Another question from myspace!
Good morning, I spoke with a classmate who recommended your website, and I saw that you are on myspace. Anyhow, I have relaxed hair, and I have made the decision to grow out my natural hair...I am at a lost. It will be two months since I have last had a relaxer! I am excited, and I am wanting to know what I should do while my hair is changing. I do not want to cut my hair for personal reasons. Nevertheless, I wanted to know will I know the time to when it is time to cut my relaxed hair? I really didn't know I was going to have to cut my hair in the long run, but I am not changing my mind because I am happy with the decision I have made. I wanted to know if getting braids or twists for a while will help my hair because I don't want to experience hair loss or scalp damage? My hair is usually dry in the winter, and the grease I have purchased (its the grease mama and 'nem' used to press my hair ages ago :) I am not sure I should use. Do you have any suggestions of what types of products I should use? I am going through this process alone, and I really do not have any one that is telling me how I should take care of my hair since I am use to knowing how to take care of relaxed hair. I am sorry for this long message. I had so many questions for you.
My response:
First of all, congratulations on your decision to go natural! There are quite a lot of women who would rather not cut their relaxed hair off all at once. It is a very personal decision. Likewise, you will know when it is time to let it go. You will feel it, and you will cut it. There are a number of ways women know when it's time - they experience a lot of breakage, they get tired of trying to style the two different textures, their natural hair reaches the length they want, or they suddenly get a burst of courage.
During the time you are transitioning, there are really two key things to focus on: 1) you will need to keep your hair moisturized, and 2) the point where your relaxed hair meets your natural hair is very fragile. You want to wear the simplest styles possible with as little manipulation as possible. Something "tied down" like a bun or cornrows are good options. Styles that disguise the two textures and don't require combing like a wet set are also good. Check out Natural Hair Photos for a few pictures of transition styles.
Braids and twists are fine during your transition. If you are planning to use extensions, it's probably best to go to a natural hair stylist to have them done versus a braiding salon. Theoretically, a natural hair care salon will understand what you are trying to accomplish and give more consideration to the overall health of your hair. When you get braids done improperly, unfortunately they can cause scalp damage and hair loss. When my sister was transitioning, she learned how to do extension braids and cornrows herself. It may be easier than you think. Try Braids by Breslin, Taliah Waajid, or Khamit Kinks for braiding videos.
Use a moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave in conditioner, moisturizing styling products...there is really no such thing as hair that is too moist for a transitioner. Sorry, but I have to say you should take that grease and toss it, or use it to fix squeaky doors...seriously the petroleum is not good for our skin or hair. It clogs and coats instead of penetrating or moisturizing. Stick to natural products as much as possible, which can be tough to find in the drug store. A few of my favorites are Mia Simone's Boutique, CURLS, and Kinky Curly, all available online. I also use Elucence moisturizing shampoo which I like a lot. For homemade products, I use vegetable glycerin and castor oil mixed with water.
I hope I have answered your questions, and I wish you the best of luck in your journey.
Peace, Kaya
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com
kcasper@NaturallyYouMagazine.com
Showing posts with label Transitioning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transitioning. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Going Natural Gracefully
I received this question in my inbox yesterday, and I thought it was interesting so I wanted to share it with others who may have the same thoughts.
I have a question: Is there a way to go naturally “gracefully”? I am really considering going natural after 10+ of having relaxed hair. I am going natural for several reasons, but was wondering, what is the best approach to this? Should I grow out my perm? Should I just cut it all off? In the beginning stage is it okay to wear braids for a while so the hair can grow? I am terrified of this and guess I should really give it some serious thought. Another thing is I am a recent graduate and in the market for a job. Will having natural hair scare away potential employers? I guess if worn the right way it won’t. Sorry for all the questions but I am really curious as how to approach this and go through with going natural, especially in the beginning phase and getting used the change.
My response:
Yes! You can absolutely go natural gracefully.
Growing out your perm vs. cutting it all off
This is a very personal decision. For many, cutting it all off is the best approach.
The pros to this method include 1) having a neat 'do right off the bat, 2) no stress about working with different textures, 3) speed (this is the fastest road to 100% naturalness), 4) no transition period (aka you have to get used to it quick and there is no going back).
The cons to this method include 1) having short hair (this isn't a con for everyone, in fact many people discover beauty they didn't know they had), 2) shock for other people (if your hair is currently long, other people may react strongly to a sudden chop, which may or may not be an issue for you), 3) no transition period (aka you have to get used to it quick and there is no going back!).
Transitioning also has pros, including 1) you can take your time getting used to it, 2) you never have to have short hair if you don't want to, and cons, including 1) you may face breakage and difficulty styling due to the different textures 2) you may miss the "natural awakening" many women report as a result of the drastic effect of the big chop.
I chopped my hair off instead of transitioning, and it was the best thing for me. No fuss, no muss, and although it took some getting used to I didn't wish I'd done it another way.
Transitioning with braids
This works for many people. My sister grew a head of healthy natural hair using braids to transition. You will want to watch out for breakage and thinning, both of which can be caused by improper braiding techniques and/or leaving the braids in too long. I'd recommend learning to braid hair yourself (it's really not as hard as it may look, and there are plenty of videos on the market) or finding a reputable braider through a recommendation (from someone without thinning or breaking hair!).
Transitioning and natural hair during your job search
In the years that I've been natural, I have never had a hard time finding a job due to my hair. I'd like to think this is because I'm qualified for the positions I've applied for, and I've presented myself in a professional manner. I have worn conservative styles to interviews, such as a low puff or loc ponytail. Although I love my big fros and twist outs, I think it's a distraction to most people (regardless of race or ethnicity) when they need to be focusing on my qualifications for the job.
All that being said, I was very self conscious about my locs when I first started them, and wore a wig to my interviews (even I am shocked by that!). I took that wig off quick after I was hired, and no one batted an eye. I think the issue was more internal than external in my case.
I don't deny that there are some people who will take issue with your hair if it doesn't look right to them. Still, there is no way I am going to put a harsh chemical on my head for that reason. I think it's good to be flexible, but not to that extent. I think neatness and conservativeness are most important here.
Hope this is helpful!
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com
kcasper@NaturallyYouMagazine.com
I have a question: Is there a way to go naturally “gracefully”? I am really considering going natural after 10+ of having relaxed hair. I am going natural for several reasons, but was wondering, what is the best approach to this? Should I grow out my perm? Should I just cut it all off? In the beginning stage is it okay to wear braids for a while so the hair can grow? I am terrified of this and guess I should really give it some serious thought. Another thing is I am a recent graduate and in the market for a job. Will having natural hair scare away potential employers? I guess if worn the right way it won’t. Sorry for all the questions but I am really curious as how to approach this and go through with going natural, especially in the beginning phase and getting used the change.
My response:
Yes! You can absolutely go natural gracefully.
Growing out your perm vs. cutting it all off
This is a very personal decision. For many, cutting it all off is the best approach.
The pros to this method include 1) having a neat 'do right off the bat, 2) no stress about working with different textures, 3) speed (this is the fastest road to 100% naturalness), 4) no transition period (aka you have to get used to it quick and there is no going back).
The cons to this method include 1) having short hair (this isn't a con for everyone, in fact many people discover beauty they didn't know they had), 2) shock for other people (if your hair is currently long, other people may react strongly to a sudden chop, which may or may not be an issue for you), 3) no transition period (aka you have to get used to it quick and there is no going back!).
Transitioning also has pros, including 1) you can take your time getting used to it, 2) you never have to have short hair if you don't want to, and cons, including 1) you may face breakage and difficulty styling due to the different textures 2) you may miss the "natural awakening" many women report as a result of the drastic effect of the big chop.
I chopped my hair off instead of transitioning, and it was the best thing for me. No fuss, no muss, and although it took some getting used to I didn't wish I'd done it another way.
Transitioning with braids
This works for many people. My sister grew a head of healthy natural hair using braids to transition. You will want to watch out for breakage and thinning, both of which can be caused by improper braiding techniques and/or leaving the braids in too long. I'd recommend learning to braid hair yourself (it's really not as hard as it may look, and there are plenty of videos on the market) or finding a reputable braider through a recommendation (from someone without thinning or breaking hair!).
Transitioning and natural hair during your job search
In the years that I've been natural, I have never had a hard time finding a job due to my hair. I'd like to think this is because I'm qualified for the positions I've applied for, and I've presented myself in a professional manner. I have worn conservative styles to interviews, such as a low puff or loc ponytail. Although I love my big fros and twist outs, I think it's a distraction to most people (regardless of race or ethnicity) when they need to be focusing on my qualifications for the job.
All that being said, I was very self conscious about my locs when I first started them, and wore a wig to my interviews (even I am shocked by that!). I took that wig off quick after I was hired, and no one batted an eye. I think the issue was more internal than external in my case.
I don't deny that there are some people who will take issue with your hair if it doesn't look right to them. Still, there is no way I am going to put a harsh chemical on my head for that reason. I think it's good to be flexible, but not to that extent. I think neatness and conservativeness are most important here.
Hope this is helpful!
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com
kcasper@NaturallyYouMagazine.com
Thursday, December 07, 2006
No, Texturizers Are Not Natural
That's the simple truth of it. I have read about a few sisters lately who have been convinced by stylists that texturizers will make it "easier to transition." That is true, if you're trying to transition from one chemical process to another.
If you get a texturizer, and you didn't want a texturizer, ie your goal is to be chemical free, you will have to cut the texturizer out just like you have to cut the relaxer out.
A texturizer is a "mild relaxer" that loosens the natural curl of your hair rather than straightening it completely. The curls often loosen unevenly, which is why you see a lot of people with texturizers with who have some sections of their hair sticking out straight and some curled up. Texturizers can also dry the hair, and require a lot of gel to define and hold the curl, aka the wet crunchy look. Some people use Jherri Curl moisturizer products on their texturizers, which probably work better if you want to avoid the crunch.
After my first big chop, which I did at home, I went to a stylist to get my hair evened out. She kept insisting that if I put a perm in my hair it would "lay down better." She had no idea what I was doing and that this would completely defeat the purpose. All she knew is that, well, if I got a perm it would lay down better!
If you want a texturizer after being fully informed as to what it is and does, great. But please ladies, don't let anyone else convince you that you need it to make your hair "more manageable" or your process "easier."
Love, Kaya
kcasper@NaturallyYouMagazine.com
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com
If you get a texturizer, and you didn't want a texturizer, ie your goal is to be chemical free, you will have to cut the texturizer out just like you have to cut the relaxer out.
A texturizer is a "mild relaxer" that loosens the natural curl of your hair rather than straightening it completely. The curls often loosen unevenly, which is why you see a lot of people with texturizers with who have some sections of their hair sticking out straight and some curled up. Texturizers can also dry the hair, and require a lot of gel to define and hold the curl, aka the wet crunchy look. Some people use Jherri Curl moisturizer products on their texturizers, which probably work better if you want to avoid the crunch.
After my first big chop, which I did at home, I went to a stylist to get my hair evened out. She kept insisting that if I put a perm in my hair it would "lay down better." She had no idea what I was doing and that this would completely defeat the purpose. All she knew is that, well, if I got a perm it would lay down better!
If you want a texturizer after being fully informed as to what it is and does, great. But please ladies, don't let anyone else convince you that you need it to make your hair "more manageable" or your process "easier."
Love, Kaya
kcasper@NaturallyYouMagazine.com
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com
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