How to Transition to Natural Hair

There are many reasons why women may want to embrace their natural hair texture. The hair relaxing process can be damaging to the hair and scalp. If you have been relaxing your hair for many years, you will have to relearn how to treat your hair. Here are some thoughts about your new head of healthy hair.

Reality

If you are not familiar with your natural hair texture, become reacquainted. Know exactly what you are working with. You may not have flowing ringlets or a uniform curl pattern throughout your whole head. That is okay, your hair texture is unique. You may find you have different textures on different parts of your head. Many women of African descent have not seen their natural hair texture since they have been children. You must grow your hair out a few inches, to see what your true hair texture is.

Shrinkage

When thinking about the time frame that you will grow your hair out, find a style that you are comfortable with. If you have no problem with sassy short hair, then your transition will be short. A twa may be in your immediate future. Twa is a teeny weeny afro. If the thought of having short hair, concerns you, you can grow your hair out to a length that you feel comfortable that you can style.

Styles during transition

Start looking through natural hair magazines, and websites. Find some styles that you feel may look fabulous on you. Take note of how much hair the models have. If you like short two strand twists, you can try two strand twist extensions, and have your stylist cut them in a short style. A sexy colored afro may have caught your eye. A sew in weave, using afro textured hair is a great style to wear while your hair grows out.

Phony Pony's are clip in or snap on hair extension pony tails. When selecting a hair texture, do not purchase a bone straight phony pony. Instead look for a wave, curls, or coils. The key to wearing this style during transition is to moisturize and condition your hair often. Start with clean hair that has been conditioner washed and detangled. Apply a light oil or cream hair conditioner to seal in moisture. Apply a light alcohol free hair gel or pomade and secure with an ouch free hair holder or cut piece of pantyhose. These types of hair ties will not snag and rip out your hair.

After securing the hair into a pony tail, lightly brush the edges down. Apply a silk scarf or doo rag, so that you hair will lay down flat. Clip on the phony pony, and secure with hair pins as needed. This style will last two to three days, if you wrap your hair at night before it needs to be redone. The phony pony should not be slept in.

There are many creative styles that you can wear while transitioning your hair from relaxed to natural. Start visualizing yourself in natural hair styles. Curly and coily weaves are a great way to start to see your face in the mirror, in a hair texture that is not straight. Keep experimenting into you find a transition style that works for you.