Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair can be a bit of a challenge. It requires patience, commitment and adjusting to a new haircare routine. What sufficed for relaxed hair won’t really cut it for your natural hair and getting through the stages of new growth may feel like a test. Although, because this can be a trying time for your hair and how you express its beauty, we’ve got a few suggestions. Being that your hair is yours to wear however you like, making this change is another demonstration of your expression. Fun, sexy hair does not come in one texture, length, or color. With that being said, here’s how you’ll make the transition look and feel semi-easy. Avoid these common mistakes when transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.

Common Styling Mistakes: Using Heat + Drying Products

Relaxed hair does require a certain level of moisture to prevent breakage. Although, heat tools might do the rest of that job as it’s often a styling option for wearers of relaxed hair. When transitioning, though, heat styling is one method you should avoid. The new growth and where it meets the relaxed hair are sensitive areas of your hair shaft. Breakage becomes easier at these points so prevention is key. Even when drying your hair after a wash, consider microfiber towels or cotton shirts. Along those same lines of breakage are the products that cause it by drying out your hair. Moving forward, all products need to have some sort of moisturizing element. Haircare professionals suggest sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners with oil-rich styling products. Drying ingredients will exacerbate the issue.

Common Maintenance Mistakes: Dry-Combing + Using Hair Products For Relaxers

It might feel like a bit of a task combing through your hair while it’s wet, but that could be a great time to detangle. While you’re in the shower, detangling is best after a moisturizing conditioner has been applied. Think about this moisture from the shower, too. Comb through your hair after, and only after it’s been oiled. Dry combing can also lead to breakage beyond what you would lose from a regular, well-oiled comb through. As mentioned above, relaxed hair requires a certain amount of moisture, just like natural hair. Still, products made for relaxed hair are not interchangeable. You’ll need to take on a new routine to fully embrace and notice the benefits of transitioning to natural hair. This routine will be characterized not only by moisturizing but also by maintaining the health of your hair via protective styles…explained more below.

Not Wearing Protective Styles

Whew! Part of the adjustment of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is learning how you like to style your hair. Protective styles, ranging from braids to wigs to weaves and beyond, take the meddling out of handling your hair, which can also lead to breakage. Allowing your hair to be in its natural form will allow it to improve health and adjust to your new go-to style. Whether that’s twists or a lace front, there’s a certain amount of manipulation needed to achieve the look, although it should be minimal after that. Feel free to switch it up, after giving one protective style a full try. Oh, and be sure to still get those trims as they also promote growth. You’ve got this! Excited for you!

transition from relaxed to natural

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