Transitioning to Natural Hair: Tips and Advice for Going Natural and Caring for Natural Hair

Making the transition from colored, bleached and treated hair to a natural look is a mixture of rediscovery, self-care, and most of all patience! It involves embracing your natural hair color and unique texture. 

Whether you’re motivated by trying to reverse the damage to your hair from years of treatments, or you just want to reconnect with your natural hair, it can be a transformative experience. 

In this article, I want to give you some essential tips to make the transition to natural hair easier and less stressful. 

Understanding the Transitioning Process

When I talk about transitioning to natural hair, I am talking about letting chemically treated hair grow out and gradually trimming the treated ends until eventually only natural hair remains. 

This process can be challenging as the treated and natural hair can have very different textures. You may often find that your hair will look worse before it looks better, so it’s important to stick with it and make the transition fully and not give in to the temptation to start treating your hair again before you’ve finished the process. 

Obviously, if you decide that you want to go back to dying or otherwise treating your hair, then that’s fine. But you should at least complete the transition to natural hair first before making that decision. 

Preparing for the Transition

Before you begin your transition to natural hair, you need to have realistic expectations and goals. The process takes time, and you need to have patience and resolve to see it through. 

Prepare yourself emotionally for the fact that you may not like the initial results or the final ones. Make sure that you have the necessary hair care tools and products, such as wide-tooth combs, gentle shampoos, conditioners, and deep conditioning treatments ready. 

Developing a Transitioning Hair Care Routine 

Having a consistent but hair care routine is essential during the transition to natural hair. 

To start, use gentle cleansing and moisturizing techniques. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos or use conditioner to wash your hair (known as co-washing) to retain moisture. The last time I went cold-turkey and tried having natural hair, I was doing at least two deep conditioning treatments a week to try and keep my hair moisturized. 

Protective styling is also very useful during this process. Styles like braids, twists, and bantu knots help reduce the need to manipulate your hair. I also avoid any heat styling tools and use my hair dryer on a lower temperature to prevent further hair damage. 

Managing Two Different Textures 

I’ve found that one of the biggest challenges in transitioning back to natural hair is managing two different hair textures. Blending natural and treated hair can be difficult, but there are some techniques to make it easier. Twist-outs, braid-outs and rollers are good styling options to blend the two textures. I’ve used these when I still want my hair to look “styled” even if I’m not treating it. 

Addressing Common Transitioning Issues 

When your hair is making the transition back to its natural state, it can be more prone to breakage, dryness, and scalp irritation. 

To combat breakage, handle your hair gently and be careful and slow when you are detangling it. Use a wide tooth comb and detangle your hair when it’s wet and conditioned. 

To manage dryness and frizz, make sure your hair is moisturized by using leave-in conditioners and oils. 

For any scalp irritation like itchiness and dandruff, keep your scalp clean and use medicated shampoo if the problem persists. However, do not turn to medicated shampoo straight away, as some scalp issues can be transitory and ideally you want to reduce the amount of chemicals you are putting on your hair during this process. 

Protective Styling and Low Manipulation Techniques

Having some go-to, protective, low maintenance hairstyle is a must for anyone trying to get back to natural hair. These style help protect your hair from damage and minimize the amount you need to handle your hair. Popular protective styles include braids, weaves, and wigs. 

If you choose one of these styles, make sure you are still caring for your hair properly by ensuring your scallop is moisturized and that you are wearing your chosen style in a way that is not too tight. 

Recommended Products for Transitioning Hair

Choosing the right products can make a significant difference in your hair transition. 

Choose sulfate-free shampoos and hydrating conditioners. Using leave-in treatments and moisturizers will also help your hair stay soft and manageable. 

A small amount of styling gel and can help define your curls and reduce the appearance of frizz. 

Inspirational Stories and Community

Hearing from other people who are trying to get back to natural hair, or others who already have done can be really encouraging. There are some great Facebook groups out there where people share tips and encouragement. Some of the before and after comparison photos are really inspiring. 

You can also find a specific Facebook group just for your hair type. I’m white and naturally have brunette hair, but when I was looking for Facebook groups, I noticed there were ones specifically for black and Asian women, as well as groups aimed specifically at redheads, blondes etc. 

Make The Transition 

Getting back to your natural hair color and texture is a rewarding experience but one which requires patience, care, and perseverance. Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress along the way, and connect with other people online who on the same journey. Good luck and remember to stick with it – it always looks worse before it looks better!