The transition period from having relaxed hair to returning back to your natural hair can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the individual’s hair type and overall health of the hair. It’s important to note that going natural is a process, and patience and dedication are key.
One key factor influencing the length of the transition period is the rate of hair growth. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, or six inches per year, on average. Therefore, if you have long hair, it will take longer to grow out the relaxed hair to fully return to natural.
Another factor that may influence the length of the transition period is the amount of damage inflicted on the hair from chemical treatments. Relaxers use harsh chemicals to break down the natural structure of your hair, causing it to become weaker and more prone to breakage. The more damage to the hair, the longer it may take for new, healthy hair to grow out.
In addition to growth rate and damage, the texture of your natural hair compared to your relaxed hair can also play a role in the length of the transitioning period. Some people may notice their natural hair growing back softer and curlier than their relaxed hair, while others may find their natural hair to be coarser or less curly.
Adjusting to these changes can take time and may require a new hair care routine.
The amount of time it takes for relaxed hair to go natural varies from person to person. However, with proper hair care, a consistent routine, and a positive attitude, the transition can be made more manageable and even enjoyable. It’s important to remember that the end goal is healthy, natural hair and to enjoy the journey.
How do I go from relaxed hair to natural hair?
Going from relaxed hair to natural hair is a process that requires patience, dedication, and commitment. Relaxers alter the structure of the hair strands, breaking down the protein bonds that give your hair its natural texture. Reversing this process takes time, effort, and a few important steps.
The decision to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair requires commitment and dedication because it is a long and complex process. The journey can take several months, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how much of the treated hair you have to cut.
The first step is to stop applying relaxers to your hair. Instead of chemically treating your hair, you will need to let your hair grow out naturally. This can be challenging as transitioning hair can be fragile and prone to breakage, so it’s important to use gentle detangling techniques and avoid unnecessary heat styling.
Next, you should establish a healthy hair care routine that will help promote growth and improve the overall health of your natural hair. This routine should include washing and conditioning your hair regularly, deep-conditioning treatments, and protective styling.
Protective styling is an essential part of transitioning to natural hair. This includes styles such as braids, twists, and up-dos that help to protect the ends of your hair and prevent breakage. To keep your hair healthy, you should also regularly trim the ends to promote growth and prevent split ends.
As your natural hair grows, you may need to trim off the relaxed ends gradually. This will help to avoid damage and make the transition from relaxed hair to natural hair smoother. You can alternatively choose to big chop, which involves cutting off all of the relaxed hair at once. This can be a big change but can also be liberating and help you embrace your natural hair.
The key to successfully transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair is patience and commitment. It can be challenging during the process, but with dedication and care, the end result will be worth it. The journey to natural hair requires a lot of time and effort, but it creates the opportunity to embrace your natural beauty and feel confident in your own skin.
What happens if you stop relaxing your hair?
If you stop relaxing your hair, you will begin to notice a number of changes in the texture and overall health of your hair. Relaxers are essentially chemicals that are used to break down the natural bonds in the hair, in order to straighten it. This process can be very damaging to the hair, and over time it can lead to a range of issues.
One of the most noticeable changes that you will see if you stop relaxing your hair is that your natural hair texture will begin to appear. Most people who relax their hair have curly or wavy hair that is naturally prone to frizz, but the chemicals in the relaxer help to smooth out the hair and reduce frizz.
When you stop relaxing your hair, you will begin to see the natural frizz and curl return.
You may also notice that your hair becomes more dry and brittle when you stop relaxing it. Relaxers can strip the hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and fragile. Over time, this can lead to breakage and split ends. If you stop relaxing your hair, you will want to focus on moisturizing and conditioning your hair regularly to keep it healthy.
Another issue that can arise when you stop relaxing your hair is that you may experience a lot of shedding. Relaxers can weaken the hair strands, and when you stop using them, your hair may begin to shed as a result. This is a natural process, and it should stop after a few weeks or months as your hair adjusts to its natural texture.
If you stop relaxing your hair, you will need to adjust your hair care routine to accommodate your natural texture. This might mean using different products, getting regular trims, and being more gentle with your hair overall. With time and patience, you can achieve healthy, beautiful natural hair.
Is it better to go natural or relaxed hair?
When it comes to deciding between natural and relaxed hair, the answer may vary based on personal preferences and lifestyle. Both options require different levels of maintenance and can offer unique benefits.
Natural hair is free from chemical relaxers, leaving it in its natural state of curls, coils, and kinks. Embracing natural hair can offer a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance, as it celebrates the beauty of natural textures. Natural hair also allows for versatility in styling, as there are numerous hairdos that can be created with different hair types.
However, natural hair also requires a higher level of maintenance as it needs to be moisturized regularly to retain its health and shine. This may involve using natural hair products that are free from harsh chemicals, deep conditioning treatments, frequent trims to prevent split ends, and protective styling to prevent breakage.
On the other hand, relaxed hair has been chemically treated to alter its natural texture, resulting in straighter and smoother hair. Relaxed hair can reduce maintenance time as it requires less styling, is easier to comb, and is less prone to tangles. However, chemically-treated hair is more fragile, and frequent use of relaxers can cause damage to hair strands and questions to its scalp.
Relaxers can cause hair breakage, hair thinning, and even hair loss in some instances, requiring more styling and maintenance to keep relaxed hair healthy.
The decision to go natural or relaxed hair depends on the individual’s lifestyle and preferences. One should consider the level of maintenance and care required before making a decision. Both options can be beautiful, and it’s essential to keep the hair’s health and well-being as a top priority.
Is natural hair healthier than relaxed?
The answer to whether natural hair is healthier than relaxed hair is not straightforward and depends on several factors, including genetic predispositions, hair care habits, and preferred hairstyles. However, there are several reasons why natural hair may be considered healthier than relaxed hair.
Firstly, natural hair retains more moisture than chemically treated, relaxed hair. Straightening and relaxing natural hair chemically alters the hair structure, making it more porous and susceptible to damage from heat and harsh products. As a result, relaxed hair often dries out quicker and is more prone to breakage, leading to thinning and hair loss.
Additionally, natural hair requires less maintenance than relaxed hair. Relaxed hair needs touch-ups and maintenance every six to eight weeks to preserve the style and prevent new growth from showing. Frequent relaxer applications can damage the hair, leading to hair thinning and breakage. On the other hand, natural hair thrives with minimal manipulation and requires fewer salon visits.
Furthermore, natural hair is versatile and can be styled in various protective hairstyles such as twists, braids, and buns, which can help to protect the hair from environmental factors and reduce breakage. Relaxed hair, on the other hand, is limited in styling as it is prone to damage from frequent heat styling and tight styles like weaves and wigs.
Although natural hair may not be healthier in all cases, it has many advantages over relaxed hair when it comes to overall hair health. Natural hair retains more moisture, requires less maintenance, and is versatile in styling, making it a healthier option for many people. However, individuals should ensure to find a hair care routine that suits their hair type, lifestyle and preferences to maintain optimal hair health.
Can relaxed hair still be healthy?
Yes, it is possible for relaxed hair to be healthy. However, it requires a lot of effort and attention to properly care for relaxed hair.
Relaxing hair involves the use of chemicals to break down the natural texture of the hair. This process leaves the hair weaker and more susceptible to damage. Therefore, it is essential to take extra precaution when caring for relaxed hair to prevent breakage and maintain its health.
One of the most critical practices is to keep the hair moisturized. Relaxed hair tends to be drier than natural hair; hence, it is crucial to keep it well-nourished. Moisturizing should be done daily or every other day, using water-based products such as leave-in conditioners, moisturizing sprays, and oils.
These products help to nourish the hair and keep it hydrated, reducing the risk of breakage and helping it to retain length.
Regular deep conditioning is another essential practice for maintaining healthy relaxed hair. Deep conditioning treatments should be done at least once a week to replenish the moisture and nutrients stripped away by the relaxing agents.
Proper detangling is also crucial for the health of relaxed hair. It is best to use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush when detangling the hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This process helps to prevent hair breakage, which can lead to split ends and stunt hair growth.
Another important practice for healthy relaxed hair is to use gentle heat when styling. Excessive heat styling can cause severe damage to the hair, leading to breakage and dryness. Thus, it is best to limit heat use or use a heat protectant spray when using heat styling tools such as flat irons or blow dryers.
Lastly, it is essential to maintain a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp produces healthy hair. To achieve this, one needs to keep the scalp clean and moisturized, promoting proper blood flow for the hair follicles. Healthy eating habits, drinking enough water, and regular exercise are also fundamental for healthy hair growth.
Healthy relaxed hair is achievable with proper care and attention to detail. Moisturizing the hair, regular deep conditioning, proper detangling, gentle heat styling, and maintaining a healthy scalp are all practices that can help promote healthy relaxed hair.
Is it better to relax your hair or keep it natural?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as both relaxed and natural hair can be beautiful and healthy with proper care. However, it ultimately depends on an individual’s personal preference, lifestyle, and hair type.
Relaxing hair involves using harsh chemicals to break down the natural curl pattern and straighten it permanently. While this can make the hair easier to manage and style, it can also cause damage and breakage if not done correctly. Additionally, maintaining a relaxer requires frequent touch-ups every few months, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
On the other hand, keeping hair natural means embracing the natural texture and curl pattern of the hair. This can require more effort to maintain, as natural hair requires more moisture and gentle styling techniques to prevent breakage and damage. However, there is a growing natural hair movement that celebrates and encourages people to love and care for their hair’s unique texture and pattern.
the best option depends on an individual’s lifestyle and personal preference. If someone is looking for low-maintenance hair that can be easily styled and managed, a relaxer may be the best option. However, if someone wants to embrace their natural hair texture and prefer a natural approach to hair care, then keeping their hair natural may be more suitable for them.
It is important to weigh the pros and cons of relaxing versus keeping hair natural and choose an option that aligns with one’s values, lifestyle, and hair type. With proper care and maintenance, both relaxed and natural hair can thrive and look beautiful.
Will my hair fall out if I relax it after being natural?
The answer to this question is not straightforward as the extent of hair fall after relaxing hair that has been natural depends on several factors.
First, it is important to note that hair relaxing involves the use of chemicals that alter the natural structure of the hair. The chemical process breaks down the bonds in the hair, making it straighter and smoother. However, this chemical process can weaken the hair, making it more susceptible to breakage and hair loss.
If you have been natural for a considerable length of time, your hair is likely to be stronger and healthier than chemically-processed hair. Therefore, relaxing it could cause some degree of hair breakage or thinning. Additionally, if you have already experienced any hair damage or breakage before relaxing your hair, the chemical process could worsen the situation.
Nevertheless, there are ways to minimize hair damage after relaxing hair that has been natural. One way is to ensure that the process is done correctly. It is vital to use the right strength of relaxing chemicals for your hair type, and to leave the relaxer on for the appropriate amount of time. Leaving the relaxer on for too long can cause hair damage or breakage.
It is also advisable to take proper care of your hair after relaxing it. This includes using the right hair products that are specifically formulated for chemically-processed hair. Such products contain ingredients that help to strengthen, moisturize, and nourish the hair, which can help to reduce hair damage or breakage.
Relaxing hair that has been natural can cause some degree of hair fall out, but the extent of hair fall out depends on several factors. It is important to ensure that the process is done correctly, and to take proper care of your hair after relaxing it to minimize any hair damage or breakage.
When to do the big chop when transitioning?
The big chop, also known as BC, is a significant decision for those who are transitioning from relaxed or chemically treated hair to natural hair. It involves cutting off all of the relaxed or chemically treated hair, leaving only the natural hair.
The perfect time to do the big chop is entirely up to the individual. Some people opt to do it early on in their transition, while others prefer to grow out their natural hair before making the chop. Generally, there are three types of transitions and the timeline for the BC may vary according to the type of transition:
1. The Cold Turkey Transition: This approach involves stopping the use of relaxers or chemicals altogether, and growing out the natural hair until it reaches the desired length. In this case, the individual can do the big chop as soon as they feel comfortable with the length and are ready to embrace their natural hair.
2. The Long-Term Transition: For those who prefer to take their time, a long-term transition may work best. It may take years for the individual to grow out their natural hair, which means that the big chop may not be an immediate option. In this case, the individual can trim their hair gradually as the natural hair grows, until they are ready to do the big chop.
3. The Partial Transition: The partial transition is an approach that involves cutting off the relaxed or chemically treated ends of the hair gradually until all the relaxed hair is gone. This method may take a long time to complete and may result in uneven hair lengths. In this case, the big chop may be done once the individual has cut off most of the relaxed hair.
Regardless of the approach that a person takes, the big chop is a major decision that requires careful consideration. It can be a liberating experience freeing them from the need to conform to society’s beauty standards. It also provides a fresh start for healthy hair growth, and the opportunity to experiment with different natural hairstyles without worrying about the transitioning hair.
the decision of when to do the big chop during the transitioning process rests with the individual and depends on their level of comfort, convenience, and personal preferences.