What many people fail to realize is that there's more to transitioning than simply getting rid of the relaxer. Having years of getting your hair relaxed every 4-6 weeks and always seeing your hair bone straight affects your perception of beauty, to some extent.
You have to transition your MIND right along with your HAIR. You have to change your perception of beauty, because sure you can handle seeing 1/4 inch of new growth accompanying your relaxed ends because that's normal, but when you see the changes in texture and your new growth is 3 inches long and you have to work with the two textures, you'll become frustrated. As your natural hair grows out, you'll see less and less of your hair being completely straight and that's very different from what you're used to and for some it's even scary. Most Black women have ever seen their true texture, and if they have, they may not recall what it looks or feels like. The frustration won't be because it looks a mess, but because curly new growth mixed with straight hair is not the norm for many of us and it takes some work and patience to deal with. I've seen countless transitioners with beautifulllll styles... So, to me, transitioning your mind out of the mindset of straight hair is the ONLY look that works for you will help you to go through the transition to natural hair more smoothly.
#sidenote: Many people will often come up to me and say that they are frustrated with their transition because their hair looks terrible and puffy. I transitioned for 0.2 seconds, but I do know that if you treat your hair the exact same when you're transitioning as if you're relaxed, you're going to fail. You can't just have 6month post-relaxer hair and think wrapping it and unwrapping is going to have the same effect as before.
1) Blend the two textures with curly styles or put in braids/twists/extensions/etc. or
2) blend the new growth with your relaxed ends by straightening it (although I don't recommend this as it may cause heat damage to your new growth)
For those who are reading this, what are your thoughts? Do you have suggestions for those contemplating transitioning?
img src= http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOzq4omrHRjZET0jXEfriUhn8GrJpCO6RykrkedxHu4ZRbt_5U
It is a journey, but it is worth it. You are right about having to transition your mind and your hair. It takes some time to really get to know yourself with natural hair, because it is different.
ReplyDeleteI think people who have been natural make it look easy for others to do it. It is certainly a process. You have to research products, natural hair care techniques, etc. You have to change your whole perspective on your hair and yourself. I hate when people hide their hair under wigs and weaves. Learn your hair and wear it out! Go ALL the way!
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