Before I start giving anybody advice I must say that I regretted doing the big chop. The TWA was not for me. I do not have the face for it. I started using protective styles right after the big chop because I did not like the way I looked with the Teeny Weeny Afro.
Below are nine (easy to follow) steps that you can use while transitioning to natural hair so you don’t have to do the big chop. Big chop means cutting all the relaxed hair off at once. You can also do a mini chop by cutting some of the relaxer off, and cutting the rest of the relaxed hair a few months later. These nine steps are for those of you who choose to transition for a long time.
- Stop relaxing your hair. Duh!
- Have the right products and styling tools: Wide tooth comb, Deep conditioner, Leave in condition, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, oils for your scalp & moisturizing cream for your new growth. Organic Root Stimulator carrot oil is a great moisturizing cream.
- Moisturize your new growth with the moisturizing cream before you start combing your hair to avoid breakage.
- Moisturize your ends daily to avoid split ends and retain length. Remember to seal the moisture in by using a good oil after using the moisturizer.
- Do a deep conditioning treatment every month to strengthen the hair. Focus on the relaxed part or your hair when deep conditioning it.
- Choose protective styles that will work best for you – braids, wigs, weave, buns – any styles that will keep your hands away from your hair.
- Slowly cut the split ends off as your hair grows longer to avoid damage to the hair shaft.
- Avoid manipulating your hair. Stay away from heat. Towel dry your hair if you have to. Use a heat protector if you choose to use heat on your hair. I use Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spay.
- Wrap you hair before going to be. Use a satin scarf, bonnet, or pillow case to keep moisture in your hair while sleeping. Your hair tends to break also when rubbed against a cotton pillow case.
Some women transition for as long as nine months. It is up to you how long you want to transition for. Follow these steps, and when you are ready to cut your relaxed hair off, you will still have hair to put a in bun.
