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.    

2. 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.

“Beauty is the moment of transition, as if the form were just ready to flow into other forms”

    -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Natural Hair Styles & Curly Hair Care: For the Transitioners via Curly Nikki

Transitioners are usually hungry for more info on how to get through the process and how to stay natural!  I found this old article on Curly Nikki and thought I'd repost!

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: For the Transitioners!: "Naturally Leslie's back, and this time she's looking out for the transitioning divas! Well... not just the transitioners. But the reaso..."

Confessions of a Transitioner - You've Got Mail!

"Dear Curly Chic,

I have been transitioning for 9 1/2 months and I am struggling!  Right now I wear my hair straight because I have yet to find a curly style that looks right because of my relaxed ends.  I am also dealing with some shedding and breakage. 

Celeste" 

Top 5 Complaints about Transitioning

1.   Shedding

What does this mean?  Hair that sheds is hair that has reached the end of its growing cycle (see my old post here) and quite “naturally”, it begins to fall from the scalp.  Shed hair will be replaced by new hair.  *please note:  I am not providing a diagnosis here just a general overview.  Excessive shedding could also be associated with health issues (pregnancy, heredity.)

How do I know it’s not breakage?  If the hair does not have a white bulb at the root, it is safe to say it is shedding, not breakage. 

What to do?  There is nothing you can do and nothing you should do as this is a natural process.

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2.   Breakage

Commonly caused by chemical processing, excessive heat, lack of moisture, improper handling, etc.

What to do? 

·         Limit use of chemicals (I am still pro-color!)

·         Decrease the frequency and amount of heat applied to your hair

·         Keep your hair conditioned and moisturized

·         Get regular trims

·         Wear satin bonnet or scarf at night or use a satin pillow case at night

3.       Trying to find a regimen that works

·         Keeping a hair journal of your experiences works best

·         Network with other transitioners

·         Check out my post on regimen building

4.       Finding a hairstyle

·         Check out YouTube for styling tips and suggestions

·         Seek stylist input

·         Experiment with different looks (twist outs, braid outs)

·         Check out my post on regimen building

5.       Dealing with two textures of hair

The point where the “old” hair and the “new” hair meet is the most fragile.  One of the reasons many chose to do the big chop is they don’t want to deal with the two different textures.  Typically the “new” hair will be its natural texture (coily, kinky, curly), whereas the “old” hair will be straight.  Obviously the two will not agree and will not respond to the same treatment and products.  During my transition, I went to my stylist more often and had my hair straightened more in the beginning and as more new growth came in, I began experimenting with more textured styles (most often I did wash and gos).  I was also much lazier at that time though and didn’t want to deal with twist outs and braid outs.

 Check out my previous NaturalView with Celeste!

NaturalViews with Celeste

Meet Celeste

When did your natural journey begin?

 My journey began April 2010!! I decided not to “Big Chop” and let my relaxer completely grow itself out; therefore my journey hopefully will be complete April 2011.

What/Who inspired you to go the natural route?

It was a process.  I’ve had a relaxer since the age of 14 and along with colors, weaves and everything else under the sun.  I decided that my true hair was hiding underneath all the layers and it was time to let it go, with convincing from my stylist I decided to let the relaxer go!!. I also have numerous friends whom have been natural for years and I absolutely love their hair styles and that they are created naturally.

How are you wearing you hair during the transition?

I actually wear it in a bun which doesn’t require much maintenance nor heat.   I haven’t dabbled in too many different styles yet such as twist, Bantu knots...etc my main goal is to strengthen my hair and I feel the less I do will help.    

What is the most challenging thing about the transition and how do you handle it?

In the beginning it was the styling.  Nothing looked right, then came the shedding.   I would look in the sink and the brush and see lots of hair.  I was convinced my hair was falling out but later it was explained that I didn’t want that hair anyway and that was the relaxer removing itself which needed to happen for my hair to regain its healthiness.

What is the one thing you love about your hair? I love the fullness and it doesn’t look as thin as it did when I had the relaxer.  It just looks healthier already in such a short period of time!