“Going Natural” is a style that is trending everywhere. I have finally been sucked into the movement and have been embracing my natural roots … literally.
To keep it real, transitioning from 15 plus years of relaxed hair to newly natural tresses has not been an easy task. I took the easy and probably least preferred way out and went for the big chop. My hair, once below my shoulders, is now styled in an adorable pixi cut. Most women probably wouldn’t choose the later option of chopping off their strands, especially if they’ve spent years growing theirs out, but call me a bit of a daredevil. Before choosing to quit the chemicals, I wish that I had been more informed about the simple basics of what I could expect when going natural. So, here are some tips that are helping me along my transition that I want to share with you as well. –mckenzie harris
Have Realistic Expectations
Don’t expect natural hair to behave like straightened hair. You’ll have to learn different ways of dealing with your hair to get satisfactory results. Otherwise, you can experience a lot of frustration when your natural curls seem to be “unruly.” But they aren’t necessarily unruly, they’re simply doing what they naturally do. Once you accept that your hair is frizzy, puffy or “big,” you’ll be better able to work with it instead of against it.
Treat Your Hair with Care
It starts by learning how to develop a healthy hair care regimen. The two things that will become your friend is deep conditioning and protective hair styles. Avoid too much heat where the natural and relaxed hair meet. Instead of constantly flat ironing your new growth to match the straight texture, try wet sets and curly styles that make the relaxed hair match your new curls instead.
Be Patient
There may be frustrating times when you feel your hair simply is not growing. You will eventually have to start trimming the ends of your hair as your new growth gets longer. If you do not want to wear short hair, then you will need to commit to a long-term transition process. Don’t give up and turn back to the relaxer. Just remember that your hair is growing in healthy and strong. Before you know it, you’ll have a head full of natural curls that won’t rely on chemicals or heat styling to be ready for the day.
