Transitioning Hair

Transitioning hair refers to the process of growing out your natural hair texture after chemically straightening or relaxing it. It can also include those that have damaged their natural hair patterns with heat, hair dye, bleach or other factors. Typically in the process of transitioning you would gradually stop the use of chemical relaxers or heat-styling tools that altered your curl pattern, and allow the natural curls to grow back over time.

There are many reasons people choose to start their transitioning hair journey. You may want to embrace your natural texture, reduce damage from chemical treatments, or give your curls a fresh start after years of heat styling. Whatever your reason, this journey is all about discovering what works best for your hair!

The natural hair movement had a resurgence in the early 2000s which led to more and more people start their transitioning journey. Some people choose what's commonly known as the “Big Chop,” cutting off their relaxed or damaged ends to start fresh. Others prefer to gradually trim away the older hair while allowing their natural texture to slowly grow in. Neither approach is better than the other. The right choice depends on your comfort level, styling preferences, and how much length you want to retain.

One of the biggest challenges of transitioning hair is managing two different textures at once: your natural new growth at the roots and your relaxed or damaged hair at the ends. These textures may have different moisture needs, curl patterns, and levels of strength, which can make your regular hair care routine feel a little more complicated.

Here are some common challenges you may encounter:

• Breakage: The point where the two textures meet (called the line of demarcation) is fragile and prone to breakage.
• Dryness: Chemically treated and damaged hair can be more prone to dryness, and curly hair naturally requires more moisture.
• Tangles and Knotting: Managing two different textures can make detangling more difficult and time-consuming.
• Styling Challenges: It can be hard to find styles that blend the two textures seamlessly.
• Changing Routines: Products and techniques that worked well before may no longer give you the same results.

The good news? With a consistent routine, gentle styling, and a little patience, you can make the process much more manageable.

1. Moisturize Regularly: Curly hair tends to be dry, and transitioning hair often needs extra moisture to prevent breakage. Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and deep conditioning treatments regularly. Leave-in conditioners, hair oils, and curl creams can also help keep the hair hydrated.

2. Protein Treatments: Protein treatments can strengthen the hair and help prevent breakage, especially at the line of demarcation. However, it’s important to balance protein and moisture, as too much protein can make the hair feel stiff and dry.

3. Specific Hair Styles: Choose hairstyles that help blend or conceal your two textures during the grow out phase.

• Braid-outs or Twist-outs: These styles blend the two textures by creating uniform curls or waves.
• Buns, Braids, or Protective Styles: These styles protect the hair and minimize daily manipulation.

4. Trim Regularly: Regular trims help gradually remove the relaxed or damaged ends. Some people choose to do a “big chop,” cutting off all the relaxed hair at once, but trimming over time is a more gradual approach.

5. Protect Your Hair at Night: Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase, or use a satin or silk bonnet to reduce friction that can lead to breakage. Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture and cause more tangling.

6. Avoid Heat: This goes without saying, but limit or avoid the use of heat-styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, as they can further damage the hair and slow the transition process.

7. Be Patient: Transitioning takes time, and depending on how fast your hair grows and how much you trim, it can take months to years to fully transition. Patience is key, as is taking the time to re-learn how to care for and style your natural texture.

Caring for transitioning hair is a journey of learning, experimenting, and embracing change. By keeping your strands conditioned, handling them gently, choosing comfortable styles, and limiting damaging heat/chemicals, you can make the transition more manageable while preserving as much length as possible.

Whether you choose the Big Chop or gradually trim away your ends, there's no single right way to go natural. Be patient with your hair, give yourself time to learn your new texture, and enjoy discovering what your natural curls can do!