I know you guys remember the beautiful Michelle and her luscious locks from our first GOC (she also shared her hairstory a couple of weeks ago)! Well, given that she transitioned from relaxed to natural for TWO WHOLE YEARS, I thought, “Who better to provide some helpful transitioning tips from her own direct experience?!?!” And with that, the Transitioning Series was born! Welcome to the first installment ;). 

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by Michelle of Happily Ever Natural

PATIENCE is key!!! I have been “fully” natural for about a year, but I transitioned for 2. I will say that transitioning was very hard! I had no idea how to do my hair in the beginning of my transition.The two textures were like night and day!!! I chose to go to the hairdresser every two weeks to have her do my hair, because I didn’t know what to do with it at ALL!!!. I wore my hair mostly straight during the beginning of my transition. As I learned more, I ventured out to try more styles on my own. I did mini chops while transitioning, meaning, each time I went to the shop, I had her cut some of the relaxed ends, little by little. I continued this until, one day, I just said, “Ok just cut the rest off!!!” I was just simply tired of having two textures and confident enough that my hair was a length of my liking :). My advice to anyone transitioning is that patience is key … whether you do the BC or decide to transition, you have to be patient. I know it’s hard looking at all of these sites, seeing all this beautiful hair that is big, long, full!!! But you will get there, it just takes time, nobody’s hair grows overnight!!! When I first started, I wanted my hair to resemble CurlyNikki’s … so bad!!

Here are a few of my tips:

To make it through your natural hair transition phase with little or no frustration, attempt to try these tips:

1. Make sure you choose the right styles for your hair.

One of the biggest challenges for transitioners may be what hairstyles to try. Try TnC’s and BnC’s, they help hide the two textures and are easy to manage. If you want to try the route I did, you can wear it straight most of the time as well. But you should try to experiment with different styles that work best for you. There are a TON of YouTube videos on how to do your hair just about every way you ever thought!! That’s how I learned :).

2. When Transitioning, you will need to have realistic expectations of your hair.

Don’t expect to have CurlyNikki’s hair right away (LOL) or that girl on YouTube that you have been obsessing over (her hair!!). It will take time for your hair to achieve the length, look or fullness you desire. You will have to play around with different styles in order to figure out what works for you. If you don’t have realistic expectations set for your hair, you will be upset every time!!!

3. Take your time with your tresses!

Good hair care is the best hair care. Make sure that you are using moisturizer and paying attention to your ends (they are fragile)! Don’t be overly rough with detangling (I know that this can be hard)!!! Pay most attention to the invisible line where you natural hair and relaxed ends meet, because you can have major breakage at this point. Too much heat styling can be bad (just an FYI), but, if it’s done right, there will not be a problem.

4. Be Patient, BE PATIENT and lastly, BE PATIENT! LOL!

I know, I know, you’re like, “Ugh, my hair is so not growing!!” But, actually it is!! It can be frustrating to try to deal with two different textures, I know…. but you can stick it out!! You will have a moment where you’re like, “Ok, that’s it!!! I’m DONE, back to the relaxer!!” WAIT!! NO!! DON’T DO IT!! You are only doing that because a relaxer is all you have ever known!!!! But, guess what? That won’t solve your problems!!! If you’re really serious about this process of transitioning and going natural, some patience will be required. Truth is: Your hair is growing (hair grows at an average rate of ½ inch per month), just like everyone else’s!

Another tip: Wear your hair in protective styles to help you through your transition (braids, twists, cute updos … the list goes on and on). I assure you that soon enough, your hair will be BANGING and your curls will be POPPIN’! (Well more than it already is, because it’s already gorg!!) You just wait!!

SO DON’T GIVE UP!!! YOU CAN DO IT!! If you need tips … email me, FB me, whatever you need to do!!! I’m here to help!!! -Love!