New *2009* Transitioners Support Thread!

I'm still holding on - been co-washing at least twice a week and baggying my bun. My line of D is causing breakage that I need to get under control - I'll start taking action this weekend with that with a wash, protein and dc.
 
I'm currently 9 months post and am getting very discouraged. I really want to hold off until I reach my 1 year mark to decide whether or not to officially transition. I flat iron my hair every 2 weeks to make it easier for me, but it still gets tangled a day or two after I flat iron. I don't feel comfortable doing a wash and go or braidout due to the extremely different textures. I'm still hoping to make transitioning official for me.
 
Hysi said:
Glad I found this thread. I'm transitioning as well! This is my third month and I can feel the waviness in my hair already. So far I'm rollersetting upward, sit under my pibbs and flat iron the roots or I will flat iron my entire hair 1xwk. I also have done wigs and hair pieces. I decided to go natural for the second time since I had a major setback and suffered a lot of breakage. I had been thinking about it anyway because I am extremely sensitive scalp. My nape is always burned and super red & irritated so it was coming. My edges and my nape are very dry- especially that darn "kitchen"! Every since damage from a relaxer this is how it grew back. I have got to get it back growing. I need your best guns for moisture back there- I've been doing everything.:drowning:
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I feel ya on the breakage. The main reason I am transitioning is because my hair is so weak from being relaxed with SUPER strength relaxers since I was 7 years old. I am hoping to give my hair a fighting chance for strength by not half killing it with sodium hydroxide. :) I like my hair straight, but I figure flat ironing with heat protectant should be the lesser of two evils. I hope Sabino Moisture Block is ready for this Houston humidity...:lachen:
 
natieya said:
I feel ya on the breakage. The main reason I am transitioning is because my hair is so weak from being relaxed with SUPER strength relaxers since I was 7 years old. I am hoping to give my hair a fighting chance for strength by not half killing it with sodium hydroxide. :) I like my hair straight, but I figure flat ironing with heat protectant should be the lesser of two evils. I hope Sabino Moisture Block is ready for this Houston humidity...:lachen:
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:lachen:LOL! I agree. I am in Austin and 13+ months post. I JUST flat-ironed my hair today so I could trim the ends (and I hope my hair holds up at least through the weekend...) I was avoiding doing it bc I really like my big full braidouts, but I knew my hair was strugglin on the ends (see first thumbnail pic). Sure enough, when I straightened, my ends were raggedy. I can't stand that, so I trimmed a couple of inches off. (see second thumbnail pic). I was a scraggly BSL, but now I am hovering midway btw APl and BSL.

This is how I know my hair will fair much better once I am fully transitioned out without the relaxer. My 6-7 inches of NG are super silky and shiny and thick and the ends are scraggly dry and brittle and thin and I baby them MUCH more than the rest of my hair. Yeah, it's been around longer, but it's also way weaker than the rest of my hair. Also, the hair at my temples that was receding before has now started growing back in...I guess I was burning it out trying to get straight edges with a relaxer...:perplexed..if I could go back in time....I know I am making the right decision for me and my hair by transitioning - so I am going to hang in there until the 2 year mark or until I fully transition out. :yep:
 

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FindingMe said:
:lachen:LOL! I agree. I am in Austin and 13+ months post. I JUST flat-ironed my hair today so I could trim the ends (and I hope my hair holds up at least through the weekend...) I was avoiding doing it bc I really like my big full braidouts, but I knew my hair was strugglin on the ends (see first thumbnail pic). Sure enough, when I straightened, my ends were raggedy. I can't stand that, so I trimmed a couple of inches off. (see second thumbnail pic). I was a scraggly BSL, but now I am hovering midway btw APl and BSL.

This is how I know my hair will fair much better once I am fully transitioned out without the relaxer. My 6-7 inches of NG are super silky and shiny and thick and the ends are scraggly dry and brittle and thin and I baby them MUCH more than the rest of my hair. Yeah, it's been around longer, but it's also way weaker than the rest of my hair. Also, the hair at my temples that was receding before has now started growing back in...I guess I was burning it out trying to get straight edges with a relaxer...:perplexed..if I could go back in time....I know I am making the right decision for me and my hair by transitioning - so I am going to hang in there until the 2 year mark or until I fully transition out. :yep:
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Beautiful hair, FindingMe. :grin:
 
Can anyone offer me any advice to give my sister about transitioning? She is having problems with her roots tangling!! What can you all suggest to aid her with her tangling roots?
 
I'm a few days short of 7 months...:) I'll either put braids in next weekend or go to my trusted braider. I'd like to keep them in until month 10 :)
 
natieya said:
Beautiful hair, FindingMe. :grin:
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Thanks, and NOW it's raining this weekend in Austin (and my hair was so pretty when I curled it...) I can't win for losing. :ohwell:

delitefulmane said:
Can anyone offer me any advice to give my sister about transitioning? She is having problems with her roots tangling!! What can you all suggest to aid her with her tangling roots?
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She needs to find and use the right products. My roots always tangle (and it is a NIGHTMARE to deal with) if I don't use the right things on my hair. If products are too drying, they will make my hair tangle something awful. Now that she is transitioning, some of the old products she used to use won't work on her hair anymore, so she's gonna have to try something new.

For example, when I need extra detangling, I cowash and detangle FIRST with cheapie $1 conditioner (V05). Most times, I use a third of a bottle bc I slather on generously and use a wide toothed comb to comb through and detangle under running water.

Then, I wash and condition with Ancient Secrets herbal shampoo & rinse:

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Secre...A7135810W5EN2&s=generic&qid=1221850230&sr=1-1


When I condition, I apply the Ancient Secrets to my NG, BUT, I condition my relaxed ends with Nexxus Therapy. The Ancient Secrets works wonders on my NG, but does NOTHING for the relaxed hair. Conversely, the Nexxus does NOTHING for my NG, but keeps my relaxed ends well moisturized. Go figure:perplexed

This works for me, and your sister may have to do something like this if she plans to transition for a long time. She has two different types of hair on her head that requires different care.:yep:


I would suggest co-washing for her and only clarifying like once a month with a poo followed by a DC under heat until she finds what works for her hair. Any cheapie conditioner can be used to co-wash with, but if she needs to get to her roots, I would go with something with no cones, but provides a lot of slip (my transitioning buddy Morenita loves Curl Junkie Banana and Hibiscus)

HTH!
 
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xyra said:
I'm currently 9 months post and am getting very discouraged. I really want to hold off until I reach my 1 year mark to decide whether or not to officially transition. I flat iron my hair every 2 weeks to make it easier for me, but it still gets tangled a day or two after I flat iron. I don't feel comfortable doing a wash and go or braidout due to the extremely different textures. I'm still hoping to make transitioning official for me.
Click to expand...

You can do it:yep:.. Hang in there. :drunk:

How are you styling your hair at 9 months post?
 
xyra said:
I'm currently 9 months post and am getting very discouraged. I really want to hold off until I reach my 1 year mark to decide whether or not to officially transition. I flat iron my hair every 2 weeks to make it easier for me, but it still gets tangled a day or two after I flat iron. I don't feel comfortable doing a wash and go or braidout due to the extremely different textures. I'm still hoping to make transitioning official for me.
Click to expand...

How do you wear your hair at night? Do you wrap it?

My nape is nearly natural and tends to revert the quickest, and because of that, my hair will tangle in that area. Instead, I rollerset my hair before going to bed. I comb my hair back and set the ends on 3 gray rollers and will sometimes add a smaller one in the front. That way, I don't have to manipulate my hair much and it still looks full.

You might also want to clarify and deep condition with a moisturizing treatment.
 
I've been lurking for a little while and finally decided to start making some posts today! I'm 6 weeks post relaxer today, and I decided to transition to natural two weeks ago. I'm almost APL right now. I'm not brave enough for a BC, but I normally relax every 5-6 weeks, so I'm entering new territory today!

I've always wondered what my natural hair would look like, and seeing the beautiful natural pics from ladies on this board has definitely encouraged and inspired me. I think I have about 1/2 inch of NG and it's funny - when it was time for me to relax 6 weeks ago I was irritated by the kink in my roots. Now I can't keep my fingers off of it! I can't wait to see my natural hair pattern!

I'll be subscribing to this thread...I really have no idea how to style my hair during this process. I have to learn how to do different buns but I have to be careful about pulling on my sides - the hair above my ear on both sides is thin and short and I'm concerned about putting too much stress on those edges. I tried a braidout last week and it wasn't horrible but I can definitely use some practice!

Sorry for the book, but I'm just really excited to be here and I'm even more excited about my transition!!!:drunk:
 
I'm 13 weeks post today checking in. I've never made it past 14. I've cornrowed my hair and I'm rocking a wig so no sweat. Coconut oil on NG plus DCing with a Pibbs (even overnight) is keeping my 4a coilies like butta and in check.
 
WantNatural said:
I've been lurking for a little while and finally decided to start making some posts today! I'm 6 weeks post relaxer today, and I decided to transition to natural two weeks ago. I'm almost APL right now. I'm not brave enough for a BC, but I normally relax every 5-6 weeks, so I'm entering new territory today!

I've always wondered what my natural hair would look like, and seeing the beautiful natural pics from ladies on this board has definitely encouraged and inspired me. I think I have about 1/2 inch of NG and it's funny - when it was time for me to relax 6 weeks ago I was irritated by the kink in my roots. Now I can't keep my fingers off of it! I can't wait to see my natural hair pattern!

I'll be subscribing to this thread...I really have no idea how to style my hair during this process. I have to learn how to do different buns but I have to be careful about pulling on my sides - the hair above my ear on both sides is thin and short and I'm concerned about putting too much stress on those edges. I tried a braidout last week and it wasn't horrible but I can definitely use some practice!

Sorry for the book, but I'm just really excited to be here and I'm even more excited about my transition!!!:drunk:
Click to expand...

Welcome and good luck with your transition.
 
Welcome :-) Good luck!!!
Some styling options (i.e. what I do, lol) - braidouts, headband and hair pinned up, rollerset... Check out my transitioning stykes, so far: http://public.fotki.com/mummysgirl/transition-to-natural/hairdos-while-trans/

WantNatural said:
I've been lurking for a little while and finally decided to start making some posts today! I'm 6 weeks post relaxer today, and I decided to transition to natural two weeks ago. I'm almost APL right now. I'm not brave enough for a BC, but I normally relax every 5-6 weeks, so I'm entering new territory today!

I've always wondered what my natural hair would look like, and seeing the beautiful natural pics from ladies on this board has definitely encouraged and inspired me. I think I have about 1/2 inch of NG and it's funny - when it was time for me to relax 6 weeks ago I was irritated by the kink in my roots. Now I can't keep my fingers off of it! I can't wait to see my natural hair pattern!

I'll be subscribing to this thread...I really have no idea how to style my hair during this process. I have to learn how to do different buns but I have to be careful about pulling on my sides - the hair above my ear on both sides is thin and short and I'm concerned about putting too much stress on those edges. I tried a braidout last week and it wasn't horrible but I can definitely use some practice!

Sorry for the book, but I'm just really excited to be here and I'm even more excited about my transition!!!:drunk:
Click to expand...
 
21 weeks post, hair's holding up well... Going to be at a wedding next Saturday (I'm on the bridal train) and plan to get a rollerset done and find the best possible way to avoid my NG in front being flat ironed... It will be a very curly rollerset so I'll find a style that will make me get away with it :-)
 
Hello everyone,
:wave:

I'm a total newbie! I actually found this board and was looking for ways to increase my growth and keep my relaxed hair healthy. I had always had a desire in the back of my mind to try natural but never really got the guts. So now, I think I'm getting the guts, and as of right now am going with the idea that I am stretching my relaxer and just going to see what happens. Everyone here is so inspiring! I really do want to go natural though, and my sister is natural now and really supporting me to go natural. I am about 9 weeks post, so not too much chaos quite yet.
That's all I've got to say for now, I'm going to go and look through these 98 pages of material!!
 
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Ugh! I'm so frustrated right now! I kinda want to BC soon but I'm going to be abroad this summer doing an internship and I just don't think it's the right time to experiment. After numerous trims, my hair is now slightly above APL and I wear it straight most of the time. Lately, the problem is that it reverts so quickly (because of the humidity) that it doesn't even make sense to get a press. And I need to stop using so much heat!

I'm thinking about either:
1) getting braids (the last time my hair was in braids was probably in 2004 so i dunno) or
2) getting the BKT done, airdrying, and wearing it a bun.

What do you guys think?
 
One thing I've noticed at almost 5months post... I can't do braidouts on almost dry hair... i.e. I'm going to have to wait till my hair is 100% dry before I do my cornrows for my braidouts.

It wasn't fun today, dealing with damp(ish) hair with almost 2 inches of new growth. They're in though and I'm expecting a beautiful braidout tomorrow :-)
 
FindingMe said:
I am going to hang in there until the 2 year mark or until I fully transition out. :yep:
Click to expand...

Lol FM, you just keep pushing that B/C date further and further back :lachen:Imma hang witcha until the 2yr mark and then we'll see what happens for me from there lol :grin:
 
MummysGirl said:
One thing I've noticed at almost 5months post... I can't do braidouts on almost dry hair... i.e. I'm going to have to wait till my hair is 100% dry before I do my cornrows for my braidouts.

It wasn't fun today, dealing with damp(ish) hair with almost 2 inches of new growth. They're in though and I'm expecting a beautiful braidout tomorrow :-)
Click to expand...
I noticed the same thing - the further along I got in my transition the more difficult it was to do braids or twists on damp hair.
 
Nuelle said:
Ugh! I'm so frustrated right now! I kinda want to BC soon but I'm going to be abroad this summer doing an internship and I just don't think it's the right time to experiment. After numerous trims, my hair is now slightly above APL and I wear it straight most of the time. Lately, the problem is that it reverts so quickly (because of the humidity) that it doesn't even make sense to get a press. And I need to stop using so much heat!

I'm thinking about either:
1) getting braids (the last time my hair was in braids was probably in 2004 so i dunno) or
2) getting the BKT done, airdrying, and wearing it a bun.

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...


Well how much hair would you have if you BC?

How long have you been transitioning.

Maybe try some curly styles?

Have you tried braidouts?

Knotouts?

I agree, stay away from the heat for a bit.

Maybe get braids to get your mind off of your hair for a little while?
 
MaraMDwillbe said:
Hello everyone,
:wave:

I'm a total newbie! I actually found this board and was looking for ways to increase my growth and keep my relaxed hair healthy. I had always had a desire in the back of my mind to try natural but never really got the guts. So now, I think I'm getting the guts, and as of right now am going with the idea that I am stretching my relaxer and just going to see what happens. Everyone here is so inspiring! I really do want to go natural though, and my sister is natural now and really supporting me to go natural. I am about 9 weeks post, so not too much chaos quite yet.
That's all I've got to say for now, I'm going to go and look through these 98 pages of material!!
Click to expand...

Well hello there!!! Welcome and good luck!!!
Post an intro thread in the main forum so we can get to know ya.
 
MaraMDwillbe said:
Hello everyone,
:wave:

I'm a total newbie! I actually found this board and was looking for ways to increase my growth and keep my relaxed hair healthy. I had always had a desire in the back of my mind to try natural but never really got the guts. So now, I think I'm getting the guts, and as of right now am going with the idea that I am stretching my relaxer and just going to see what happens. Everyone here is so inspiring! I really do want to go natural though, and my sister is natural now and really supporting me to go natural. I am about 9 weeks post, so not too much chaos quite yet.
That's all I've got to say for now, I'm going to go and look through these 98 pages of material!!
Click to expand...

Welcome and good luck with your stretch ...
 
I'm a little over six months and was beginning to give up hope (thus my woe-is-me thread :)) but last night I did an ACV rinse for the first time and I really believe it will help me. I cowashed (which my hair usually hates, but worked for some reason,) followed with two cups of water mixed with 1/4 cup honey and 1 tbsp ACV, and my hair's two textures evened out and were easy to detangle and felt smoothed.
I'm still considering BKT or braids (if my fine hair can survive them,) but I think the ACV might get me through the next few months just fine :)

@xyra: I was having some of the same issues with the two different textures and some of the ladies here made some really great suggestions. Most of them recommended--aside from a BC--trying BKT, braids and/or sew-ins, or trying braid-outs with headbands in order to obscure the disparities between textures. Or maybe the ACV might help you like it helped me. After my shower--with my hair still wet with the ACV mix--I combed through the entire length with a wide-tooth comb, then--only once thoroughly detangled--went through only the three-to-four inches of new growth very gently with a fine-tooth comb, then put my hair in two snug braids. The fine tooth comb kept my roots from popping up during the drying process. You could also do the same with a scarf tied tightly around your hair while it dries to keep the roots in place. If you don't like the idea of the comb, you could use a tooth brush instead. I don't know how much NG you have, but perhaps you could try braidouts again using this method :)

I hope the transitioning is going well for everyone!
 
Morenita said:
Lol FM, you just keep pushing that B/C date further and further back :lachen:Imma hang witcha until the 2yr mark and then we'll see what happens for me from there lol :grin:
Click to expand...

I know, right?! :lachen:I'm a mess...

It has been so painless for me, though, bc I LOVE my braidouts. I plan to rock them 90% of the time when I am fully natural as well.

Another thing that gave me the confidence to say that I could fully transition out was that I also straightened my hair this weekend and trimmed about 1.5-2 inches off, so I am just past APL again. BUT, my ends are cool and the trim really helped with the thickness on the ends, so I am not tripping. My natural hair straightened out SO well (I did a damp to dry flat iron) and is so smooth and soft and shiny and thick, I feel like if I want to wear my hair straight, I can still do my hair like this until it's transitioned on out.:lachen:Thus the 2+ year transition...I honestly don't feel like I'm gonna have enough length after 18 months bc I am SOOOO attached to the length right now...:look:
 
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