Transitioning breaking point!

[NOLA2NY]

Ok I'm at a breaking point.

My last relaxer was in Sept 07. I've been transitioning for six months and I'm dying from hair depression and the lack of styling options. If I wear one more bun that just wont behave or another twist/braid out that grows thru out the day...I'm going to scream....When I leave home in the morning I look presentable, not amazing but ok...but by the end of the day my hair looks a hot mess. I work at a large corporate firm and I know I look like 'the chic' that needs to invest some of her money in a stylist quickly. (Ya'll know what I'm talking about!) Please help!!!

I was thinking of getting my hair flat ironed and cut into a long bob and as it grows gradually cut the relaxed ends off. I would get it straightened/ flat ironed once every two weeks...But I'm not certain how heat works with transitioning and the two different hair textures..Etc. I need some solutions soon!! This is a mercy plea!!!! ASAP! I'm still calm because it's relatively early and so far the IC gels has managed to keep my hair under control but after 3 or 4pm it's a wrap...and I usually work until 9 or 10. HELP!

FYI I'm a 3cish (I think)

 

[ladylibra]

are you against braid extensions? i think that would be the perfect remedy... you wouldn't have to mess with your hair, and if you get small braids you can do a lot of cute/elegant styles. especially if they seal the ends but leave the weave hair unbraided... you could even curl it like real hair and rock some really cute styles.

if not... well... i know someone will come give you good advice in a minute...

 

[NOLA2NY]

Thanks Libra,

I considered braids extentions before..and even went as for as to getting them put in only to take them out the next day. I didn't like it. My sister helped me take them out and needless to say she called me several different versions of crazy and vowed that if I got them again that she wouldn't help me take them out. But thanks for the advice.

 

[ladylibra]

no, i understand... people make fun of me cuz i can't seem to leave mine in for longer than 2 weeks.

hmmm... what about some simple updos? okay i don't know how "simple" they are for you to do, but i usually recruited someone else to do them for me. you can have your hair flat-twisted or cornrowed up to the crown of your head, and have the rest of your hair out or hidden under a phony pony.

transitioning pic (bun on top is all my relaxed hair):

after BC (about 5 inches of hair, phony pony on top):

2 years after BC (hair is braided all the way up, then i put the ends in a bun and stuck on a phony pony):

Chicoro has a baggie method tutorial that i found especially helpful... you only have to make a few big braids and when you pull them back, you can't even tell it just looks like your hair was brushed back into a ponytail.
pics from last winter doing this method:

link to Chicoro's tutorial: http://public.fotki.com/Chicoro123/hair-care/tutorials/baggie-method/

HTH

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

I am in the same boat.(sept 07 last touch up)
I have been doing full weaves.

I wanted my stylist to perm my hair my last visit and she told me no..
I had to hold strong and that I had to wear a weave one more time
and then we could texturize my hair and start working on getting it thicker..

Girl I understand your pain..

 

[cclark1]

Ok I'm at a breaking point.

My last relaxer was in Sept 07. I've been transitioning for six months and I'm dying from hair depression and the lack of styling options. If I wear one more bun that just wont behave or another twist/braid out that grows thru out the day...I'm going to scream....When I leave home in the morning I look presentable, not amazing but ok...but by the end of the day my hair looks a hot mess. I work at a large corporate firm and I know I look like 'the chic' that needs to invest some of her money in a stylist quickly. (Ya'll know what I'm talking about!) Please help!!!

I was thinking of getting my hair flat ironed and cut into a long bob and as it grows gradually cut the relaxed ends off. I would get it straightened/ flat ironed once every two weeks...But I'm not certain how heat works with transitioning and the two different hair textures..Etc. I need some solutions soon!! This is a mercy plea!!!! ASAP! I'm still calm because it's relatively early and so far the IC gels has managed to keep my hair under control but after 3 or 4pm it's a wrap...and I usually work until 9 or 10. HELP!

FYI I'm a 3cish (I think)

I've been transitioning too since Sept. I understand what you mean! I had one of my students come to me today and hand me her Nana's business card. Her nana owns a hair salon, hint, hint! But to break up the monotony of buns I get it flat ironed every 2-3 weeks. I'm still learning how to perfect my bun (getting my edges smoother and taming these frizzies). That's challenging. Have you ever thought about a phony pony?? But seriously, congrats on transitioning for 6 months!! That's a fete in itself

 

[Cocoa21]

I planned/ am planning on transitioning but the longer I transition the more I feel like transitioning is not for me. Its only been 3 months since I've had a perm and my hair has grown in thicker and stronger ( I have almost no breaking or shedding ), which is all I really want anyways.....healthy hair...but theres not much I can do as far as styling goes w/o applying heat and I get bored QUICK!! I think I may become a periodical stretcher over a transitioner b/c its more comfortable for me and I still get the healthy hair I want w/o sacrificing the hairstyles that I love.

 

[cocoberry10]

I'm in the same boat. My last relaxer was June 07. I really, really didn't want to BC, but I think I will be forced to. I will probably get braids and keep getting them re-done until June 08! Let's see where that takes me!

 

[Southernbella.]

Ok I'm at a breaking point.

My last relaxer was in Sept 07. I've been transitioning for six months and I'm dying from hair depression and the lack of styling options. If I wear one more bun that just wont behave or another twist/braid out that grows thru out the day...I'm going to scream....When I leave home in the morning I look presentable, not amazing but ok...but by the end of the day my hair looks a hot mess. I work at a large corporate firm and I know I look like 'the chic' that needs to invest some of her money in a stylist quickly. (Ya'll know what I'm talking about!) Please help!!!

I was thinking of getting my hair flat ironed and cut into a long bob and as it grows gradually cut the relaxed ends off. I would get it straightened/ flat ironed once every two weeks...But I'm not certain how heat works with transitioning and the two different hair textures..Etc. I need some solutions soon!! This is a mercy plea!!!! ASAP! I'm still calm because it's relatively early and so far the IC gels has managed to keep my hair under control but after 3 or 4pm it's a wrap...and I usually work until 9 or 10. HELP!

FYI I'm a 3cish (I think)

I know exactly how you feel! I transitioned for a year, and I was never really able to do transitioning styles because of the thickness of my hair. I had to flat iron once every two weeks. I did this for a year.

Most people don't recommend this, but I had basically no heat damage. It was worth it to me to stay on my transition. I just made sure I used a ton of heat protectant and that my hair was deep conditioned very well. I also took periodic breaks from heat and just wore buns or ponytails.

Also, I didn't really try to get it bone straight and flat (not that I could have anyway).

Anyway, I hope that helps some. Transitioning is no joke, but you do have options.

 

[BklynHeart]

I've been transitioning since Jan. 07 and it is hard. I did it braids last year but now I'm wearing a wig and keep my hair cornrowed underneath. If you do decide to braid again, try cornrows. They're easier to take out, and I noticed my roots wasn't as packed down as individuals.

 

[Mook's hair]

I've been transitioning since April 2007 and my hair is dense thick & long and I'm not doing a BC.

What kind of braids did you get (when you didn't like them) There are sooooo many different braiding options to choose from, maybe that type just wasn't for you. I am mainly doing cornrows and twists & braidouts.

I also wear headbands a lot. These are lifesavers too.

It is hard to advise you without seeing photos and without knowing more about your hair.

Does your hair frizz-up quickly? If you get if flat ironed will you be puffy & fluffy within 3 hours or does it hold the press?

Do you have any Dominican Salons in your area?

What kind of styles do you want to wear?

There are many styles in my fotki. But I'm very good with hair and it is not hard for me to do my own.

Transitioning is hard and to be honest with you, I'm currently contemplating ending this journey when I hit the one year mark in April.

 

[SouthernTease]

Thanks Libra,

I considered braids extentions before..and even went as for as to getting them put in only to take them out the next day. I didn't like it. My sister helped me take them out and needless to say she called me several different versions of crazy and vowed that if I got them again that she wouldn't help me take them out. But thanks for the advice.

I've done this too... a few times actually.
I don't know why I spend the money or time
I just end up taking it out the next day.
I'm thinking about doing it again...
It's just that it itches so much and I don't
like the way the hair smells even human hair...
it doesn't wash it... odd smell... anyway...
I wear buns everyday... Get your Sade on.
Since your hair has to be in a sometimes boring bun
you can always step up your fashion game and
make up game to kind of balance it out.
Buns can look sexy but everything else really has to
be on point. Don't give up. I started looking for
Celebs with buns and posted those to my blog... Check it out
CLICK HERE FOR CELEBRITY BUN INSPIRATIONS

 

[NOLA2NY]

I've been transitioning too since Sept. I understand what you mean! I had one of my students come to me today and hand me her Nana's business card. Her nana owns a hair salon, hint, hint! But to break up the monotony of buns I get it flat ironed every 2-3 weeks. I'm still learning how to perfect my bun (getting my edges smoother and taming these frizzies). That's challenging. Have you ever thought about a phony pony?? But seriously, congrats on transitioning for 6 months!! That's a fete in itself

Lol! I know a few people (probably some from LHCF) want to pass me a card also. On the subway in the morning I get certain 'looks' but on the way home it more like a 'damn!'

 

[NOLA2NY]

I planned/ am planning on transitioning but the longer I transition the more I feel like transitioning is not for me. Its only been 3 months since I've had a perm and my hair has grown in thicker and stronger ( I have almost no breaking or shedding ), which is all I really want anyways.....healthy hair...but theres not much I can do as far as styling goes w/o applying heat and I get bored QUICK!! I think I may become a periodical stretcher over a transitioner b/c its more comfortable for me and I still get the healthy hair I want w/o sacrificing the hairstyles that I love.

I'm trying to stick it out but I feel myself backsliding daily...but I'm glad you are reaching your goals of thickness and strength

 

[NOLA2NY]

I know exactly how you feel! I transitioned for a year, and I was never really able to do transitioning styles because of the thickness of my hair. I had to flat iron once every two weeks. I did this for a year.

Most people don't recommend this, but I had basically no heat damage. It was worth it to me to stay on my transition. I just made sure I used a ton of heat protectant and that my hair was deep conditioned very well. I also took periodic breaks from heat and just wore buns or ponytails.

Also, I didn't really try to get it bone straight and flat (not that I could have anyway).

Anyway, I hope that helps some. Transitioning is no joke, but you do have options.

Ok so you used heat sucessfully..hmmmm...that's what I'm thinking. Because even when I perfect the bun...which I will (lol) I don't want to look the same way everyday!

 

[NOLA2NY]

I've been transitioning since Jan. 07 and it is hard. I did it braids last year but now I'm wearing a wig and keep my hair cornrowed underneath. If you do decide to braid again, try cornrows. They're easier to take out, and I noticed my roots wasn't as packed down as individuals.

How long do you plan on wearing a wig? Maybe I'll try braids during the summer

 

[NOLA2NY]

I've been transitioning since April 2007 and my hair is dense thick & long and I'm not doing a BC.

What kind of braids did you get (when you didn't like them) There are sooooo many different braiding options to choose from, maybe that type just wasn't for you. I am mainly doing cornrows and twists & braidouts.

I also wear headbands a lot. These are lifesavers too.

It is hard to advise you without seeing photos and without knowing more about your hair.

Does your hair frizz-up quickly? If you get if flat ironed will you be puffy & fluffy within 3 hours or does it hold the press?

Do you have any Dominican Salons in your area?

What kind of styles do you want to wear?

There are many styles in my fotki. But I'm very good with hair and it is not hard for me to do my own.

Transitioning is hard and to be honest with you, I'm currently contemplating ending this journey when I hit the one year mark in April.

Mook thanks a bunch! You really made me think about somethings...
to answer your questions...
I had individual briads..
my hair does get kinda frizzy but I think this weekend I'm going to see how flatironing would workout out....
Im in brooklyn so we have dominican salons on every corner..(lol)
I'm ok with my hair...not helpless
I would like to wear it out sometimes and not look like I was playing beauty shop with my 6 year old niece!

Mook, I'm going to check out your fotki!

 

[bluediamond0829]

i feel ur pain. Ive been transitioning since August 07 and it has been a struggle. Ive worn wigs, full head sew-ins and ive done medium mircros twice. But ive also gotten to the point where i miss my own hair when im wearing full head sew-ins and medium micros. I miss the natural texture and working with it. I was so tempted to take my full head weave out and ive only had it in for 2 weeks. Its gettin expensive and i need to really start slowing down with the spending because i have spent alot and this is just the beginnin of the year.

I have short hair so at least you are able to do buns. Maybe do the dressy type of buns. And just think that you are transitioning for a reason. You are doing this because you are trying to _________________.

My reason is for healthy hair and for a different look and to appreciate having a natural style and beauty.

 

[NOLA2NY]

I've done this too... a few times actually.
I don't know why I spend the money or time
I just end up taking it out the next day.
I'm thinking about doing it again...
It's just that it itches so much and I don't
like the way the hair smells even human hair...
it doesn't wash it... odd smell... anyway...
I wear buns everyday... Get your Sade on.
Since your hair has to be in a sometimes boring bun
you can always step up your fashion game and
make up game to kind of balance it out.
Buns can look sexy but everything else really has to
be on point. Don't give up. I started looking for
Celebs with buns and posted those to my blog... Check it out
CLICK HERE FOR CELEBRITY BUN INSPIRATIONS

Thanks Southern, I think my fashion sense is the only thing that has saved me. I'm going to check out your blog again. I was inspired by your transitioning! Oh by the way are you from NOLA?

 

[NOLA2NY]

i feel ur pain. Ive been transitioning since August 07 and it has been a struggle. Ive worn wigs, full head sew-ins and ive done medium mircros twice. But ive also gotten to the point where i miss my own hair when im wearing full head sew-ins and medium micros. I miss the natural texture and working with it. I was so tempted to take my full head weave out and ive only had it in for 2 weeks. Its gettin expensive and i need to really start slowing down with the spending because i have spent alot and this is just the beginnin of the year.

I have short hair so at least you are able to do buns. Maybe do the dressy type of buns. And just think that you are transitioning for a reason. You are doing this because you are trying to _________________.

My reason is for healthy hair and for a different look and to appreciate having a natural style and beauty.

Thanks Blue, I know you feel my pain....Is that your full head weave in you aviator? It looks nice.

 

[audacity.]

Hang in there, girl!

If your bun gets boring, disguise with a phony pony. Also, I wouldn't worry about heat damage, if you aren't going to a salon to get your hair straightend. If you will, then, yes, I would be concerned.

Or you can always dress up your bun with chop sticks, or the various other hair adornments out there.

You just gotta make over this hump. I and STILL not 100% sure that I will continue to transition and I've not relaxed since January 2007. But the way I feel, is that I've come this far, what is the point????

Keep it growing, girl! You can do it!

 

[bluediamond0829]

Thanks Blue, I know you feel my pain....Is that your full head weave in you aviator? It looks nice.

yes it sure is....im loving wavy hair(very low maint)--now i just need to find a stylist that is not lazy and tries to cut corners my money is good and i cherish it and want something to last for my monies worth not something wear tracks are lifting and braids lifting and loose after 2 weeks.

Its not as curly like as it was in the photo more now wavy but no heat i have to apply. Just get up and go and comb it and style in place.

And my edges are out so its hard to hide the textures and ive tried every thing under the sun to get them to lay down.

 

[NOLA2NY]

Hang in there, girl!

If your bun gets boring, disguise with a phony pony. Also, I wouldn't worry about heat damage, if you aren't going to a salon to get your hair straightend. If you will, then, yes, I would be concerned.

Or you can always dress up your bun with chop sticks, or the various other hair adornments out there.

You just gotta make over this hump. I and STILL not 100% sure that I will continue to transition and I've not relaxed since January 2007. But the way I feel, is that I've come this far, what is the point????

Keep it growing, girl! You can do it!

Denver...
I was thinking of going to a salon to get it flat ironed...you think twice a month is too much?! hmmmm...

 

[NOLA2NY]

yes it sure is....im loving wavy hair(very low maint)--now i just need to find a stylist that is not lazy and tries to cut corners my money is good and i cherish it and want something to last for my monies worth not something wear tracks are lifting and braids lifting and loose after 2 weeks.

Its not as curly like as it was in the photo more now wavy but no heat i have to apply. Just get up and go and comb it and style in place.

And my edges are out so its hard to hide the textures and ive tried every thing under the sun to get them to lay down.

I haven't worked my way up to weaves yet..but low maint... hmmm! Did you wear weaves before you decided to transition?

 

[bluediamond0829]

I haven't worked my way up to weaves yet..but low maint... hmmm! Did you wear weaves before you decided to transition?

No i actually had a short cut before i started transitioning. I got tired of running back and forth to the stylist and wanted something different. And i at least want to see my hair get longer than before. And ive seen so many inspirations on here and nappturality that i said im going to do it. And i really got myself mentally prepared for it. Because although people have told me i should at least relax my edges to get my sew-in weaves im like nope wont do it. Wont texturize it or nothing. I want to see my growth i love my texture and my naps.(well what i have so far).

I have worn then like probably every once awhile before i cut my hair short.(ive had my hair cut short twice since ive been on LHCF.)

and i hate leaving hair out i dont care what anyone says i rather have all my hair braided up. Even though with leaving hair out ive seen alot of styles that look more natural. But i know how my hair is and right now if im having hard times with edges then i knw i'll probably have a hard times with leaving some hair out. And im just so self conscious when leaving hair out because my hair being thin and i worry oh is my track covered etc.

 

[cocoberry10]

I know exactly how you feel! I transitioned for a year, and I was never really able to do transitioning styles because of the thickness of my hair. I had to flat iron once every two weeks. I did this for a year.

Most people don't recommend this, but I had basically no heat damage. It was worth it to me to stay on my transition. I just made sure I used a ton of heat protectant and that my hair was deep conditioned very well. I also took periodic breaks from heat and just wore buns or ponytails.

Also, I didn't really try to get it bone straight and flat (not that I could have anyway).

Anyway, I hope that helps some. Transitioning is no joke, but you do have options.

I agree with everything you said!

 

[Cocoa21]

I'm trying to stick it out but I feel myself backsliding daily...but I'm glad you are reaching your goals of thickness and strength

Thank you. Its the first time in a long time. =)

Good luck on which ever direction you choose.