Desiring to Transition W/O the BC...need your tips & advice

Hello my fellow LHCF members.

I have decided to make the step and enter the transitioning stage in my quest to get off the creamy crack and wear my hair au naturale. I miss the texture of my natural hair and I'm really over the flat, lack of texture and damage that come with relaxing. I spoke with my hairdresser about my decision and she has other natural clients (that mainly come to her when they want to straighten their hair) and is very supportive of the transformation. I have had a relaxer since I was 12 or 13 but I recall having very fine hair that had a very wavy texture to it. So I am not sure what hair type that falls into. My last relaxer was about 4-5 weeks ago and I generally get a relaxer 4x a year. I have shoulder length hair and really do not want to go for the BC, not yet at least . Medium to longer length hair always suits my face best. I was hoping with extra TLC I could transition for at least a year, and cut little by little until I am totally natural. I had a few questions for the sisters who have or are on the natural journey. See below. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Is it ok to transition for a year or longer?
What products or styling tools will you suggest for this transition period?
Suggested hairstyles for this period?
How often is it ok to straighten my hair during the transition time?
How often should I shampoo my hair during this period?

Please share any helpful website and blogs that may be useful. I have found a few YouTube videos that were excellent.

Sure you can! Plenty of ladies on here are long term transitioners and it's going well for most of us.

Check out the 2010 transitioning thread http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=419744 for example.

What's helped out a lot of transitioners are cowashes and curly styles such as braid, twist and bantu knot outs.

I also flatiron my hair from time to time when I feel like a little change. If you do this properly it shouldn't damage your hair and you can get it relaxer straight. Have to admit I'm not that big of a fan of heat though, but this differs per person. Some straighten once a week, others don't at all.

How often you shampoo is up to you, but to avoid tangling and dryness and because I just love cowashing so much, I tend to only shampoo every 2 to 3 weeks.

I'm 13 months post relaxer and still enjoying the transition. Nice of you to join us!

Forgot to add: your hair looks very pretty and really healthy, so I'm sure you'll do fine!

Grand Prix said:

Sure you can! Plenty of ladies on here are long term transitioners and it's going well for most of us.

Check out the 2010 transitioning thread http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=419744 for example.

What's helped out a lot of transitioners are cowashes and curly styles such as braid, twist and bantu knot outs.

I also flatiron my hair from time to time when I feel like a little change. If you do this properly it shouldn't damage your hair and you can get it relaxer straight. Have to admit I'm not that big of a fan of heat though, but this differs per person. Some straighten once a week, others don't at all.

How often you shampoo is up to you, but to avoid tangling and dryness and because I just love cowashing so much, I tend to only shampoo every 2 to 3 weeks.

I'm 13 months post relaxer and still enjoying the transition. Nice of you to join us!

Click to expand...

What she said ^^

I'm almost 12 months post relaxer and I'm going to continue transitioning for at least another 6 months!

Looking forward to seeing you in our thread

I see this was your 1st post

I was just about to refer you to mummysgirl...but I see she's already here!

Hi Sahara,
I've been tranistioning for a while now and I have not done the big chop. My last relaxer was June 30th 2008. I've just kept it simple really and it is possible
As you get more new growth, you'll have to be patient. You'll also have to accpet that the natural hair will not behave like the relaxed hair ( it does what it wants ). You will learn how to manage both textures and what products are best for you. Just be patient when its starts to get nuts.


Is it ok to transition for a year or longer? yes, as long as you want or can manage.
What products or styling tools will you suggest for this transition period? I use Qhemet products ( the detangling Ghee is my fave)
Suggested hairstyles for this period? braidouts and pony tails work for me
How often is it ok to straighten my hair during the transition time? I have not straightened it all yet but there are ladies on LHCF that can give you tips on that.
How often should I shampoo my hair during this period? I only shampoo once a week but I do con wash at least twice a week. I detangle and section my hair before I get it wet. I keep it sectioned throughout the was process.

Congratulations on your decision to transition! There are a lot of ladies here that are doing long-term transitioning. Check out the transitioning threads, there's a lot of great info there. Also, check out the Fotki's of some of the ladies that are transitioning. You can always find product recommendations and style ideas in the threads and fotkis. Don't be afraid to ask questions, we're all here to help each other.

Wow!!Talk about an on time thread! Gurl, I am going through the same thing. I haven't had a relaxer in a few months (from pure laziness) and I miss my natural hair too. BTW I'm texlaxed. My natural hair was so much bigger and I didn't have to struggle with retention so much. Let's do it! Remember: Creamy, thick, slippy conditioners are your friend.

Ladies I just want to say THANK YOU!!! I am overjoyed with the many helpful responses I have received so far . I am busy @ work but will check all posts once I get home. I am very excited about all of the information that is out there. Thanks again ladies and have a fabulous day!

Absolutely! There are lots of us on this board who are long term transitioners.

I'd do some searches on long-term transitioning threads.

I co-wash a lot and do protective styles (wet buns, usually). And sometimes I flat iron or use hot rollers to make curly styles.

One thing about LHCF, people will answer your questions & share information with no problem!

Welcome & happy healthy hair growing to you!

Hey lady! Welcome to the forum

Is it ok to transition for a year or longer?
Definitely. I am currently 1 year post, and plan to go for at least another 6 months.

What products or styling tools will you suggest for this transition period?
I keep it simple, I like natural products without mineral oil, petroleum, cones and sulfates. I use JASON sea kelp shampoo and conditioner on wash days. Coconut oil as an addition to my conditioner and as a sealer, aloe vera gel for slick wet styles. Finally I use diluted Suave Tropical Coconut conditioner as a leave-in

Suggested hairstyles for this period?
I can't say I recommend this in case your hair is heat sensitive but for the past few months I have been wearing my hair straight. I roller-set my hair, allow it to airdry and then lightly flat-iron just the roots on a medium temp. It works for me, but I have very thick strands and have never had issues with permanent straightening from heat. I am SERIOUS about my deep conditioning game with this regimen though, I deep condition with every wash, no excuses! I also only flat-iron freshly washed and dried hair, if it reverts oh well!

Another downside to flat-ironing is that you will not get as much of a feel for working with your natural texture. I was natural for a year in 2006-2007 so I feel comfortable with my natural texture, this is not a concern for me.

Other styles I have tried are wet bunning (did not work for me, led to tangles). Braidouts are great, but whereas I can flat-iron my hair and have a style for 6 days, braidouts only last for 3. I usually wear my hair in some sort of updo after pin-curling it overnight, it's a protective style, but it still looks cute to me.

How often is it ok to straighten my hair during the transition time?
As above for me it's currently about 3 times a month, but be cautious!

How often should I shampoo my hair during this period?
I shampoo once/week with a sulfate free natural poo (JASON).

Please share any helpful website and blogs that may be useful. I have found a few YouTube videos that were excellent.
As others have said, check out the Transitioning thread! HHG lady, hope that helped.