How to Transition from Relaxed to Natural Hair.

I decided to do this post because lately I've been getting asked this question quite a lot by ladies who have decided that they want to ditch the relaxer and take care of their own natural hair.

Chief amongst these questions is - 'Do I have to cut off my hair now? a.k.a doing the 'Big Chop'
My answer always is (and still is) cutting your hair immediately  is a matter of choice and individual comfort level. Some people may transition for 6 months and chop off all their relaxed ends because they're comfortable enough to rock a short look ( or a Teeny Weeny Afro a.k.a. TWA). Some others will not hear of it and would rather transition for 1 - 2 years, trimming off the relaxed ends every other month or so till they get to a comfortable enough length.

Either way, the following are tips that helped me on my own 9 month transition journey and which I know have helped quite a number of people:

1. Build a Regimen: Consistency is the key to attaining any goals. You will need to develop a simple regimen which is knowing what you will be doing to your hair and how often. Too often I hear people say things like ' My hair is damaged, I just want to cut it and go natural and I know it will be better'. Thing is, if you didn't care for your hair while relaxed and it became damaged; going natural is not going to automatically solve all your hair problems. Daily disciplines will give you the success you desire.