My Journal: I distinctly remember the time when I stopped straightening my hair and using relaxers. It was May 2017, my senior year of high school and I never looked back. It you asked me why I did it exactly, I honestly wouldn’t know what to say. Overall, I was just tired. I was tired and started to think about stuff. I am mixed, so in theory I should have curly hair right ? But why couldn’t I see them ? I did my research and learned that because my hair was “heat trained,” and “relaxed,” I couldn’t embrace my curls because they were so damaged. But relaxers and hot combs were all I knew growing up so, like many naturals, I just didn’t know. There’s a small snippit of why I went natural, other peoples stories may be the same, they may be different. What we all have in common is the crowns on our heads. 

Phase 1

Step 1: Focus on your Mindset 

Settling on the decision to transitions vs. Big Chop, struggles are going to come with both and it’s important to be mentally ready for those challenges.

Step 2: Patience

This is imperative !!! This first step isn’t going to look like the following months after you fully transition into natural hair. Your hair will constantly change and grow. You are not going to see the growth immediately, the hair only grows at about .25’’ to .5’’ each month. Don’t get discouraged !!

Step 3: NO HEAT

It’s time to break up with the flat-irons, the relaxers. All of it has got to go, no exceptions. This is important for not reverting back and really getting to see the change in your hair. 

Here is a start to transitioning for beginners, or people who may not know how. BE sure to come back next week for Transition Talks and we will discuss Phase 2 of How- To transition to natural hair.