To naturals who did not BC......

[Jazzy413]

what did you do to maintain your ends, new growth, and just your hair overall??? I am in the stage where I think I could possibly start to make that transition, but don't want to do necessarily make the big cut ya know....my husband would have a fit for one, and I dont know that I could take it either..lol. But I am about 17-18 weeks post right now, and while I have a ton on NG that I cannot comb thru, I have been able to somewhat manage things but it feels like it has been FOREVER since Ive actually combed thru my hair, and I feel like my ends look HORRID!!! I think I may be experiencing some slight shedding as well due to the stretching, so all of this makes me want to break down and relax, but Ive really been trying to hold out and see if I can maintain. Any help you all can offer is greatly appreciated!!!
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[SunnyDelight]

Jazzy413 - I am transitioning without the BC. I'm 8 months into it. I co-wash frequently to help maintain the softness of NG. S Curl is great. It is not greasy or runny and really keeps the NG soft/touchable (to me and hubby). To maintain my permed ends, I treat them like silk. LITERALLY. I keep them moisterized and seal with JBCO or coconut oil. What has really saved my hair and sanity during this transition has been braids and weaves. When in braids I'm committed to C&G and when I have it weaved I make sure that it gets moisterized daily.

Keep the faith. You can do this!!

 

[curlie rae]

I did not do the BC and it probably took around 1-1½ years to be completely natural. In the beginning stages, I had the same frustration as you did and ended up with braids just so I didn’t have to deal with the different textures and tangles. It was easier to handle when my natural hair was greater than 50% of the overall length. Good luck!

 

[ClassicBeauty]

I just did a roller wrap and flat ironed the roots. I did that for years, and I finally cut all the relaxed ends after about 2.5 years. I had long hair (well it wasn't super long, but it had good length) and wanted to keep it that way. I did trims every so often along the way. I explain it all in my journal.

When I did cut the relaxed hair completely off, I got it cut in long layers so that I could keep the length. My hair grows much faster in the back.

 

[Jazzy413]

Thanks for the replies....I am really trying to be strong and hold out!! My grade of hair makes me think I could make it if I just find the right things to do to it. My hubby is not used to this but has been so patient and understanding...lol. I will make sure to check your regimine out Divastyle..your hair looks gorgeous and Curlie Rae, WOW...your hair looks so healthy!!! You guys really inspire me...I just need to get that willpower going now!!!
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[Aussie]

GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LET ME TELL YOU. NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE BUT I WAS NOT WALKIN AROUND SPORTING A MINI BUSH.

so i do kno where u are comin from. not everything is for everyone. I am a 2 yr natural and I didnt do the BC. How well do u like braids or weave-ins? Well that is how I transitioned. I wore braids for 1 1/2 yrs straight. No breaks( only to take the braids out, treat my hair, then get them done again). Everytime i redid my braids I would chop some of my relaxed hair little by little. So at the end of my braiding all I had was about an inch of relaxed hair and about 8- 10 inches (stretched) of natural hair. You can see a pic of it in my fotki (link below). The pic is in my hair story album. I did braids that really didnt pull at the hair like kinky twists, nubian twist, and at one point braids that i wore in a loose pony tail all the time. Some ppl forget that with braids you have to still moisturize and wash your hair. I would lather the soap in my hand, put it on my braids, finger massage the lather on my scalp, and stand under the shower head as it rinsed it out in one direction. My natural hair was healthy and full. Just to do a length check I flatironed my hair after my last set of braids and my hair was past my shoulders. 1 1/2 yrs flies by. Just keep the hair trimmed when u take out the braids (or weave-ins), keep clean moisturized hair.

**this became an essay lol**

HTH!!!

 

[Jazzy413]

This really does help Aussie....Ive never been into braids all that much, but think I might start especially if I decide to go the natural route. Your advice is good too because I have seen some women with braids and you know they are not taking care of it(washing, moisturizing) like they should because it begins to show!! You made some great progress Aussie!!
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[Sweet_Ambrosia]

Well, I transitioned for 2 years, I didn’t do the BC, I just trimmed my ends every so often. Some things that really helped me transition was Protective/Low Maintenance Styling, The Baggie Method, CO Washing and Deep Conditioning, Low/No Heat, Moisture/Protein etc...basically the same things I've been doing all along.

As long as you're consistent with your regimen and focused on your main goal, you can transition succesfully. Good Luck!

 

[Nonie]

GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LET ME TELL YOU. NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE BUT I WAS NOT WALKIN AROUND SPORTING A MINI BUSH.

so i do kno where u are comin from. not everything is for everyone. I am a 2 yr natural and I didnt do the BC. How well do u like braids or weave-ins? Well that is how I transitioned. I wore braids for 1 1/2 yrs straight. No breaks( only to take the braids out, treat my hair, then get them done again). Everytime i redid my braids I would chop some of my relaxed hair little by little. So at the end of my braiding all I had was about an inch of relaxed hair and about 8- 10 inches (stretched) of natural hair. You can see a pic of it in my fotki (link below). The pic is in my hair story album. I did braids that really didnt pull at the hair like kinky twists, nubian twist, and at one point braids that i wore in a loose pony tail all the time. Some ppl forget that with braids you have to still moisturize and wash your hair. I would lather the soap in my hand, put it on my braids, finger massage the lather on my scalp, and stand under the shower head as it rinsed it out in one direction. My natural hair was healthy and full. Just to do a length check I flatironed my hair after my last set of braids and my hair was past my shoulders. 1 1/2 yrs flies by. Just keep the hair trimmed when u take out the braids (or weave-ins), keep clean moisturized hair.

**this became an essay lol**

HTH!!!

Did the same thing, except I got my "moisture" from frequent washes, and conditioning. I was rid of my relaxed hair at the end of the first year with 4-5 inches of natural hair. Had 9-11 inches by the end of the second year, and since the regular trimming had kept my hair in good shape, I continued that whenever I touched up my hair.

 

[Jazzy413]

Thanks for all the replies. I think Ive decided, at least for the moment anyway, to go ahead and try. Ive already gone this long, half the time with no help at all, just decided to stretch with no clue whatsoever; the other half I started lurking here and learning a few things . So Im headed down that road y'all!! I am glad to have a place to get some good advice and info..So far everyones been so helpful!!​