Hi everybody! I need transitioning advice...

[jamiss]

I have lurked on these boards for a long time, and doing so helped me grow my hair longer than it's ever been. I never thought I would have hair past my neck, and the tips I learned here helped me a lot! I had beautiful natural hair (after many years of wearing braided extensions) that I really loved. I had not had a relaxer in 6 years.

But now I have a problem Last September I began to relax again. And I have come to a conclusion that I just don't need to have relaxed hair! I did it for time reasons (I was a stay-at-home mom rejoining the workforce), and family pressures (ooh my parents talked bad about my naps, although I can't blame them for my decision because I am a grown woman). Now my beautiful coils are ugly strings. I have used the best products, the cheapest, everything, and my hair is still dry, ugly and stringy. I have used Nexxus, Mizani, Suave, you name it. And I never want to feel my scalp burning agin.

So I need the advice from ladies who know about transitioning. Part of me wants to do the big chop, but I am scared that my face isn't feminine enough for such a short length. Early December '06 is the last time I relaxed, so I have just a couple inches of new growth.

Part of me would like to transition without chopping, but I can only imagine the problems that come with that! I don't have much breakage now, but I have heard horror stories of ladies who end up looking pretty bad when they try to transition without the chop. I know Cathy Howse is doing it, but I think she has a lot more professional help than I could afford.

Sorry this is so long! But if anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

 

[Ms Red]

Hi! I have been transitioning without the big chop for 2 yrs. and there are others here who have been doing it longer than me. It can be done

I will bump up the Transitioner's Support Thread for you.

The first couple of months I transitioned by rollersetting and flat-ironing my roots. Then wrapping my hair. This really worked since I had less than 3 or 4 inches of new growth. You can also go to the salon to get your hair flat-ironed and if you pincurl or wrap that should last about 2 weeks.

Another idea is to just chop. It cuts the hassle of dealing with the two textures and is really liberating. But since you said you're not ready for that, braids or a sew-in weave or a wig or 1/2 wig might be an option for you. Or even a phony pony, which you can baggie underneath.

I would suggest some type of protective style that allows you access to your hair so that you can wash, deep condition and treat your hair frequently. There are a lot of options out there! Good luck!

 

[jamiss]

Thank you for the quick response! I am leaning toward the chop, I just have to remember that it will grow back!

 

[bLackButtaFly]

If you've worn your hair natural in the past, you know what to expect out of it, so maybe just chopping would be best. I transitioned for about 6-8 months and I had to stop b/c I felt like I was have alot of breakage, but I also was not using the right products for my hair, or moisturizing, so I'm sure that today I could've gone alot longer. As long as you take care of your hair, and protect it more when transitioning, you should be fine. Just watch out for usign heat everyday, poor moisturizing etc. Good luck!

 

[LovedAlot]

I transistioned from 2002-2005 without big chopping. Then I decided to relax again. It was a big mistake. Relaxing just doesn't agree with my hair for some reason. I made up my mind and decided to go natural again, which brings me to today. I have been officially been transitioning since June 06 with braids. I have had a few other styles in between, but I have mostly used braids. The only advice I can administer is be patient. If you feel like you can't handle the two textures maybe put some braids or a weave in so you don't have to worry about it. Wearing braids and using mtg has made a tremendous difference in my growth. I have had accelerated growth and couldn't be more happy. I still do all the things I used to do like wash, condition, blow dry (sometimes, trying to get away from it) and protein treatments. I still have relaxed ends, but now I know how to handle them. LHCF is awesome. You are at the right place. Hang in there. I know you can do it. Once you reach your goal you will be so proud of yourself. Sorry so long.