How to Transition to Natural Hair After Years of Relaxers

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair can be a liberating but challenging experience. If you’ve used relaxers for years, allowing your natural curls or coils to grow in requires patience, care, and an understanding of how to manage two different textures as your hair transitions. Whether you’re ready to do the “big chop” or prefer to gradually grow out your relaxed hair, these tips will help you navigate the transition to natural hair smoothly.

1. Decide on Your Transitioning Method

There are two common methods for transitioning to natural hair:

• The Big Chop: Cutting off all your relaxed hair and starting fresh with your natural texture. This method gives you a clean slate and allows you to fully embrace your natural hair, but it can be daunting if you’re not ready for short hair.
• Gradual Transition: Allowing your natural hair to grow out while slowly trimming the relaxed ends over time. This method allows you to maintain some length, but it requires more maintenance as you’ll be dealing with two textures (relaxed and natural) for a while.
• Tip: Choose the method that aligns with your comfort level and lifestyle. Both approaches can be successful with the right care routine.

2. Be Patient with Your Hair Growth

Hair growth takes time, and the transition to natural hair won’t happen overnight. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, so you’ll need to be patient as your natural texture gradually grows in.

• Tip: Focus on keeping your hair healthy during the transition. The healthier your hair is, the better it will grow. Avoid comparing your progress to others—everyone’s hair journey is unique.

3. Minimize Heat Styling

Heat styling can damage your natural hair and cause breakage, especially at the line of demarcation (where your natural hair meets the relaxed hair). To protect your hair during the transition, minimize the use of heat tools like flat irons and blow dryers.

• Tip: If you must use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray and use the lowest heat setting possible. Try to embrace heat-free styles, such as twist-outs, braid-outs, or roller sets, which help blend the two textures.

4. Moisturize Regularly

Transitioning hair is prone to dryness, especially at the line of demarcation. To prevent breakage and maintain healthy hair, it’s essential to keep your hair moisturized.

• Moisturizing Tips:
• Use a water-based leave-in conditioner to hydrate your hair daily.
• Seal in moisture with natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or shea butter.
• Deep condition your hair weekly with a rich, hydrating treatment to restore moisture.

5. Trim Your Ends Regularly

If you’re opting for a gradual transition, regular trims are key to maintaining the health of your hair. Over time, your relaxed ends may become brittle and prone to breakage, so trimming them gradually will help your natural hair thrive.

• Tip: Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain your natural hair’s overall health.

6. Protective Styling is Your Friend

Protective styles are a great way to minimize manipulation of your hair and reduce breakage while transitioning. Styles like braids, twists, buns, or wigs can help protect your hair from daily wear and tear and allow your natural hair to grow undisturbed.

• Popular Protective Styles:
• Box braids or twists
• Bantu knots
• Wigs and weaves (but be mindful of tightness)
• Flat twists or cornrows
• Tip: Make sure your protective styles aren’t too tight, as tension can lead to breakage, particularly around your hairline.

7. Learn How to Manage Two Textures

Managing two different textures can be the most challenging part of transitioning. The relaxed ends are usually straight or wavy, while the natural roots may be curly, coily, or kinky.

• Blending the Two Textures:
• Twist-Outs or Braid-Outs: These styles help blend the two textures by creating uniform curls or waves throughout your hair.
• Roller Sets: Use rollers to create curls that disguise the difference between your relaxed and natural textures.
• Bantu Knots: Bantu knots can create tight, defined curls that make it easier to blend the two textures.

8. Avoid Over-Manipulation

Constantly styling and manipulating your hair can lead to breakage, especially during the transition phase. To protect your hair, avoid excessive combing, brushing, and tight hairstyles.

• Tip: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Always detangle your hair when it’s damp and coated with conditioner to reduce breakage.

9. Take Care of Your Scalp

A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth, especially during the transition process. Make sure to keep your scalp clean and moisturized to promote growth and prevent dryness.

• Scalp Care Tips:
• Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp without stripping natural oils.
• Massage your scalp regularly to increase blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
• If your scalp is dry or itchy, use oils like jojoba or tea tree oil to soothe and hydrate it.

10. Embrace Your Natural Texture

Transitioning to natural hair is as much about mental preparation as it is about physical hair care. Embrace and celebrate your natural texture as it grows in, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles that work for your curls or coils.

• Tip: Surround yourself with positivity and inspiration by following natural hair influencers or joining online communities of people who are also transitioning. Seeing others who have successfully transitioned can help boost your confidence.

Conclusion

Transitioning to natural hair after years of relaxers is a rewarding journey that requires patience, care, and commitment. Whether you opt for the big chop or a gradual transition, the key is to focus on maintaining the health of your hair while embracing the beauty of your natural texture. By following these tips, you can protect your hair during the transition and enjoy the process of rediscovering your natural curls or coils.