Wear low manipulation styles
The styles mentioned above like braid outs and curly rod sets are low manipulation. Wash and go’s and straighter styles are higher manipulation styles.
Low manipulation styles just mean you are not manipulating your hair daily and that cuts down on breakage drastically.
Beef up on your hair accessories
A lot of styles can be achieved with long term transitioning so here are some tools worth having:
► Bobby pins and/or hair pins
► Silk scarves*
► Headbands and flower clips
► Satin bonnets* and/or a satin pillowcase* for sleeping
Styles
The YouTuber Naturalista diimpulz has a GREAT video on 4 Easy, Stylish Ways to Bun Your Transitioning Hair. I would not have considered bunning a transitioning style but girlfriend shut me up with her technique, styles and ability to work a rat tail comb* without damaging her hair.
Her trick seems to be she really just uses it to part and to push her hair out of the way but never pulling it fully through the length of her hair. Diimpulz does everything right!
She doesn’t brush too hard nor does she run that rat tail comb* through her different textures of hair. You can clearly seen she is working with relaxed ends and natural hair at the same time but that doesn’t stop her from creating gorgeous bunning styles that many naturals sport on the regular.
She also combs and brushes while her hair is damp. This is a great video to show you how to work with your transitioning hair and how you are not limited by your choices of styles while you transition.
Kimberleyalecia never got bored while she transitioned as she tried EVERY style in the book! I had to share this video to show you how you can achieve any style you want while you transition.
I have the video starting at 1:12 when she discusses her long term transition and the many, many styles she rocked for about one year. She was amazing with her styles and yes she even has added hair extensions*.
What I love about this video is that her added hairstyles didn’t seem to damage her hair as every style looked great but it wasn’t too tight. This video is a great look book for styles to try while you long term transition.
The styles are there and you just need to know what your hair needs so you can have fun with the versatility of your hair without damaging it and regretting your decision to long term transition.
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?
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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/