The Truth About Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural Hair

I am here to tell you that transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is not that hard and it is not a process that you should be afraid of! In this video, I will tell you about me year-long transitioning experience and help you approach this process without fear!
I had a lot of fun making this video and talking to you all about my experience and sharing tips that have helped make this process easier for me. Let me know if you would like to see more hair videos!
Thank you for watching don't forget to hit the subscribe button!

[@Eveningbreeze721]

My fitness regime is one of the main reasons natural hair works for me. I struggled a lot with relaxed hair and staying active sweating out my hair. I love the freedom my natural hair gives me. A bonus is summer activities and my hait. I used to struggle with humidity and moisture. My natural hair loves it.

[@heyyitsneyy]

That freedom is exactly what I’m looking forward to!!!

[@sharoncarty5096]

I have been natural for more than 10 years. I love it. You do what is right for you. No one else is wearing you hair. You are. Naysayers will always be there.

[@michelelove]

I agree with you. I haven’t had a relaxer in almost five years. I didn’t do the big chop, I infrequently trimmed my ends lol but I did wash and condition my hair and kept it moisturized and avoided over manipulation. It’s still thriving. Not a big deal

[@heyyitsneyy]

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[@beaver2009]

I'm finding it difficult to identify my current hair type. When it's wet it's afro-like uk wth some straightened ends popping out. But when it's dry idk I wouldn't say it's an afro nor is it very relaxed it's just there. Moreover it's naturally thick that adds to the trouble too. Any tips?

[@ArtfulService]

I agree that, For Me, transitioning is not hard because I planned my initial transition and am managing it quite easily 6 months in. I never plan to do a big chop. Like you, I will trim my hair as needed until and after the relaxed texture has been trimmed away. It’s so important to know that one’s hair texture is not some generic type 3 or 4 hair. No one else in the world has my hair or my hair texture. It’s uniquely personalized for me by God, and it’s important to become intimately acquainted with one’s hair so that you can learn intuitively how to manage your unique head of hair. My transition plan is not likely to work for anyone else so I never plan to encourage anyone to use my plan; it’s uniquely designed by me for me. People of color and African descent have the most unique and gorgeously natural hair on the planet. 🥰

[@heyyitsneyy]

💯💯💯 I love this!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Miasoulsai]

My girl is preaching in this video!!! I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID. I’ve been natural for years and I love it. Finding styles and products that work for you is very important. It is overwhelming when they’re are so many products marketed to us. Having a good natural hair stylist is helpful as well. EMBRACE IT QUEENS!!! ❤

[@MsJoyce31202]

Wide tooth comb !!!!! The thing I kept using whether straightening, relaxing or big chopping. 😊

[@carriemajor6496]

Thanks for sharing. I was natural for 7 and 1/2 years. It worked awesome for me. I big chopped the first time. I straightened it (relaxed) on February 14 this year. I’m regretting it because I love to workout. It’s braided up right now and almost bra strap length. I don’t want to start over. I guess braids will be my best friend and trimmings. ❤

[@angelinemontauban4647]

Thank you for sharing. This is so helpful. You are such a people person and you have totally built my confidence.

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you so much! I’m glad that I could help! 😁😁

[@preese100]

Excellent video with a ton of useful and smart tips. Thanks for sharing sis!

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful! 😁

[@AngenettePartee]

I just transitioned In April of 2024 I am enjoying my natural hair ❤ I did the big chop I am so happy I did 🫶🏽

[@theboss7497]

OHHHHHHHMYWORDDDD!!! I am so glad I found you!!! You are the business. I am going on my natural journey, 8 months unrelaxed and I am so motivated and so comfortable after listening to not make the transition that...DEEP!! Thank you so much for taking away all of the fears and drama that is made about transitioning. You give real talk!!! Applause sweetheart!!! and thank you!!!:)

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad I could help! We got this! ❤️

[@theboss7497]

@@heyyitsneyy absolutely 💯 We hot this sweetheart ♥️

[@pywilson]

I came across your video and love your content! Also I have the same comb and like you I have had it for years. Thank you for your time and truth!

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you so much for watching!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-ou7en2fu2i]

Hola 😇 thank you very much for the information ❤blessings ❤️ 🙏

[@tonyawashington5075]

Girl... You got some serious patience. I can tell transitioning is a serious process. Good stuff.

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you!!! 😁😁

[@Sweetpea-h7i]

I needed this thank you so much❤

[@heyyitsneyy]

You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help! ❤️

[@nro9261]

Some of the people saying how difficult transitioning to natural was for them probably transitioned a long time ago when information and, products specifically for our natural hair were severely limited. I transitioned in 98 and it was extremely difficult. There were no KZbin videos to guide us. We had to rely on the few books that were out and trial and error. Anyone transitioning to natural now, can take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that is available. Also, many of us during that timeframe just wore our natural hair out, so we had to deal with our own insecurities and insensitive, ignorant comments from family members and even strangers.

[@angelictigerette]

Sis, you are an inspiration. I am 100% with you. Whether a woman wants to be natural or relaxed is HER choice and shouldn't be judged. I've been both natural and relaxed. I was relaxed for most of my life, tried going natural a few times without success, and went back to relaxers. Finally, I decided to do the big chop again and I'm about a year and a half in. I've always wanted to learn how to cornroll. My sister tried to teach me when I was younger but I wasn't, able to grasp the concept. I might buy myself a mannequin head and try to teach myself too!

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you so much and congratulations for hitting almost 1.5 years! ❤️❤️❤️ After I got the mannequin head, it took me a few months to learn how to cornrow. I got frustrated several times but I had to push myself to keep trying. One day, your fingers will get the hang of it and you’re going to open up a whole new world!

[@angelictigerette]

@@heyyitsneyy Thank you! I've had some health issues. (seizures and a stroke so I hope my brain cooperates! 🤣🤣

[@BlazeMonti]

Oh this video is 💖💖💖💖💖 Imma have to rewatch and comment on every little bit (with timestamps) that really stood out to me. I transitioned and big chopped over 7 years ago but I felt like My Ancestors put this video on my guest account for a reason. Now I'm subscribed with my actual account. You are really speaking sis. 🥹🥹🥹🥹😭 I wish I had this video back in the day I tell you. I'm a tomboy and I also have mental issues. So when I decided to go natural my whole family freaked out. They claimed that I would be back over my (abu**ve) sister's house in Less than a year to get relaxed again. Nope. I don't want any of my sisters' energy in my hair or on my scalp. PERIOD!! It has been hard but not as hard as adult life. Which has made some of my hair fall out (TE ALOPECIA caused by stress). But my hair is still longer and thicker than a lot of family members that said that I wouldn't make it. 🥹🥹🥹🥹😭 I'm so proud of myself for that. Keep going sis. I needed this for real. I'm about to wash my hair thanks to this video. I've been struggling with taking care of it due to the stress of life and the alopecia but this year I'm getting my hair back. All new products, tools and routine. Love and Light to you and yours. 💖😭💯

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you so much! I made this video because I had this same talk with myself and it really helped me. It was my goal to help others who were dealing with similar issues. Im proud of you too and I’m really glad this video helped you! You got this! ❤️❤️❤️

[@StarGoddess_516]

Loving the hair progress as a licensed cosmetologist, I approve it! You’re doing the thing right thing for your hair! 💯 Btw You have an Amazing Smile 😊

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you so much!!!! 😁😁😁

[@dcarter8771]

Great video. I have relatively curly. I haven't had a relaxer in 7 mos. I would get a relaxer probably 3 times a year. I wash my hair. I condition my hair. I do a leave in conditioner for approx 1 or 2 weeks, and I literally put in six braids. And start the process all over again. Nothing special. I'm not a product junkie. I do have an amazing stylist. I'm big on getting trims. I'm going to go w/ the twist outs for awhile. I did purchase a few products, nothing over the top. I laughed when you said you were "tender head." I am so very tender head and I have a lot of hair. So, ouch!

[@sherranrussell6717]

I enjoyed your video I'm a Christian & some don't believe in cutting hair I gave myself a big chop 1st part of January of this year now it is much longer than I started no one else products but what's works for me. U keep doing what U do because I really love your video.

[@2forreal]

What does being a Christian have to do with hair care??? Just stop!!! Make it make sense.

[@heyyitsneyy]

@sherranrussell6717 thank you so much!

[@michelleeja412]

Block out the chatter. You said it right. I have been saying it for a while, I will not be convinced to use these brushes that are pushed by social media. Majority of them rip thru the tangles and knots, they cannot detangle hair. Then people complaining about thinning and breakage and don't attribute it to using brushes. Finger detangling is what I do and will continue to do.

[@oliviajae]

You are 100% right it's not hard to transition to natural hair. I just did it for a year and 6 month and it was a breeze girl, I would have went longer, but decided to let those relaxed ends go and embrace my curls. People have to do what works best for them and their hair. Thanks for sharing, check out my transitioning journey. New Subbie! God Bless!🙏🏾💖

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you so much! I’m going to check out your journey and subscribe! 😁❤️

[@oliviajae]

@@heyyitsneyy okay sis thanks! Cant wait to see your next upload.

[@user-iy5wz1gu1x]

That is exactly where I am except I have gray locs, live in FL, and like/need to walk daily to control my weight. I have considered cutting my hair multiple times because it is much harder to manage with my shoulder length gray hair. Actually the texture has gotten softer and straighter-it’s still kinky- living down here for almost 13 years and cutting it bald multiple times. I’m trying to keep my locs, but I don’t want to go back to washing my locs as often as they need to be washed. If I use my RevAir, it renders the edges so straight that they pull out of the locs I finally got them into. Thanks for giving me a chance to vent.

[@Sandi533]

Thx you for sharing! That’s me , need to learn to braid my own hair.

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you for watching! 😁 They have mannequin heads for like $20 on Amazon! You can do it!

[@Sandi533]

@@heyyitsneyy thx u will get one, great idea

[@EVOLMAI]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@user-zf7do9jn1s]

Now that’s keeping it rear real

[@blaquelove]

I have been transitioning since 3/23 as well. Before relaxing in 3/21, I had been natural for 22 years. I will transition until 3/25. I missed my curls

[@MsJoyce31202]

My big chop occurred in February 2013. I have worn short hair ever since. I visit a barber regularly.

[@heyyitsneyy]

Everyone I know that keeps short hair loves the freedom that comes with it!

[@MsJoyce31202]

@@heyyitsneyy 💯

[@empressnewgroov3]

I just relaxed it and then I had an incident with some water splashing on me !!! I was so sad , I only had it in a week . So I cut the pixie and started over . It’s okay cause its hair in it grows back.

[@jt_miami4446]

I agree with you hair should match your lifestyle. I'm relaxed but I only relax my hair to loosen the curls. My hair is down to where the bra goes across the back. I'm thinking about going natural because it's too hot for me to have my hair down. I always have it up and I noticed I'm starting to get gray hair. I don't think every hair stylist knows how to relax gray hair since gray hair is more fragile than black hair. I'm not sure what I want to do yet because there's no point in relaxing my hair if it is up everyday and I need to start to think about how to treat the gray hair.

[@heyyitsneyy]

I think you might find that if you go back to natural your new texture might be so soft that you don’t need a relaxer at all! Thats what happened to some of my coworkers

[@michelleeja412]

Henna is a great natural option to cover grey hair. Combining henna with indigo(dependent upon ratio)will give a variety of shades from black, dark brown, auburn, copper, and red.

[@BionAvastar3000]

That brush actually works SUPER well, but over time it can take your ends out.

[@heyyitsneyy]

😭 I got excited until I finished reading your sentence!

[@cookingwithkira802]

Went natural 2017 then relaxed in 2021.. now 2024 am over relaxer n am ready to have back my girls😂❤❤ Plus my relaxer is just shedding am over it.. 😠

[@theyoungadultlife1298]

I have been considering going natural but everyone keeps saying i will regret because it can get frustrating and difficult to deal with I have relaxed my whole life with long hair and i like the feeling of straight hair or mayb i am used to it but i dont know if to transition or not. If its worth it Anyone has any advice?

[@heyyitsneyy]

I think you have to decide for yourself if you want to learn how to manage your original hair texture. I’ve big chopped since I posted this video but my hair routine is the same because I’ve been doing crochet styles. If you don’t have any issues or any parts of your lifestyle that interfere with your relaxed hair, I would say you should stay relaxed. Ultimately, it’s the “why” that’s going to help you decide. Even if you transition, you can always relax it again!

[@theyoungadultlife1298]

@@heyyitsneyy I do like my relaxed hair since I'm used to it, it's really convenient and it's really long But on the other hand im curious about natural hair, curl pattern and all and most ppl say natural hair is difficult. I wish I could navigate my natural hair without have to let go of my relaxed hair

[@natrlchallenge]

It wasn't hard because you can style it. I don't have relaxed hair, but that is what I am going through with my natural hair.

[@GinaJonesStillettoQueen]

Latch hook*

[@heyyitsneyy]

This!!! I’m actually going to mention in a future video how the tool that most of us use is a latch hook. I used to do the little rug pattern kits back in the day 😂

[@sharoncarty5096]

Do it yourself is much cheaper. Praise God.

[@heyyitsneyy]

The amount of money I’ve saved is crazy!

[@user-zf7do9jn1s]

Not hair comb, but hair manipulating tools

[@juanitarobertson306]

You are doing a great job but please get some hair cutting scissors just for cutting your hair.😊

[@heyyitsneyy]

Thank you and you’re right! I’m going to the beauty supply store this weekend 😅

[@ThatAnimalChannel]

Not to sound ignorant but ive kinda alway felt black people make a big deal about their hair. Like special product this and hair grade that that. The 4c? Vs natural hair is confusing. Unless the hair on you head isnt yours than all hair is natural right? Idk about all that. Hair is hair and aint no ones hair better than anyone elses. Its all repulsive when it leaves the head🤣🤮that my ich in life. The one thing i cant deal with.

[@heyyitsneyy]

Hi @ThatAnimalChannel !! I appreciate your comment! This response is long because this topic is very complex and I intend to fill in the gaps that this video may leave for people who can’t resonate with the point I’m making. The big deal you mentioned actually doesn’t originate with black people at all. The main issues with our hair came from ideas that were passed down from slavery. “So and so is better than you because she has good hair” (good hair meaning hair that was of a straighter texture) So one of the reasons why there’s so much narrative about our hair is because for the longest time we have had to make our hair conform to “professional” and “beauty” standards to be accepted and we still have to. Even now, the policy at my job says “hair can’t extend more than 3 inches from the scalp” basically excluding Afros or any other hairstyle that is easier for people with curlier/kinkier textures to achieve. For decades we have had to find solutions to make ourselves more digestible in certain settings i.e. relaxers that make our hair straight. The issue now is, people are moving away from relaxers and chemical treatments for various reasons and the narrative on social media and other resources meant to assist with hairstyles and management techniques are actually parasitic and counterproductive. The purpose of this video is to empower black women who are at a loss or are scared to make certain changes with their hair because they have been listening to all of the nonsense that is spewed online and everywhere else by the people that they have been looking to for help. A white woman can wear a “messy bun” at work and nobody bats an eyelash. A black woman can wear her “original textured/natural” hair in a neat puff and she will hear comments about her hair all day whether that be negative or positive. I once wore my hair to school in a curly Afro and one of my white classmates asked me if my hair was full of secrets. For comparison, Olivia Newton John wore her hair in an Afro-remnant hairstyle in Grease and everybody praised her for her makeover at the end of the movie. Most of us elect to wear hair that isn’t ours to keep from continuously damaging our own hair to fit into a society that continues to reject us.

[@ThatAnimalChannel]

@@heyyitsneyy perhaps youve misunderstoood a little of what i was asking as well as trying to convey, perhaps i didnt word it quite right. I was wanting clarification on the types of hair. Additionally where i live, people are just to superficial. They do it up because they want to peacock. Ive seen the boushy girls (men too) that do all that, hair nails designer clothes and expensive cars. Not because someone is telling them theyre lesser if they dont, but because thats what social media is doing to everyone. Gotta have top of the line, gotta be better then your neighbor. People aint happy with themselves. But theyre just as mean too each other if you aint done up. Ive also seen people who dont do all that though too, who dont care and dont conform. Like come as you are type thing and aint no one saying anything to them, like ive seen it all types of ways in my city. Perhaps it is different where you are. I think it all just comes down to ego, who cares about all that. Just be a good person!❤️wear your hair how you want, be your own individual.

[@denyshadials5702]

@@ThatAnimalChannel You sound very confused… But natural in this sense simply means how it grew out of one’s head. As in the texture/curl pattern, unaltered by heat and chemicals. That’s it.

[@denyshadials5702]

@@precioush.5415 Did you mean to tag me?

[@BionAvastar3000]

@@heyyitsneyy "hair can’t extend more than 3 inches from the scalp” In which direction? Because a big bun is more than 3 inches. Braids or hair extending downwards is way more than three inches from the scalp. I would challenge that rule because that would mean everybody has to have very close cropped hair or it's nonsensical, and ACTUALLY discriminatory, and you should be able to challenge them and win. (Not using the crown act though, that's BS and will not work, use the constitution and our 1st amendment freedom of expression rights.)