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Go Natural: Transitioning Versus The Big Chop
There are two steps you can take to start your natural hair journey – “transitioning” or “the big chop”. In the end, however,both will end with the same result – cutting off the permed hair. There is no such thing as washing out or stripping a perm – a perm is just as it’s name states – permanent. The natural texture of your hair is permanently changed unless you cut it off and start again.
Now the most dramatic way to start your natural hair journey is to do a “big chop”. Big chop meaning shave your head bald. Although this may sound drastic, it is the safest and easiest way to go natural because you don’t have to worry about dealing with two textures of hair, permed ends and natural new growth. You can camouflage your new ‘do by purchasing stylish wigs and even hats. Another bright side is you wouldn’t have to worry about buying styling products for a while; use that money on pretty scarfs or head ties or earrings to accessorize your new ‘do. You can also do a big chop after you grow an inch or two of new growth. Then you will be sporting a ‘TWA’ – Teenie – Weenie – Afro.
“Transitioning”, of course, is less dramatic. Transitioning is exactly what it sounds like; you are moving from one state- permed hair, to a new state – natural hair. As you are transitioning from the perm state to the natural state, you are allowing your hair to grow, new growth to come in without re-perming, i.e. no touch-ups. Now during this transition some still apply heat, curling iron and/or straightening comb to the new growth area to keep the textures looking the same, but this isn’t a good idea because the heat will have to be applied too often and will eventually damage the new growth, and you’ll end up having to do a ‘big chop’ as a result.
Unfortunately, there is really no other guaranteed way to keep the new growth and the permed hair looking the same while you are transitioning, so the best thing to do is to camouflage the new growth. This can be done by using a non-alcoholic gel, pomade, or even a little water and conditioner (depending on the texture of your hair) to smooth/brush down the new growth, then cover with a silk/satin scarf to set it in place, and this will have to be done every night or even in between outings.
Or, you can simply purchase scarfs and/or headbands to wear on top of the new growth to camouflage it. You can also opt to wear your two-textured hair in transition styles such as braids – extensions or using your own hair (not done too tightly) or curly wet sets, which will blend in the two textures nicely. One of my favorite transitioning styles was wearing cornrows or flat twists in the front of my head (braiding/twisting the new growth area) and the rest of my hair (permed portion) out either straight or curly in the back.
The one thing you have to be extremely careful of when transitioning is dealing with the two different textures of hair. New growth is very fragile and can not be handled the same way as the permed texture. You may even have to use different styling products to deal with the two textures of hair.
The best thing to do is to focus entirely on your new growth.
You will have to experiment with different (preferably natural hair products) on your new growth as it gets longer and use these products on your permed ends as well.
The other thing you must do is as your new growth comes in, start cutting off your permed ends. I recommend when you have at least an inch of new growth, cut off an inch of your permed ends, and keep doing this until you have a head full of natural hair. The average hair growth rate is about a half an inch a month, but depending on your health/diet and heredity this can vary. So therefore, I can not give an exact range of time when you will have a complete full head of natural hair. But for more information on the rate of hair growth check out www.pg.com/science/haircare/hair_twh_21.htm.
For more information on going natural and to connect with a community of beautiful Black women with natural hair please visit nappturality.com and motowngirl.com.
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Great article! I did the big chop when I was in college and I had about 2 inches of new growth. The hardest part was the in between phase….too long to be short and too short to be long. It was drastic but it was also really freeing. I loved jumping out of the shower and being ready to go in 5 minutes! I have been perm free ever since…it’s still hard in the summertime but there are enough products out there now that it makes it way easier to deal with humidity.
I went natural in college and it has been 3 yrs since then. I transitioned for 3 months than I got brave and cut my own hair in my dorm room bathroom!!! I’m in love with my hair and I must admit that one has to have patience with natural hair. It is def. a learning experience…
I myself never made the “big Chop” but I chopped every month a inch or two at a time and it was wonderful and I had new hair cut style just about every month. However my hair did grow at the rate of grass doing this transition, which was good. It was a 2 year process and now im completely free of the “creamy crack” LOL, and I love the way my hair looks readts and feels. If I could post a picture I would!
Thanks Again for a Awsome article Clutch !
THANK YOU THANK YOU CLUTCH! i just recently ( a few weeks ago) decided to go natural. I did so briefly two years ago and I felt like a queen. It is freeing. Now i am def over the relaxers and currently beginning my transitioning phase. I am too scared to do the big chop. I actually always wanted locs some ppl tried to discourage me but it is something that i want to do.
It’s like you read my mind. Thanks for this article…I’m currently in the process of going au natural!!! I will tell you that this morning while I was flat ironing my hair, I was this close to getting a relaxer…but I’ll just stick to braids…
Great Article! This article is very informative and provide excellent information on transitioning from the perm to au natural. The article is very timely, and it is so awesome to know that so many ladies are enjoying the natural state of their hair. It is indeed beautiful to behold!
Would love to see more article regarding the care of natural black hair.
Thanks for the article!
Hello,
Awesome article! Thanks for posting it. The article is timely, and provides a wealth of information for those interested in going “au naturele.” Also, I love the fact that more and more ladies are going natural — it is beautiful, and so awesome.
Wow, thanks very much for the insight. Very hard to know where to start with things like this, but very clear, concise and straight to the point. Goof-free if you will. Very impressed, Clutch, keep up the good work.
Thanks for this.
Like Lianne, I did the big chop while I was in college also. What would really be hot is some tips on different was to style your scarf! I wear my scarves a few times a week and I’m dieing for different ways to wrap them.
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!
I am currently transitioning and I have been wearing flat twists since last year. I have not decided if I would cut my hair myself or go to a professional (probably the latter). Great article!! The QB and Oyin products are the best!
Yay, this is a great article!! I did my big chop 6 months ago and i love love LOVE the new me! I’m actually sitting here twisting my hair right now lol
You could also try to make your relaxed ends mimic your new growth with straw sets, perm rod sets, etc. That way you can get some idea of how you’ll look once you’re fully transitioned. Thanks for the article!
Im about to take my weave out and do my Big chop, with about an inch of under growth. I’ve been natural before but the last time I transitioned with braids. This time I want to come to terms with my hair and learn to own it.
Its just a hair cut but Im anxious and I believe the anxiety comes from the knowledge that in our community short “nappy” hair is something to be hidden. When white girls get a cut its chic and gamine and oh, so Audrey! but for black girls you advise to “camouflage” my new do with a wig, a hat or a scarf! AM I DISFIGURED?
Is this really a magazine for ” the Young, Contemporary Woman of colour” because if it is why are you reinforcing self hating and negative stereotypes.
@ Maria – you are contradicting yourself BAD – You are wearing a weave – so you must have been feeling self conscious or not totally happy to be nappy while transitioning. First this is a advice piece and you have to understand going natural in a change in mind state too and for a lot of people they have to grow into being comfortable so scarfs and weaves are good ways to slowing get yourself out of that zone and letting your natural hair shine. Also, when going natural alot of us don’t know how to DO OUR HAIR – so while trying products and styles out they do this. Usually as they grow more comfortable and their hair grows they let the scarfs and wigs go.
Clutch is doing an excellent job – and ARE NOT reinforcing any negative stereotypes. Please go to any natural hair site and you will see the same tips being given – so I guess they are all reinforcing huh? LOL
This is awesome.. I would love to see a future article on dreads…
Yoshi- I know that hair is political, but MY hair actually isnt, its purely aesthetic. I rock a different hairstyle every 5mins and that is the reason I am going natural because my hair doesnt need to be permed with the amount of stuff I do to it.
The writers words implied that if you do go for a big chop, you are probably going to want to cover it up, the implication being it is something to be ashamed of. I dont wear a weave to DISGUISE my natural hair. I wear them because they are fun. I have purple eyeshadow on at the moment and No, that isnt the natural colour of my eyelid either!
If you read the natural hair forums you will realise that there to is a bias towards, show your curls if they are big bouncy and mixed-raced looking and hide them if they are short and on the nappy side.
My point which you so clumsily missed is, lets try to find the beauty at all lengths ladies.
Yeah – Ok Maria – LOL. As someone who ACTUALLY went through the “big chop”‘ going from 12 inches of permed hair to less than one inch – I know what the author is saying. Women of ALL nationalities use scarves, wigs and weave (which you already know about) to help them get use to having their natural hair and for a lot of Black women when they go natural that is the first time they have ever seen and dealt with their own texture. It’s very emotional and different – they have to deal with questions, images issues and other things – so don’t JUDGE or make dumb assumptions saying that they are disguising. Not everyone is that self-confident to jump out there with a ceaser. It’s a process…
What you need to do Maria – is think before you speak and also know each of us have different ways of going natural and just because they choose to do it with scarves, wigs and weaves doesn’t mean they are disguising or ashamed. Which by the way the MAJORITY of naturals do when they start – but you wouldn’t know about that huh? – rockin that weave and all…smh.
And – who said this?! “If you read the natural hair forums you will realise that there to is a bias towards, show your curls if they are big bouncy and mixed-raced looking and hide them if they are short and on the nappy side.”
I didn’t read or see this here on this website. You are really reaching sis.
Maria your not natural yet so you don’t know the emotional state you go through. Also, a lot of us don’t have a very flex work enviroment where you can just come in with a ceaser from a weave/perm/wig………. forreal. If you did the big chop you will know that when you cut your hair off it has a spiritual and mental affect and it’s hard for women who are use to having a perm or length to just go short and learn to work with their real hair texture. Our families, jobs and relationships often suffer or someone makes a statement that can hurt about the natural decision. So, the scarfs help them prepare themselves and as you say have options and have “fun”.
As Yoshi said no one is disguising or ashamed and the author nor clutch gave that advice or implied that ……you did. They gave it as an option which a lot of us do cause they know what one goes through with the big chop and transition. But my advice to you is cut all your hair off and see what happens. I’m sure we will see you with a scarf on.
Yoshi- Do women of ALL nationalities really use scarves and wigs and weaves to come to terms with their short hair. I have only noticed black womem doing that. And you are talking about not judging, but I get the impression you think you know something about me because I currently have 16 inches of some asian chicks hair cascading down my back.
That would be as “dumb” as me assuming you didnt finish high school because you cant spell the word CAESAR. I dont judge anyone for struggling to come to terms with a hairdo that a lot of people react negatively to. Im saying that the writer made it sound like rocking that short cut wouldnt even be an option. Unlike you I’m not interested in what other women have on their heads and how it got their as long as they love it.
Unless you are the writer of this article or the publisher of clutch, who my questions are directed at, I cant understand why my words have got you so excited. We have already deduced that you cant write…..but can you read?
@real natural- Im sure I mentioned I have been natural before, but i transitioned instead of doing the big chop. You mentioned yourself that as black women our families, jobs and relationships can suffer because of a haircut. You must agree that is a lot of pressure to place on some dead strands of protein sprouting from my scalp.
When my hair was natural the only people who reacted negatively were black, and all I was trying to say was that with clutch being a magazine for “us”, this is where the love should begin. If you thought I was directing my words at women who have chosen to use hats or wigs etc to help themselves through it, nothing could be further from the truth.
When the author advised on what to do with a close crop, she used the word “camouflage” which means to CONCEAL or DISGUISE. That, and only that, is what I took exception to.
LOL – So you are assuming I didn’t graduate from HS cause I spelled one word wrong. Just shows and validates my “assumptions” about you. I’m done with you Ms. Drama.
Hi Maria –
this is Dede with Clutch. The love is here and I agree the conversation should start here. If you read around Clutch and know the women behind it than you will see more than half of us are natural and very proud of it. That is why we make sure our content and images show that.
We thank you for your comment. We are sorry if you felt that we were telling women to hide or to be ashamed of their natural hair cause we were not and would never give that type of advice or imply that.
No Yoshi darling, I said I WOULDNT assume that….
Ok….Im ready to admit that I might have gotten the author wrong because of her use of the word “camouflage” instead of focusing on the general message of the article which all in all was positive and encouraging. And from yours and Real naturals responses to my post, I can see that some of MY words didnt go down so well either so Im far from perfect.
Yoshi, the HS crack was rude and a cheap shot…….. I apologise. (sorry!)
You are right, I was being a drama queen. ;-)
Hi Dede thanks for the response. I got hung up on the use of a word which in retrospect I realise was silly. I work in an industry that encourages self expression so I’ve never needed to make my hair “acceptable” so the idea of “camouflaging” it seemed ridiculous and out of step. Some of your readers have pointed out that not everyone has that privilege and a scarf or wig wouldnt be a choice but a necessity. I still argue that the more people see black women in their close cropped glory, the less of an issue it will become.
This discussion has been humbling and enlightening.
Hi Maria! Awwww…I am so happy:) Cause we didn’t mean to offend cause truly that was not our intention. I am sorry the word was placed in the article. We will be more careful with our wording when dealing with issues so important and dear to us as women of color.
I am happy we got this worked out! LOL :)
xoxo,
Dede
@ Maria – no worries sis. I am sorry as well. You are not a drama queen just a beautiful woman with an opinion. And again this is why I LOVE clutch where else would this happen…..LMAO!
WoW – thanks for the wonderful compliments and dialogue ladies :o)
@Maria I was actually trying to be witty when I first used the phrase ‘camouflage your new do’ meaning if one opted to do a real ‘big chop’ and actually shave their entire head (not just to a close crop, fade or teenie afro – but completely bald) they may want to ‘camouflage that new do’ – the ‘new do’ was not referring to natural hair in any way, but a bald, hairless head :o)
Now there are some women who look stunning with bald heads – when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer she actually cut her hair off herself and she looked beautiful, but if a clean bald head is not the look people are going for – then they can ‘camouflage’ the total bald head with wigs, hats, scarfs until there new growth comes in :o)
The second time I used the word’camouflage’ I was referring to those who opt to transition, meaning if they did not want to straighten the new growth to match their permed ends, they can ‘camouflage’ the new growth with scarfs, headbands etc… until they finally cut off the permed ends.
I am so sorry for the mix-up. But I loved your dialogue, you actually gave me some more ideas for future articles :o) Thanks
@Yoshi and Real Natural – thanks for your dialogue as well – I really appreciate it ;o)
@BekkaPoo – thanks for mentioning the fact that you can get the relaxed ends to ‘mimic’ your new growth with rods etc… I actually do that with my 11-yr-old niece’s hair – I usually flat twist or cornrow the front (new growth) and curl the back :o)
I did the big chop… but then I loved it so much I never grew hair back again. Try it, if you don’t like it, it will always grow back
I have been natural for years and I love it. Actually I inadvertently with natural, it started with a bad hair cut. My hair was not cut in the style I asked for and I didn’t want to cut anymore off. I started my transition with traditional weave bonding. Once I grew tired of that I started wearing wigs, from there to micro braids, after micros I started wearing sew in weaves. I was then asked by a stylist friend was I trying to go natural. That’s when I seriously thought about it and found a natural hair stylist and here I am 4 years later. I recently grew tired of my afro and twists so for the past few months I have been getting my hair pressed. I love the look but hate the work so for the summer I will be back to wearing my fro.
hi ladies, thanks so much for writing this article. Very inspiring. I’ve been transitioning for 14 months. Can’t get up enough courage to do the big chop. I commend women who can. I think it is truly a personal choice. I’ve found other ways to work the two textures including rod sets,straw sets, and this weekend I’m getting a sew in weave! I love the texture of my new growth and can’t wait to get it to a length I’m comfortable rockin!
i did the big chop about 3 years ago and have kept a fro of varying lengths since then. it’s the best thing i ever did for my hair and my hair has never been healthier. and forget about it when i got pregnant… it was shooting out of my head!
but ladies, be clear!! just because you go natural doesn’t mean it’s gonna be all easy breezy and you won’t have to do anything to it. sometimes, natural hair takes a bit MORE maintenance than relaxed hair and you def have to be mindful of how you treat it. you shouldn’t be washing it as often, you’ll deal with your hair being different grades and textures, wanting it to be shiny and the kink of your hair not reflecting light like it used to… nothing that’s too much to handle, but just be prepared for things to come.
also, don’t get caught up in trying to use products that will change what your hair does naturally… all the products out there that “elongate your natural kinks” *cough* MISS JESSIES *cough* are not meant for a very kinky texture and will only make your hair look dry and flakey. DON’T FIGHT AGAINST your texture… embrace what you have as YOURS and WORK IT. that’s one thing i HATE about the natural hair movement… everyone thinks their gonna have a floppy mop head of Kelis curls. NOT SO, baby… and that’s just fine! again, it goes back to the whole reason for going natural, accepting what you were given naturally. my whole motivation for going natural was that it bothered me that i had NO IDEA what my natural hair looked like. i’d had a relaxer since i was about 10 and was pissed about it! why didn’t i know what my own hair looked like in its natural state??
but i digress… back to products for our natural hair. pay attention to your hair and work WITH IT, not against it. one line of products that are FANTASTIC, natural and i wish i had discovered them early on is Organic Root Stimulator – http://ors.railsplayground.net/. so great and can be found in pretty much any drug store for a reasonable price.
anywho, good luck to all of you who are doing the big chop and/or transitioning.
Thanks for posting this article Clutch. As someone who transitioned for six months before BC’ing, I went through all the emotions mentioned in the article. I rocked a roller set for the entire transition. I wanted to go wear it a little longer, but I got tired of spending an hour every day trying to style it plus three to four hours on the weekend shampooing it. I was also tired of coordinating my workouts and social life around it i.e. “can’t go to the gym or exercise because i have to go out tonight. can’t lay down for a nap because my hair will loose it’s style.” Now my hair is about an inch long. I went through the “oh my gosh, I’ll look a boy!” stuff. lol. But I got over that quickly when I realized that my hair takes 10 minutes in the morning and ONE hour to shampoo which includes deep conditioning. I LOVE IT!!!!
I just wanted to add that anyone doing the BC should be prepared for a mixed bag of reactions if folks are used to seeing them with hair long. So far, I’ve gotten wide-eyed stares (from strangers), gushing compliments, and just pure shock. I assume the shock means they are too polite to say they don’t like it. lol. I just think, “Oh, well. Your shock over my haircut won’t bring put the other hair back on my head.” lol.
This article very informative and timely. Love the fact that so many ladies are interested and loving going “au naturele.” It is awesome, and a beautiful thing.
I appreciated the author’s article, personal input and explanations, and hats off to Clutch for including this much needed and less talked about advice on transitioning after the big chop. (I especially appreciated the ideas as to how to camouflage the transition, i.e., making the new growth appear to look like the permed growth). This is sometimes a major concern for some given the different environments the hair, and individual, is exposed to (sorry about ending with an infinitive)
I would love to learn more and read more from this author.
Another excellent article from Clutch!
This article was perfect.. My sister was just talking about going natural and I had to explain to her that it isn’t as easy breezy as she thinks it will be.
I myself have gone natural twice in my thirty something years. In my late twenties, I did the Big Chop in the middle of winter.. My head was freezing!Eventually it grew out and I started with a curly afro.. it looked like it had been texturized. The trial and error period of finding the right product to work with your natural state is also very difficult. However, setting lotions used to work and literally froze the curl in my hair. Just be strong when it gets past that too short/not long enough stage. My hair grew out down to the middle of my back. I used to have it pressed and flat ironed once a week.The amount of maintenance required for that was ridiculous. I was always walking around with a jeri curl bag to protect my hair from humidity. I finally got tired of that and relaxed the new growth and eventually was back to relaxers.. Just about 6 months ago, I did the big CHOP again after I let almost an inch grow in. I have found that John Frieda products work best for me although I am eager to find all natural products that work just as well. I’m sure they are out there.. I am interested in suggestions, if you have readers have any :). I now have a little over two inches of hair and receive compliments all the time and questions on how do I get my hair like this.. When I tell people it’s all natural, they are amazed and I am proud that I let my own natural hair’s beauty speak for itself!
My goodness Yoshi and Maria, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were being paid by Clutch to bicker…but I’m glad you kissed and made up.
I’ve been natural for about 4 years and I wear weaves and wigs mostly to give my hair a break from heat or combing. I have really soft hair so it is extra fragile, most people don’t realize that natural hair really can be fragile so you have to learn the right products to make it work for you. I came across this website http://www.mytexturedtress.com they have a ton of info on products for your hair type and recipes that you can make at home. Great info. Thanks for shedding the light on natural hair Clutch!
Love this article. Thank you. I began the transition process about 5 months ago and I have just been wearing sew -ins until I reach my desired length.
Once I cut my ex-girl the hair like that. Even though I have a good hand on womens hair :) and the style was just the way she wanted it to be, I did not quite like it. Call it habit, but I know women who looked better with a big chop than her. As a girl you need to know whether this kind of hairstyle suits you or not. be aware ;)
LOL! I enjoyed reading the article….and some of the comments that followed. I am a college student who has had sisterlocks for the past nine years, and although this may not be the natural change that is referred to in this article it is still a form of natural hair. I have seen plenty when it comes to natural hair. I didn’t go for the “big chop” when locking because it wasn’t necessary (nor was it an option) I simply allowed my perm to grow out and yes it took some time but it eventually started to look like locks instead of micros. I also have a friend who has locks shorter than mine and she threw on a wig to switch it up, and another friend who went for the boycut (extremely cute) and is now growing it back, but chooses to wear a wig because she is not comfortable with how her edge up is (since its growing back in). This article is great because it gives options for those who want to swtich it up in the process of being or going natural or who are coming into their confidence of having natural hair. One thing I will say say is if you are not comfortable with going to work because of what people will say, or have said that is a form of discrimination don’t allow anyone tell you what is appropriate for the workplace (depending on the environment and as long as its not outrageous).
I enjoyed the article but if you are too scared to chop it all off like I was because I have a big head and wearing a shaved head unnerved me. I decided to keep my hair in braids and when I would take it down I would look at where my natural hair was and if the new growth wasn’t long enough I would braid it back up then when the new growth was at a livable length, I cut the permed part off and there you go. I work in the medical field so I couldn’t go to far in the transition process. lol
I did the big chop and I am very satisfied ! My hair is very curly so I wear it short :)
[...] for my daily fix of hair, beauty, and lifestyle advice! From those who’ve just recently begun transitioning to others who are so far down the PJ ladder they need help in figuring out what really works for [...]
We WILL…..STAND TOGETHER because at the end of the day,nobody can be you but you and don’t make me sing it!Lol.
I love your article and the links are great. I do disagree with one thing: new growth is not “fragile” or more fragile than the relaxed hair. In fact it is the other way around. The fragilist part of transitioning hair is the demarcation point – that part where the new growth and the relaxed hair meet. That is the point where the bulk of breakage will occur if one is not very careful in handling the hair and diligent in general care.
Maintaining a good moisture-protein balance is essential. Relaxed hair usually needs protein, while natural hair tends to need more moisture.
I suggest to those who are transitioning (like I once was) to be diligent with moisturizing and look into using natural oils like almond, coconut, jojoba, sesame and others or butters like avocado or shea.
Another good resource site (NOT mine) that has helped thousands transition is: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/ This site has tons of pictures, how-to videos and step by step corn rowing tutorials like: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/crownandglory.html
Youtube is also an inexhaustible resource with hundreds of natural ladies and transitioning ladies demonstrating their how-tos and regimens. Also, visit fotki.com to see more natural and transitioning ladies and their hair.
Finally, use Google to search for hair blogs and hair forums. You will find the hair forums and blogs indispensable.
Hope this helps and have a wonderful time on your hair journeys.
This is true. That was one of the reasons I did the big chop. I had been transitioning and mostly just wore my hair pulled back into a bun. Well, right in the top of my head, all of the permed hair broke of from the new growth! No matter what I did, I could not get that portion of my hair to lay down! I started the day with my hair neatly pulled back into a bun and by the end of the day the front was sticking up all over the place. I did not want to straighten it for various reasons so I just took the scissors and cut it.
To keep your hair from breaking where the permed hair and new growth meet, I recommend a few things. 1. Deep condition 2. When wet use a wide tooth comb to comb out the hair starting from the ends and working up to the roots. Do this while the hair is soaking wet with conditioner in it. 3. Keep heat to a minimum. Heat breaks hair. 4. Tie your hair up EVERY night with a satin scarf of bonnet. Cotton pulls the hair out.
I really enjoyed reading all of the posts. I am 5 and a half months into my transition. I am SOOOOOOO afraid to cut my hair. I have ROCKED the same salt-n-pepper bob for the past two or so years, and people are always complementing me on how pretty my hair is. Whenever I try to change up my style, my coworkers “bust me out” and talk about how they don’t like it and how it’s this and it’s that. That’s one of my main reasons for not doing the BC right now. I am trying to let my hair grow at least 4 inches before I cut it (I currently have about 1.5 – 2 inches).
The reason I am going natural started with my daughter and her friends’ decisions to go natural, so I thought, why not give it a try. I always thought I had “really bad” hair until after about 2 months without relaxing it, I realized the my natural hair is actually kind of wavy/curly.
My question: How do I get over my fear of my coworkers’, friends’, and family’s negative reactions?
@ Ms. Barbara – I would suggest you join a natural hair community site – you will be surrounded by other natural hair wearers, and will be able to look to them with your questions and for support. By reading other natural hair journeys/experiences you will be able to learn and gain the confidence you need in dealing with your coworkes, family and friends. I would even suggest you start your own hair diary/blog and document your experience this will not only be therapeautic for you, but will also help others in similar situations as yours.
I am 18 years old and would very much like to transition. I want to know if the few inches of new growth you get when you still have a realaxer, is what your hair texture will look like when it grow out fully?…can anyone who has transitioned tell me please?
Like I said, after all the scalp burns and breakage, I think it would be a lot better if I just went natural, but I sometimes get told that its harder to get a job or a date because a lot of people are indifferent to our type of hair and I know I shouldn’t care what other people think, but I can’t help it, can anyone give some encouraging words?
Personally, my hair went through a lot of changes when I decided to go natural. I transitioned for about 8 months and had some breakage where the new growth and permed hair met. After that, I did the big chop. It immediately looked different to me and was tighter and curlier than I thought it would be. Now, one year later, it still has a different texture than what I thought. Honestly, it was frustrating to go through so many changes and figuring out how to care for it (what products to use, how to style it, how to keep it looking fresh and moisturized, etc…) If you can afford it, it may help to go to a natural hair stylist in the beginning so that you can learn your hair. However, I did not. I did my own chop and have not been to a stylist in years even before I went natural. Don’t be discouraged though. It is beautiful, and I love it. I will never go back to relaxing! As a matter of fact, I don’t even straighten my hair. And, as I said, I LOVE IT!
I did my big chop 2 months after my last “relaxer” in March 2008, so I can’t help with transitioning. But I would suggest research on products good for natural hair, styling and grooming options/tools, etc. Google and youtube, hair care forums, amazon (books) etc have a plethora information (sometimes conflicting), but a lot of it is useful. Trial and error sometimes is the best way to find out what works for you.
I had some reservations about going natural, but I was so ready for a change. I don’t regret it. I WILL NEVER PERM MY HAIR AGAIN. I haven’t even straightened it. I love my natural hair and get compliments (from all types of ppl of various ages and races including young black men). I’m employed and dating (i went on interview w/natural hair, met my boyfriend with natural hair). Do it, you won’t regret it. It may be frustrating at times, but there are many resources and people willing to help. But the more info you get before you transition the better, easier, less stressful it will be IMO. I did research after my bc, wish I did some before hand.
But I have to warn you. Natural hair can be addictive. Between products, playing with and experimenting, not to mention you may want to get some extra memory cards for your camera. And when people say “uh what did she do to her hair?” they really mean “Damn, that looks kinda fly. I wish I could do that”. :)
let me start off by saying that i just made the decision to go natural last night and I am terrified of the big chop! i have been partially relaxing my hair for about 5 months meaning that i am getting it sewn in and my stylist is only relaxing the portion being left out which is more damaging than i can say! the rest of my hair is not even being processed so i need to wait for the relaxed portion to grow out but i fear that I will end up having to do the big chop because my hair is so damaged. also with the sew in it is preventing me from washing my hair correctly once a week as i cant get all the way down to my scalp and it is absolutely frustrating! i havent seen my natural texture since i was about 6 years old. I am now 22 and just tired of the stressful styles on my hair. my boyfriend was initially really against the BC but we talked about it and he said he thinks it would be best. But i just dont know if i can do it. any advice anyone? oh and by the way the article was great! im so excited to know that these forums exist because before last night i had no idea even what transitioning was! please help a frightened novice trying to stay positive about going natural! thanks girls:)
I did the big chop and am thrilled that I did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I82WajgB2_w