Quest for freedom. Embracing one’s self. Going back to natural roots. There are numerous reasons for why one may decide to go natural — but for me, it’s simply because I feel as though perms aren’t really necessary for me and my lifestyle. That lifestyle being one that consists of healthy living, versatile looks, lots of swimming, and healthier beauty practices. So I’m transitioning to natural, although I’m sure that my hair will be worn straightened and/or blow out majority of the time as I like how my hair looks straight and framed around my face. Now I’ve always taken care of my hair, even before making this decision. But although I’ve remained faithful to my scissors, maintaining a short shoulder length to arm pit length permed bob that best suited my petite frame and large facial features, I’ve never been very open-minded to having shorter hair – specifically what’s known in the natural hair community as the twa (teeny weeny afro). — Not with this amazing forehead of mine, that is. So I’m going the transitioners route, which simply consists of not getting anymore perms and getting a trim every now and then to get rid of my old chemically-altered ends. I don’t feel as if I need a perm – just a sweet flat iron here and there and a curly ‘do from time to time — oh and of course, my extensions.
The difference between the two different textures is quite obvious – my virgin natural hair is not chemical altered therefore it’s fuller, healthier, and curlier. Whereas my chemically altered ends are thin and limp. I’m proud to say that it’s been almost 10 months since my last perm and my decision to transition to natural is one that I have not yet regreted. And when you have a hairstylist as wonderful as mine (who can get your hair silky, straight, and bouncy better than any salon-grade perm and minus the heat damage) than you’d definitely transition too. So far, I’ve learned a lot — as transitioning and dealing with two different hair textures is quite the adjustment. But I’ve decided to share what I’ve learned so far with my fellow transitioners and/or aspiring transitioners! Shall we dance?
+ You may grow a few dreads. But don’t be alarmed, just know that the two different textures of your hair are jamming out to Bob Marley’s, One Love. You don’t have to be in your hair all of the time,
but you definitely shouldn’t leave your hair untouched for long periods of time. Doing so may cause your hair to become matted. I wash my hair every 3-5 days on a need be basis and I finger detangle with each wash. The one time, however, that I decided to leave my hair alone for about a week and a half, I gave birth to a few dreadlocks.. with beads and seashells at the end (sarcasm). Although they looked super cute, the take down process was nothing but ugly. Let’s just say it took me a couple of hours and a few prayers to untangle my hair without breaking any of it.
+ You can avoid “the fuzzies”. I think my greatest fear about going natural was “the fuzzies”. Who would have ever thought that anything fuzzy would create such an undeniable fear inside of an adult? *looks in mirror*. Fuzzies around the circumference of your head can make going natural discouraging. It’s another thing if “the fuzzies” were longer – but baby fuzz is not the business. Want to go avoid “the fuzzies”? Add your hair product at night, style your hair the way you want it, then tie it down nice and tight with a satin scarf over night. Your hair will be nice and laid — oh and fuzz, less!
+ Heat. It burns. If you want your hair to strive the most you have to kick your dearly beloved heat. But if you decide that you just can’t live without your hot tools then be sure to use a heat protectant so your hair doesn’t get heat damaged. There’s no way to save your hair from the damage that comes with heat so be careful and mindful. There are also different methods on Youtube that minimize the amount of direct heat to your hair: the tension method, for example, is great for blowing out your hair without ripping through it. You can also limit your number of heat passes you’ll give yourself per month and do things like pin curls to help maintain your straight hair. The Heat-Addicted Tip: Hair burns at 451 degrees. So get to know your flat iron by investigating the temperatures on it. If the temperatures aren’t directly stated, you can call the manufacturer’s customer service number to get them.
+ Your hair will form alliances. Your natural hair and your permed hair will not be cool with each other. They will form alliances and have fights that you’ll have to break up (by detangling) from time to time. I like to keep my hair parted regularly like the Red Sea. Even when my hair is pulled back into a bun, there is a part down the middle although you can’t really see it. This allows me to pay attention to each side individually, moisturize my hair completely, and detangle with ease. 
+ Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.. Or the hair. Be gentle with your hair. All of that pulling and tugging will leave you with a wad of hair in your hand as your hair is very fragile. Be gentle, take your time, and treat your hair like it’s on the soft little head of a newborn baby. Remember that you’re nursing your hair back to health – treat it like your patient.
+ Water will be your best friend. Okay — so another reason why I’ve always been reluctant about embracing kinky hair is because, quite frankly, I can’t deal with stiff hair. Now before you go kinky-kray let me explain. I had to learn that there was a huge difference between “kinky” and “unkempt”. One day I woke up, and my hair was touching the ceiling. I won’t lie, I couldn’t move it. It was one of those nights where I didn’t follow my own “hair law” of tying my hair down. So I figured I’d have to wash it to get it back to where it needed to be, you know, near my neck, where gravity permits. But after dreading washing my hair again, I improvised using my spray bottle of water, aloe vera, and glycerin. I simply, parted my hair in four using with my fingers, sprayed my “lush miracle juice” (as I call it), added some conditioner and wallah-magic my hair was looking delicious! So always remember that there is a difference between “kinky” and “unkempt” hair. It wasn’t the “kinkyness” to blame — it was the fact that my hair had been “unkempt”. And unkempt things do unkempt things.
So don’t fret! You can transition to natural without doing the big chop! Managing your frizz and keeping your tall hair short is possible by simply moisturizing, detangling, and tying down your hair regularly! Oh – and don’t fear water, your hair is a flower ready to bloom.
My Regimen + My 5 Hair Rules Deep Condition every 3-5 days / Air dry with a Leave-In Conditioner & with my hair in two french twist / Tie down nightly / Flat iron 0-1x a month / Twice a day (am +pm) – 1) Spray with water mix (water, glycerin, and aloe vera), 2) Add some conditioner or moisturizer, 3) Seal with oil mix (coconut, castor, and evoo)
