Monday, January 13, 2014

TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL HAIR: IGNORING THE URGE TO RETURN TO THE LYE














I sometimes find myself during this transitioning period  appearing to be at my wits end and it looks like i have reach that point in my transition, where i want to reach for the box of relaxer, because my new growth is beginning to get serious.

I want to give a few tips to those who have reached this point in their transition and may just need some encouragement to keep moving forward with their journey:

#1 Don't spend HOURS looking at photos where you were relaxed

There have been moments where I catch myself looking at old photos and I have to remind myself to keep it moving. If you are experiencing a weak moment, don't torture yourself further by bringing out those old photo's where you were still relaxing. This could stir up emotions you felt at the time of the picture where you may appear happier, and because your hair happens to be relaxed in the picture, you may wrongly connect the two an make an irrational decision. Instead, start collecting new photo's of your transitioning hair (especially when you have successfully pulled of a new style from that YouTube tutorial!) so that you can look to those for encouragement to keep going!

#2 Try an alternative

Instead of making such a drastic change as returning to the use of chemicals, why not try something less permanent such as flat ironing occasionally or roller sets? This may help you to overcome this part of your transition without having to give into that urge!

#3 Reward Yourself!
Transitioning can be a roller coaster of a journey and requires more patience than some of us even knew we were capable of having! So instead of focusing on the negatives, try celebrating the positives by rewarding your accomplishments so far. Acknowledge the efforts you have put in already, and allow yourself that new lipstick you have had your eyes on!

#4 That 'Good Hair' documentary
As cheesy as it sounds, watching this documentary was the kick up the backside I needed to finally start my transition, and I know I'm not alone in that! When you are at a low point, watch the documentary and hopefully it will stir up those emotions that made you want to kick the relaxers out of your life.

#5 Spend time looking at naturals and fellow transitioners
Happiness can be infectious! If you spend some time surfing the web reading the testimonials of those who have been in your shoes and are now completely natural, seeing how happy they are with their decision will no doubt rub off on you and remind you that this thing is not impossible. Collect some pictures of smiling naturals whenever you feel that relaxer urge coming on!

#6 Write a list of all the reasons why you decided to transition
As you get further into your journey, the reasons why you started it in the first place may become blurred along the way. This can make you question whether continuing to go any further with your transition is really necessary. For those times where you feel you may be reaching for that box of chemicals, make a list of all of those reasons that you decided to start transitioning. This will keep your goals fresh in your mind and motivate you in achieving them.


…………..

Feeling like you are ready to go back to relaxing does not make you a terrible transitioner! We all have our weak moments and sometimes just need some encouragement to keep the wheel spinning. At the end of the day, you have to remember that doing what is best for you is what is most important!
Happy Transitioning =)

How do you stay motivated during your transition?

49 comments:

  1. I look at natural hair styles all the time to get ideas of things to do with my hair. It definitely helps to reinforce the reasons why I went natural in the first place. Also, the Good Hair documentary is pretty fun. It's informative and entertaining.

    http://www.ohtobeamuse.com/

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  2. My sister i love this post!! Very motivational...great tips!! My hair is a stubborn one - even when i add relaxer, it looks like i haven't, so I stopped using em. Plus those creams were killing my scalp...within a few seconds in my hair, they burn like hell - i end up with soars all over which isn't good at all. I love being natural, but there isn't much styling i can do with em. I'll defo follow the advise of 'spending time looking at naturals and fellow transitioners. Great Post!!

    missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

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  3. Transitioning is so hard! Dealing with two textures is not fun at all but the end results are so worth it. Step away from the relaxer box ;)

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    Replies
    1. it is hard, but am beginning to see that was worth it.

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  4. Lovely tips, I am not transitioning but I love the fact that you shared what works for you.
    More grease to your elbow Uchenna.

    http://imperfectlyperfect92.wordpress.com

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  5. Thoe are awesome tips! I keep my hair natural and unprocessed too. I love how glossy my hair ooks now when i straighten it.
    xx

    Kuyeek's Blog
    Kuyeek's Blog
    Kuyeek's Blog

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  6. I have to tell you the truth, I am still not motivated. I get the urge to do it sometimes, but I love my hair the way it is.

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    Replies
    1. lol me too i have been having the urge to do it too.

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  7. Lovely tips, i wish i could let my hair grow, i never let it rest:(new to your blog:)
    Shana-Style

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  8. Naija natural hair no be here o!
    I avnt used a relaxer in 6mnths and the hair is very 'spongy'. I did like a 'blow-out' to 2lines of my front hair so that it would 'relax' on my weave. The stylist that fixed my hair asked me to continue with the process (I.e not relax my hair) but I don't know if I can handle it.
    Hoepfully your tips would help me in the process if I ever decide to go completely natural.

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  9. i think the best way is to have braided hair. With braids you dont have the opportunity to relax the hair.

    xx http://fabeau-trends.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. thanks dear i use to always braid. but left my hair for a few days unbraided and learnt the hard way.

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  10. Awesome tips! I needed these when I first started my transition because my stylist was so tired of me complaining and making/cancelling appointments to get my hair relaxed, lol. My protective styles are the best at allowing me to transition without that overwhelming urge to 'return to the creamy crack'!

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  11. You always hit it right on top with your posts. I did the natural hair a few times over and over again and it is just hard but reading this is very inspiring and encouraging. IIt was just easier to get back on that box of lye. Now, i will remember this awesome tips and we'll see. Thank you so much for this.

    http://www.thefashionstirfry.com

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  12. Dalu so, Ada mmadu - Hitting the third month of transitioning, I found it very hard to resist the temptation of relaxing my hair (Dealing with two completely different textures is no joke). What I did (and still do)was braid my hair. When my hair is braided, I forget I'm even transitioning. Very difficult, but, worth it. On the 17/07/14, I will be one year post relaxer, and I'm over the moon. My sister keeps me motivated.

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  13. I used to wish I transitioned, but looking back I think my big chop was the best decision even though it took a bit of getting used to and a lot of patience to wait for my hair to grow.

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    Replies
    1. nne your hair has really grown long and looking very healthy.

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  14. Its not easy... but you I want to still hold. I still get tempted to realx my hair tho..
    www.fashionitazbybuiti.blogspot.com

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  15. I can understand this...have been thinking on a relaxer for a while, but I haven't as it just makes my hair all dry, even though it does tame it. But, I've been good and just use my straighteners more :) Super tips doll xx

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  16. I like your natural hair and although I'm not wearing natural hair presently, I admire those that are and so I love this information you are providing. I do think its such a great point you made about not looking at old pictures where you were relaxed... It's best to look at what you want like others on YouTube as opposed to want you don't want :)
    www.yvonnesloves.com

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  17. Its not so easy but braiding when I don't want to relax my hair or fixing cover-up extensions works for me, that way I would have no reason to relax the hair
    http://yuddyella.blogspot.com

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  18. uhmmmmm going natural dey fear me no be small.. lovely post :)

    ladywannabeblog.blogspot.com

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  19. I really need this post, my natural hair is as stubborn as stubborn can be and it is painful to comb hell is more like it but I want to do it and I will. Needed the kick in my rear.

    http://thinkworkandgo.blogspot.com/

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  20. Brilliant tips.
    http://rock4less.blogspot.co.uk/

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  21. The transition period is the worst. Your tips are always so motivational. Keeps me going.


    http://Blessedbowtie.blogspot.com

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  22. ohh no, dis post came so late.I just relaxed my hair last week and i was over 10months natural..lovely tips fredaisehen.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. my dear you can still be relaxed and have healthy.

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  23. Lol I went through this before going back to the cream crack. I do miss my natural hair but can't go through the stress starting over again. Maybe in 3 yrs time.

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    Replies
    1. my dear sister you can be relaxed and have really healthy hair.
      xoxo

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  24. i also relaxed mine but am gonna cut it
    check out my new post here http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/2014/01/velvet-mix-stripe-skirt-and-monochrome.html happy weekends

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