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Transitioning: Switching from Relaxed Hair to Natural Hair
If you have decided to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair, congratulations! You’ve made a great decision for many reasons. The lye and so-called “no-lye” used in relaxers is an extremely damaging chemical that injures the scalp and the hair shaft. Lye, according to Merriam Webster is defined as: 1: a strong alkaline liquor rich in potassium carbonate leached from wood ashes and used especially in making soap and washing; broadly: a strong alkaline solution (as of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) 2: a solid caustic (as sodium hydroxide). Lye is the primary strong base used in the chemical industry, for instance, in products like Drano^®, used to unclog drains. Any chemical used in this way is doing untold damage to the scalp.

Even if you are just beginning the transition process, it isn’t necessary to cut off all your hair and start fresh, unless of course you want to. In fact, there are several natural-looking styles you can wear that are also easily maintained. Styles such as two-strand twists, individual braids*, cornrows, etc., can be attained using synthetic or human hair, and are a great way to keep your hair stylish and neat. It is also a way to protect the hair and greatly reduce the amount of stress on the scalp as the hair is growing out. The most important thing is to keep the scalp moisturized. As your new growth grows out, the relaxed hair is cut gradually.