Transitioning into Natural Hair
Well, you’ve decided
to wear your hair natural.
And, you’ve decided to loc your hair. Hmmmm, what do you do
now?
First of all, you
stop putting permanent chemicals in your hair. I know, it sounds obvious,
but it can be hard to put down that “box”!
Next, you need to
decide which method you want to use to start your locs. The method you choose will
influence your transition period. For example, if you want to
start your locs off with single twists, you can start with very
short hair, therefore you may not need to transition for a long
period of time.
Starting with braids, however, you will need enough hair
length to braid and may require more transition time.
Having decided about
how long you will need to grow your hair naturally depending on how
you wish to start your locs, you have another decision to make. You can choose to cut the
entire perm from your hair at once, or cut your hair in stages while
your natural hair grows out.
You’ll be fine either way, it’s a personal decision. Let’s
take a look at both.
If you cut the perm
from your hair at once, with a small amount of new growth, you
can:
-
Wear a TWA (Teeny, Weeny, Afro)
-
Put a styling or freeze gel in your hair and finger
style or brush down
-
Wear a wig or bond weave
If you wish to cut
your hair in stages, you can:
-
Braid/Cornrow your hair
-
Use styling or freeze gel to slick back and place in a
ponytail
-
Roll your hair in small curls and wear a curly
style
-
Press the new growth with a pressing comb to match the
permed hair, and style
-
Wear a wig or weave
While you are
transitioning from permed
to natural hair, you must continue to keep up your hair care
regimen – wash, condition, and oil your hair.
Wash your hair with a
shampoo that is appropriate for your hair type (dry, oily,
normal). Condition your
hair after washing, and apply oil to your hair, and scalp when
needed.
When you are ready,
and if you still have some relaxer/perm in your hair, cut the
remainder of the chemically treated hair off.
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