chopped my relaxed hair on the 6th of Jan. I was really nervous doing so, but I felt that it was the best thing to do, at least for me! I felt that it was simpler to deal with one hair texture rather than two. I love it, and I’m glad that I did. I think my hair has grown some as well..love, love, love my natural curls!
I’ve been using relaxers since age 13 and am now 31 so I know your struggle. I have, however, gone natural various times. Once you chop off the relaxed hair you will see how beautiful your hair really is. Mine is thick and frizzy too, perfect for afro puffs
My hair is thick and frizzy as well.
At night I use Softee coconut oil and leave in conditioner. When my hair isn’t rolled, it’s in a ponytail wrapped in a silk scarf , topped with a bonnet. This allows my hair to retain moisture.
I noticed when I don’t tie my hair it’s extremely dry and frizzy.
Great article!
You could try olive oil. That helps my hair retain moisture and I only have to use it every other day.
My hair has doubled in length since I’ve transitioned. I just leave it alone and keep it put up in protective styles and moisturizing is a must!
I’m not transitioning (relaxed), but when I stretch my relaxer, I find that the more new growth I have, the less manipulation is needed. That’s a set up for breakage, split ends, and so much more. My scalp is unbelievably sensitive no matter how delicate the touch, products used, patience you possess, even when it is time for a touch-up. Bantu knots mainly, kinky twists, buns, sew-ins, and braids/twists to the scalp really help me from wanting to snatch this thick hair from the roots so I don’t have to face it everyday.
What are hair products to look for ?
Great information I needed that!!!
Beautiful
I want this.
I cut my hair completely off in June 13,I luv being natural but my hair is still growing in the same way before I chopped it shorter up top and longer at bottom what do I do
Ms Butler get u some hair oil…and leave in conditioner… I use Its a 10 conditioner and Jamaican black caster oil…there r many out there…find the one that works best for u…
Blessedfro above..does its a 10 has leave in?
Thus, such rental services offer a practical chance for anyone
to have the perfect wedding gown for the special day of their engagement.
The father was so outraged that she dared to go against his
wishes that he refused to give the customary dowry to the young bride as
was the tradition in those days. Just make sure that you don’t include important information such as an RSVP address, or location of
the bridal shower in a puzzle.
Great article. I also attached a link to another one I found. When i transitioned years ago, reading and learning what to expect and that I was not alone kept me sane and excited. Good luck and happy hair journey to all the transitioners out there.
http://curlkit.com/top-tips-transitioning-natural/