Women make the decision to grow out their relaxers for a variety of reasons. Some get tired of the care required by relaxers, while others may choose to go natural as a personal statement. Regardless of your reason, be prepared for a process that requires dedication, patience and diligent care. By educating yourself before starting the process, you are more likely to successfully grow out your natural hair with the least amount of damage and frustration.
The Chop
A swift method to return to your natural texture is to grow an inch of new growth and then cut off the relaxed portion of your hair. According to Teri LaFlesh, author of "Curly Like Me," the biggest reason to do "the chop" is to make your life easier by avoiding the potential of damaging your new growth in the process of styling your relaxed hair. This is a good option for women who are comfortable with giving up length initially to achieve a completely natural head of hair.
The Gradual Method
Relaxers permanently change the structure of your relaxed hair, so eventually everyone growing out their relaxer will have to do "the chop." Some women, however, are more comfortable with losing the relaxed portion of their hair gradually, so that they can maintain some length while transitioning. If you choose this method, you will need to trim an inch or two of relaxed hair every couple of months as your natural hair is growing out until your natural texture reaches a comfortable length.
Be Gentle
It's important to remember that your transitioning hair is weakest at the point where the two different textures meet. Avoid stressing these weak spots as much as possible. Limit combing to once daily with a wide-tooth comb, especially if you are trying to maintain length by keeping relaxed hair. Always braid your hair up at night and use a satin scarf or pillowcase to minimize rubbing and friction while you sleep. Keeping hair well-moisturized with leave-in conditioners and natural products such as jojoba oil or shea butter will also help to minimize breakage.
Avoid Heat
Women with relaxers often use a variety of heat styling methods. Transitioning hair can be more delicate than relaxed hair and regular heat styling can cause extreme breakage and damage to both the older relaxed hair and the new natural hair. LaFlesh recommends doing a twist set to minimize the use of heat for styling. You can also opt for braids or sewn-in weaves to protect transitioning hair while remaining stylish.
Dedication
Celebrity stylist Johnny Wright states that most women will not see their true natural hair texture until their natural hair has grown out about 5 inches. This can take almost a year based on the average monthly growth of a half inch. Dedicate yourself to being patient so that you can achieve your goal.
Member Comments