You might be wondering if you can switch back to natural without going through the Big Chop box . Well, the answer is yes! However, I prefer to warn you now, the hair transition will take time.
Mentally prepare for the time it will take for your curls to regain their natural shape .
And of course, get ready to adopt a new hair routine by saying goodbye to relaxers.
There may be days when you feel like letting go.
Don’t worry, once you get over that, you can be proud of yourself.
For sure, other people will want to know your secret.
Read these tips to achieve your hair transition without a Big Chop . Stay until the end, a little summary awaits you to help you!
Why make a hair transition?
If your hair has become dry and brittle from prolonged use of straighteners or flat irons, it’s time to act.
Making a transition allows your hair to regain its beauty without being altered by chemicals.
Although frizzy or curly hair is fragile by nature, it will still be stronger and more resilient in its natural state unlike its current state.
Honestly, who doesn’t dream of having long, healthy hair full of volume?
Difficulties that may be encountered during your hair transition
First of all, you should know that a transition is not without difficulty. Indeed, many have given up on the process in order to reuse their old products.
Fatal error !
It is precisely after the adaptation time that the hair becomes more and more beautiful and healthier.
Oily hair
Greasy hair is the first change you may notice during your hair transition.
Indeed, by spacing out your shampoos (2 to 3 times a week), you will have the impression of having oily and dirty hair.
Nevertheless, it is essential to forget the daily washing which, contrary to what one might think, promotes the production of sebum.
During the adaptation period, you must accept having greasy hair.
Less smooth hair
In a second step, you will notice that your hair is less smooth than before, and tangled.
In fact, the capillary transition promotes the appearance of knots.
This is due to organic or solid shampoos, because they do not contain silicones or smoothing additives, present in other hair products.
In reality, other hair products give you the impression of having beautiful hair while they weigh down the hair fiber.
During your transition, your hair will therefore be less manageable.
Rest assured, using natural care will help you replace the silicones present in your old hair products.
The acceptance of her natural hair
A successful hair transition goes through the acceptance of your natural hair .
It is essential to get out of old hair habits. In other words, get used to these three main points:
- Space out shampoos.
- Let your hair air dry.
- Accept that they are fatter, drier and less “tamed”.
It may be a challenge for some, but it is important to rediscover and tame your hair as it is.
As soon as you have passed this step, you will already be on the right track!
Maintaining two textures can sometimes be laborious.
This is often when you may feel tempted to straighten or straighten your hair.
How to make a hair transition?
Stop chemicals
To keep curly or frizzy hair healthy, it’s important to stop using any type of chemical product to straighten, soften or shape the hair. You should also avoid excessive heat.
During the transition phase, when your hair regains its structure, it is strongly recommended to avoid using hair dryers, straighteners, diffusers or any source of strong heat.
Clean your hair
You should wash your hair at least once a week or every 14 days maximum.
For this, avoid shampoos containing sulfates, as these may dry out the hair.
Hydrate deeply
I can’t tell you enough…Hydrate! Hydrate…And again, hydrate!
Whatever the season, you will need to regularly moisturize your hair deeply.
This is a very important step in order to avoid breakage.
You can make hair masks or make vegetable oil baths .
To seal in moisture, also consider applying carrier oil and hair cream.
Cut the tips
In any case, you will have to cut damaged or relaxed hair.
This will ensure healthy hair, while preventing split ends.
When transitioning, it’s ideal to trim the ends every 6 to 8 weeks .
What types of hairstyles should I wear during the transition?
During your transition phase, you can opt for protective hairstyles such as:
- Vanilla or twists.
- Glued braids or pigtails.
- Bantu knots.
These hairstyles are important for the future of your hair, as they help lock in moisture and minimize hair breakage.
No need to stick to one type of hairstyle. Keep in mind that natural hair is stronger than relaxed hair. However, your hair is still fragile during the transition.
Wearing a wig or hair extensions is also a solution to consider if you prefer to gradually cut your ends.
Although a wig is convenient, you should not depend on it, at the risk of complicating the process of hair transition.
Wearing a wig continuously is not the best solution for your natural hair because it keeps it covered all the time.
How soon will I go back to natural?
“The best things need patience.” – Jean Anglade
Patience is the essential step to going back to natural without Big Chop.
Indeed, a capillary transition takes time . It can take several months to regain 100% natural hair (yes, you read that right, several months).
I’m not going to lie to you, going back to natural does not happen in a few days.
Of course, this also depends on the current length of your hair. Some women have taken over 18 months to go natural without getting a Big Chop.
On average, hair grows about 1.5 cm per month.
If you have fairly slow hair growth, expect your hair to grow about 10cm to 13cm per year.
It is important to understand what to expect over time.
Note that not everyone takes care of their hair in the same way, and that many women cut their hair more often. Growing out your hair is a real challenge.
To learn more about hair growth, I invite you to discover my article on how to grow your hair quickly.
Can we go back to natural without doing a big chop?
The answer is yes !
The process of transitioning to natural hair involves several different elements, but the two most important things to understand right now are the physical transition and the mental transition.
Physical transition
Physical transition is a growth process.
This means that instead of cutting everything immediately, you first let your hair grow out with the relaxed or damaged part over a period of time that you define.
There really is no limit on the duration of the transition.
Mental transition
The mental transition is based on the change of mind.
For many women, successfully going natural can be very taxing mentally.
So, mental transitioning is the process of preparing your mind for the many different things you will encounter on your hair adventure.
Before we finish, here’s the long-awaited recap to help you make your transition a success.
Summary for a successful hair transition in 10 points
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Be patient
Needless to say that you will immediately return to 100% natural. Give yourself time (several months). By then you should have enough hair growth to start enjoying.
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Find your hair transition hairstyle
The principle is to mix your two hair textures into one. Try bantu knots or a very popular hairstyle like: the twist out . These stretched hairstyles will help both of your textures have an even curl pattern, without you feeling bothered by the mix of textures. We give you lots of ideas here.
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Detangle on damp hair
Always detangle when your hair is wet using a wide tooth comb or your fingers. Start at the ends working your way up to the scalp. Be gentle and patient. Rushing can cause stress and breakage.
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Keep your scalp clean
You can experiment with what works for you, but try to cleanse your scalp at least every one to two weeks to avoid itching .
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Keep your hair hydrated during your hair transition
Remember that dry hair promotes breakage . Nothing beats water for hydrating hair. Also consider integrating natural products (oil, cream, milk, butter) to seal in hydration.
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Hydrate your hair deeply
Hair masks are more than beneficial for your hair! Naturally curly hair needs deep nourishment.
Bonus: 7 vegetable oils that make hair grow.
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Reduce your heat consumption
No more need to use a hair dryer or straightener. Let your hair air dry.
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Protect your temples
Avoid hairstyles that put too much tension on the temples and the back of your neck. Indeed, the hair is generally finer, and more fragile!
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Be gentle
The point where your natural texture meets your relaxed hair (this is called the parting line) is the weakest part of your hair. Take your time when detangling and styling your hair gently to avoid breakage.
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Gradually trim the damaged ends
Depending on how long you were going to start with, cut off the damaged parts every 6-8 weeks or so. Remember to use hairdressing scissors and not regular scissors!
Keep in mind that all of these tips are designed to get your naturally curly hair back, because in the end, that’s what you’ll keep.
Courage and congratulations on your decision to go back to nature!
Share your hair transition in the comments!
