If you are interested in transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, you have come to the right place. At first, all the information on natural hair care can be overwhelming. If you just concentrate on taking it step-by-step, however, you will be fine.
Step 1 - Why
You first need to decide why you want to go natural. It could be a cost reason or an environmental reason. It may even be because you have secretly always admired the beauty of natural African American hair. Whatever the reason, it has to be for you and for your own.
Once you have your reasons, you need to write this down on a note card. Tape the note card to your bathroom mirror or place it somewhere you will see it every day. This will keep you motivated.
Step 2 - Get Inspired - Collect Pictures
You are going to create a collage of African American hairstyles you love. The easiest way to find pictures of gorgeous African American natural hair is through the Internet. Print them out and stick them to a poster board. Hang the poster board someplace where you can see it on a regular basis. Mine is on my closet door.
So now you know why and you have tangible proof of how gorgeous African American natural hair can look. What's the next step in transitioning from relaxed to natural hair?
Step 3 - Do Not Get Your Hair Relaxed
That's it. Do not put chemicals in your hair. If you want to know why, see Step 1 and Step 2.
Step 4 - Choose a Transition Hairstyle
A transition style is how you wear your hair while you are growing out your relaxed hair. Now some women will just go for the big chop (BC). That is when they will cut off all their relaxed hair so that only their natural hair is left with a teeny weeny afro (TWA).
But there are so many other choices. You can wear your hair in braids. You can even get your hair pressed (though most people would advise you not to.) There is also the always popular wig choice.
The transition style is something that you will need to decide early. It is especially important if you are in a workplace situation. You will need to make sure that your hair stays neat and professional.
Step 5 - Get Educated
Learning about your hair is going to become a hobby while you are transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. You will want to learn about black hair care products, how to create styles for your natural African American hair and the best hair care regime for your hair. This is an ongoing process.
The danger of not doing this is that you may find yourself with a beautiful head of natural hair that you do not know how to take care of and decide to go back to relaxed hair. Getting educated before you go all natural is the best way to prevent this.
That's it. Follow these steps and you will be on your way to successfully transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.