How to Go Natural Without Cutting Permed Hair

Going Natural Transitioning from Relaxed Hair Without Cutting

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is a process that allows you to maintain the length in your hair while it grows.

Some transitioning methods and going natural advice will help you maintain healthy hair while reducing unnecessary breakage.

African American hairstyles transitioning allows you to lessen the need to do the BC or big chop. How long you decide to transition and what products will help with keeping your hair moisturized is things you will need to consider when you start your natural hair journey.

Relaxers also known as creamy crack can cause so much damage to women of color that the idea of continuing on a course of hair abuse is now leading napptural women to go natural. It is an emotional journey that many have experienced.

Hair forums and discussion boards are available to help with the transition period as well as giving the needed support to all you curly heads out there.

In black hair the curl pattern will be more noticeable once it reaches some length, so be patient because it does take time.

Find products that cater to your natural hair, start experimenting with various products to see what will work best for you. Everyone's hair is different and what may work for you may not work for someone else.

Transitioning Information

Aevin Dugas holds the world record for the woman with the largest Afro.

afromaniacs.com

How long should I transition?

The length of time that you transition depends on the person, some have opted to transition for up to a year or more, while others do the big chop right away, and others keep their ends trimmed slowly reducing relaxed ends as their natural hair grows out.

Its important to note that the point where the natural hair and the relaxed hair meet is really fragile, so in order to minimize breakage you will need to treat all your hair as if it is natural, this means to avoid pressing out your new growth to blend in with your relaxed ends.

It is important that if you decide to transition for 6 months or longer that you will need to start moisturizing and taking care of all your hair as if it is all natural, use products that will help in the process.

How to Straighten Natural Hair without a Relaxer

Once you have some length to your natural hair you will want to blow it out and straighten it at least one time each year to do a length check.

The easiest way to do this is to wash your hair detangle and either blow dry your hair with a comb attachment on your hairdryer or use the no tension method where you just dry your hair by stretching it as you put the dryer close to your natural hair.

I like to stretch my hair with braidouts and twistouts, it usually takes a few days but it saves on me having to put too much heat on my hair.

Once you hair is stretched you can use the heat training method with a flat iron, keep the heat temperature at a moderate degrees and then you can achieve the look of a relaxer without the damage.

transitioning from relaxed to natural hair without the big chop

So many ask the question is it possible to grow ones hair out without cutting off the permed hair.

The reason this is such an issue is because if you have grown your hair long past your shoulders to do the big chop would be traumatic at best, not only for you but everyone in your life.

People get used to seeing you with long hair so suddenly have a twa just may be too much for most to bear so can you still be natural with permed ends?

Some have succeeded with the no chop method in which you stop relaxing your hair and you maintain your new growth in a long term transition.

Unfortunately there are no products that will take the relaxer out of your hair, so you will have to just wait patiently as your hair grows.

It starts by learning how to develop a healthy hair care regimen. The two things that will become your friend is deep conditioning and protective hair styles.

Your goal should be to grow long and healthy hair, no matter if you are maintaining relaxed hair or natural hair.

You will eventually have to start trimming the ends of your hair as your new growth gets longer. If you do not want to wear short hair then you will need to commit to a long term transition process.

Miss Jessies rapid recovery treatment is a deep conditioner that with give you healthy, shiny hair results. To grow longer hair you will need to stop breakage that occurs from using hair products such as combs, brushes, hair accessories.

Protect your hair with satin covered hair rollers, wide tooth combs and satin pillowcase and scarves.

What products should I use while transitioning

While you are transitioning it is important to remember that you will need to moisturize, deep condition and use hot oil treatments.

You are entering a whole new world with your hair and it is one that is less traveled by many black women and napptural women who want to gain healthier longer hair.

So the first thing to do is to look at the product labels, read ingredients on hair care products, make a list of moisture retaining ingredients

So that you can purchase products that will maintain your curl definition, provide softness and manageability as well as retain moisture for added length.

Some of the most popular products include Karens body beautiful, elucence moisture balancing conditioner and shampoo, unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, carrot oil.

Essential oils and moisturizing gels and creams is what you need to apply to your hair on a daily basis around the temples, hairline and ends of your hair.

It is recommended to try to get the right PH balance in your hair by using aloe vera gel, coconut oil and a cream based leave in conditioner on the hair.

The key is to keep the ends from drying out and breaking off.

You have been natural for several years or most of your life and you may have been natural in the past but for whatever reason you have decided you want to go natural again in 2012.

What transitioning methods should I use?

During the transition process of growing out your relaxer you will need to find good natural hairstyles to wear that way you can allow you hair time to rest while it is growing out.

Some of the best natural hairstyles for transitioning is two strand twists, flat braids, and banti knots.

Using protective styles require that you change up and have variety, due to added stress your hair will receive if you stick with just one protective style method.

So if you find that you like to wear twists, wear them for a month and then the next month pick a different transitioning method for your hair.

Braid outs is also recommended to use while transitioning.

Natural hair is stronger than permed hair but it is also can be fragile, fine and course so it needs to be handled with gentle care.

Going Natural without cutting hair

I get so many emails from woman who want to go natural but they do not want to cut their hair or do the big chop, what they will eventually find is that they will have to cut off the ends of their hair as it grows to avoid damage and breakage.

Once hair has been relaxed it is no longer healthy, it will be weak and not as strong as your new growth, also the curl pattern you seek will be unattainable as long as you keep your straight ends.

Regrow Hair Tips

Some hair growth options include being able to transition without much hair breakage, but if you do incur hair loss some simple solutions would be to use natural home remedies to grow healthier hair.

End hair loss naturally

A natural topical treatment that accelerates hair growth without any unwanted side effects, you will be able to regrow thick natural hair with saw palmetto, nettle, capsicum, ginger and camellia.

Coconut milk and oil is also natural and moisturizing to the scalp and hair, rosemary leaves in water and castor oil provide the needed nourishment.

Perfect 10 Haircolor

Dying your hair when it is natural is easier if you pick a color that matches your current hair, simply because if you bleach it or use high definition colors it will disturb your curl pattern and most times it will relax the curl to the point that it will not return to its kinky state,

which is not a good look especially in the front of your forehead when you need to wear an afro or blow out and kinky twists, sticking with a dark brown, black or even a reddish brown will give your hair some shine and healthy pickup.

Best Hairstyles for Transitioning From Relaxed Hair

As you go through your natural hair journey you will find that some styles work better than others, some of the more popular protective hair styles are kinky strand twists.

Remember the size of the kinky twists is what you want to keep at a small to medium size because if they are too big they will drop and not stay very long as your hair starts to grow out.

One method that I use to keep my twists neat is shea butter. I have found that the thickness of the shea butter helps maintain my natural hair and keeps it in place even after a few weeks in the same hair style.

If you decide to wash your hair and keep your twists you may want to re-apply the shea butter along with a leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp. To save time you can re-twist at the root of your new growth and secure with bobby pins.

LadyMarie83 on May 06, 2012:

Hi,

I am currently transitioning (my last perm was in Dec 2011). I cut my hair into a nice bob. Once the new growth starting coming in around the 8 week period, I would roller set and blow-dry the roots to blend in with the style and have been ever since. After reading a lot of the info on hair care, I realize that it may not be the best way to transition but I do not find the twist out look as appealing and sad to say but in my professional setting it's not a look that I can carry into the workplace, for me that is. I would like some advice on how to keep growing out my natural hair but to keep a more demure style which is more my personality. I love the big hair style but it does not work for me. Simply, I have stopped using chemicals to straighten my hair because I realize my natural hair is healthier without it, but I have converted over to heat styling which is probably just as bad. Could use some sage advice. Thanks :)

LVNaturalBeauty from Las Vegas on November 18, 2011:

I just have one question how do I brush my TWA I been brushing it like guys do since I have a fade HELP!

LVNaturalBeauty from Las Vegas on November 18, 2011:

I love all your tips thanks so much for the kmowlege its greatly appreciated I just did my big chop last week because I went to a salon and they did a color correction on my hair and I permed it a month later and it ALL FELL OUT well most of it so I had no choice but to get a fade I'm so sad but at the same time happy because now I get to grow my natural hair my hair been permed for so long I don't even know how my real hair looks so I'm excited to see......I have curls growing all ready but baby curls I miss my hair and I'm so sad that happened to me I'm actually taking them to court because I didn't sign a release form and I had no idea that he was over processing my hair so I'm all tears right now :( but reading and viewing YouTube videos been inspiring me because I see I'm not alone I'm just glad I have a great support system through this horrible experience that I'm going through

lvlycq on October 31, 2011:

I am thinking about going natural but I am not sure how to go about it... My hair has some serious damage from relaxing it for years.. If I do decide to go natural is there anyway to achieve the straight look, of having a relaxer?

Nesha1891 from UK on October 02, 2011:

I wished I discovered you hubpage before I even thought about relaxing my hair! This is fantastic! I love everything about this hub.... these tips will do me justice and they give great advice. I am starting my own hair journey blogs soon! So keep your eyes peeled for them. I have currently got in kinky twists but they keep dropping as my hair starts to grow out and I have been wondering if there any other styles that I can use to transition from relaxed hair to natural and on this discovery your hub page came up! I am loving it and I am going to promote this everywhere as it is really good. Hopefully your'e words can inspire people everywhere that natural hair is excellent hair!

Zarifa from Boston, Massachusetts on September 29, 2011:

My last relaxer was in February of 2010. I have been keeping it braided in the summer month's because of the humidity and pressing it(the old fashioned way) in the winter. I sleep with satin covered rollers and constantly condition my hair. Aphogee Leave in, deep conditioning cholesterol. My problem is my edges. They are thin and weak. I can assume from relaxing and then braiding in the summer. What do you recommend to help maintain, strengthen and grow my edges? I have recently tried organics kids olive oil hair pudding for my ponytails, which helps to lay them down, but I don't know if that is helping with breakage.

Youseline Andre on September 28, 2011:

HOW MANY TIME CAN YOU BLOW DRY YOU HAIR WITHOUT BEING DAMAGE?

Youseline Andre on September 28, 2011:

HOW MANY TIMES: you have to wash your hair when you have you natural hair ?

Youseline Andre on September 28, 2011:

My hair tend to sweat a lot when it hot, what should I do?

I started my transitioning with relaxed hair , I was wonder what product should I use and I have some am thinking about : I want to use Carol's Daughter now I am start the transitioning , I want to use Mixed Chic when the relaxer is gone from my hair, I want to use organic product in my hair.

LiviahhDoll on September 14, 2011:

I am a teenager actually 13 and my last perm was a month ago and my new growth greww in really fast i have almost 3/4 of an inch and usually when i put my perms thaat doesnt happen until at least 3 months i want to go natural and my hair is short in a bob AND I DONT WANT TO CHOP ALL MY HAIR OFF and i dont know how to keep my natural hair up when itss fully natural

Nicki82 on September 08, 2011:

Well, I've been using the kinky curly product line and I love It!!! I started out with the gel for three days and I love it, but I didn't want to have to wash my hair everyday. I went out and got the shampoo and leave-in conditioner and I can go three days without touching my hair!!! I cut off the rest of my 3 yr old relaxer and I feel great. My hair is SOFT;not crunchy, moisturized without being GREASY, and HEALTHY!!!! Without this HUB I wouldn't have known to try the kinky curly line...THANKS!!!!!!! My other two sisters are natural also and they love the line too.

cmaxw001 on September 07, 2011:

Hello, Ive been looking for a site that would help me out with my problem and I came across this site ..I have a problem! I recently cut my hair neck length (my hair was down past my shoulders) because i want to go natural..I didn't chop all the perm off..NOW, I WANT TO CHOP IT ALL OFF RIGHT BUT MY LEFT SIDE OF MY HAIR IS STRAIGHT-PUFFY and MY RIGHT SIDE IS VERY CURLY...I MEAN, I HAVE LIKE 4 INCHES OF NEW GROWTH THROUGH OUT MY ENTIRE HEAD...BUT IM SO CONFUSED THAT THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD DOES NOT CURL...THE BACK AND THE RIGHT SIDE CURLS SO EASILY WHEN I WET IT...WHAT SHOULD I DO?IM AFRAID TO CHOP IT ALL OFF BCAUSE I FEEL THAT I WOULD LOOK RIDICULOUS WITH ONE SIDE REALLY REALLY CURLY AND THE OTHER SIDE PUFFY-STRAIGHT....PLEASE HELP ME, I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT....IM GOING THROUGH A HAIR CRISIS....SMH.....also, Ive been trying to not straighten or blow dry my hair and i have been using products such as gel activators, and conditioner...however, after like 3 hours my hair gets EXTREMELY dry even with all the conditioner that i use...what products should i use to keep my hair looking healthy and not dry the whole day??

sharonsuccess on September 05, 2011:

Good post, I have a similar post on the subject. I have been transitioning now for over a year, but I am still determine to carry on with this journey.

JESSICA on September 02, 2011:

WELL IM TRYING TO GO NATURAL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. AND IM KIND OF AFRAID TO CUT THE WHOLE THING OF CUT I CUT MY HAIR INTO THE REHANNA HAIR STILE AND STARTED GROWING IT OUT NOW I HAVE BRAIDS. NOW IM STARTEING SCHOOL AND IM ABOUT TO TAKE OUT THE BRAIDS AND MAYBE CUT IT BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT IM VERY TENDER HEADED AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER IS GOOD TO SOSTEN MY HAIR AND MAKE IT GROW STRONGER

Nicki on August 30, 2011:

I haven't had a relaxer since Nov. '08. I decided to make the decision because I was sick of relaxers breaking my hair off. I look at pictures of when I was younger with hair down my back, and get upset to see it ruined by the choice of my mother to start relaxing my hair. I continued to relax because that was what I was "supposed to do." My hair remained pretty thick, but would NEVER grow past my shoulders. I made the natural decision without researching it first. Reading these posts help me to realize that even now, about three years later, why my hair isn't fully where I want it to be. I never made the big chop. I still have relaxed ends, and I admit, I haven't had a trim in over six months. To style my hair I have been using sponge rollers(not sure if that's problematic also) I roll my hair up at night, then in the morning I finger comb my hair and go. It's easy enough, but rolling takes me an hour at night, and I'm DESPERATE for something that will allow me to just put a scarf on at night, and comb and go in the am. Even after three years, I made an appt today to get my hair relaxed. After reading these posts, I feel the strength to keep going and fix what I've been doing wrong. I'll continue to use creme of nature products as I really feel they help my hair to keep from getting so dry. Then I'm going to change my appt to just a haircut and finally let go of the relaxer destroying my healthy new growth. I went out and bought the kinky curly curly custard at 20$ a 8oz. jar (yikes)and I can't wait to try it tomorrow.

Carolyn on August 29, 2011:

Hello,

I last relaxer was March'11, and I am transitioning to natural-I have found some really good products thanks to the youtube nation. My only frustration is with my gray hair across the front of my head...I have had gray spot in the front of my head since the age of 16. I can't find anything that will lay it down...do you have any suggestions.

olivia on August 29, 2011:

Hi Eden I dont think you should wait any longer I suggest you cut it all off and start over new. You hair is dead and is no longer alive,, I to had experience it its not the best feeling knowing your beautiful hair is no longer there so dont wait any longer. Before you know it your hair would already have grown back once you take care of it check out youtube for more information and helpful tips. I hope my opinion was helpful to you good luck and hope your hair gets better in time.

Tracy on August 23, 2011:

Eden, I would say hang in there. I am 49 years old and have been perming my hair since my teens. Oh, how I wish I had started this process several years ago but better late than never. I have been transitioning for about six months. I am still learning how to keep my hair moisturized and to deal with the straight ends. The frustating thing is that our hair has it's own story. You have to have patience when trying to figure out what is going to work for you. It sounds as if you are having a really tough time. You may need to as yourself if you really want to be "natural" because frankly it sounds good but it really isn't for everyone. I only know its for me because I have been wanting a curly afro since I was in the third grade and I have no idea what took me so long to pursue it. Your main goal should be to get your hair HEALTHY because it doesn't matter what you want. You have to start with healthy hair. There is a ton of information out there, especially on youtube. I am at that awkward state with about four inches of new growth, but I'll never go back. Two strand twists with perm rods on the ends work best for me right now but I know that will change. Try to revisit some of those styles that you have tried. Some times they don't come out right the first time. If your not good with hair guess what? You can "get good" at it. Best of luck to you.

Eden on August 10, 2011:

I'm in my 40's and have had relaxed hair since my 20's after having to grow out a wave nouveau. I had to cut my hair for that and grew it back to mid back. My hair is between 4b and 4c i guess but with soft fine wavy hairs all along the edges (people would call them baby hairs). My hair looks thin and fine and silky when relaxed and people say it resembles mixed race hair. I used to be able to wash and air dry into natural looking curls when it was relaxed. It was nice and healthy and long and soft and smooth. Well now it has broken off, especially the back. I can barely pull the hair on the top and crown into a pony tail. The back has some length to just past my neck. The front comes down to my upper lip and . When i come the sides down it comes to just below my neck but the top parts are shorter. It just doesn't look or feel the way it used to. When i got a relaxer 7 weeks ago i tried to let it air dry into curls and it looked a mess. It was like thin dreadlocks, it didn't curl at all. It looked like spaghetti and it was not soft or smooth and didn't look shiny like it used to. The split ends were sticking out all over the place and nothing i put on them could make them stay down. I have been trying so hard to take care of it, not use heat and it just looks a mess. I try to use healthy products. I use coconut oil and pure shea butter, rosemary and sage rinses, i try not to use products with harmful ingredients. My hairdresser swears i am doing something wrong like using the wrong products. She thinks anything with glycerine is not good. She recommends products that i think have harmful ingredients like petroletum and mineral oil. I thought maybe the relaxer used was not right for me but she said its not the relaxer thats causing my damage and she doesn't think its good to stretch relaxers she said it causes breakage. I want to try to grow out the relaxer and go natural but i am not good with hair. I do not know how to cornrow or flat twist, i am not crazy about braids anyway the tightness gives me a headache and they itch. Plus i have split ends all the way to my scalp and they stick out and won't lay down. I tried to do braid outs and it came out a mess. I tried using the flexible rollers and again it came out a mess. I am only 7 weeks since relaxer and i can't do anything with my hair. I was slicking it down and putting it up but now with my new growth its not working. You can see the new growth which looks about 1 inch now underneath the permed hair . When i did the braid out and roller set i can't describe what it looked like but it did not resemble braid outs and roller sets i have seen pictures of. I don't know how to grow out this relaxer if i can't figure out how to wear my hair. If i go to my hairdresser and tell her i'm not relaxing anymore she is going to say i'm making a mistake. I don't know what to do. I'm thinking about just going back to the stupid relaxer and making do with the hair i have at least it will be somewhat manageable as long as i flat iron it or use a curling iron. I feel like a sell out though. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Asia on August 08, 2011:

Im 13 years and i have recently decided to go natural. I haven't had a relaxer for 3 months now. My hair is chin length but thick. I get blow outs and i wash my hair every two weeks. Is there any products i can use to help keep my hair healthy?

kjburton on August 07, 2011:

Im a sophomore in college. I run track so I work out mostly everyday of the week. I'm in the transition phase of going natural and it's super hard because I already have short hair and its very hard to comb through (unless its soaking wet). I was wondering what products could I use. I stay busy every day so I need something real easy and less time consuming. And also I was wondering is it safe to wash my hair everyday being that I work out everyday in a very very dry climate. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!

Ms.Mays on July 31, 2011:

I'm 22, i got a perm going into HS, so i've had one for about... 6 years now. but the blow-drying and what not of the salons has caused breakage. I want to go natural and have not gotten a perm since... january of this year. i have about an inch and a half of new growth & my hair is in this awkward stage. aside from not liking how i look because my hair isnt the way im used to, some styles dont look right on my bc of the shape of my head. my question is: what is the best method for me to go natural and still maintain a decent appearance, since i do have to work and teach & coach.

Saucy on July 27, 2011:

I just transitioned from weave to natural lol. Im excited for my journey however when i do my twist out my roots are so dam nappy, i can never get my hair to lay right. The hair seems to stick outward and u cant see my parts. This is frustrating cuz my hair doesnt look tammed at all. any help?? thanx so much!!

Barber2 on July 23, 2011:

I have been natural for about 6 or 7 months now. I go to the dominican sytlist for blow outs every other week. I love the way it straigthen my hair. It is not growing as I would like it to. I also would like tips on at home styling. Right now i wash it and wrap it, let it air dry and I straigten with an instyler.

olivia on July 13, 2011:

Hey im back so I did my bc on the 11th and the reason I did was because I wants whats best for my hair I didnt want to leave those perm ends for to long and i didnt know when it was best to cut those off so I did before I have to go through all of that but a day later I ended up putting braids in Im aadjusting to it but i want it to stay in for about 2 months to gro out but this is me now I have a twa now yayyy me I cant wait to see it grow (hope it does grow fast.)

olivia on July 10, 2011:

Thanks alot they are excellent ideas but ive learnt alot from watching youtube videos but where I live its hard to find alot of the products i see everyone using but i think i will stick with the olive oil but i moisturize my perm ends every two nights and i oil my scalp the same i use mizani jojoba seed advacado oil and rosemary extract since then my hair has gooten fuller and i enjoy seeing it come back to life I dont care how much my hair changes and gets hard to deal with im not goin back to relaxers cause I love how fast my hair grow when its natural i sure cant wait to see my results.

Gaylor36 on July 08, 2011:

From what I heard Olive Oil is natural so the products should be things that you can understand. Make sure that you wash your hair this is what I heard every two weeks. Deep condition every week and co wash is great because you aren't shampoo your hair. Hot oil treatments are important if you don't really know what to do. Buying books and seeing what is on the internet just do some research to help you. But, stay positive and like they keep saying it is only hair. I'm still transitioning it has been since March since my last perm. My natural hair is growing really fast underneath my permed hair. Don't comb to much use your fingers more to style sometimes.

olivia on July 07, 2011:

Also I live in the bahamas so the weather here is really hot most of the time so im not sure if thats putting an extra strain on my hair but im wide open for tips and ideas

olivia on July 07, 2011:

hey so ive been transitioning for about 3 months now and my hair is already hard to deal with I usually set my hair rod it braid it or weave it but my concern is about products. I normlly use Organics creamy aloe shampoo and organic (africa's best) olive oil leave-in conditioner and organics olive oil moiturizing hair lotion (im a big fan of olive oil products) i wanted to know if they are to harsh on my hair or if there just right. Oh in addition i think my hair is about 6 inches now after my cut but now ii want my hair back its not bin growing much over the past 3 years and i dont really want to cut it all off but i really want it to grow faster and longer throughout my natural period i really need help.

Tiffany on May 27, 2011:

I just decided to go natural and it has been about 3 weeks, i have relaxed hair and i am not chopping off my hair...what product do i use to maintain healthy beautiful hair without using a relaxer

Chanel on May 23, 2011:

After 2 yrs of no relaxer, I decided to put a relaxer on my hair. The relax did not take that well. how long will it take me to grow out this relaxer? Thanks!

Janice on May 03, 2011:

Hi, I need advice

I did a BC in a year ago. My hair had grown alot. I normally wear weaves to protect my hair. I recently wore a straight weave. And I wanted my hair to blend perfectly with the weave so I was tempted to perm the hair I had left out so it can blend better. I regret doin this now! What can I do? Simply grow it out or what do I do? Thanks

Juls on May 01, 2011:

I have been transitioning for almost 6 mos. I have fine hair and noticed a good bit of breakage so I have recently decided to do the big chop. I do have some thinning along my hairline but was wondering if it would still be ok to do kinky twists with extensions? Or any other suggestions?

Gaylor36 on April 20, 2011:

Yes you can flat iron your natural hair I went to Sally's and got this product called ION. And I go the ION titanium platinum gator flat iron this is so great. I done my daughter hair with this and the product to spray on you hair before you flat iron it. It gives her hair some much body and shine and I can get up in the morning after and just comb it. It will still have that body and it is 100% Vegan. I watched it on YOUTUBE.

Ebs on April 18, 2011:

Hi I'm 15

I have relaxed my hair as long as I can remeber but I'm thinking about going natural but I really don't want to do the big chop

My hair reaches my shoulder and I have not trimmed my hair in about 2 years now

And also if I go natural is ok to still straighten in the process

prettypoof on April 09, 2011:

Hello, i am 17 years old and i was natural for 4 years,my hair was very thick, soft,wavy and verly long, but i didnt know what to do with it, so a month before my junoir year started i got a relaxer and started going to salons to get it trimmed and styled. Through out the year my hair stayed thick and nice but it started to thin out in the back of my head, so i started braiding it for a while and it grew back thick, but im tired of the sliky hair and i have decided to go back natural, through out this year i only had 3 relaxers. The last relaxer i had was in Febuary, and I satred my transiton this month, I wased and deep conditoned my hair with a olive oil colesterol conditioner,hot oiled and trimmed my ends (my hair is shoulder length) and got cornrows, and i plan to contnue deep condtioning my hair and trim my ends untill my natural hair comes back, is there anything i should be aware of during my transition? will my hair fall out? Please give me any advice so i can get my natural healthy hair back! :)

Gaylor36 on April 06, 2011:

That is the same reason because my hair is shedding,permed,and I use irons. And I wonder what it is going to look as I get older. So, I think it is a great ideal that you are going through with it. It is great for you and your hair because spelling those chemicals. And paying all of that money for getting a perm that is why they deep condition our hair. But, mines is so damaged and my daughter is 9 and said she don't want the kits anymore. I was happy to hear that she just started getting them at 7. With this website and YOUTUBE is going to help me get through this.

danyell on April 06, 2011:

i been wanting to go natural...for a while now but something always stop me and i came to a conclusion to day why keep damaging my hair with these chemicals the more i flat iron and perm my hair the more damage i see so this time i am taking it seriously and go through the process to get to that natural stage,,

Gaylor36 on March 30, 2011:

I have decided that I want to go natural because all my hair does in shed. I'm sickle cell anemia and I do take my vitamins but I want my hair to be health. I don't want to go for the BC so I want to know should I do braids until than. And what products can I use or make myself I really feel lost. I want to know how to style my hair while and after.

Research Analyst (author) on March 23, 2011:

Gertrude,

your journey is similar to mine, I actually let my hair grow out to neck length before I cut the permed ends off. It was a after thought because I was wearing hair pieces and human hair wigs for several months at a time and when I took my hair down after being braided for so long, I could see my new growth and that is when I decided to keep growing it to see what it would eventually look like without the perm.

Since you are working and want to transition without actually cutting the permed ends it may be best to try a wet set or even a twist out, some have stated that they were able to wear their hair in a crinkled and curly looking style by setting the ends on soft bendy foam hair rollers.

I think hair rollers for natural hair is a great option for transitioning, you can try a cream based leave in conditioner on small sections of your hair to prep it for wearing the rollers overnight.

In the morning take the foam rollers out and use a hair accessory such as a head band to cover up your new growth. The results are really cute.

Let us know how this option works for you.

Gertrude Sievers on March 23, 2011:

well i have a permed hair and i want to go natural. its being a month now since i decided to go natural ok and am finding it difficult with the hair cos i do go to work so i did not went to cut it stright forward but rather grow it bit by bit. please can you help me with some of the things and product i can use to grow the hair back to natural and moreover can i briad the hair and waer a wage on it always. not forgetting please do help me with the process thank you.

Research Analyst (author) on March 22, 2011:

Thats great, Jennifer25 your welcome.

Jennifer25 on March 22, 2011:

Thanks soo much , that was helpful , well I've been reading and I went got the Parnevu , T-Tree products , the deep conditioner and the moisturizer but , it's like a conditioner , and the herbal oil to grease my scalp. Thanks for the advice and I'm so excited about this change I'm making.

Research Analyst (author) on March 21, 2011:

Jennifer 25

Going natural is hard work and takes commitment, learning the right products to use as well as hairstyles is key to success.

1. Keep hair clean with moisturizing shampoos and rinsing hair with a conditioner is recommended.

2. It is best to retain as much length as possible so protective hairstyles that include braids, twists, updo's, buns or even individual micro braids can help during the transitioning process.

3. Natural hair gets very dry so you will find that daily moisture is necessary to keep the hair manageable, some of the best products include shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and cream based leave in conditioners.

4. Homemade hair recipes can help as well, such as aloe vera gel, egg yolks and mayonnaise. Remove build up of products on your hair with apple cider vinegar.

5. Everyones process of new growth and maintenance will be different depending on your curl pattern and type, thickness, genetics or experience. Many times you will learn as you go along.

6. Reading natural hair blogs, watching natural hair videos are the best place to get tips and practical solutions to transitioning.

7. Make sure to take vitamins such as B complex, flaxseed oil tablets and vitamin e, along with other natural supplements to help keep your hair healthy and strong.

8. As far as the products that you need to use, or how to style your hair, or how often to wash and condition will change from month to month as you learn your hair.

Going natural is a process and it will take patience. Your hair goals will change as well, some who have transitioned to be natural decide to keep a TWA while others decide to get sister locs or dreads, and others like to keep their hair braided and only let their hair down for special occasions.

You will have to experiment with different styles, different products and see which ones will work best for you, all anyone can do is offer suggestions and recommendations but it will be your special journey.

Depending on your hair texture and how manageable your hair is the need to trim your ends may not be necessary it is something that you will know when you get there.

Hope this helps.

Jennifer 25 on March 21, 2011:

Hi , my name is Jennifer , and I've decided to go natural. I'm just tired of the perms and up keep of relaxed hair. I just want natural long hair. So , I haven't permed my hair since Feb of last month and I haven't washed it sinced I permed it either. So , I want to wash it and start my transitioning process. My hair length is in a bobunder my chin and I don't want to chop it all off , I wanna keep my length but , I know I will have to chop the relaxed ends off. So , what products to use and I heard Aphrogee products are great , what do I need to do to go about going natural , how do I style my hair , and how long is it gonna take ? Please tell me what I need to use hoe often to wash an condition my hair , how do I style my hair ? Can you give me some advice ?

Research Analyst (author) on March 08, 2011:

kriz_mc,

Growing it out is probably the best option, Youtube has been a great help to me and I would recommend some of the natural hair gurus on there because they have such a history of trying a variety of products and hairstyles.

Let me know how it goes.

kriz_mc on March 08, 2011:

hello i'm new to the natural hair scene. Im finishing up college and havent had a relaxer for about 2 1/2 months. My hair has always been cut short and now the longest length is about 5in. I havent been to the salon in a while and well funds are kind of low. I looked at a few protective hairstyles and I'm using the braid out method. My hair was never good with braids even before I started getting relaxers. Do you have any tips or advice about hair care? I'd like to let it grow out some more before I cut it off.

Research Analyst (author) on March 02, 2011:

buteeful,

you will want to wear protective styles for growing and retaining your new growth, it is not necessary at this point to chop off all your hair in a BC, because our hair will eventually fill in again.

I had a similar experience and it was in the front of my head, for some reason every year my hair would grow out in the front down to my chin and then it would all break off to just 2 or 3 inches long.

This was really frustrating, so I had to use the hair that had length which was higher up on my head to come down and cover the shorter peices, eventually the front caught up again so that is how I know that you can just preserve what you have already.

Also I found out what kept causing the breakage, since I have been natural for 4 years it was not due to chemicals but it was due to me using heat styling aids.

I would always use a flat iron to straighten the front of my hair when I added hair pieces and sometimes I would leave it that way, (which you can see in my hubpage profile pic) the result was that my new growth would be stronger than the heat treated hair so every few months the ends would break off.

So I had to learn the hard way that I can not flat iron my natural hair anymore, which is a bummer sometimes.

Depending on where the damage is located in your hair you can check out photos online to find a protective style to use for a while.

buteeful on March 02, 2011:

Hey there. Thank you for reading. My last relaxer was Oct 2010 and the stylist did not rinse out my hair completely. It left about 3 inches high from one side of my head to the other hair gone and on my left side some of that hair gone (it's about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long). Thank God I had some hair that covered the damage. I have decided to go natural, but without adding extensions do you think there is actually a protective style I can get or b/c of the damage I have to chop it all off?

Research Analyst (author) on February 23, 2011:

MOM

It can be a challenge when dealing with naturally curly hair, it is good that you have been trying new ways to style your daughters hair, remember to keep her hair moisturized with essential oils such as extra virgin olive oil mixed in some cream conditioner, it will help with her damaged ends as her hair grows out.

momofmaddy on February 22, 2011:

Hi there,

I am so happy to find this forum...I am the (Caucasian) mother of a 17 year old biracial daughter. She used a home relaxer twice over the course of six months and about half of her beautiful long hair broke off. She had it cut to shoulder length and has been wearing clip in extensions. It worked well until the new growth really started coming in. Now she has about three inches of very curly hair and six inches of straight but damaged hair. She can wear it pulled back in a ponytail, which is easiest, but because of the breakage, her face is framed by a bunch of two inch pieces that stick straight out and look a bit crazy...Any styling and or product ideas would be hugely hugely appreciated! I like the idea of the braid out and will try that with her tonight. Thanks so much...I need this education and am so glad you're here :)

Research Analyst (author) on February 20, 2011:

KeKe

I was reading online some Helpful Tips to Stop Hair Breakage while having Healthier Hair by avoiding harsh chemicals, regularly trim ends of your hair, detangle hair when wet, keep hair moisturized, avoid hair braiding and hair extensions, minimize use of heat, take plenty of vitamin C and E tablets.

keke on February 19, 2011:

Hey,Im 16 and i decided to go natural because the temples of my hair have begin to get thinner and thinner...It is kind of hard because my mom has been perming my hair since i turned 4. I dont know what to do with my hair besides put it in a ponytail because braids and twist dont really fit my personality. And i really just want to regain the strength and length my hair once had then go back to the chemicals but without being so intense. But i heard going back to perms after going natural causes breakage. Is that true? Is there a way to prevent it?

Research Analyst (author) on February 16, 2011:

SH

One of the things you will notice that when you start growing out your hair from a perm is that the new growth is courser and can cause breakage to the straight ends.

It is recommended to wear protective hairstyles and avoid combing or brushing the two textures but instead keep the tresses moisturized with a product that does not contain mineral oil.

Plus the hair texture will change as your natural hair gets longer, so it will be hard to tell how it will actually turn out until 6 months to a year.

SunnyHills on February 16, 2011:

Hi, I have recently permed my hair and today i have decided to go natural. I have the hardest time trying to grow my hair. I have coarse hair already and i do have breakage. I have no idea what i should be using on my hair to start the natural process. I really dont want to cut my hair off. What can i do to avoid the cut?

Research Analyst (author) on February 11, 2011:

AATW, on the web I have found that for shampooing, conditioning and moisturizing braids these products:

Taliah Waajid Hair Care Enhancing Herbal Conditioner, Stimulating Herbal Cleanser, and 123 Moisture Plus System.

You can find more at naturalhair.org

AATW on February 11, 2011:

So what products do you suggest for moisturizing and shampooing & conditioning braids?

Research Analyst (author) on February 10, 2011:

AATW

You bring up a good point when you work out you will want to put your hair in a protective hairstyle and braids will be a good idea, to prevent your hair from having excessive shrinkage.

allaroundtheworld on February 09, 2011:

HI, all your comments are very helpful. I've just decided to go natural about a month ago. I've had a relaxer for 24 years and luckily my hair has been thick and long. Recently I've had a lot of breakage and I feel like my hair's not growing like it used to. My question is, I work out a lot, so I was thinking the best style would be for me to get my hair braided?? I feel if I did the braid out or twist out, after I worked out I wouldn't be able to go anywhere after that because I would sweat out the style. What are your suggestions?

Research Analyst (author) on February 04, 2011:

I have found that adding a cream conditioner to dry hair will give the right amount of moisture and allow the ends to curl up better for braid outs.

Nae on February 04, 2011:

When you do braidouts, how to you keep the ends from looking so straight?

And thanks for all the advice!

Research Analyst (author) on February 03, 2011:

BB

The best thing about natural hair is the versatility and once you decide to take a moment away from applying heat to the hair, then it is time to use protective hairstyles and keep the hair moisturized preferrably with natural products such as carols daughter.

Having a good healthy preservation routine for your natural hair will give it more life and fullness.

Start with trying some new hair care products and then experiment with protective hairstyles. Two strand twists and braidouts are probably one of the two favorites from curly girls who want to wear their hair down without heat.

BasketballBombshell32 on February 02, 2011:

Hi. So my hair is natural, I have never relaxed my hair or nothing I only blow dry and straighten. I play basketball so my hair is usually pulled back into a bun or pony tail. I decided I wanted to start wearing my hair down to prevent breakage from the ponytail and not only that from blow drying my ends started to thin a little bit. Is there anything I can do to save my hair without cutting it because my hair is long and I really don't want to cut it. Thank You!

Research Analyst (author) on February 01, 2011:

Renee the best thing to do is to use a heat protector before you blow dry or flat iron your hair, also as your natural hair grows longer it will be best to keep protective hairstyles.

Moisturizing will also be a top priority to keep hair healthy and to avoid heat damage.

let me know how it goes.

Renee on February 01, 2011:

I have not had a relaxer since October 2009. I haven't done the big chop yet, I just get my ends trimmed regularly. So to get the strait look blow dry and flat iron. I'm just unsure of what the next step should be. I haven't been natural since I was 9ish (now 26) so I have no idea what to do!

Research Analyst (author) on January 29, 2011:

KSMC flat ironing your hair is okay especially if you use a heat protectant to protect it from heat damage. Also those who are natural and use heat on their hair regularly will want to keep a deep conditioning treatment to keep the hair healthy.

Wearing an afro is not for everyone and it will take you practicing a variety of protective natural hairstyles until you find one that will work best for your lifestyle.

KSMC on January 29, 2011:

I to have also decided to go natural Its been about 3 months since I last had a perm. Each Week I wash and do a deep condition on my hair and grease my scalp for extra moisterization. I also flat iron my hair after washing it and maybe one other time within that period. I haven't had really a lot of breakage nothing other than normal. But I have really notice the roots of my hair is really starting to change. I'm ready for the transition. But i'm not really into rocking the fro look i prefer to have my hair straight and wraped. are there any tips you would advise i do to make the process easier and healthier? also is the flat iron not a good idea?

Research Analyst (author) on January 26, 2011:

estecongo, there can be many reasons for your natural hair to be thinning inspite of your relaxed ends, going to a beautician is a great idea especially if they are familiar with your hair type and condition.

Trust experienced professionals because they have the right products and they can help you get healthy hair.

From what I understand the Formaldehyde free Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment will help your hair get rid of frizz and makes hair sleek ,silky, and shine, but it also gets rid of the curl for only 2 to 3 months.

estecongo on January 26, 2011:

I always had really thick long hair, even after getting it relaxed at 12. Sometimes I used to wear it wild and curly in between relaxers. After a couple of bad chemical experiences from a trusted beautician and having a baby my hair was badly damaged. I decided to go natural in 2007. I experienced a lot of breakage which I expected. In January 2009 I decided to get a short bob haircut. I thought all my relaxed ends were gone but I was wrong. Last year I started going to a Dominican salon that uses really high end products and I noticed that my hair was growing healthy and I did not experience any breakage until the past couple of months. I noticed a lot of thinning and breakage at the nape of my neck. I got a trim and a few emergency reconstructer conditioners and a protein and the beautician continues to roller set my hair but I just blow out the roots after. They told me that I should trim every 7 weeks and then get the major chop in the summer. I expected that my relaxed ends would get considerably thinner but it seems that the nautural hair is thinning too which I did not expect. My old beautician tells me that I should get the Brazilian Keratin treatment but my current beautician tells me not to bother with it. Is this process/ordeal natural? I know girls who grew out their natural hair without chopping it all off in 2-3 years. Help...PS..I also have really dry hair

Research Analyst (author) on January 21, 2011:

Kalenna it is a big decision to make, the good news is that you can transition from relaxed hair without cutting your hair.

You have two ways of achieving this, one is to use deep conditioning treatments, second is to wear protective hairstyles.

As far as I know there is no product out that will remove the perm from the hair. So it will require a long term transition process.

Also avoid breakage by using a wide tooth comb and satin pillow cases or head scarf at night.

Find your favorite protective styles to wear while your hair grows out.

Kalenna on January 20, 2011:

I've been getting a relaxer for more than 10 years now and I don't like the way my hair is, it still looks good, but it sheds a lot and its uneven, and I've just grown to hate getting the relaxers,I've been thinking of going natural for a while now, but I just didn't know what to do and finding this site has helped me make the decision to go natural, my last relaxer was the week of christmas I think, I don't want to do the big chop b/c I wouldn't look good with short hair and I was wondering what would be the best way to start the transition?

tysanders from Atlanta, Ga on January 19, 2011:

I have gone natural twice (the big chop). The first time I was surprised as the natural texture of my hair is very curly. I tried it again a few weeks ago but it has been difficult to maintain. I tried keeping it braided but here women charge an arm and a leg just to braid the hair (one woman told me $95 just for cornrows!). I recently relaxed it because I was starting to look rough without my hair done. As much as I hate relaxing it, it's just much easier to manage when the hair is straight. If I can find someone to micro braid it for me I will try it again. It's easier for me to go natural by keeping it braided for a year and then chopping off the relaxed ends. Wonderful article with lots of great tips.

Research Analyst (author) on January 16, 2011:

Tiffany you will be amazed at how much looser and manageable your new growth will become just by applying a cream conditioner such as Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner and Tresemme Vitamin B12 Gelatin Anti-Breakage Conditioner directly on your hair while it is dry, there is not need to add water.

I know this may sound weird at first but I personally use both products on my dry hair with out water, its best to use it at night, put a dab in your hand then rub it in your hair from root to tip.

Next take the hair and either put it into 6 to 8 platts or twists. The next morning you can put your hair into a protective style.

Hope this helps, let me know how it works for you.

taz on January 16, 2011:

greattttttttttt

Tiffany on January 16, 2011:

Hi I have not relaxed my hair in 2 months, I have tons of shedding, breakage, and I am unable to comb my roots/new growth without the hair popping and breaking. I am very afraid to cut my my hair off because in some areas the hair is ver straight without much new growth, what can I do to make this process less intimidating? I would like my hair to be health and grow pastmy normal shoulder length....HELP!!!!

Research Analyst (author) on January 15, 2011:

Rissa S. I was on the internet the other day looking at home remedies for natural hair in order to save more money.

It can get really expensive buying all the commercial products available for transitioning hairstyles.

So this is what I found:

Easy to make recipes with ingredients found in your kitchen, essential oils can be added to each of the mixtures for hair rinses, hair treatments, leave in conditioners and no or low shampoos.

You can bookmark the site for reference:

http://motowngirl.com/index.php/homemade-hair-reci...

Rissa S. on January 15, 2011:

Hi, I'm 20 years old and I just decided to transition back to my natural hair. I'm not sure on the best way to go about it. I want to look nice but I'm not really sure how to handle and I fear the big chop.....the last time I had a perm was august of last year...I've been doing the best trying to take care of my hair but I feel like its not enough.....I'm considering going back to braids, like it was for highschool and my first year and half of college...but I'm combing out my hair some nights and frightened by what' left in my comb....what do I do? What are the best products to put in my hair that won't break my wallet?

-a struggling college student

Research Analyst (author) on January 13, 2011:

MoNatural, you have some really long hair, and I can understand why you would not want to cut it. Some transition secrets include having protective hairstyles that will help you reduce breakage as much as possible.

One thing you will notice that is best to change is the need to flat iron or straighten the hair, try to let the hair air dry and use natural curling techniques that are less harmful than chemicals or heat.

Braid and curl twist sets work really well and some of the hair rollers for natural hair include: curlformers, magnetics, perm rods, satin covered foam rollers can work too.

Mrs.MoNatural on January 12, 2011:

This website is just what I need. I have just decided to go natural! I have been getting relaxers for as long as I can remember. I really need some help. I have no clue what to do, but I love how the natural hair looks. My hair is long, the middle of my back. I do not want to cut my hair off. Please help me. My last relaxer was 4 weeks ago and it is time for a relaxer, but I am not going to get one. So, can you tell me what to do to stop the breakage, because my hair tends to break bad when it is time for a relaxer, and what products do I need to purchase to keep my hair manageable while doing this transition?

itsjazzyboo11 on January 08, 2011:

where can i get the wet set from?

Research Analyst (author) on January 08, 2011:

itsjazzyboo11 good choice to not put heat in your hair because this can be just as damaging to your natural hair texture, I have seen girls who never had a perm but they get their hair flat ironed on high heat several times a month and wear their hair in a wrap at night.

It still can cause damage and is recommended to not put excessive heat in your hair and limit it to once a year. The reason being is after such use of blowdryers, flat irons and straightening hot combs the natural hair texture actually stays straight after shampoo and conditioning.

so your transition period maybe shorter than someone who is changing from a relaxer but still the same you may want to try wet set to get the curly look as your hair grows out.

itsjazzyboo11 on January 08, 2011:

hi, ive been hearing about all these great stories of women going natural from having relaxers in their hair...i would like to go natural to but i never had a relaxer in my hair, does that make sense, basically i dont want to put any heat in my hair whatsoever...and how long should i transition?

Research Analyst (author) on January 07, 2011:

trashawna, one thing you will notice when you start using hair products is that the brands will change, because your permed hair will be straight and smooth so you will not need to use a cream conditioner on it as frequently, it will do well with just coconut oil or olive oil for shine.

As your hair texture changes to a curly pattern the new growth will need tons of moisture so finding a good leave in conditioner will be important, some of the top ones that I have used personally or have been recommended are Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter, Hair Milk and Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner.

traShawna on January 07, 2011:

well i recently decied to go natural i have been receiveing relaxer's since i could remember, so now i have been doing my research on how to translate before the big cut...i really want to keep my hair natural in healthy..so what are any products that you recomend?

Research Analyst (author) on January 03, 2011:

Tanya, The nice thing about african american braiding styles is that you can wear them to work and still have a professional look it looks best when you are able to pin the cornrows up into a updo.

You can also try coil out hairstyles which work well with permed hair that is transitioning to natural.

Finger styling with shingling is also a favorite among those who use two strand twists

Tanya on January 03, 2011:

Hey GREAT site...

I have been natural before, actually late last year I cut it all off. My fro was about 4 inches but I ran out of hairstyles so I permed it again. Now my hair is long again but my scalp became very very damage due to perming so I have no choice but going natural again. I have about 7 inches of perm hair BUT a inch or more of very natural hair. What styles are best for me, I was thinking about yarn twist for a month. Do you think its a good idea? Do you have any ideas, I really need a solution.

Thanks!

Research Analyst (author) on December 09, 2010:

Mel, it is good that you are looking to maintain healthy hair and going natural is one of the best ways of doing this. Remember that it will take you learning a new hair care routine. So now is a good time for you to educate yourself as much as possible on the different products for natural hair, also the many protective styles and beauty treatments that will work for your hair texture.

At first you will not be able to really assess how your natural curl pattern will look or what products work best on it, until you get a considerable amount of length.

So I would recommemd going to youtube and getting a first hand look at the woman who have been natural for many years, they answer many of the the FAQ that will really help you on your journey.

One I found recently is Kimmaytube,from LUVNaturals she shows how her natural hair grows by documenting it on her channel plus she discusses how to moisturize and retain length.

Mel on December 09, 2010:

I am honeymooning with the idea of going natural. I have worn relaxed hair a long time, and I very seldom switch up my hair style. Recently my hair started to break and thin. I take good care of my hair and see a stylist regulary, but I think that going natural may be best for my hair. The hairdresser I have currently does not truly support the decision of going natural nor does she know how to take care of it. Leaving me to look for someone who does. What can I do to make this transition easy?

Research Analyst (author) on December 01, 2010:

Layna you have some common questions that many woman face when going natural.

The one thing you will notice is that your hair will start to grow longer on the top of your head this is normal and please do not cut it.

You will be happy you let it grow, because even though your hair is short now in the back, it will all start to even itself out as you gain more length in the coming months.

As far as using a flat iron and trying to straighten your hair if you do it on a daily basis it will start to effect your curl pattern, so I would recommend that you try braid outs, twist outs and this will stretch your hair without the need of heat.

Your braid outs should be done each day to see the maximum effect, also avoid wetting the hair while doing braid outs, instead use a creamy leave in conditioner along with olive oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil or other essential natural hair oils to keep your hair moisturized.

The roots of your hair can do well with less products but the ends of your hair will get the dryest and need the most attention.

layna on November 30, 2010:

Hi, i am so confused about my hair right now. I havent had a relaxer since June 4th and my hair seems to be gaining new growth in the top, but not the back. What should I do, should I cut it. Also, my stylist straightens it out sometimes, should I ask her to stop? And does flat ironing my hair mess up my curl pattern. What products should I use to treat my roots? I hope you can help.

AnitaShae on November 28, 2010:

Thank you so much!! I was really at a loss!!! Ur advice is so helpful and I ha e really learned alot from reading all of the responses

Research Analyst (author) on November 27, 2010:

AnitaShae you can grow out your angle bob just the way it is, I do not see any need to cut it at this point, you will know when is the best time, just wait until you get a good length of new growth.

Research Analyst (author) on November 27, 2010:

D Girl I have been watching some natural hair videos on Youtube and one thing that they all have in common when it comes to transitioning to natural hair from relaxer is that protective hairstyling is key to success.

One of the main reasons that you want to wear styles that put your hair in a bun, bantu knots, flat twists, cornrows, wet sets or weave sew-ins because it will allow the ends of the hair to stay protected from damage.

The biggest draw back to leaving the straight permed hair on the ends is that the hair textures are so different, your new growth will be stronger and coiled while the ends of your relaxed hair will be weak, limp and break whenever you comb, style or detangle your hair.

trim your ends a few inches each month so as to prepare for the full length of your natural hair.

AnitaShae on November 27, 2010:

Hey I was just wondering what to do because I recently cut my hair in a slanted bob in which my hair goes from short to long from the left to right....should I just let the hair grow and get it trimmed until it is even or do I have to cut the hair even before I begin the natural process!!! Help

D Girl on November 26, 2010:

Hey!! I have recently decided to go natural And I would like to know what styles I can do throughout the process of growing out my relaxer???

Research Analyst (author) on November 18, 2010:

Toot it probably would be best to transition first and once you get enough length slowly trim the ends each month, it is not necessary to do the big chop because you want to use essential oils on your scalp to promote hair growth, I have a feeling that once your hair starts to grow in it will blend real good.

Also avoid parting your hair in the middle or adding stress on the hair follicles instead brush the hair backwards and wear styles that will allow for more volume at the top of your head.

Research Analyst (author) on November 18, 2010:

Dee I have found that it is possible to have a looser curl with all hair types even if you are a 4b or 4c because it has more to do with the products you use then the hair type.

Some of the best products to use on natural hair are ones that moisturize and smooth the hair while wet, you may want to try youtube to see step by step instructions on how to apply kinky curly custard and miss jessies curly buttercream.

Also at night make sure to put your hair in two strand twists or french braids, this will keep the hair from having too much shrinkage.

Toot on November 18, 2010:

I have a thinning spot in the middle and wants to go natural, nut I want it cut short, is that possible with the spot being so noticeable.

Dee on November 03, 2010:

so i have 4b hair or 4c and i wanted to know if it is possible for me to have really loose curls. if so, how can i do this and what type of products do you suggest?

Research Analyst (author) on October 31, 2010:

you can have the curl pattern you desire by using good moisturizing products on a daily basis, it just takes trial and error to find a method that will work best for you

How to Go Natural Without Cutting Permed Hair

Source: https://discover.hubpages.com/style/Going-Natural-Transitioning-from-Relaxed-Hair

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