Transitioning to Natural Hair: What to Expect

Transitioning to Natural Hair: What to Expect

Straightening and chemically relaxing your curls have been the norm for so long, but you’re now ready for a change - you’re ready to embrace your natural look. Transitioning to natural hair is an empowering journey that can also be very daunting. While rediscovering your hair’s true character and embracing its beauty, you’re simultaneously relearning how to care for this newfound texture. Moving away from chemically relaxed hair to curls, coils, and kinks is a process that requires patience, care, and a commitment to healthy hair practices.

There are two ways to get back to your roots: the big chop or transitioning. Each comes with its challenges, but both promise a successful outcome:

  • Chopping it off

Doing the big chop takes courage as you’re going from one extreme to the other in a matter of minutes. Be prepared for a drastic change in appearance once all relaxed or damaged hair is removed. You’ll have a much shorter hairstyle than you’re used to, which can feel bold and liberating or a bit shocking at first, and you’ll discover your hair's real curl pattern, which may be different from what you expected.

Your hair's needs will change due to the dramatic shift in texture; it’ll require more care and moisture to maintain its softness and elasticity. Expect a lot of shrinkage as natural curls tend to coil up tightly when dry. While it might make your hair appear shorter, it's a healthy sign of elasticity.

Enjoy the low maintenance of it all. Short natural hair is very easy to manage. Simple wash-and-go styles, coils, or finger styling will be your go-to as you get familiar with your hair.

  • Transitioning

For those who are unsure about the big chop, transitioning is the next best thing. This gradual process allows you to get used to your natural texture as it grows in. As it blends with the relaxed ends, you'll need to adopt gentle styling methods and nourishing routines to prevent breakage as you’ll be managing both relaxed and natural hair at the same time. However, you will experience some breakage due to the difference in textures. Expect to find new products and new ways to style your hair, as the old ones and techniques may not be suitable anymore.

Prepare yourself for the longevity of transitioning, as it can take several months to over a year, depending on your goals. During this time, you may feel unsure about your look or miss the manageability of relaxed hair, but with patience and commitment, you’ll see healthy results.

Learn to Repair and Style Your Natural Hair

To repair and style your hair effectively during transitioning, you’ll need to focus on moisture, strength, and protective styling while embracing your natural texture. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Deep Condition Regularly - Use deep conditioners weekly to restore moisture and elasticity.
  2. Avoid Heat and Harsh Chemicals - Heat styling weakens both textures, especially where they meet. Steer clear of harsh dyes or relaxers that can further damage transitioning strands.
  3. Embrace Low-Manipulation Styles - Styles like twist-outs, braid-outs, and Bantu knots blend textures while minimizing breakage.
  4. Keep Hair Moisturized - Hydration is key. Use the LOC or LCO method to keep your strands soft and manageable.
  5. Trim Damaged Ends Gradually - As your natural hair grows, trim the relaxed ends every 6–8 weeks.
  6. Educate Yourself - Follow natural hair influencers, and discover tips tailored to your hair type and texture.
  7. Be Patient and Celebrate Progress - Transitioning takes time. Keep a journal or photo log to track your hair’s progress.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.