OK, I am a natural who transitioned a little differently. I didn't do the big chop and I didn't press my new growth to match my relaxed hair. I braided my hair just as it was, with the two textures. It hadn't reached the post-relaxer breaking stage...whatever that is. Maybe if it had been, I woulda chopped the perm off. Then because I do my own braids and redo them one at a time, every time I got a bit of growth and undid a braid to redo it, I'd trim 1/4-1/2 inch off until it was all gone.
And I'm pleased to say my braids and I have enjoyed marriage bliss since then.
Braids for me are not just a great style but they are also the easiest way from me to manage and grow my hair. And they have never been a problem for me anywhere, even in the workplace - and I'm the only black in my company, BTW. I think how you feel about yourself affects how people respond to you. Women of color are blessed in that we can get away with any do. How many snow-white women do you think could get away with an afro?
But dare us to wear any style ever invented and we go one step further; we make the style look even better.
(No I'm not full of myself at all
)
So if you want to be natural but are afraid of shocking the world with a new look that they may not be ready for, (or just don't have the courage to walk out with the drastic change), you can do it without risking damaging your new healthy hair with heat. If you chopped off your relaxed hair, you could get nice cornrows and wear a wig, and let our hair grow "quietly" and surprise us with your big afro when you get there. Or get cornrows and have them meet ponytail style and attach a pony, redoing them till you're comfortable with the length. Or you could do it the way I did, although if it's breaking so badly it may just fall off anyway before it's time to trim.
The absence of manipulation will reduce breakage, and the braids/cornrows stop you from checking length all the time (you know about watched pots...).
So whatever you choose, believe you look great in that style, and you will convince the world, even skeptics, that you are da absolute bomb.
And if you are truly sure you won't be happier being natural, then just know that no one considers you a failure for not going through with transitioning. Change isn't always better. It's what makes you happy that matters.