Anyone Else Thinking of Transitioning?

[joemerald]

I posted something about that last week. I am thinking not afraid of the process so much as what to do after. My problem is when I relax it burns like H*LL. Last time I relaxed I lost some hairs in the temple area, actually a week after the relaxer. I am now considering going back to no lye, which I had no problems with, or just to forget about teh relaxer. The areas where my hair was almost bald are coming back in nice and curly so I am thinking that I will not relax until they are nice and thick again and if by that time I can manage the new growth and style it nice and professional for work, I will continue to transition. I have about two inches of new growth now and I just wash and bun. I will blowdry and style if I want a nice straight look. My relaxed hair is thick. But my natural is really thich and coarse therefore the concern with what next re: professional, conservative styles (besides buns) for work. I am a very thick, coarse 4B.

 

[brismom]

I keep going back and forth, to the extent that my sister thinks I have commitment isseus. Right now I relax simply because I want the length and manageablilty. But in my heart of hearts, I would love to have long coily hair. We'll see!

 

[brismom]

I keep going back and forth, to the extent that my sister thinks I have commitment isseus. Right now I relax simply because I want the length and manageablilty. But in my heart of hearts, I would love to have long coily hair. We'll see!

 

[Chichi]

[ QUOTE ]
Peachtree said:
Ur welcome luv

Let me know what u decide

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I'm doing it!

Chichi

 

[princess2281]

I am seriously thinking of transitioning. I have bounced between relaxed and natural hair for the past few years. Whenever I wore my hair natural, I loved my texture (3b) but grew impatient with the growing out process (shrinkage makes the growth rate seem so slow). In the past, I never considered transitioning because I was worried that I wouldn't be able to properly care for the two types of hair on one head. But after checking out all these cool tips and hair care advice on these boards, I feel that I now have the knowledge to go for it. I don't know yet, because I am impatient, but I don't intend to get another touch-up until I've made a decision. If I do decide to transition, I'll probably grow about 8-10 inches of natural hair before cutting off the relaxed edges.

 

[brandy]

I'm going to transition from March 2004 for 12 months and relax again. I don't like the limited styling options for natural hair. This is just a personal feeling.

 

[ladybug]

well i made up my mind to transition over the summer...so its been about 3 1/2 months since my last relaxer

at first i was like omg because honestly my hair has been relaxed since age 5 and thats just how its always been..plus since i have been going to the same hair dresser since then my hair was kept in great condition so i had a full head of healthy maintained hair that was already bra-strap length and on its way to greater lengths...but then i saw this girl with beautiful natural hair and then i started taking notice of how easy it would be to be relaxer-free so thats what really made my mind up...

in the begining i was worried because i was one of those ppl who basically got everything done at a salon and never even attempted to wash my hair myself...so for me going natural really meant taking things into my own hands...something i had never fathomed much less saw as a opportunity...plus i am a 4a/b and all i am thinking is my hair is going to look like a mess everyday and for the environment i am in..new york..my job..my social circle..my family...esp my man this would be a probelm... but honestly it has been completely opposite...

i first realized that my new growth is so soft and coily..and my whole head like that would be just beautiful

then i figured out that i can co wash my hair more often and have the option to bun...braid-out or etc..which was better to me then the boring wrap look that everyone has come accoustomed to..plus since tha age of 5 i have basically had the same look..except for when i wore my braid looks..so i needed a change...

i also came to terms with my inner self and said i can do this...my hair doesnt have to conform to what everyone else thinks looks good...and with the proper care and maintenance my hair will be just fine as well as my ego..

so ladies here i am today in week 14 of my transition..and thus far i thought it would be very hard because i am not doing the big chop( too drastic for me..lol)..my hair was past bra strap i cut about 5 inches off...and my new growth is about 3 inches( braids for 3 months)...

i have sorta-kinda honed my regime...and some days it gets really like " damn i miss my relaxed look" but its ok..i want this and i am either going to do it now or never

for the 4a/b ladies its ok...once you just except it as goal it will all come into place..plus your new growth will impress you so much that you will be in aww of why u didnt do this b4..but i will end here b4 i write a book...if i can do it anyone can because i was the girl getting a perm the same day i took out my braids never going perm free for more than one day now its been 14 weeks so..ladies if you want it bad enough it is possible...//thats my story

 

[DelightfulFlame]

[ QUOTE ]
Chichi said:
[ QUOTE ]
Peachtree said:
Ur welcome luv

Let me know what u decide

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm doing it!

Chichi

[/ QUOTE ]

Yea!!! You'll love it!

Just a little transitioning advice: Realize that it is a process that takes time just like everything else. I spent a lifetime learning to care for my perm, yet thought that I would learn to care for my natural hair overnight. There are growing pains, and if it gets tough remember the reasons why you are doing it in the first place and think on them. I see that you believe in God, so know that God blessed you with your natural hair and that God doesn't make anything less than the best! Congrats and best wishes!

 

[inthepink]

I agree - it can be tough in the beginning until you figure out what works for you! It is an enjoyable ride though!

 

[pookeylou]

I transitioned...for about 7 months...I did my Big Chop on 11/11/03...

I am glad I took the time to transition...it is more than just about growing out my hair to a length I felt comfortable with before I cut off the permed ends...during that transition...I had to relearn my natural hair...I had to feel comfortable with the texture that was there...I had to feel comfortable with my decision...because I knew I would not get much support...transitioning gave me time to do that...

So when the last 5 or 6 inches left...it was not a big shock...not a traumatic adjustment for me...because I transitioned my thinking as well as my hair...

That is what transtioning is: to change over time...
Everyone is allowed to take the time that they need to change...their hair...their thinking...whatever.

It really can be a good growing period...not only for your hair...but for your thinking as well.

 

[Chichi]

Very well said

. Thanks.

Chichi

 

[UmSumayyah]

All the time, if only to be rid of the hassle of dealing with hairdressers--having the freedom of being a total do-it-yourselfer.

 

[shelli4018]

Amen, Pookylou.

 

[Chichi]

[ QUOTE ]
UmSumayyah said:
All the time, if only to be rid of the hassle of dealing with hairdressers--having the freedom of being a total do-it-yourselfer.

[/ QUOTE ]

I like that word freedom

. That's part of the incentive for me actually. I don't go that often for a touchup (4x a year), however, I used to DREAD going. Now, I feel that with all the good tips on this board that I won't have to go at all <<fingers crossed>>. (I will only go for possible sets and blowouts.)

Chichi

 

[Maestradiva77]

Just jumping in to say "good luck" to all the transitioners!!