There is absolutely no right or wrong way to go natural, well of course as long as your hair is relaxer free. Some people prefer the Big Chop method(the process where they cut all or most of their hair to start afresh); Others prefer the Transitioning method (process where the stop the use of relaxers and let the new hair grow out alongside the relaxed part, trimming the ends as they grow till all the relaxed part is finally cut off).

In the Transitioning method two different textures are being dealt with and I believe is a little more difficult to maintain at first than the Big Chop method. Here are few things you’ll need to know before choosing the Transitioning method.

PATIENCE: Once you decide to transition, you’ll be all excited wanting to use all the natural hair products you heard about, with no clue what would work for you. Because you’ll be dealing with 2 different textures you’ll need to devote more time to caring for your hair. You’ll need time to know your hair and what it loves, what works for it. After a couple of months go by, you might start getting frustrated, wondering why you started it in the first place, checking how long the new growth has gone and wondering why it isn’t very long already. Detangling and washes would be a lot of work especially when your hair is long. You’re not the first and def not alone….

Advise: Don’t lose faith, consistency is key, be patient with time it’ll pass… before you know it. Don’t forget to detangle with conditioner and a wide tooth comb on wet hair and wash in sections to avoid tangling.

MOISTURE: You’ll be experiencing breakage because of the damaged relaxed hair. Don’t fret, your hair needs more moisture and you’ll be needing to deep condition as often as possible. So your must haves during this stage should be moisturizing products (our fave Au Naturale Anti-breakage Super softening Hair butter see more),Deep conditioners/Masques, Co-washes Oils, Water and Wide tooth combs!

PAY ATTENTION: You’ll need to pay attention to your hair, how it responds to products-not everything that works for Mary would work for Simbi! You could keep a journal if you’re not good at remembering stuff, develop and make changes to hair care habits (using satin/silk bonnet to sleep, air drying, etc).

MINIMIZE the use of Heat! If you must,buy heat protectant for your hair. DO more of protective styling (braids, weaves, crotchet braids, faux locs etc…)to reduce manipulation on hair which leads to hair breakage, shedding etc and if your hair needs to be braided, DO make sure it’s not too tight (save them edges!!)…

MAKE SURE your scalp is clean- use Sulfate free Shampoos and more Co wash. You’ll also need to pay attention to products you already have and the ones you’ll like to buy, making sure they don’t contain any harmful ingredients. Remember that some foods you consume can help in hair growth, fight dandruff and are natural conditioners& moisturizers, look out for those (a few here..)!!

TRIM: There’s no particular order to trim, I’ll suggest you do this after every wash till the whole relaxed ends are gone (about a year or two, in my case).

COMMITMENT & NEGATIVE VIBES: Yes you can do this, and No it’s not a mistake…it’s a journey to healthier hair, healthier you! Don’t let anyone discourage you or tell you ‘it’s not for everyone or it doesn’t fit everyone’, baby you were born this way!

You can find a lot more info on our previous posts, you can email us for enquiries and don’t forget you can also order natural products from our store in Nigeria!

P.S. Key words to remember “Trim” “Moisturize” “Deep Condition” “Patience” and “Pay Attention”…

We hope this helps you a lot …Stay encouraged!

As Always

Cheers

Jasmine