Hair

Styling Options for Transitioners

I've been getting a lot of emails from ladies who would like to know how they should wear their hair as they transition from relaxed to natural. Now, if you've been a subscriber of my YouTube channel for quite some time now, or one of my faithful divas, then you should know that I do not advocate the use of heat during the transition process. The reason for this is that the hair is more susceptible to breakage as the two textures merge, so it's very important to treat ALL the hair like it's natural the moment you decide to go natural. Therefore, keeping it well conditioned and moisturized is key. Abstaining from heat and or harsh styling methods is also key to minimizing breakage.

Now, I've said many times that you should, "Find what works for you!" Thus, I can't tell anyone how they should wear their hair during the transition process, or at any other time for that matter. Finding the right style depends on many factors--your hair texture, your lifestyle, your job (Yes, because your boss and colleagues may not be able to handle the afros and cornrows!), and your wallet. What works for one person, may not work for another, so you should consider the many possibilities before choosing one style. And, you should also consider switching up your style from time to time to avoid placing tension on the hair in the same place, and or just sheer boredom!

Below is a list of hairstyles you should consider wearing as you transition from relaxed to natural. Happy hairstyle hunting to you!

1. Roller set: Start out with wet hair and sit under a hooded dryer to minimize the amount of direct heat.
2. Straw Set: (Pic below) This is a really pretty twist on the standard roller set. This style requires the hair to be set on straws and or very thin rods. This style can last up to two weeks max, but may start looking crazy after one week :).
3. Phony Ponies: I wore these A LOT while I was transitioning. It enabled me to keep my hair well protected and moisturized as I simply oiled it down and slicked it back into a bun (The above pic is of me in my go-to transition style).
4. Braidouts: Braidouts can work on ladies with any length of hair. Here's the link to my tutorial on braidouts: Braidout Tutorial.
5. Braids: Singles and cornrows are your best bet. Please, no micros! Those can lead to breakage and dreading faster than any other type of braids. I wouldn't recommend wearing any style of braids often. Plus, you should only leave them in for two months max.
6. Buns: Buns are a simple hairstyle that will allow you to protect the ends of your hair and keep them well moisturized (That is of course only if you plan to transition slowly and will retain length). You can jazz up your bun with accessories. All you need is a little bit of gel to slick those edges down, and voila!
7. Weaves: I'm not a fan of weaves, but I do know some ladies who have successfully transitioned wearing weaves. I would HIGHLY recommend that you get them installed professionally and take them out after two months.
8. Kinky Twists: This is a beautiful, "natural" style that can be worn as a nice alternative to braids.