Relaxed To Natural Hair Without The Big Chop

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There are two ways that you can go from relaxed to natural hair. The first thing that you must do is STOP relaxing your hair. That means NO touching up your edges either!

Here are the two ways that it can be done:

1. Big Chop: if you want to have the fastest transition, then you may want to opt for the " Big Chop". Instead of getting your next touch up, you will simply be asking your stylist to cut it all off!

2. Long Term Transition: If you want to maintain length, then you may want to consider doing a long term transition. During this period, you will wait patiently for your har to grow out to a comfortable length before you decide to cut the relaxed ends off.

Those are the ONLY two ways to transition. There are no products that will take the relaxer out of your hair or instantly change your relaxed hair to natural.

If you landed on this page by searching for ways to transition without the " big chop", then you will find that it can be easier then you anticipated. Stop relaxing your hair and maintain a healthier hair care regimen. That's it! I promise.

The Big Chop can be avoided! Take an assement of your hair before you begin your transition from relaxed to natural hair. Is your hair damaged? Do you have problems with dryness or split ends? These hair culprits need to be addressed prior to starting your new hair care regimen. Let's take time out to see where your hair is, and what steps you need to protect your new natural hair from future damage.

Avoid the " Big Chop" by following these simple steps.....

1. Get a good trim. Starting out with even ends makes this journey a whole lot easier.

2. Deep condition weekly

3. Moisturize 1-2 times daily and seal with natural oil

4. Cover your hair nightly with a silk or satin scarf

5. Avoid products with alcohol

6. Last but not least NEVER USE A SULFATE SHAMPOO! They cause dryness!

It can be scary transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. In order to get over the fear, you have to tackle it head on. Going through this process can be stressful at times. It's a good idea to surround yourself with lots of encouraging materials.Some good resources are: books, YouTube videos, networks, forums and even local meet up groups. These are all great ways to get inspiration.

If you're truly apprehensive about going natural maybe you should give yourself a little more time. Transitioning from relaxed to natural is not for everybody. You can still have healthy relaxed hair if you maintain it. There are numerous recourses online that can help you with that as well.

Doing a long term transition may be the best option if you do not want short hair. Grow your hair out to a comfortable length before cutting the relaxed ends off. You will feel better once you see just how far you've come.

Going natural is easier with the right natural hair care products and tools. If you have combs with broken teeth or hard boar brushes, get rid of them. They may break your hair. The same goes for any hair accessories that have metal closures. They tend to snag hair strands and cause breakage while going natural. Get rid of those rubbber bands too!

Anything that you purchase is an investment for your hair. Replacing and upgrading hair appliances may be costly but, it will assist you in meeting your natural hair goals.

The following things are a must in a healthy hair care regimen while going natural ....

Wide Tooth Comb
Hooded Dryer
Natural Oils such as jojoba and coconut
Deep Conditioner
Regular Moisturizing Conditioner
Sulfate Free Shampoo
Metal Free Hair Elastics
Hair Rollers
Bobby Pins
Silk or Satin Scarf or Bonnet

Photo by Murrus

Protective styles are used to avoid hair breakage. If you're going to transition from relaxed to natural hair, you will need to some options as far as styling goes.

I transitioned with mostly roller sets. Occasionally I would change my hair style. When I did, I would always consider the line of demarcation ( where the relaxer and new growth meet) This area is the weakest part of your hair during transitioning. If you allow too much tension in that area you will notice hair breakage.

Here are a few ways that you can transition without sacrificing style.

1. Roller Sets: You can wear roller sets and wrap your hair if you don't want to wear it curly. This method is commonly known as the doobie roller wrap.

2. Dominican Blow Out: Many women find transitioning with Dominican Blow Outs helpful. There are some that swear by it, while others reported hair breakage. They use very high heat to blow your hair straight. Maybe it's best to only go for a blow out occasionally.

3. Buns: This is a quick and easy style that you can do at home. If you want a little fullness to your bun you may want to add hair, use a clip on bun, or bun filler.

4. Braids: A low maintenance way of protecting your hair would be braids. Some women find this the easiest way to transition. It can be expensive if you get them professionally done.

5. Twist And Braid Outs: When dealing with two hair textures ( new growth and relaxed) wearing braid outs or twists outs can help. This method is used to give your hair a wavy or crinkled look. You just braid or two stand twist your hair, allow it to set and you will have a really cute hair style.

I get many messages (some that have brought me to tears) about awful comments made to women who decided to get rid of their relaxer. People can be so mean! If you're scared of what people might say when going natural, please remember that God makes no mistakes!

Generally, people are afraid of what they don't know about. Knowledge is power! When people are properly educated on the benefits of going natural they become confident and prepared to deal with rude remarks.

When it's a family member or close friend it can be even more hurtful. If this is the case, you may want to consider limiting talks about your decision to go natural. Don't be surprised when that same person comes back to you for advice about going natural!

This can, and will be a positive experience if you keep focused on your goals. Always remember that this is a PERSONAL CHOICE. No one should be able to change your mind about YOUR hair, and as always healthy hair grows!

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Perhaps the most difficult part of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is dealing with new growth. The two different hair textures can be difficult to style and manage if you do not know how to properly care for it. This sometimes leads to dong the big chop early, instead of a long term transition. Here are a few ways that you can soften your new growth while you transition.

1. Always use conditioner, better yet toss out your shampoo. Co-washing does a good job of cleansing your hair. If you must use a shampoo, use a sulfate free one.

2. Deep Condition weekly. This is a must while transitioning. It not only softens your hair, it also restore moisture. The best deep penetrating conditioners are the ones that require heat. About 15 to 30mins of heat under a hooded dryer or heat cap is all you will need to notice the difference. If you do not own a hooded dryer or heating cap, use a plastic cap and and wrap your head in a towel, your body heat will do the rest.

3. If you have a hair steamer or know of a salon that offers this type of service you can soften your new growth easily using this method. If you would like to know more about hair steaming please visit my Hair Steaming article.

4. Natural products that penetrate the hair shaft will not only help increase your hair's moisture, it will also soften new growth. I had great of success with coconut oil. It may vary person to person so check with your local Whole Foods store to see what other natural oils are available.