Is Anyone Else Loving Their Transition Phase?

[araceli2418]

I've read so many threads where many others were having a lot of breakage with their transition so I'm wondering if I'm one of the lucky ones.

Even someone else not from this board told me I was going to have a lot of breakage but I haven't. It was the first thing out of her mouth. In fact, I've had none. My last relaxer was April 2008. I just have normal shedding and very few hairs at all. Geez, I hope I haven't jinxed myself.

I have subscribed to the "Transitioner Support Thread" but have not had a chance to get into it yet.

Even my very, very thin almost bald spot on my crown is showing good improvement (really I just noticed this) but I attribute that to 5,000mg of MSM daily and 10mg of Biotin daily. I'm also planning on getting Emu oil. I thought those follicles were long dead but maybe not.

So is anyone else loving this stage or am I alone here? *crickets chirping*

 

[Eisani]

I won't rain on your parade so I just say enjoy it but keep an open mind in case u have to adjust your regimen. I was fine too up to my 12 month point then I had to start re-evaluating and adjusting my routine accordingly.

 

[Lynn84]

I'm only 12 weeks into it but since I don't have a ton of new growth it has been fine. I have had problems with detangling and a bit of breakage. I've been wanting to try MSM, but I remember reading it can change hair texture and I'm afraid that if I stop taking it I will end up with two off looking textures on my head.
Have you had any negative side effects or texture changes from 5,000mg daily?

 

[araceli2418]

I won't rain on your parade so I just say enjoy it but keep an open mind in case u have to adjust your regimen. I was fine too up to my 12 month point then I had to start re-evaluating and adjusting my routine accordingly.

Don't hold back. I would rather you be up front with me. Hair is a funny thing, anyway. Out with it, Eisani.

 

[araceli2418]

I'm only 12 weeks into it but since I don't have a ton of new growth it has been fine. I have had problems with detangling and a bit of breakage. I've been wanting to try MSM, but I remember reading it can change hair texture and I'm afraid that if I stop taking it I will end up with two off looking textures on my head.
Have you had any negative side effects or texture changes from 5,000mg daily?

No texture changes but I did get incredibly itchy. I did a search on s/e and the only thing I could find was threads from here but when I came here and did a search I couldn't find anything.

Anyway, I started drinking water and using lotion for extra dry skin. Now I'm okay.

Oh wait, there was one thing about the itchies being your body trying to get rid of toxins. Don't know.

 

[TaraDyan]

I've read so many threads where many others were having a lot of breakage with their transition so I'm wondering if I'm one of the lucky ones.

Even someone else not from this board told me I was going to have a lot of breakage but I haven't. It was the first thing out of her mouth. In fact, I've had none. My last relaxer was April 2008. I just have normal shedding and very few hairs at all. Geez, I hope I haven't jinxed myself.

I have subscribed to the "Transitioner Support Thread" but have not had a chance to get into it yet.

Even my very, very thin almost bald spot on my crown is showing good improvement (really I just noticed this) but I attribute that to 5,000mg of MSM daily and 10mg of Biotin daily. I'm also planning on getting Emu oil. I thought those follicles were long dead but maybe not.

So is anyone else loving this stage or am I alone here? *crickets chirping*

When I was transitioning, I had no problems or breakage either ... until 16-18 months into my transition. I looked up and had ridiculous breakage at the line of demarcation. Luckily, I was already scheduled to big chop at 18 months. My relaxed hair was too thin and fine to fight with my strong natural hair, so it lost ... and I mean it lost BIG TIME.


I'm not saying that will happen to you though. You just need to monitor your situation and adjust accordingly.

By the way, how long do you plan on transitioning?

 

[araceli2418]

When I was transitioning, I had no problems or breakage either ... until 16-18 months into my transition. I looked up and had ridiculous breakage at the line of demarcation. Luckily, I was already scheduled to big chop at 18 months. My relaxed hair was too thin and fine to fight with my strong natural hair, so it lost ... and I mean it lost BIG TIME.


I'm not saying that will happen to you though. You just need to monitor your situation and adjust accordingly.

By the way, how long do you plan on transitioning?

I really don't know. I've never been natural before. It started with not wanting to put chemicals in my hair anymore. I was also very much inspired by the women on here and also reading somewhere that the stuff in relaxers is basically what they put in Drano to unclog your sink. That was it for me. So I decided to transition w/o the BC. So I guess I'm kind of seeing where it takes me. Even w/o reading the Drano thing, I was still tired of relaxing.

 

[bluediamond0829]

Okay the first time i transitioned my breakage was something horrible. I got to the 4 month(the exact day) and went and got a relaxer and cut it off into a short cut. Went thru the whole thing for a couple of months of going to the salon spending money. Then August 2007 came i did my last relaxer. So i just started from there transitioning this time but no problems at all. I used medium micros and sewins the whole entire time. Oh and also wigs sometimes. It was the smoothest and fastest process ever. Time really flew by and here it is a year and 3 months now. If i had any breakage i hardly noticed it. I cowashed alot when i wasnt wearing medium micros or sewins.

 

[claudia05]

No ...My constant shedding and being 21 weeks post (about 1.5 in of newgrowth) with fine hair has left me with a patch and a thin spot. No turning back now, 83 more weeks to go . Looking into garlic pills.

 

[HeavenlySkies]

No ...My constant shedding and being 21 weeks post (about 1.5 in of newgrowth) with fine hair has left me with a patch and a thin spot. No turning back now, 83 more weeks to go . Looking into garlic pills.

That's the 2nd time I've seen someone say they had to transition for 2 years is this the standard or is it just going by how long the person's hair is because I think by the time my year is up the perm will pretty much be at the very ends of my hair.​

 

[noemi]

I haven't had breakage or anything and things are okay. I'm approaching a year tomorrow and I'm just re-evaluation my regimen, techniques, etc., since now I have a good idea of what kind of hair I've hair. Not sure if I'm going to continue tho...

Enjoy it!

 

[Allandra]

My transition is going well, and I'm actually enjoying it quite a bit. I've been transitioning for 56 weeks now.

 

[Eisani]

Don't hold back. I would rather you be up front with me. Hair is a funny thing, anyway. Out with it, Eisani.

This is nothing but the truth! I tend to shy away from stronger protein (even ORS Replenishing is too much normally), and I know quite a few naturals say they don't need to use it, but with all my shedding (shed a lot this time of year anyway) and minor breakage right now, I'm thinking I may need protein, but not sure if it's the new hair that needs it or these rootie pootie texlaxed ends . Either way, it's getting on my nerves. I never thought I'd be entertaining the thought of doing a protein treatment but alas, that's the life of a transitioner!

all that just to say, keep doing what you're doing if it works and enjoy your hair, but also be prepared for changes. I'm even going back to keeping a journal of what I do and what products used .

 

[Allandra]

Oh, and I haven't experienced any breakage.

 

[Clazz E 2]

I've read so many threads where many others were having a lot of breakage with their transition so I'm wondering if I'm one of the lucky ones.

Even someone else not from this board told me I was going to have a lot of breakage but I haven't. It was the first thing out of her mouth. In fact, I've had none. My last relaxer was April 2008. I just have normal shedding and very few hairs at all. Geez, I hope I haven't jinxed myself.

I have subscribed to the "Transitioner Support Thread" but have not had a chance to get into it yet.

Even my very, very thin almost bald spot on my crown is showing good improvement (really I just noticed this) but I attribute that to 5,000mg of MSM daily and 10mg of Biotin daily. I'm also planning on getting Emu oil. I thought those follicles were long dead but maybe not.

So is anyone else loving this stage or am I alone here? *crickets chirping*

Loving mine...Errrryday!! and my hair is loving me...

 

[Geminigirl]

those that arent experiencing breakage what are you doing?

 

[SheenaVee]

im getting some breakage, not too much so I aint worried and I am still loving my transition.

 

[blackbarbie]

It will be 2 years in January 2009 and I haven't experienced any breakage at all. I have really been enjoying the transition.

A previous poster asked if 2 years is standard for a transition. That depends on the person. I will be going 2+ years because of the length of my hair. I may have about another year or so for my transition. I would like my natural hair to reach my shoulders when in its natural state. There is really no guarantee how much shrinkage I will actually have (won't know until I cut the relaxed ends), but at the least I would like for my natural hair (when straightened) to be back at MBL.

The thing that has been a lifesaver for me has been co-washing and bunning. I have been getting trims every few months (I have cut off about 6-7 inches this past year and have about 6 more inches to go) but in between times, I co-wash every few days, moisturize, drizzle my scalp with coconut oil (it gets thirsty down there), seal my hair w/coconut oil and bun. I don't comb in between co-washes, just tie it down nightly. I think the key has been keeping the hair moisturized at the line of demarcation to prevent it from drying and breaking.

Good luck on your continued transition!

 

[Napp]

my hair breaks like crazy and i have no idea what to do with it most of the time but i like transitioning.

 

[araceli2418]

those that arent experiencing breakage what are you doing?

Well, for me, I cowash everyday or, at least, try to. Most of the time it ends up being 5 days a week. I only detangle/comb thru in the shower with conditioner in my hair. Also, I moisturize 2x a day. I lightly moisturize in the morning (though, I think now I need to up it a little b/c my hair seems to be dryer) b/c I don't want to walk around with "greasy" looking hair. Then at night is when I really go to town. I moisturize the heck out of my hair. I also deep condition 1x a week. My original plan was to DC 2x a week but that hasn't really worked out, though, I think now that the air is dryer I may have to reconsider this. That's pretty much all I do.

By the way, if anyone thinks I should be doing more, by all means, please let me know.