Transitioning from Permed Hair to Natural Hair

In 2006, I decided to grow my permed processed hair and allow my natural hair texture to shine. The journey from processed hair to natural hair is a long but fulfilling experience. You should establish why you are on this journey and never let go of that reason. You will learn a lot about your hair and hair care in general. Natural hair does not respond the same way permed hair responds to hair product, various styling tools and styling methods. If your thinking of going natural, please understand you must take the time to understand your hair and properly take care of your hair. I enjoyed my journey and would like to share the process I followed with others.

The beginning of the process is called the 'transitioning' phase. During this phase, your natural hair (new growth) is growing and the perm hair is at the ends of your hair. This will give your hair two different textures. You are to be very careful during this time because your hair is very fragile. The hair where the natural hair and the permed hair are joined is most vulnerable. Excessive combing and combing the hair roughly could result in breakage. Here are some must have products for both the transition to natural and once you are 100% natural. You should purchase vitamins, wide tooth comb, rollers, hair pins, satin head wrap, satin pillow case, hair accessories and a positive attitude.

My transition hair routine:

First apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling conditioner (depends on your hair)

Allow to sit for 5 minutes then gently comb through your hair.

Shampoo and Condition hair

Pat dry

Apply leave-in conditioner

Blow dry and style (If you are using a comb blow dryer please be sure to keep the heat low and gently comb through your hair)

During this stage you can try a variety of hairstyles to bear with the different textures. You can try a twist-out, braid-out, ponytails (puffs), braids, wigs, weaves, and Bantu-knots. (Instructions available on Associated Content search by author's name) You will also need to invest in some hair care products. I say invest because you will probably have to try several before you find products that work best for you. Establish a routine to washing, conditioning and trimming your hair. Clean hair grows faster and healthier. I would suggest a trim every 6 weeks. Trimming your hair consists of cutting the split ends of your hair strands. Maintaining the health of your hair is very important for its growth. Trimming your hair allows the hair to grow and look neat. I also recommend a deep condition at least once a month.

Once your natural hair has reached a length where you are most comfortable, you should consider the "big chop". The big chop is when an individual cuts their hair where the natural and perm hair is joined. This can be a very liberating moment. When I first big chopped, I was so happy to finally be rid of the permed hair. I celebrated by sending all of my friends and family pics of my afro. Now I transitioned for a year before I big chopped. How long you choose to transition really is based on your comfort level. I would prepare yourself for negative reaction to your new hairstyle. Please be sure to only take this step if you are confident and secure with your decision. Friends, family members, co-workers and significant others could have a negative response.

As a result of the big chop, you are fully natural. CELEBRATE!!! Now you should take the time to get to fully understand your hair. I would establish a routine to co-wash, wash, and condition trim your hair. A co-wash is when you use a light conditioner prior to or in place of shampoo. I would suggest using VO5, Suave or Dessert Essence conditioner for a co-wash.

My hair care routine

First I soak my hair and add this Dessert Essence Shea butter conditioner. I comb thru my hair to detangle and then allow it to sit for awhile. Its very light and a great detangler. You can get a comb straight through

Rinse then add either VO5 moisture milk(strawberries and cream) or Suave Naturals(milk and honey)

Rinse and remove excess water

Add leave in (Cantu or Organics Hair Mayonnaise)then wrap a towel around to help the hair to soak up the leave in conditioner.

You hair will not accept the same hair products as when you were transitioning. Be careful not to become a product junky. No one wants to spend a ton of money on hair care products.

This is a trying but rewarding process. I would suggest documenting your process. The journal of your process will help see your progress when you think your hair is not growing. You will go through several phases. You will hate the new growth, hate the permed hair, you may hate your big chop but if you journal your process it may remind you of why you started the journey in the first place.

Note: Please search the Associated Content site to find instructions on hairstyles, homemade hair product hair recipes, and product reviews