A Hairy Situation

As most of my readers know I am in the process of transitioning my hair from relaxed (permed) to its natural state. I started the process in October 2009, so I've been transitioning for almost seven months. Since starting the process many people have asked me for tips on transitioning.
First let me start off by saying, if you are transitioning, be prepared to get emotional. Especially if you have been chemically altering your hair for a long time. Actually this advice isn't only for those who have chemically straightened hair, but for those who have curly perms and color treated hair.
First be sure of your reasons behind you wanting to transition. And once you make the decision, I do not recommend quitting, which I'll explain later in this post.
People transition their hair for a number of reasons. They have damaged hair and they want to get it healthy again. They decide to go natural as a culture or political statement. They like how natural hair looks. Whichever your reason, its your decision. Despite popular belief, there is no such thing as a healthy or natural relaxer. what relaxers do is basically relax your natural curl until its straight. Its a chemical. But that doesnt mean you can not maintain healthy hair when using a relaxer. I am not trying to promote relaxers or going natural. Just giving some tips Ive found helpful during my transition.

Ok, so youve made the decision to transition. I would definitly recommend searching out a new stylist who is experienced in dealing with transitioning and natural hair. Ask your stylist what products they recommend for transitioning. Usually it will be something with protein in it (I'll explain about that later).
Most likely you'll have to buy all new hair products. The reason for this is your hair is drastically changing. So the products you used on your hair when it was chemically treated may not work while it transitioning, just as the products you use on your hair while its transitioning may not work when you have a full head of virgin hair. Your stylist should tell you to stay away from products high in alcohol, such as many hair gels, holding prays, and mousse. Alcohol is very drying and damaging to hair, especially transitioning hair.
You may notice a few weeks into transitioning your hair/scalp is getting very dry. Its normal and should only last a few weeks if properly taken care of. Just be sure to wash and condition your hair with a shampoo designed specifically for dry hair/scalp. Usually Shampoos and conditioners with Olive does the trick. Also add a biweekly deep conditoning treatment to your hair routine.
Now, you may be tempted to straighten your roots with heat once your new growth starts. BIG NO NO!!!! Instead try to find a transition hair style such as a braid out. If you need to use heat, try to use a less as possible. What I suggest would be never using more then one type of heat styling tool in a week. So after you wash your hair and you HAVE to flat iron it, dont blow dry it. Let it air dry. You want curls later in the week? Try dry curling using rollers instead of an iron. It may take longer, but its better for your hair!
Now we're going to talk about cutting. Many people think just because your transitioning means you have to make the BIG C as in Big chop! You don't. But you will want to make sure you trim your ends every 6-8 weeks. You'll probably notice a lot more split ends, and you dont want them to make their way further up the hair shaft. Be sure to keep your ends moisturized, I recommend Morroccan Argan Oil.
Now halfway through the process, you'll want to go back to relaxing. Dont! Expecially if your 3 months or more into the process. You can do it. Once your done the process you can always relax then. If you NEED to relax, then go to a professional. Even if youve always done it yourself. Go to a professional.