How To Go Natural From Relaxed Hair

So you want to go natural, but have no clue where to start. The truth is if you have made the decision to go natural, you’re already in the game.

I went natural about 10 years ago because perms were starting to break my hair off. I didn’t do what we now refer to as a “big chop.” I gradually let the perm grow out, getting slightly more off than usual when it came time for trims. Over the course of time I still used heat on my hair. I would use a flat iron every 1 or 2 weeks. Today, I only use heat every few months. My reason for remaining natural and using minimal heat is simply because I want my hair to feel, look and be healthy.

Here are five simple things that will get you started on your journey back to natural and healthy hair today!

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1. Stop Getting Perms

The first and most important step is to stop getting relaxers. Whether you got a perm four weeks ago or yesterday, let that be your last. You have to be okay with not getting perms again and this comes with having a desire to get the overall health of your hair back. So save your money and leave the perms at the door.

2. Embrace Your Own Hair

This is probably the hardest thing for women to do. You have to learn how to love your hair. It’s okay to have “hair crushes” and inspiration for how we would like our hair to look, but we have to be realistic about what we have on our own heads. Realize that most likely your hair will not look like anyone else’s, because it’s your hair!

3. Big Chop Vs. Transition

You have to decide if you want to do a big chop or gradually let your hair grow back into its natural state. Although I didn’t do the big chop, I definitely would suggest it. Why? It can eliminate the hassle of dealing with your hair in completely different textures. This can frustrate a lot of women because they are trying to manage their natural growth and their remaining permed ends. Letting the perm grow out is perfectly fine, too. It’s about your preference and what you are comfortable with.

4. Stay Away From Heat

You have to get out of the habit of using heat. There are plenty of naturals who use heat, but it’s not something you want to do on a regular basis – especially when transitioning. Heat causes a lot of damage to our hair. Everyone has their own reason for going natural, but if your primary goal is healthy hair, you will fall back from the blow dryers and flat irons. If and when you do use heat, make sure to use a heat protectant and a low setting somewhere below 300 degrees depending on your hair type.

5. Find Products That Work Best For Your Hair

Time to find some products! My suggestion is to try and use products that have majority natural ingredients. If you are looking for a brand to start out with, try Shea Moisture. This brand is sold in regular hair stores, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. From shampoo to curl defining creams, they’ve pretty much have you covered and it’s all natural ingredients! You may also consider signing up for a product subscription service like Curl Box. Curl Box is a way for you to explore different products at once without buying large quantities of products you don’t even know you like. Once you figure out what works, stick with it!