Happy Valentine’s Day… a day later 
And I’m just about a year late with this update, lol. This post is going to be long and pic heavy. I ended my 30 month transition from relaxed to natural hair on March 26, 2011. Going natural was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made. There were ups and downs, and a few times when I was ready to just shave it all off… But I made it to my goal of 2.5 years before trimming the last relaxed ends off. Thanks to all my readers, e-buddies, LHCF forum girls, family and friends for the support and encouragement during and after my transition. I really appreciate it! Below I’ve posted pictures of my hair natural, relaxed, and while transitioning. I’ll likely do a “reflections” type post and include my updated regimen and product staple in a later update. Promise I won’t go over a year w/o posting again, lol.
I’ve pretty much been wearing my hair in a fro and a pony puff mainly because it’s easy and I don’t have a lot of time to spend doing my hair. Once in a while I’ll straighten it, pin it or style it with flexi rods. I’ve never been so in love with my hair and it always seem so cool that I can float between straight and natural hair so easily. It did take me some time to perfect my flatiron process… But I have it down to a science now. POW! When people ask you did you relax your hair every time you straighten, you know you’re doing a good job, lol.
The only issue I have with my natural hair (that I didn’t have when I was relaxed) is detangling. It takes forever and since I love simple styles like fros and puffs… my detangling sessions are usually exhausting because my hair tends to matt and lock easily. Patience is the only advice I can give because I’m not going to lie and tell you it’s easy detangling my hair. But that’s the only issue I have and I just learned to deal with it.
Below is a current picture of my hair length. It was reverting after 2 weeks of being straightened so I was going to wash it before I took this picture. My hair is mid-back length right now. I don’t have any real hair goals… I’m just letting it do whatever. But the line marks my waist and I guess my hair is about 2.5-3 inches away.
Really not much to say about my relaxed hair. I wore my hair down, with curls or in a ponytail pretty much everyday. My relaxed hair was APL (armpit length) before I started my transition. It would not grow past that length before I went natural. And trust, I was protective styling and following all the prescribed Black Hair Care regimens to no avail. I know women online and in real life with beautiful relaxed hair, but I realized that it just doesn’t work for me.
I had the most fun with my hair when I was transitioning to natural. If you have followed my blog over the last few years, you know I tried pretty much every style when I was transitioning… Many are included in older posts within my Hair Transition Diary. And I’m going to need to revisit wearing wigs because I was in love with that half wig!!! Called her Beyonce, lol. That half wig got so much attention in person… I have no clue where I put my wig. SMH.
Anyway, the long transition to natural was perfect for me. I didn’t want to do a Big Chop also known as a BC. I’ve cut my hair short before and it was not fun growing it out so I chose the long transition and I’m glad I did. My longest layers were BSL (Bra Length) when I trimmed the last relaxed ends off. Waiting 2.5 years was totally worth it and I encourage anyone who wants to do a long transition to natural hair to go for it. Yes, it’s hard at times but the best decision I could have made. Thanks for reading and visiting my blog. I’ll try my best to not go forever without and update. Thanks for emailing to check up on me and for all the well wishes
XOXO,
Dani
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About time!!!! How long must I wait for an update? Lol. Your natural hair is beautiful. Give me that hair girl
Dani, you are gorgeous and so is your hair. I have followed your progress since LHCF and happy to see you update. Happy Hair Growing!
@ Kedra – Thanks, I won’t take forever to update next time, lol.
@ Vera -Thanks
Totally, love your hair. You and your hair rock
Happy Hair Journey to you !
Thanks Alecia. The website looks great!
Thanks for posting pics of your journey! Im currently transitioning from relaxed to natural and have 3 months to go to make it to 1 year. I’m trying to make it to next year before I cut off the relaxed ends but sometimes I dont know if I’ll make it.
Can you post the name of the products you used to help you through your transition? Im still on a quest to complete me transitioning hair regimen.
Thanks!
Congrats on your transition Rianne! You can do it *hugs*
The products I use are pretty much the same ones I used when I was relaxed. I tried a lot of products but had to go back to what always worked for me. My best advice is to find a really good deep conditioner. Current staples are listed below and I reviewed some of the products I tried in the Hair Products Review section.
Shampoo:
Keracare 1st Lather Shampoo (For clarifying)
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo
Deep Conditioner:
Elasta QP DPR-11 mixed w/ Olive Oil
Cowash Conditioners:
V05 Moisture Milks Moisturizing Conditioner Strawberries Cream
Tresseme Moisture Rich Conditioner
Products For Straightening Hair:
Chi Silk Infusion
Fantasia IC – Pink Bottle
Organix Smoothing Shea Butter (They discontinued my blow dry cream, but this has the same ingrediants)
Other Products:
Lotta Body (For Setting Hair on Rollersets and FlexiRods)
Elasta QP Glaze (Taming Edges… I barely use)
Coconut Oil
Aloe Vera
Hope That Helps
Yes, that helps, thanks! I already have a few of those products so thats a plus. I just started using the ORS edge tamer for my edges during my transition and its actually working pretty good so far.
Thanks for listing those products, i plan to revisit the ones i already have and possibly incorporate some of those listed to my regimen.
The hair looks FAB! love every style!
theMANEtopic.com
Your hair looks great! A true inspiration to girls that want to go natural!
Your hair looks gorgeous I must say, totally cute thanks for the share
@ Rianne – No prob.
@ Debz, Natasha, and Luiza – Thanks Ladies!
Danny thank you for the tips and nice photos !!
What an inspiring story!
Your hair looks healthy and incredibly beautiful! Much healthier looking than when your hair was permed. Even your smile is alot brighter.
You took your time and transitioned, not everyone does it like that. But, there is much to be said about being patient.
I hope your story inspires others to care for their hair and to realise that being natural is just as lovely or even better!
Hair, hair, hair. I feel like I’ve been a slave to my hair for my entire life!
I have relaxed hair and I get it done about every week and a half. If I don’t get it done, it looks a mess. Thanks for sharing your journey with your transition to natural hair with us. It was interesting.
Your hair is super gorgeous!!!
@ Dortmund – Thanks!
@ Tasha – Thanks so much for your comment. I agree, I feel like my hair did a complete 180. My hair looked so limp and thin in some of those pictures.
@ Cecelia – Yes! I remember feeling so helpless sometimes when I used to go to the salon. All that changed when I learned to do my hair myself. Best Wishes
@ ThePomadeShop.com – Thanks
Great blog! Just discovered it today. I tried to go through the transition when I found out I have what’s called type 4a hair (I hope that’s right. I mean my hair is waaaaaay tight in the root when new growth appears). So long story short, I “relapsed” and permed my hair…it didn’t take like usual. My hair is still a “little natural” <— hope that makes sense. So I'm trying again WITHOUT the BC. My question is: did you use heat on your hair daily or every other day? I stop putting so much heat on my hair, but it's hard not to, when I can't get the comb through :/ Advice?
P.S. I'm thinking about doing weaves again… but I hate how my hair can't get air.
Beautiful!!!! I sadly ended by transition yesterday as natural hair was just too difficulty to manage with my lifestyle…but you give me new hope!!
Beautiful!!!!
Gorgeous Hair!
@ Future Mrs. Brown – No, for most of my transition I rarely used heat. I just pin curl my hair at night when I straighten so I don’t have to use my curling iron everyday for touchups. I don’t recommend using direct heat every day.
My advice is to wear transitioning styles that help to blend your relaxed and transitioning hair. Rollersets, flat twistouts and flexi rod hairstyles worked well for me. Good Luck with your transition
@ Hairvolution – Thanks!!! I understand. The first time I tried to transition I made it 8 months before I relaxed again, lol. I’m not going to tell you it’s easy… Because there were so many times where I wanted to say forget it. But once you figure out some staple styles and get a good routine going I’m sure you will be fine the next go round.
Hello Ladies,
I would like to introduce myself and also offer my professional hair care services to anyone in the New York City or Chicago areas. Also, if you mention this blog when making your appointment by calling (646) 535-8275, you can receive a 10% discount off your first visit.
Nycayen
Hairstylist
NycayenMoore.com
Love your hair, the story of your journey is so inspiring to read! I’m definitely style stealing from you as I go through my transition, lol. I’m about 4 months in and am getting sick of bantu knot outs, they cause so much shrinkage!!
I was wondering, what type of flat iron you use when you straighten your natural hair, because I will be looking to invest in a really good one once I big chop (whenever that will be), and your straight pics look professional.
Thanks so much for the tips and the inspiration!!
Very Inspiring! I am transitioning right now.. relaxer free since November.. I my hair is shoulder length right now.. it has been longer… over the years I think the relaxer hasn’t been good for my hair. It is not easy dealing with the summer heat and humidity. I am looking forward to the day when I can say I am totally natural!! I didn’t think it could be done without the big chop til now. Thanks!
Hi i know this is kind weird but i use an awsome treatment called treatment miracle. The women in my family and i have been using it for years, and it is super afforadable and natural. We all have natural hair and we are all mixed. It mosturizes, softens, tames and strenghthens my hair. I see the repair it does when i start to frequently apply heat from the flat iron in the winter as well . It makes its so shiny and silky . You and your subscribers should check it out. im not sure if they sell it online yet but i know my hairdresser ships it to clients across the country.
Chantals Beauty Parlor
9290 hammocks blvd #403
miami, florida 33186
(305)382-9900
Thinking of doing a big chop is just plain scary, not everyonen is ‘cut’ out for it lol. I personally like transitioning although I have yet to do it completely, this is inspiring. Maybe I may have to toss the relaxer once and for all!
Such an awesome blog. I’ve been transitioning for 6 months and things are going….hmm…interesting. With relaxed hair I didn’t know how to manage my hair so transitions is definitely going to be a journey for me. I do not want to do the BC. I cut my hair once and I hate the transition when I grew it back. I plan on transitioning for 3 years so pray for me! How often did you trim your ends? And how many inches did you cut off? Again thanks for the blog. Your hair looks beautiful!
Your website and hair are beautiful. I’m in the middle of going natural (or I’m going for a record between perms). It’s been 6 months since my last touch-up. I have shoulder-length hair and don’t want to do the big chop (I did that back in the ’90s; worst thing I ever did hair-wise). I’ve been searching for a blog or website of someone who medium length and long hair and simply transitioned, however long it took. You’ve inspired me that I can transition, however long it takes, and maintain most of my length. Thanks.
Your hair looks fabulous and u look gorgeous in your transition to natural hair !! and u look a kid in flatwistouts lol
Wow! your looking so good with your hair. Even with your natural and relax hair.. like you!;-)
Wow! BEAUTIFUL HAIR! Been thinking about going natural so HerE GOES!!
Also are you full black? You know like not mixed…cuz’ if you are then you’re an insperation!
)*
Hi Dani, your hair transition journey is inspiring. It is indeed a difficult and long process but I agree that going natural is always the best for our hair. Congratulations
I hope I can have this hair goal too.
You look really pretty. Whatever hairstyle looks good on you.
Your hair is beautiful! Thanks for saying you don’t have to do a BC! I am 10 months natural and I do not want to do a BC! I honestly do not mind the long transition. However I cannot wait until I am fully natural. Thanks for the tips on transitioning styles. And great blog!
Your hair is absolutely beautiful. I’m not natural nor transitioning but your journey is a true inspiration.
Dani, I have just started the transition from relaxed to natural, and find experiences such as yours truly inspiring.
Your hair is beautiful! I love your blog. I also started my transition in 2010 and have not looked back. My hair feels so much healthier without the relaxer. I only use heat once every week and a half and I wrap my hair every night. People always ask do I have a relaxer and they don’t understand how my hair withstands the TX humidity. I really wish more women would go natural. It’s so much better for the hair. Thanks again for sharing and showing your transition
D.A.M.N 30 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!
definitely, ure my transition hairinspiration…
Im transitionning, since 10 months, an i would like too to transition dor 2 years…Becuz i dont like short hair
I wear braids and twistouts most of the time
Hoê u’ll pass by my littele blog…
I would like to introduce myself and also offer my professional hair care services to anyone in the New York City or Chicago areas. Also, if you mention this blog when making your appointment by calling (646) 535-8275, you can receive a 10% discount off your first visit.
Just wanted to say we love your blog and your hair looks fantastic. We hope more women will follow your example!
When she had short cutted hair… She was looking so stylish… Who agrees with me?
Yes ..i am agree with Dan..Dan she realy stylish
This is nice blog and unique information related to Hair growth.Thanks for sharing such information
Hello. I have enjoyed your transition information as well as the comments on hairstyling. Personally, my last relaxer was in January 2010…possibly 2009….time has a way of getting away. In any event, I have made use of braids for the most part and did one or two weaves. In November (this year) my husband took out my weave for me and that was that. I am not saying I will never use any of those things but I am enjoying my natural hair immensely. I am uncertain what my hair “type” is, however, it is obvious that there is a combo of probably three. I have beautiful kinky coils which just bounce back on their own without manipulation and also once left for a bit or “stretched” I get the wild hair which I do love. I hope we will hear more from you. My hope is to begin my own hair journal/blog…it is so much fun reading others’ and watching videos. Be safe and stay well.
Lovely transition I know having long hair did not make your transition no easier thumbs up to you for a transition well done………
Wow. I love the transitions. Every style suits you girl.
I wish I could be as patient as you. It’s so cool that you tried so many different styles and even wigs. Transitioning with wigs is great because you can try out styles you wouldn’t necessarily want to risk for real. Your pictures look great!
Nice hairs. I always try to give my hairs new style and looks and i tried a lot of products on them , that’s why my hairs start falling. Can anyone please tell me any good hair care product for that.?
wow, this was a long journey but indeed very inspireing. You indeed tried alot of hair styles. I bet it was fun. The pictures say it all
I love the pics alot I have just started my transition but im still undecided a bit. I did a bid chop but I still have some permed hair. As a child before you had your first perm was your natural hair as it is now?
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