As with any journey, transitioning to from relaxed to natural presents its own unique challenges. While everyone’s experiences are different, it can be helpful to see how others have navigated through the process. It’s been a little over 5 years since I transitioned, but I can remember a time when I was struggling to figure out what to do with 2 different textures on my hair.
I often hear; “I tried the natural thing for a minute and it didn’t work.” I’m a believer in the fact that everyone shouldn’t do the same thing but I’m also a believer that God didn’t make any mistakes when creating you as you are naturally. So if you’re considering going natural or already in the process, check out these 5 mistakes to avoid.
Overuse of Heat
I know when I was transitioning; I would sometimes flat iron my hair multiple times a day to blend the two textures. That is the one thing I regret not knowing prior to starting this journey. Overuse of heat can and will ruin your curl pattern and damage your hair. Try blending the two textures with styles such as twist outs and bantu knots and just use a roller to twist the ends of your hair that may still be straight.
Lack of Research
If you’re reading this article prior to transitioning to natural or are at the beginning of your hair journey, you are already on the right path. Learning about the different stages in transitioning to natural hair and the best practices for each will help you to not give up on the journey and see yourself through to the end. There are countless websites, blogs, and You Tube channels dedicated to the topic.
Using Old Styling Tools
Please put the rat tail comb down. Actually throw it away because there will be no need for it. You’ll need different tools for your natural hair journey including a wide tooth comb, banana clips, and no snag hair ties. You’ll find that transitioning to natural is really a transition to healthy hair and so you’ll find the tools that will keep most of the hair on your head!
Same Style, Different Day
Your hair can do so much now. I remember being relaxed and practically the only style I would wear is a wrap. Now I can do twist outs, braid outs, bantu knots, creative protective styles and more. Explore the versatility of your hair. Some things will be a hit and some will be a miss, don’t get too down when you hit a miss.
Unconscious
The most important thing is to pay close attention to your hair needs on a daily basis. Is your hair too hard? – Maybe you need more moisture and less protein. Are your curls too loose and damaged? – Maybe you need more protein. Is your hair snapping or breaking off? – Maybe you’re pulling your hair too tight in protective styles or using the wrong styling tools. Hair becoming matted? – Maybe you need to detangle more often or learn the proper way to detangle your hair. Whatever your dilemma may be there are plenty of blogs (uh-emmm clears throat) and vlogs out there from people who’ve gone through this before you. Learn from their mistakes, so you don’t have to make too many of your own.
Looking back on your journey what could you have done differently that maybe helpful to a future curly girl?
Veggie Curls 