For those who went natural, what changed?

[trynagrow]

As I'm stretching but highly considering transitioning, I wanted to know in general, what changed when you let your natural hair grow? How did your products change? Your hair maintenance, regimines, etc. What advice would you give? Give me an idea of what to expect so I can decide if this is something I really want to try/do. Thanks!

 

[TemiLnd]

Well I was natural for most of my life but relaxed when i went to university. I am now fully natural again, approaching my one year nappyversary.

My products changed in a way. I use less shampoo now mostly Bentonite clay and ACV rinses. I DC my hair a lot more now. I need more moisture and seal with oils. I also need the odd punch of protein so cholesterol Dcs work great. I also like henna but don’t like the colour release so Amla powder works too. My fav products are Shea butter, coconut oil / milk, EVOO, castor oil and Cantu Shea butter leave in. I am currently doing protective styling and trying to stay away from extensions.

Advice: Be patient!! You won't see the obvious growth like a relaxed head would. You will have to deal with shrinkage so prepare for it. It will depend on your hair type (tight or looser curls). Learn to be creative without over manipulating your hair. Being natural is not any more work than being relaxed, you just have to adapt or change certain things.

Good luck

 

[LaToya28]

Bumping for more replies!

 

[BostonMaria]

what changed when you let your natural hair grow? I learned that I couldn't treat it the same way as relaxed hair. My natural hair is very unpredictable. I can use the same products and method 3 days in a row and get 2 different results. I also realized that when the weather changes I need to change my regimen. I learned that scrunchies are my best friends LOL and that headbands can save any bad hair day.

How did your products change? I'd say 90% of my products changed. Things I loved like Joico went out the door. My hair laughs at it. I also have to shampoo less, co-wash more because my hair is dry and shampoo dries my hair out. It was alot of trial and error for at least a year until I found my staple products.
What advice would you give? Be patient. Transitioning to natural will test your patience, but don't give up. Just keep doing what you're doing. Don't worry about hair typing for now. Just concentrate on growing out your hair the healthiest way possible.
Give me an idea of what to expect so I can decide if this is something I really want to try/do. Everyone's experience is different. I can only say that you'll have to do the BC and then start experimenting with what works. Don't go crazy buying a million products.

 

[loolalooh]

What changed when you let your natural hair grow?
More finger detangling, less comb detangling. More protective styling. More low manipulation. But also, more versatility with styles. Incorporation of prepoo step.

How did your products change?
More oils and butters. More natural products. Less commercial, chemical products. Things like ORS, Neutrogena Silk Touch Leave in, and Care Free Curl Gold had to go into the trash. I switched to Shea butter mixtures, EVOO, coconut oil, etc. My hair just absorbs more natural products better. ETA: I also stopped doing protein treatments when I became natural. My hair dislikes heavy protein.

Your hair maintenance, regimines, etc.
Hmm. Relaxed and natural hair require maintenance, but a different kind. When I was relaxed, I did weekly washes and rollersets and touchups every couple of months. When stretching/transitioning, if I had a bad hair, it was the end of the world. Lol.
Being natural, the maintenance comes in detangling and not so much styling. I can wear a style for up to 3 or 4 weeks (which I couldn't do with my relaxed hair), but I make up for it in detangling sessions.
My regimen is more simple now, but I think that came with having better hair care in general nowadays.

What advice would you give?
I co-sign on patience. It is a big requirement for this side of the fence.
Also, embrace shrinkage.

Give me an idea of what to expect so I can decide if this is something I really want to try/do.
I can tell you what not to expect. Don't expect your hair to behave a certain way, curl a certain way, respond just like "her" hair does with a particular product, etc. Accept your texture as it is, and you will be happy.
Don't expect being natural to be "easy". There will be some frustrating days and some challenges, just as there are with relaxed hair. The beauty of being natural comes in versatility, experiencing your true texture, and (for some us) better length retention.

 

[Tinkerbell19]

i have always been a natural except for when i went away for school. i was on a dance team so i thought having a relaxer would be the best thing to do. i have been a natural for 10 yrs now and i regret that i ever relaxed. looking back i put so much heat on my hair and i did not use the best products. now i love my natural curls and wouldn't trade them for the world!!

 

[joyandfaith]

What changed when you let your natural hair grow?

The entire texture of my hair changed when I became natural. My hair was much more of a coarse texture when I had a relaxer. I know...it sounds backwards, but it's true. Granted, I didn't know how to take care of my hair properly back then, but even so, I could tell that the texture was more brittle back then.

How did your products change?

I now use much more moisture on my hair, co-wash frequently and seal my ends with moisture and oil. Back then I mainly wore my hair straight, so I shyed away from products with water in them.

Your hair maintenance, regimines, etc.

My regimen now includes protecting my ends more and letting my hair lead the way rather than me trying to make it do what I want.

What advice would you give?

I would say that you have to be patient and experimental. Let your hair tell you what types of products and styles it likes best and don't be afraid to try lots of different products that first year until you settle in.

 

[natura87]

My opinion on my hair, and my entire self. instead of thinking my hair was something I was cursed with I have learned to love every twist, kink and curl on my head.

Maintenence has increased.

I now have an arsenal, yes an arsenal of hair products. I could clarify,DC, condition and 2 strand twist a small country if I wanted to and had the free time.

 

[SelahOco]

I never really enjoyed my hair when I was relax b/c the hair at my nape is so fine it always broke and my hair was never even. So I was constantly trimming to keep the hair even. Regular relaxers and styling was a burden to me. My hair was dry and I just wasn't caring for it.

I went natural on accident after several months of getting micro braids. I started to really enjoy my natural texture, but had a hard time learning to care for it if it wasn't in braids.

I really kind of made my hair my mission. I started looking at youtube vids, ordering shea butters and oils, and really trying to understand my hair. Now it's a part of my personality. I never have a bad hair day, cause I can just wet it and pin it and it's cute.

I feel freer b/c I have so many styling options. The only thing thats worse is that I fear heat in a way I didn't before. If I misuse heat, I could ruin my texture.

My advice would be to reach and watch as many youtubes as you can and make a decision. Be clear on your reasons for going natural and that will help you maintain when it gets difficult.

 

[Yen Oak]

Two words: MORE MOISTURE!

 

[tailormade84]

nothing much changed ...it just took more time, patience, and heavy moisturizing products

 

[ryanshope]

As I'm stretching but highly considering transitioning, I wanted to know in general, what changed when you let your natural hair grow? How did your products change? Your hair maintenance, regimines, etc. What advice would you give? Give me an idea of what to expect so I can decide if this is something I really want to try/do. Thanks!

I didn't transition long(4 months)...I couldn't take the two textures. But to help I would braid or plait my hair and wear wigs. Products remained the same, I still deep conditioned once a week then would rebraid and wig it up.

I know quite a few ladies flat iron or do braid outs(safer) to blend the textures together--but braidouts were terrible for my relaxed hair(it would tangle after two days or so).

Main thing is to "hide" your hair--because with two textures your hair is gonna look terrible..that is real talk. That will be the biggest hurdle--anytime I saw my hair "undone" I felt like I HAD to do something-relax or BC. And the kinkier your hair, the worse it will look(I had a baby fro under 18 inches of hair not a good look)...so if you want to be successful and transition longterm cover it up(weaves, braids, wigs, koofi, whatever).

HTH

 

[Ronnieaj]

what changed when you let your natural hair grow? I had to rethink how to do my hair. I was thrilled with its versatility, but I didn't know how to get a consistent look. Now I know that my hair won't do the same thing everyday, regardless of the products I use. That was definitely a learning curve.

How did your products change? I still use Creme of Nature shampoo, but my little lightweight leave-in conditioner does a whole bunch of nothing. I deep condition more, have incorporated ayurveda and more natural products, and use a heavier leave-in. I moisturize and seal more often, and use butters and oils as my hair needs them.

Your hair maintenance, regimens, etc. I have a different routine, but I have a set routine that I rarely change. I've had to change it recently (twisting weekly) due to tendinitis (more bunning, phony puffs now), but I wash, deep condition, acv rinse, leave-in conditioner, and style. When I was relaxed I washed, DC'd, leave-in condish, rollerset. My routine now just takes more time if I twist. It takes substantially less time if I bun.

What advice would you give? Pay attention to your hair, and figure out what's right for YOU. For instance, many naturals don't use protein very much or at all, but I learned that I need heavy protein every 6 weeks for optimal health. I just did an Aphogee treatment today. That's not what "general wisdom" would advise, but that's what works for me. You have to know what works for you.

Give me an idea of what to expect so I can decide if this is something I really want to try/do. Wish I could, but I can't. When transitioning got rough for me, at around 7 months, I cut my hair off. Your hair as it grows will continually change, the curls--if you have them--may get looser as the hair gets heavier and hangs, your hair may grow up but not down, you may find that what you thought was thick hair is really a whole bunch of fine hair, all sorts of things. That's kinda the fun part about the transition. You learn so many things along the way. Good luck whatever choice you make!!

 

[honeybuni84]

For me, my hair changed in a positive way. there are a few main ways that i noticed it..

- Thickness

When i was relaxed, my hair was always thin, and fine.. super fine. I would struggle with getting my hair to look thick or be thicker.. it never failed. Rollersets helped with body, but i still struggled. I noticed since i stopped relaxing how much my hair has thickened... It is something that really surprised me. While my hair is still pretty fine now, it is definitely doing better with thickness.


- scalp issues

This was something i really only took noticed to after the fact. I had several patches that were not there, my temples and edges were the main culprits. Some spots were clean, others were baby fine peach fuzz that was a light sandy brown. It was on both sides and it could never be fixed... that problem has been eliminated since the bc. they have really filled in nicely, and i have some length..

Retention of length
- I thought i was a slooowwww grower. It took me 18 months to go from NL to APL. I could never seem to see the same results as others when it came to length retention. I truly attribute it to relaxers being too much for my fine hair and making it weak.. I mean really it was breaking no matter what. It was already fine to begin with, then to slap the relaxer on, it was all too much for me. Since i stopped, it took me about 18months to go from BC to just about APL. i mean i am truly shocked with the growth that i have recieved with out relaxing.




Products..

Since being natural , the strength has returned, but i need moister.. I really strive for moisture. I use sulfate free shampoos and conditioners, and dc every time for LOONNNGGG time, when my hair is out.

Styling time

the real difference is on wash days. They always take super long to do with detangling and doing Teri's method. The time is LOONNGGGG but well worth it to get the results i want.

for advice?

I would think to really just get to tknow what your hair likes. Things that you used to do relaxed wont always work now and you need to adjust for it.. It truly is a journey and you have to be prepared for the ride.


I think while some people really thrive relaxing, I didnt.. I have seen more positive results with being natural and it is allowing me to achieve my goals.

 

[OneInAMillion]

As I'm stretching but highly considering transitioning, I wanted to know in general, what changed when you let your natural hair grow?
A lot changed for me...styling options are different. I like to wear my hair straight much of the time, but a rollerset just doesn't last 10 days anymore (Even though it is so much easier to actually do the rollerset now). I'm lucky if I get 4-5 days out of them, so it seems really time consuming especially when humid weather is a factor. I think one think you have to do is to be ready to try brand new styles and see how they suit you.


How did your products change?
my products haven't changed much, mainly because I was texturized before and the texture was so close to my hair now. It was actually more prone to tangling before, so all my great detangling conditioners are still staples.


Your hair maintenance, regimines, etc. What advice would you give?
I'm still tweaking my new regimen, but as far as I can tell moisture is key even moreso than before. I really have to pay attention and prevent my hair from getting dry.

 

[Lylddlebit]

What changed?
At first nothing. I wore my hair braided and pressed out so regularly I didn't even realize I was "going natural" until what would have been the transitioning phase ended with a haircut. Once I started doing my natural hair I found what BostonMaria said to be true: My hair in it's natural state is not predictable. It's not systematic even when I stick to a routine. I wear my hair damp and wet more often now. I style my hair wet and damp more often now. It takes me way longer to style my hair(I don't do wash and go's or frizzy styles), and the styles I choose last a shorter span of time than straight styles last. I can comb my hair with no tools or products now when I need too.

Products
I haven't really changed my product habits as a result of being natural. I still try new things but i stick to what I am trying until it's gone unless it immediately messes my hair up. I use heavier stuff on my natural hair now than I used before
.

Advice
Have a clear idea of what you are getting yourself into before taking the plunge. If your unsure, there is no need to rush. Natural hair goes through periods of popularity; it's wise know why you choose what you choose(although it's not necessary to explain to others). Going from spending hours on extensions that last a month + to spending the same amount of time on twists that last for about 1-2 weeks when you are used to taking 2 minutes to unwrap your hair or slick it into a bun can be a huge change. Do what you want to do with your hair, don't get discouraged by other ppls opinions. If you like long hair more than you like naturally kinky hair, be mindful of the extra effort that it takes to achieve that. Be leery of who you let comb your hair, many people will see the work your hair requires and give you a rush job at the expense of your comfort, wallet, and hair(some may not even do your hair...say thank you and move on). Natural hair isn't always healthy and the shrinking can camouflage a lot more than the length. You will be surprised how many splits and overal damage can be lurking in hair you thought was perfectly healthy prior to straightening it or taking a really close look at. Be practical about the logistics of acquiring certain styles(straight weaves, micro braids with straight hair can be a drastic contrast when the natural hair peaks through). Everything depends on what you are aiming for and what you are willing to put in to get it. Certain styles require heat(press) manipulation(braiding) or even matting(locs). Big questions to examine for yourself are what are your favorite styles right now? How to you you wear you hair most often? Will you be able to keep those as a natural? If not are you willing to give those up? Good luck

 

[Incredible1ne]

This is my second go round as natural. My natural hair needs a bit more moisture and deep conditioning. Otherwise nothing else changed, still do my normal routine but with extra moisturizing. Right now it's very short, not even a TWA, it's almost faded, but my regimen will probably change as it grows.

 

[trynagrow]

Wow! You all have given some wonderful answers. There are so many factors right now to consider and most seem to be encouraging me to coninue to transition (at least for now). I can't even believe I've gotten this far as it's already WORK and I can see some of what you all are saying clearly already! You've all given me more of a realistic outlook on possibly going natural. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

[ycj1]

A whole new head of hair that I love in it's natural state of thickness! Just patiently waiting for the length and I'll be straight!

No more raggity and missing nape hair here!

 

[Truth]

What changed?

My whole mindset. It's like I had to learn how to care for my hair all over again. When I was relaxed I had gotten to the point where I had hair care down pack(thanks LHCF), when I cut it off I had to revamp and research. I also had to Listen to my curls and most importantly, I had to learn to love myself without the long swinging silky straight relaxed hair.

Products??
They allllll change, After a yr and 5months I've finally figured out what works and what doesn't an established staples. I do still try different things, but for the most part I keep my staples in motion at all times.

Maintence and Regie

Honestly now that I think about it my techniques have not changed too much.. when I was relaxed I co washed atleast 2 times a week.. I baggedy my ends and moistured. The only changes now are, I dont baggy and I seal after I moisturize. OH I do detangle now, not so much when I was relaxed

Advice..

Transitioning takes patience and understanding that you are dealing with both textures, your new growth might require alittle more TLC. Pay attention to your hair, give her what she wants and you'll never go wrong..

 

[HollyGolightly]

Right now my hair is the longest and healthiest that it's ever been in my whole life! This is the first time that I've ever been happy and content with my hair. It does take a long time to detangle and style, but I enjoy it.

I use more natural products, like coconut oil, EVOO, and shea butter. Now that I'm natural I almost never use direct heat on my hair. I just braid/twist it up and let it dry overnight.

Also it seems like my hair is growing faster now because I'm not constantly measuring it and stressing over growth.

 

[Maracujá]

What changed when you let your natural hair grow? I was more informed about hair care in general, I did alot of research online and even bought books on how to take care of natural hair.

How did your products change? Your hair maintenance, regimines, etc. What advice would you give? Before going natural all I did was shampoo and use instant conditioners, I used harsh shampoos almost every week. Since going natural I use more moisturizing shampoos and moisturizing deep conditioners, I also learned about clarifying shampoos and how they're necessary to remove build-up. I learned about the importance of deep conditioning on a regular basis and moisturizing and sealing moisture. I no longer use gels only natural hair gels and pomades without mineral oil in them. I would say: stick to the basics and as much as people like to make fun of the LHCF hair rules, guess what? They actually work!

Give me an idea of what to expect so I can decide if this is something I really want to try/do. Like with almost everything it's trial and error, at first you're gonna have to experiment with hair products to find out what your hair likes and doesn't like, but it's a great journey .

 

[MonPetite]

^^^^

ITA with the above poster. Well said.