How to Transition to Natural Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Best Products for Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair
Transitioning to natural hair is a rewarding journey that allows you to embrace your hair’s natural beauty and texture. Whether you’re moving away from relaxed or permed hair, this guide will walk you through the steps to make the transition as smooth as possible, with tips on the best products and practices to nurture your natural curls.
How Long Does It Take to Transition to Natural Hair?
Transitioning to natural hair is a personal journey that varies for everyone. On average, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to fully transition, depending on how quickly your hair grows and your desired hair length. Patience is key during this process, as you’ll need to allow your natural hair to grow while gradually trimming away the chemically treated ends.
What to Do While Transitioning to Natural Hair?
Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair requires a thoughtful hair care routine to manage the two different textures. Here are some essential steps to follow:
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Gentle Cleansing: Use a sulfate-free shampoo like Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo and Scalp Scrub to cleanse your scalp without stripping your hair of its natural oils and Hydrating Shampoo to help maintain moisture and hair elasticity.
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Conditioning: Follow up with Cécred’s Hydrating Conditioner to keep your hair soft, manageable, and hydrated. You can use this conditioner daily or every time you shampoo. Regular conditioning is crucial to maintain the health of both your natural and relaxed hair, especially during the transitioning process when hair is most fragile and susceptible to damage.
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Deep Conditioning: Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment, such as Cécred’s Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, once a week to provide extra nourishment and strengthen your hair. Deep conditioning should be done weekly or bi-monthly, depending on your hair's needs. This step is particularly important for transitioning hair, as it helps to fortify the hair and prevent breakage at the demarcation line where the natural and relaxed textures meet.
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Protective Styling: Opt for protective styles like braids, twists, or buns to minimize manipulation and protect your hair from damage. These styles also help in managing the two textures.
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Avoid Heat: Minimize the use of heat styling tools to prevent damage and breakage. Opt for wet sets and heat free styling when possible. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant.
Best Products for Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair
Using the right products can make a significant difference in your transitioning journey. Here are how additional products from the Cécred Foundation Collection can support your transition:
- Cécred’s Moisture Sealing Lotion: Keeps hair moisturized and reduces frizz. Regular use of this lotion helps prevent dryness, especially at the fragile points where natural and relaxed hair meet.
- Cécred’s Nourishing Hair Oil: Adds shine and seals in moisture
- Cécred’s Fermented Rice and Rose Ritual: This protein rinse strengthens hair and supports length retention. It’s perfect for providing the protein your hair needs to stay strong and resilient, particularly important during the transition phase.
- Cécred’s Reconstructing Treatment Mask: Fortifies hair, replaces depleted proteins, and supports the restoration of curl pattern in the hair. This treatment is essential for maintaining the integrity of your natural curls and preventing breakage during the transition.
How Often Should You Cut Your Hair When Transitioning?
When transitioning from permed hair to natural hair, regular trims are essential. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to gradually remove the relaxed ends. This will help prevent split ends and breakage while maintaining the health of your natural hair.
Or, you can opt for a 'big chop,' which involves cutting off all your relaxed hair at once. This method eliminates the need for regular trims but requires patience as you wait for your natural hair to grow out. The grow-out process duration will depend on the length of your hair at the time of the chop and your hair growth rate. Both approaches have their benefits, so choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and hair goals.
How to Turn Relaxed Hair into Natural Hair Without Cutting It?
If you aren't ready for the big chop, you can transition gradually by following these steps:
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Trim Regularly: Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to gradually remove the relaxed ends while encouraging healthy growth of your natural hair.
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Use Protective Styles: Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns are beneficial. They help blend the two textures and reduce the need for daily styling.
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Strengthen Your Hair: Regularly use treatments like our Reconstructing Treatment Mask to fortify your hair and minimize breakage.
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Detangle with Care: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.