February 10, 2011

Transitioning - Still, You've Got Mail

Help A Sista Out!

“Your blog is an answer to my prayer!  You think I’m kidding…I’ve been saying I was going to reach out to you for some tips on doing this natural thing because I see your pics and LOVE YOUR HAIR!  I have been relaxer free for two years now, but I can’t seem to get the curly thing down.  I have been using different products but for some reason I don’t like my hair curly YET! “



I think that getting to know your new curls is no different than getting to know your new partner who used to be “just a friend”.  Although you’ve known him or her for years, you never knew them in this way.  The entire relationship dynamic has changed and therefore, the way you interact will change.  Relaxed hair and relaxer free hair require different products, different attention, different styling tools, and a different mindset.  It is ultimately a complete lifestyle change.  When we speak of transitioning in the "natural world", we are typically referring to the change from relaxed hair to natural hair, however, you can still be in a stage of transition, long after the relaxer is absent. 

The definition of transition:  “The change or passage from one state or stage to another.”
Any transition is rough because most humans are creatures of habit.  Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair requires that you alter some behaviors and develop new habits.  There are a multitude of things to cope with that you haven’t had to cope with before  – dryness, tangles, as well as dealing with people’s reactions, both negative and positive.   Handling and caring for your hair requires more time, in that you must do your homework.  (product selection, stylist selection, etc.) 

Be Encouraged
  1. Everything is Temporary
Recognize that everything is temporary.  You will not always be in this state.  At some point, you will get to where you are trying to go.  There are times when things move slowly and don't seem to change very much.  Then, suddenly, things change quickly.    

  1. You Can Inspire Someone Else
Your success will help inspire others and give them hope through their transition.  They may see where you’ve been and use it to help them see that they can get there also.


    -Ralph Waldo Emerson

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