Transitioners support thread

[Thumbi]

Hey!

Congratulations ladies on deciding to transition and sticking it out.

I am a long term transitioner - or at least that's the plan. My last relaxer was April 2009 so I am officially just completing my 7th month!! I initially found it EXTREMELY frustrating dealing with the two textures, tangling, breaking, funky stringy ends, etc - but patience is a virtue. The more I deal with my hair, the easier it seems to get. I cant wait to have a head full of healthy, thick, natural hair but in the meantime, I'm falling in love with this new stuff growing out of my head )

I've never been shy about experimenting with my own hair. My go to style is twistouts/flat twist outs. I bantu knot the ends to counteract the straightness of the relaxed ends and I've been experimenting with pinning them up, wearing in a puff, adding flat twists in the front, side, etc.

My current goal is finding a good hair care routine and sticking with it - but these boards do nothing for my product junkie-ism

Most importantly and my best tip: I've been learning: listen to my hair and don't try to make it do what it don't!

Peace & Blessings

[Muz]

Originally Posted by kacie_luvs

do u guys have any good MOISTURIZING CONDITIONERS?????(nothing that has to be purchased online)

I co-wash with V05 Strawberries & Cream moisture milk (that stuff is awesome, and it smells good) and deep condition with Organix Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner and Castor oil.

I'm in my 6th month, and loving every minute of it. Washing my hair is no longer a chore (because I just let it air dry, and I don't have to flat iron it afterwords) and I think my hair is loving that the torture sessions (when I used to go get a perm) are over. And my wallet is loving that the stuff I use now isn't that expensive, and I don't have to go to a stylist. And I'm loving that I won't ever have to go sit in the hair salon for a couple of hours ever again From now on, the only time I go to the stylist is when I want something done that I can't do.

[kacie_luvs]

Originally Posted by Muz

I co-wash with V05 Strawberries & Cream moisture milk (that stuff is awesome, and it smells good) and deep condition with Organix Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner and Castor oil.

I'm in my 6th month, and loving every minute of it. Washing my hair is no longer a chore (because I just let it air dry, and I don't have to flat iron it afterwords) and I think my hair is loving that the torture sessions (when I used to go get a perm) are over. And my wallet is loving that the stuff I use now isn't that expensive, and I don't have to go to a stylist. And I'm loving that I won't ever have to go sit in the hair salon for a couple of hours ever again From now on, the only time I go to the stylist is when I want something done that I can't do.

thankx i have an untouched bottle of the olive oil conditioner in my closet i'll try it out with some castor oil(i never thought about adding oil)...but do u mix the castor oil with the conditioner?
or do u put on the conditioner and then put the castor oil over it?

[Muz]

Originally Posted by kacie_luvs

thankx i have an untouched bottle of the olive oil conditioner in my closet i'll try it out with some castor oil(i never thought about adding oil)...but do u mix the castor oil with the conditioner?
or do u put on the conditioner and then put the castor oil over it?

I put on the Castor Oil, and then Put a healthy amount of the conditioner on top. I've also started parting it and doing it by sections instead of trying to rub it through my hair in a big glop like I used to. (it's also a great way to get your de-tangling done at the same time)

[kacie_luvs]

Originally Posted by Muz

I put on the Castor Oil, and then Put a healthy amount of the conditioner on top. I've also started parting it and doing it by sections instead of trying to rub it through my hair in a big glop like I used to. (it's also a great way to get your de-tangling done at the same time)

thanks im going to try deep conditioning like this as soon as i take out my kinky twists and ill get back to u...thankx again

[Maricopa]

Originally Posted by intransition...again

OMG!!! I can't stop touching my new growth! I've had my hands in my hair all evening. My hair is still over moisturized from my coconut milk mishap from Tues, and the curls feel so soft...I have different curl types all over.

I was thinking about getting some coconut milk products, what happen w/coconut milk? I missed the story, can you repeat.

Thanks

[Naturally1908]

I'm about 4.5 months into my transition and I am anxious to BC. My plan was to wait until my 29th birthday in April to reveal the "real" me, but I'm getting anxious. I refuse to put braids in my hair so I've been opting for braid outs, twist outs and flat ironing my hair (only did this once so far). I think my hair is really loving the fact that I am giving her a break from all the braids and tangles.

Anyway, I just need some encouragement to stick with it for 4 months. Any suggestions on additional transitional styles? I'm trying to stick to my strict budget I set for myself so remember: paying to get my hair done is not an option.

I wish everyone lots of hugs and sending tamed hair vibes your way.

[curlgirl247]

I'm new. I am transitioning and I am having a hard time with dryness. I unfortunately had sever breakage in the back. I have recently starting using a vegetable glycerin mix for the dryness. I just wanted to say that this thread is great. Everybody's hair journey is different but we all need support.

[lit26]

I sure hope my transitioning story gets picked! thx again for this sticky!!

[battlekat]

Originally Posted by mariag002

Hello ladies,

I am hoping that the moderators will turn this into a sticky so everyone can have one place to post questions instead of having it go into CN space unanswered. I successfully transitioned from relaxed to natural in 06-07 and if it wasn't for the help of this thread I know I wouldn't have been able to do it.

I am hoping to follow the same format as the transitioners thread over at LHCF (click here to see)

I'm also hoping others will chime in with blogs, youtube videos, products, etc that will help you on your journey.

RULES TO SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONING:

• There is no wrong or right way to transition!
• The line of demarcation where the relaxed hair ends and the new growth starts is very delicate. Please treat your hair like silk until you are ready to do the BC (big chop)
• Co-wash your hair at least once a week to add moisture to your hair. If you are not ready to co-wash, then wash with diluted shampoo.
• BC when you are ready. Don't cut your hair until you are ready.
• Deep condition at least once a week
• Be very careful with heat. You could potentially damage your healthy new growth by flatironing your hair too often.
• Naturally curly hair is unique and varies from person to person. Sometimes the hairtype looks completely different once you cut your hair. Don't be discouraged. This is the hair God gave you so therefore it is beautiful! Concentrate on your hair, not your neighbors.
• Join Fotki and start taking monthly pictures. This will help you see your progress. It will especially help on those days that you think your hair is not growing.
• Write a journal or blog! It will help you keep things in perspective. Before you reach for that relaxer or BKT try to remember why you wanted to transition in the first place.

Other ladies please chime in and add to this list!

----------------------------------

Haircare Basics

List of acronyms we use on this site. Trust me we have many!
Hair types - PLEASE NOTE that you won't know your hair type until your relaxed hair or other chemical is completely cut
Henna support thread
Amla Powder information

Transitioning Hairstyles
My rollersetting video - Part I and Part II
Long Hair Styles Gallery - Can be used for protective styles
Natural Hair Styles - twist outs, bantu knots, braid outs, etc...

Youtube is a great resource for finding transitioning hairstyles. You can also visit Fotki and see many inspiring pictures. We women of color mostly hang out in the 4a thread, come and join us!

Natural/Homemade Recipes for your hair
Natural Recipe website
Motown Girl's recipes


Naturals: worst mistakes you ever made as a natural: http://longhaircareforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=223081

Best Pics of Natural Hair/Heads: A thread of encouragement: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/for...d.php?t=168146

Hair Blogs
o http://clutchmagonline.com/
o http://www.urbancurlz.com/
o http://thenaturalhaven.blogspot.com
o http://keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com
o http://www.textureplayground.com/blog/
o http://newlynatural.com/blog/
o http://www.curlynikki.com
o http://www.afrobella.com
o http://www.honeybrownsugar.com/
o http://www.motowngirl.com

Transitioning Stories
Our very own Curly Nikki has dedicated much of her blog in helping others transition to natural. Click here to read many transitioning stories from people that have successfully gone from relaxed to natural.

Thanks this post is so helpful. My last relaxer was in april and I am cutting off the ralaxed hair on January 14 and I am very nervous about it. I enjoy seeing some of the beautiful natural hair styles.

[youngNrestless]

Hi Everyone.I'm 19 and I have been getting a perm since I was 5.I had long currrlyy hair but was just unmanageable. My hair has been through it's up and downs,from long to short because of not taking care of it properly.It is now relaxed & shoulder length,I'm turning 20 this month & I want to go natural. Any tips to help.I'm not doing the bc by the way !..I'm in college & I wanna make sure it's in good shape,any tips on keeping it moisturized?

[brighteyes1021]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this. I had been wanting to go natural for a while but fear was causing me to think otherwise. Well, my last perm was November 23, 2009. I am excited about what's to come. My hair is extremely thick and it grows really fast. I would like to do a long term transition even though one of my bffs has done a BC. The only issue I am experiencing is the dryness. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[curlymochagirl]

Originally Posted by brighteyes1021

Hello everyone,

I am new to this. I had been wanting to go natural for a while but fear was causing me to think otherwise. Well, my last perm was November 23, 2009. I am excited about what's to come. My hair is extremely thick and it grows really fast. I would like to do a long term transition even though one of my bffs has done a BC. The only issue I am experiencing is the dryness. Any suggestions? Thanks!

George's Aloe really helps with my dryness and its 100% natural. I found it at a local health food store.

[coco11]

Hello Ladies, I'm pretty much a newbie and I would like some advice. I have now been transitioning for 9mths,and in the beginning of this I did'nt 100% know that I would go on this hair journey until about maybe 3mths in. I did'nt know all of the right and wrong things to do until I discovered these hair boards and YouTube. In the beginning I would flat iron my hair occassionally. I DID'NT KNOW. Furthermore I have discovered that I have straight middle peices all over my head on the strands, I have so much new growth now that I dont want to turn back and I'm beggining to like my new found texture. I have allways had shoulder length hair that I really dont want to cut all off. Am I able to wait until it grows out? Will my new growth grow down the strand and the straight parts grow out and I cut it? My hair looks really weird guys. If I relax again will this remove the problem so that I can start all over? I'm depressed about this. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated you all.

[Ekaette]

Originally Posted by coco11

Hello Ladies, I'm pretty much a newbie and I would like some advice. I have now been transitioning for 9mths,and in the beginning of this I did'nt 100% know that I would go on this hair journey until about maybe 3mths in. I did'nt know all of the right and wrong things to do until I discovered these hair boards and YouTube. In the beginning I would flat iron my hair occassionally. I DID'NT KNOW. Furthermore I have discovered that I have straight middle peices all over my head on the strands, I have so much new growth now that I dont want to turn back and I'm beggining to like my new found texture. I have allways had shoulder length hair that I really dont want to cut all off. Am I able to wait until it grows out? Will my new growth grow down the strand and the straight parts grow out and I cut it? My hair looks really weird guys. If I relax again will this remove the problem so that I can start all over? I'm depressed about this. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated you all.

Maybe do braidouts or twistouts to camouflage the straight parts until you get enough NG

[coco11]

Originally Posted by Ekaette

Maybe do braidouts or twistouts to camouflage the straight parts until you get enough NG

I guess that what i'll do, just try diffrent styles to hide it. I hope the new growth will keep growing so that I can cut the damage. Thanks.

[lit26]

Without you where would we be

[lit26]

Thank you

[lit26]

i love my 4b hair!!!

[curlychevonne]

Well done Maria for starting thus thread glad we've gt sumthin for the transitioners wooooooo

I for 1 am very glad I'm a baby transitioner, it's only bin 5 months so I need all the help I can gt u knw

HHG x