Relaxed going natural...Any Tips?

[dede1129]

Hello All,

I made the decision at the beginning of the year to go natural after going to a stylist and really getting a breakdown of my hair type which is 4A/fine. Relaxers have always made my hair even more thin than it already is. The last time I had a relaxer was november 2009 and since then my hair has gotten thicker but now I am in the stage where I am like what can I do to my hair on a regular basis because I am in the military and we have to wear our hair up. Ponytails make my head look bigger and I want to wear my hair up but not always in a pony tail. Anywho what products are good to use? Grease weighs my hair down so I have been trying not to grease my scalp but then my hair gets dry so now i am lost???

Any Suggestions?

 

[dr.j]

Hi dede,

I'm also transitioning to natural. Here are two threads that have been helpful for me.

2010 Transitioners Support Thread
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=419744

Transitioning w/o BCing Support Thread
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=410134

Best wishes!

 

[MsLizziA]

My very first tip to transitioners is if you can take it, hide your hair. I RAN to braids when i decided to go natural again. It just took all the mess out of it. I give my hat off to those that transtion without the use of wigs, braids, and other protective styling methods.

I made a blog post about transitoners. I hope this helps! http://strawberricurls.tumblr.com/search/transitioner

 

[ava2]

Patience ............

 

[Liberianmami26]

wow i have fine 4a hair too but if you have to keep your hair up i would probably suggest getting individual braids. i kno during the beginning of my transition i wore a lot of scarves and stuff because i was dealing with shedding and not fully knowing how to deal with all that new growth especially at the 6 month mark i say if u make it past the sixth month hurdle u should be good.

the thing i think most people would agree on is to treat all your hair as if it were natural and start looking for a good moisurizer that will get your roots moisturized.
and deep conditioning is your friend.
protective styles are great cuz it keeps your hands out your head which prevents any headache.
hth feel free to pm me anytime and check out Mook's hair she transitioned for 2 years too like im planning on doing

 

[Fine 4s]

I transitioned by accident wearing braids for a month or so, then continued with presses and trimmed as the hair got longer. This was 15 years ago.

 

[lovenharmony]

In the military, braids are a woman's best friend! When I was in the military, I put in braids and it was smooth sailing!

 

[dede1129]

Looks like it's braids for me...Thanks Ladies!

 

[dangerousvirgo2001]

Just do the BC!

 

[bedazzled]

Definitely Hide your Hair. I took advantage of flexi rods & would rod my hair every other day & wear really cute updo's. After about 8 months, my hair started to break so I just cut it all off and now I love it. If you need any inspiration here you go. I big chopped then uploaded the video on YT. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jglHzobcwE

 

[Janet']

My suggestion is that whatever you do, be patient with yourself. The process of transitioning is not necessarily a "seamless affair". It takes time to learn what products, protective styles, etc. work for you and your hair. The ladies on this board are tres knowledgable, so take advantage of searches. H.appy H.air G.rowing!