Transitioning chemically treated hair to natural is one of the biggest epiphanies one can make on their journey to change. Not only are you in for a beautiful head of strands that are thicker, more radiant, and a beautiful crown reflecting God's gift to you, but you are in for the most magnificent personal journey of your life. At the end of this journey, you are left feeling more satisfied, at peace, healthy, beautiful, and affirmed. For me, making that ultimate decision and affirming 'I am not going to put any more relaxers, curls or trend chemicals in my hair, anymore!' 'and meaning it' unveiled love and respect for myself, my hair, my spirit, my crown, and my body that were immeasurable.
We contemplate and play with the idea in the mirror when we take our braids out. We admiringly watch natural sisters and brothers. We imagine what we would look like with natural hair, we may even buy a wig to help make the vision real. When you finally move from 'maybe I will' to I absolutely will', it is most important to be prepared for what lies ahead in your journey.
1 month
Average hair growth ~ ½ inch
Common hair issues in black hair care ~ breakage, thinning, shedding, dryness, styling dilemmas, scalp issues, scalp yeast.
Avoid ~ negative attitudes and perceptions towards nappy, kinky, & natural; damaging ingredients like alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureath sulfate, beeswax, petroleum, mineral oil, castile soap; excessive heat, small tooth combs, sponge rollers, bonding glue, permanent hair color, too tight braids and weaves.
Do ~ trust a professional for a consultation and assessment, comb from ends to root, hot oil treatments every two weeks, trim every six weeks, brush the edges with a toothbrush and pomade, oil based products, 3 days a week moisturize and strengthen.
Styling options ~ make the big chop, braids, full head hair weaves, pressing, Sister Locks, Extension locks, flat twist, cornrows with or without extension.
Recommendations ~ Protein and moisture treatments using ingredients like coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil, nettle, rosemary, lemongrass, shea butter, and aloe vera. Apply Lemongrass Pomade to your edges at night with a toothbrush, brush away from your face, tie down, remove scarf in the morning.
3 - 6 months
Average hair growth ~ 1 ½ - 3 inches
Common hair issues in black hair care ~ dryness, breakage, hair loss (of relaxed texture), styling issues.
Avoid ~ negative stereotypes and perceptions about nappy, kinky, natural, braids, short hair, good hair, bad hair, etc; The temptation to get a touch up; permanent hair color; small tooth combs; products with alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, beeswax, petroleum, mineral oil, castile, gels, bonding glue; tight weaves and braids, anyone who tries to persuade you from going natural.
Do ~ strengthen and moisturize daily, hot oil treatments coupled with moisturizing conditioners every 2 weeks.
Styling options ~ 'the big chop' with a professional shape and tiny comb coils, braids, human hair extensions (textured and or full head sew ins), lacing, straw sets, rod sets, press or flat iron, Sister Locks, twist with extension, Lock Extensions, head wraps.
Recommendations ~ continue to deep condition, strengthen and moisturize. Apply Lemongrass Pomade to your edges at night with a toothbrush, brush away from your face, tie down, remove scarf in the morning.
9 months +
Average hair growth ~ 4 ½ inches +.
Common hair issues in black hair care ~ the temptation to get a relaxer, styling issues, dryness.
What to avoid ~ the temptation to get a relaxer, heavy or tight extensions, natural relaxers without professional consultation, products with alcohol, petroleum, mineral oil, beeswax, SLS, castile, tight braids and weaves, perpetrating natural hair stylist.
Do ~ enjoy your emancipation! Go ahead do your thing! Experiment with styles and all of your options, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize and strengthen daily; trim, braid or twist at night, sleep on satin pillowcase, comb and style with your fingers.
Styling options ~ full head hair color; full natural styling, locks, sister locks, afro puffs, twist, twist out, afros, kinky hair extension styles, textured weaves; head wraps.
We recommend getting the right products to help you achieve your hair goals deep conditioners, no synthetic ingredients, love and care. Apply Lemongrass Pomade to your edges at night with a toothbrush, brush away from your face, tie down, remove scarf in the morning.
In your journey to making the shift from chemically treated to no chemicals or straighteners, remember to stay in touch with your gut feelings, do always what is in the best interest of your hair and you, move forward with courage and a lot of love, expect your environment and people around you to change as well, lovingly accept yourself and change. The more rapid the growth, the better!
Peace, love, and great hair!
Jamilah Shakir
The Natural Hair Guru
Jamilah Shakir