Finding your natural hair: is it better to do a big chop or a transition? On the one hand, having very short hair is not everyone who assumes. On the other hand, it takes a lot of patience to manage two hair textures for months…
Want to say goodbye to relaxer for good but not sure how to go about it? Here are some tips to not lose your mind.
Find your natural hair, instructions for use
Can we just remove the relaxer? Unfortunately no. Hair straightening is a powerful and permanent chemical process. Caustic soda or other alkaline agents of which relaxers are composed irreversibly modify the internal structure of the hair. Currently, there is no product to undo this process. And if you've heard that beer takes away the relaxer, ask to see proof...
The big chop: what and why
It's a radical solution: cut your straightened hair, or even shave it, without waiting to have a long frizzy regrowth (less than three months after the last straightening). It is a very liberating experience for many women and a milestone in the “hair journey”.
Advantages of big chop
- Short hair requires minimal maintenance
- You immediately find your natural texture
- You can more easily experiment with treatments and products
Disadvantages of the big chop
- No turning back possible (shock factor)
- Few hairstyles to do on short hair
- You will have to be patient to see the hair lengthen.
- You can also start by establishing your hair routine (even if it changes later)
» Discover our moisturizing care discovery set to facilitate your return to nature
The transition: what and why
Out of the question for you to cut so short? Do not panic, making a successful transition is possible. If you used to space your hair straightening several months apart, you will easily be able to manage a transition.
Benefits of transitioning
- You keep the length of your hair relaxed
- You slowly adapt your habits
- You gradually cut your tips
Disadvantages of transitioning
- Two different textures to manage (more difficult if the transition is long)
- You discover your natural hair less well
- You could damage your hair if you do improper hairstyles
» Discover our moisturizing and protein care discovery set to facilitate the transition
What to do during the transition
The ideal is to start taking good habits to maintain your frizzy hair. First, remember that hydration is key: drink enough water and learn how to hydrate your hair properly.
If you suffer from alopecia (loss of hair, particularly at the temples), avoid very tight hairstyles or extensions (extensions, grafts, additions). Learn the right methods to detangle frizzy hair, being as delicate as possible.
How to style your hair during the transition
There are several possible styles, including those you can do with natural frizzy hair (flat twists, mats and ti-couri, twits-out, braid-out, bantu knot-out), styles with additions (crochet braids, rasta braids, Senegalese twists, etc.), curlers…
If you want to focus on camouflaging the demarcation between the two textures, do combo hairstyles: half braids or slicked back twists, and the rest free. You can also stretch your hair with a hair dryeror with a flat iron, but beware! You have to be very careful not to damage your regrowth with the heat.
Use our 3-in-1 hair oil as a protective treatment against heat and, above all, do not overuse the iron or hair dryer. Headbands, scarves and accessories are also a good way to hide annoying regrowth.
So which do you choose: big chop or transition?
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