Transitioning without BC'ing Support Thread

WriterGirl I can't believe how many compliments I've had in the last couple of days! These things are the ish! How do you keep your curls...and how often do you re-style? I have such a bad case of HIHS right now! And honey loves it, too--he's been asking me when he's going to get to see my hair curly for years. I guess he better like it, because it's going to be a while until I feel like hitting the flat iron.

MarieB So great to see that you (and the honey) are loving the Curlformers.

When I had more relaxed hair, I would just pincurl at night or just sleep on a satin pillowcase.

Now that I don't have as much relaxed hair, I wear it in updos and ponytails and just put a scarf around my edges/perimeter or pineapple it and call it a day.

When I want to "refresh" my curls, I spray water on my relaxed ends and either use small yellow rollers or pincurl it.

I Curlformer rollerset about every 10-12 days.

HTH

I just made 18 weeks post (4 1/2 months) in my 52 week transition journey. I'm experiencing serious breakage/shedding with my 4b hair. My moisture routine (posted on I think page 146) which has been my backbone through my transition no longer works. Washing my hair is a nightmare. I dread looking at the balls of hair after detangling. My hair is so dry not even olive oil can penetrate. I am frustrated!!!! I am spending a fortune trying to "save" my now stringy relaxed ends simply because I want to avoid the trauma of the big chop. Right now I am evaluating all my options....

Cruzankink said:

I just made 18 weeks post (4 1/2 months) in my 52 week transition journey. I'm experiencing serious breakage/shedding with my 4b hair. My moisture routine (posted on I think page 146) which has been my backbone through my transition no longer works. Washing my hair is a nightmare. I dread looking at the balls of hair after detangling. My hair is so dry not even olive oil can penetrate. I am frustrated!!!! I am spending a fortune trying to "save" my now stringy relaxed ends simply because I want to avoid the trauma of the big chop. Right now I am evaluating all my options....

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Have you tried a protein treatment? It can strengthen you hair during this trying time, lol.

Cruzankink said:

I just made 18 weeks post (4 1/2 months) in my 52 week transition journey. I'm experiencing serious breakage/shedding with my 4b hair. My moisture routine (posted on I think page 146) which has been my backbone through my transition no longer works. Washing my hair is a nightmare. I dread looking at the balls of hair after detangling. My hair is so dry not even olive oil can penetrate. I am frustrated!!!! I am spending a fortune trying to "save" my now stringy relaxed ends simply because I want to avoid the trauma of the big chop. Right now I am evaluating all my options....

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Cruzankink Maybe you should wash your hair in sectioned off ponytails?
For instance I detangle on dry hair(using an Aloe Vera Mix), add DC then put my hair in about 10 ponytails...then wash my hair in those same ponytails, not removing until I set my hair.
This helps A LOT with detangling.
Also what are you using as a moisturizer? For my new-growth, I currently use a mix of Aloe Vera Juice, Glycerin and Safflower Oil..that keeps it really moisturized all day.

You don't have to BC if you're not ready to. You could always braid your hair up, wear half/full wigs..or even get a weave to help you forget about your hair for a little while.

I'm 7 months into a 22 month (planned) transition and it's.... uhm. Idk, not as easy as it was. I've been PS'ing this entire time, but my last takedown (I had kinky twists) was a disaster. Setback of the century. I'm hoping that this is not going to be the case for every takedown from hear on out.

Oh, and I've decided to just do weaves with extensions braided into my beehive -- hopefully that will make takedowns much simpler than having 2,343 kinky twists to take down and comb out. I guess we'll see if it really is simpler when I take em down in 6 weeks.

So, I have finally decided that I'm definitely transitioning. I'm 2 months post right now and I have an appointment to get a sew-in when I'm 4 months post. I'm not used to going past 4 months so hopefully that will help me out. I plan on transitioning for 2 years.

Cruzankink said:

I just made 18 weeks post (4 1/2 months) in my 52 week transition journey. I'm experiencing serious breakage/shedding with my 4b hair. My moisture routine (posted on I think page 146) which has been my backbone through my transition no longer works. Washing my hair is a nightmare. I dread looking at the balls of hair after detangling. My hair is so dry not even olive oil can penetrate. I am frustrated!!!! I am spending a fortune trying to "save" my now stringy relaxed ends simply because I want to avoid the trauma of the big chop. Right now I am evaluating all my options....

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@Cruzankink - have you tried clarifying your hair using a chelating shampoo? Sometimes the products we use have silicone in them which coats the hair and prevents moisture from penetrating the strand. If you'd rather not use sulfates, a bentonite clay mask would also clarify your hair.

You moisture regie should work better once your hair has been clarified.

Nine months into my transition. Luckily I'm not experiencing any wash day detangling challenges at this point (I use Christine Gant's Sweet Milk Detangling Cream Leave in Conditioner), but the roots definitely get ridiculously tangled once my hair dries. I've been rotating between roller sets, flexi rod sets, Curlformer sets and braidouts, but now that my two textures are visibly different, I'm probably going to limit the roller sets.

...I am so discouraged. I seriously thought about just relaxing my hair

I'm 5 months post currently. About 6 weeks ago I chopped all the relaxed ends off the back of my head just to see the texture. About a week after I put in braids. I removed the braids, detangled to remove shed hair, and attempted to wash my hair yesterday. When I got out of the shower I noticed that I had HUGE tangles. I've never had my hair clump together so badly. It took me over an hour to detangle 1 section and I actually had to cut a teeny tiny portion of hair off. The other 3 sections weren't as bad, but it was still a terrible experience.

I only have 3 inches of natural hair so I don't feel comfortable cutting off the remaining relaxed hair as of yet. As for the back portion of my hair that is completely natural...it's just so dry and rough. I've tried adding product which helps only for a little while.

I will have to get a weave in a few weeks for my best friends wedding and I don't know how I'm even going to be able to braid by natural hair down anymore.

...I went to work today with an attempted ponytail and it looks ROUGH. I'm not sure what else to do.

qtslim83 Sorry you're discouraged.

Do you wash your hair in sections? If I don't it will be a hot mess. Maybe after you detangle, you could twist up your natural hair in the back and then use a dye applicator bottle and just shampoo your scalp? Less manipulation. Your hair will already be twisted and detangled and the water can just rinse out the shampoo/conditioner.

HTH

10 MONTHS POST! I only have about 3 inches left of relaxed hair and I plan on continuing sew ins as a protective style for at least another 10 months. My hair is at my shoulders but i can't get the best look at my natural hair pattern because I only take it out for a moment and condition it and then I put it back away. I just ordered some new summer hair (wavy pattern) and I think I'm going to take a week between installs just to see how my hair looks.

I'm also contemplating leaving the back out since it's getting warm outside and I'll want to put my hair up in a bun/ponytail. I kept it braided because it was winter and the elements usually cause my nape to break off but I miss rocking my ponytails lol

WriterGirl said:

@qtslim83 Sorry you're discouraged.

Do you wash your hair in sections? If I don't it will be a hot mess. Maybe after you detangle, you could twist up your natural hair in the back and then use a dye applicator bottle and just shampoo your scalp? Less manipulation. Your hair will already be twisted and detangled and the water can just rinse out the shampoo/conditioner.

HTH

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@WriterGirl - thank you
Yes, I do wash in sections and I make sure to braid them completely down before washing. I also use a coloring bottle filled with diluted shampoo to get the roots and scalp first. I basically followed the exact same wash method that I've been using for over 5 years now. I think next time I'll just leave the braids in throughout the whole wash process then detangle when almost dry instead of damp.

@ qtslim83 I feel ya!

@ Jayjaycurlz, I never thunk it but I will clarify my hair to see if my moisture regimen can work again. Olive oil has always worked. Product build up is probably why it wont any more.

@ MsDee14 I have been washing my hair in sections (not as many as you have) but it does not seem to help in detangling. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I'll post my results and updates. Keep on with the fight!!!!

Well my hair seems to be at a stand still. It was growing fast the first 9 months, but the last 5 months have been disappointing.

I'm 10 weeks post.

I usually go 13 weeks so I'm not doing anything differently at this point.

Hello ladies! I am happy AND ashamed to say that since I decided to transition two weeks ago I have had this window open and have read this ENTIRE thread. WHEW! I almost feel like i have already transitioned for two years! Almost. There is so much great information and support in here that I don't see how I can't succeed.

My story:

Three weeks ago I made my usual appointment to get my ten week texlax touch up. I also decided to get some color because I recently found *so many* new grays. A week later I was thinking and decided I wanted to get to BSL quicker than it took me to finally get to APL. I decided to be more committed to bunning. Then I said to myself--if I'm going to do that I may as well go natural!

Every nine weeks before I make that TU appointment I toyed with the idea, but that final wash before the TU would change my mind. I have a 9yo DD that will leave my house at 18 (or so ) with natural hair, dogonit! I have worked on her and she loves the versatility of her natural hair and has been telling me to go natural. She was so happy when I told her its on!

I found a new hair stylist a little over a year ago who told me at our very first appointment that I should go natural. Her hair was always in a weave and she threw around terms like "protective styling," " hiding her hair," and referred to herself as not being "scissor happy." At my last appointment I informed her that I would only be getting the color and that I am transitioning. She was so happy for me. Then she showed me her hair. I didn't even realize that it wasn't the weave! Her real, natural hair is longer than the weave! So I know with her help and you all, I can do this.

I plan to grow my hair to BSL stretched/straightened and then trim relaxed ends to maintain that length. I will be using buns, Bantu knot outs, and braid outs. I trust my stylist not to burn my hair and I will be getting a wash, blow, and flat iron/curl every 4-6 weeks. I think this will go a long way towards helping me through any rough spots. When I wash myself I will make sure to use the ONE product that has made comb outs possible, Living Proof No Frizz Straight Making Styling Creme. It does nothing for keeping my hair or DD's hair any straighter, but it is priceless for allowing me to actually comb my hair with new growth.

Well, that's it. I'm now 11 weeks post and I cant wait until the day I'm reporting a number like that, but in months. HHG everyone!

ETA: I can't believe I wrote all that! Excited much?

Welcome to Long Term Transitioning Dayjoy

I am 14 months post. YEAH ME! Next month when I hit 15 months post I will trim off some of my relaxed ends...... So far so good....

Hi everyone ,
I am 16 months into my transition and can tell you that with 4b/c hair its no easy task. I have dealt with breakage , being unable to detangle or comb my hair, wash day became the dreaded . One time I got a box of relaxer and looked at it long and hard. I was happy to give it to my friend the next day and continue to find ways to manage my hair. most times I stayed in braid and only took my hair out to wash and DC.
but this year I have decided something has to change 16 months of hard work and I have to enjoy my hair . so I put my hair in tiny twist it took hours but I am so rocking it and actually getting compliments about my hair, its a great feeling.
bottom line is, it may be hard sometimes but hang in there. I know I only made it this far because I got to know my hair over time , what it hates , what it loves , my relationship with my hair is still not a 100% perfect but right now I am happy and its a work in progress.!

Checking in at 14 months post today. 8 more months and I'll be done with this transition......If I make it that long. Still using twist extentions since Aug 11 in 12 week intervals. I can finally comb my new growth (Thank you HS12n1).........YAY

I think about BC'ing every.day. Idk man. It's getting rough in these parts and sometimes I feel like I just don't want any hair on my head lol

@ chrisanddonniesmommy - I have Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor I will try to see if it makes any difference. Thanx for the suggestion.

As of sunday 2/26 I'll be 56wks post. I've mentioned before that I've cut some inches off, and with my hair straight I'm about APL....can I tell you shrinkage is a mutha**...I'm right at shoulder lenght with a wash and go/braidout. But the real killer is the natural hair shrinkage, in the back it's like an afro, up front and on the sides it's like mini corkscrews. So I'm still not sure what my over all texture is....grrrrrr!

Some day's I wanna just go BC the rest and go from there....but this is all just a thought, I need to be able to make a ponytail. And with this mini cut now, I'm just barely able to do so. So I'll hold off on the cutting......


Happy transitioning ladies....

I guess I should give myself a time frame too huh? I'd really like for my natural hair to hit just below bra strap before I BC. I dunno. But at times, I am ready to chop just looking at the contrast.

I am 6 months post and happy as long as I wash in sections. I'm finally learning what my hair likes but I still need to find out what my scalp likes. I don't know what to do about the dandruff and itchy scalp. I tried co washing, didn't help. Shampooing didn't help. My hair loves the new natural products but my scalp hasn't really responded. I can't stand the smell of acv but it helped a little. Moisturizing my scalp made it itch like mad! I don't know what to do. And I wash my hair once a week.... Seems like my scalp shouldn't dry out like that in just one week.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2

I've got to go back and read this entire thread (hopefully) but I'm definitely subscribing! I'm currently 7 months post ( last relaxer was July 2011) and some days I wanna scream!

Sent from my iPad 2 using LHCF

I took my braids out a couple of days ago. Shampooed and used a reconstructor. My roots are WOOFIN! I left my hair out after a pointless attempt at flatironing. I'm now in a sew-in which I am lovin so far. I plan to keep this in for at least 2 months. I have got to get my money's worth. Over 4 months into my transition...Go me!

^Your new growth is no longer "woofin". Enjoy the beauty. Remember it's a mental transition, too. (That'll be hard as well.)

Okay, here's my hair after a two-day twisting. I'm about to henna my hair. I haven't done a henna treatment since October.

In my front, I still have a lot of relaxed ends, while my crown and my back is more natural. Would you believe my hair is bsl?

I haven't posted in here much, but I am transitioning. I am currently 40 weeks post aka 9 1/2 months and going strong. I transitioned for the first 7 months in various styles, and for the last two and a half months in senegalese twists. I am definitely getting that itch to cut my hair, I want to be back to natural so bad, but I know what my hair looks like at this length natural, and the shrinkage is beastly, so I will continue to transition.