hey i would like to thank u for all the info given in this article. In the article you mentioned reviews on shampoos and conditioners. I was wondering if you could do a review on “carol’s daughter” products? I havent had a relaxer since january of this year, and after i get a trim i was going to start using these products or “cantu.” If you have any info please let me kno with a post or email, thanx!!!
Transitioning to Natural Hair? Is this your 1st time, 2nd time, or 3rd time??
Transitioning to natural:
Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair can be some of the worst hair moments and the best hair moments. If you are thinking about going natural or if you are currently in the process please don’t give up. Yes, I have had more than one try at this, but you do not have to go through what I went through.
This is my third attempt at going natural, and it is also my last attempt because I broke the code. The first two times I tried going natural failed because I was uneducated about caring for curly hair. I wasn’t keeping my hair moisturized and I didnt know how to style my hair. I have successfully been transitioning since my last relaxer on February 12, 2009. My big helpers were YouTube and BlackHairPlanet’s forum. I figured out how to take care of both of my textures by educating myself on the two textures. I learned that our hair is made of three layers–the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The cuticle is an outside layer that protects the cortex. Keeping the cuticle moisturized and conditioned is the best thing you can do to your hair. This is what will make your hair manageble while you are transitioning.
You will want to condition your hair at least once a week. This is called a Co-wash, and this is when you only apply conditioner to your hair. Use the conditioner like you would use shampoo. I did not say shampoo your hair every week because most shampoos contain sulfates as their main ingredient. They can tangle your hair and dry it out. Sulfates are what make the suds or lather that give you the clean feeling on your scalp. Most shampoos contain the following sulfates as the second or third ingredient: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lareth Sulphate (sulfate) and Myreth Sulphate (sulfate). There are shampoos that are Sulfate-Free, and I will talk about that in my shampoo review this week if you stay tuned. If you simply can not wait on me then go to Wal-mart, CVS, or Walgreen’s and start your own shampoo ingredient search. Conditioners have the same capabilities as shampoos except for the soapy part. Co-washing has been my most valuable hair tip so far. I wish I had known about co-washing in my first “going natural” attempt. It just makes my hair feel so silky and smooth. I also recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo if possible two or three time s a month to wash out product build up.
Transitioning to natural hair is a time to get to know your true hair texture. You will be amazed at all the little curls that will begin to pop up. In the meantime find styles that will blend the two textures such as perm rod sets ( very small rollers originally used for curly perms you can find them at beauty supply stores), roller sets, braid-outs, twist outs, bantu knot outs, micro braids, micro twists, and kinky twists. The worst style that you can do to your hair is to press or flat iron to blend the two textures. This will cause the hair to break at the demarcation line, which is the line where the relaxed hair meets the natural hair aka new growth. If you must have it straight do it once or twice a month because if you aren’t comfortable having short hair yet stay away from the straighteners. The demarcation line is the weakest part of your hair when you are transitioning.
You can transition as long as you like, but the longer your hair gets the more challenging it is to detangle. Detangling transitioning hair requires patience. First you will want to start from the ends of the hair while you have conditioner on your hair. Separate the hair into four sections, and apply conditioner to each section. Detangling your hair is very important!! Failing to detangle properly will lead to hair breakage and failing to detangle at all will cause the hair to matte.
Watch out for the silicones in conditioners because they can lead to build up on your hair and scalp and it will cause your hair to be dull. Conditioners that I found that do not contain these silicones are Suave, Vo5, and Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing conditioner. These are just a few that I have used, but just watch out for these two silicones: Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone these may cause your scalp to get unwanted build up. Don’t worry if you shampoo with a sulfate-free shampoo when you get build up you will be ok.
Here are tips if you get discouraged:
- Think about the freedom of natural hair.
- Look at pictures of other naturals and set real hair goals.
- There are ignorant people in the world that don’t understand natural hair, but don’t let that stop you.
Quick tips for a smooth transition:
- Use sulfate-free shampoos when shampooing
- Detangle from ends to roots.
- Minimal styling to prevent breakage.
- Do not flat iron or press the hair to match textures.
- Deep condition every other week especially right after a shampoo.
- Keep the hair moisturized with a water based product.
- Do not use products with petroleum or mineral oil as the first ingredient.
Stay strong my fellow transitioners and don’t fall into the trap again…until next time 
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14 comments - add yours
Krissylove
July 7, 2009
Jordan Etters
July 11, 2009
Hey Krissylove, I will do a product review on carol’s daughter as soon as I can get some of the products. If you are a member on the blackhairplanet’s forum you can send me mail. My name on there is LyeNoMoreJordanLNE.
Kimluvslife20
July 19, 2009
hey ladies this article has been extremley helpful in my natural hair journey I also found this book to help me alot, check it out: Click Here!
Jordan Etters
July 27, 2009
Cool! I’m glad it helped you Kim.
Co-Washing For Transitioners
August 13, 2009
[...] Transitioning to Natural Hair? Is this your 1st time, 2nd time, or 3rd time?? [...]
Tre Pierce
September 3, 2009
Hello,
I am in desperate need of help for my 10 yr old daughter. I made the terrible mistake of giving her a perm at 6 years old when she had soft, long and curly hair. I started to see breakage and then thinning. It has been four yrs and her hair has not grown back yet. I kept going to beauticians who were saying all kinds of things like, continue perming, don’t clip her ends because it will damage her hair to press and curl is the best option.
I haven’t given her a perm since 12/08, but I am at a total loss as to what to do with it now that is not in synthetic knky twists or cornrows. I was told not to leave those in too long either. Are there any options out there and how should I be caring for her hair? She still has perm at the ends too.
Please Help,
Tre
Amina
September 4, 2009
Hi Tre,
I’m sorry to hear that you are going through this. We have all had to learn that we cannot trust every hairdresser that we come in contact with. You do not have to continue relaxing your daughters hair (it’s never too late to transition!) and clipping the relaxed ends (trimming ends period) is essential to retaining growth and the overall health of the hair b/c the ends that are split will just continue to split all the way up the hair shaft unless you trim it for her.
Pressing/curling is the worst option for the transitioner because the constant heat will cause more breakage, thinning and overall damage for your little one.
You can still do braids, twists, twist outs, ponytails, puffs, etc. (the bhp forum has more info and a discussion section particularly for children’s hair). You just have to know how to manage her hair while in these styles. I’m sure when Jordan logs on she’ll have more great info, but in the meanwhile head over to the forum…. http://forum.blackhairplanet.com
Hope this Helped! Be blessed!
kylie
September 10, 2009
I’ve been transitioning now for 6mths and I have a question about the big chop. When its time for the chop do you go to a professional stylist? Or be thrifty and cut it off your self? I’m committed to going natural but I’m scared to cut my hair off because I’m not sure which styles would work for me.
Jordan Etters
September 13, 2009
Kylie, I would recommend, that if you aren’t very confident about cutting your own hair, going to a beautician that you trust to cut the permed ends off and shape your hair. If you feel that you can’t have short hair…get your hair braided, kinky twisted, or have a full head weave till it is the desired length. BUT if you want to be bold do your thing and cut it. Being different is the norm these days!
Jordan Etters
September 13, 2009
And to Tre, I’m very sorry that I have not responded to your question…I have started school and I have just gotten my life back together this weekend.
Amina has given you the best advice for you question Thanks Amina!
I would like to add: The beauticians that told you to keep perming your daughter’s hair are inexperienced about natural hair and will never be able to help you get your daughter’s hair back to health. You should become your own healthy hair expert by researching natural hair care products, natural hair styles, looking for natural ingredients. You did the right thing by coming to this blog. There are many women that will be able to help you on the forum also as Amina suggested.
I almost forgot to say this: Remember that a healthy scalp will be the determinant for healthy hair. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Cut all the permed ends off.
2. Apply herbal oils, olive oil, castor oil to the scalp. ABSOLUTELY No Mineral oil or Petrolatum/Petroleum based hair and scalp dressings.
3. Condition the hair at least 1X a week.
4.Talk to your daughter about her hair and what it will look like after it gets healthy. It will give her a confidence boost.
5. Braids and kinky twists would be ideal until you are satisfied with her hair. Just be sure they aren’t putting too much stress on her hair and scalp.
I also hope that our advice helped you and don’t give up on getting her hair back to health!
-Jordan
Dannii
October 30, 2009
My friend is trying to go natural after 20+ years of perms and weaves. This past September, she went to see a Nigerian hairdresser to get the two-strand twist. They told her she has to use the dry shampoo on her scalp and pink lotion on her strands until December, that’s when she can get her hair washed. Isn’t that unsanitary to go that long without washing your hair? Can’t you get fungus or something? I told her that it wasn’t healthy for her dry hair to be going through a transition like that without some type of proper cleansing, all she is doing is covering dirt with pink lotion.
Amina
October 31, 2009
Hi Danii,
Dry shampoo and pink lotion are both No-No’s! They will dry out her hair and cause extreme build up over time. Tell her to browse through the bhp forum for specific tips and techniques with washing her two strand twists. There are plenty of women who wash their hair in styles similar to hers, with much success. She could co-wash it or use a gentle shampoo to cleanse her hair.
Dorothy
October 31, 2009
Hello,
I am a authhor writing a book titled “Don’t Dread, Dreads. I need comments from people who have locs, dreads, and twists. I would appreciate it if you would help me in this endeavor. I need replies to a few questions:
When did you start your locs etc.?
Why did you decide on this hairstyle?
What were the intial reaction/responses from family, friends, co-worker?
Did you notice a boost in confidence or any other personality changes.
How do people react to your hair now?
What do you like/dislike about your hair.
The book we be a great encouragement to others and I will notify all participants of the release date and when they can see their comments in print. I thank you in advance and if you want to attach apicture of you hair feel free. Send e-mail to rizerfall@yahoo.com with subject (hair).
Thank you in advance and spread the word.
jes
November 19, 2009
hi ladies I am 20 yrs old and have a fairly nice texture of hair. i am hawaiian and black and my natural hair is extrmely curly. i cut it very short back in april (like keri hilson) i know regret it and want it to grow back 2 middle back length. the only problem is that now i am hooked on getting perms. i know that there unhealthy and there beginning to change the texture of my hair (the front no longer curls but they may be becuz of the blonde i had in it in the past) do u have any tips on growing my hair back long and natural without getting frustrated and cutting it or perming it? i am currently taking different vitamins, co washing, and lightly spraying my hair daily with water. sometimes i were it natural and other days i flat iron it. any suggestions?
*jes
