I had the same problem with relaxing my hair too much with chemicals and it broke off really bad in the middle so I decided to go natural.  I also started with just brading my hear ever 2 to 3 months.  Once it grew out I went and began to loc my hair.  My hair was really short (about an inch long) when I first began locing and thought that I would not like it because it was soooooooooo short, but my husband really liked it.  I have been locing for four years now.  Going natural, locing is best thing that I could have every done for my hair.  It is really much stronger and I love it. I go about every 4 weeks and let my styles do my maintenance and style for me.  I don't even do my own hair.  Just try it, I think that you will love it.

When I saw this post, I just had to reply to it and give or get some feedback. I came to the revelation his past month that I was going to go natural. Back in July I realaxed my hair one morning and proceded to wash it out and later condition it. Well in combing through my conditioner that came with the kit, strands upon strands of my hair were coming out. I PANICKED!!! I COULDN'T BREATH!!! I had never had hair to come out when I comed any product through my hair NEVER!! But this time I did. Once I dried it and put a bit of oil on my hair, I saw where my once relatively thick hair was like on one side of my head where the other side had thinned out dramatically and you could now see clean through my strands. I was hurt. I saw where there were places that had been broken off with uneven strands where it was all once even. I could do nothing but pull it back and go. And I have not been to a beautician since August and it was a Dominican hair salon. I love this salon and my beautician. She told me that there were spots that she saw and hair that was not terribly uneaven, but there was alot of shedding. She made me feel better after purchasing a chemical from Alter Ego for hair breakage....I was not happy with it and paid $30 bucks for it and still had shedding. Well I still experieance some shedding, but not a whole lot. I think it will run its course. Each time I comb my hair i see see about 5-10 strands of hair, not like before. But not to ramble. That experience has made me want to go natural. I am about 4-5 inches just above bra lenght, normal hair texture with about an inch to 2 inches of new growth. I do love to run my hands to the scalp to acquaint myself with it because its what I want to see all over. I am thinking about doing Kinky Twists at the end of this month and have made an appointment with an African Hair Braiding gallery here where I live. As far as maintaining goes, I just make sure that I moisturize on a daily basis. I use Nexxus Moisturizing Shampoo and Nexxus Humectress Conditioner. They work very well in deep cleaning and moisturizing my hair because the conditioner is time released and works to keep hair hydrated on a everyday. I also use light oils such as coconut, olive, or a hair moisturizer, all used in moderations as not to clog the scalps pores, but keep it quenched with as shine. I can't wait to give my hair the respect it has needed for years now. I had to ask my mom what my hair was like before she put relaxers in my hair and find pictures of it as well. I HAD LOOOOONG CURLY HAIR THAT HAD A WAVE PATTERN AT THE ROOTS!!! I was like aahhhhhh, I WANT THAT BACK, but I feel I am well on my way to making my hair a crowning glory again, I haven't felt as if I have done it justice over time, but not anymore!! So any of you out there thinking of going natural go ahead and do so, it will save you money, it will bring you back to your roots, literally, and it will give you a piece of mind that soon your hair will be healthier leaving you happier. I know in my heart I will be. If its possible I would love to post some pictures of my transformation over time with this odyssey im taking. Love to you all and may God bless!!

PS....I am soooo sorry for the length of this post, but it think it was God's way of letting me know that I am and was not alone in this transformation....

Find a good dominican shop and let them deal with your hair. Prices differ depending on your location but you will love the results.  I stop perming my hair four years ago due to breakage from perms.  I was informed by a dermatologist that my ends where split to the roots and recomended I stop perming my hair.  As a woman of color---I was thinking yeah right.  Then a friend recomended a shop.  Four years later--my hair is down to my arm pits.  When i walk--my hair walk.  I feel like i'm on top of the world. I keep my ends trimmed frequently as if i have a perm, i don't use any products in my hair after my visit or do I use heat.  Get deep conditioners. I also pin curl my hair or wrap my hair plus use a bonnet to sleep.

I can finally reply to a blog that applies to me... I gave up perms and relaxers years ago. The health and length of my hair is incredible. I developed a system and a habit that works but takes some getting used to. 

When I first transitioned, I tried wetsetting but the end result was big hair.  If you have considerable new growth it is ok to use a pressing comb or a flat iron.  It's a good idea to have your professional stylist to do it, if you don't know how to prevent burning the hair.

Stay away from blow drying your hair and using hot curlers daily.  They damage the ends and dry out the hair.  If you have to use it do it once then follow up with curlers.

I use olive oil on my ends.. Very good. Keeps them moisturized and its natural.

Remember the ends are the oldest most abused part of your hair and will split and break off.

Don't be afraid to have your ends clipped.  Keep clipping every 2 to 3 months until the old chemical part of your hair is gone.  

Try to find an easy style that doesnt require you to constantly comb it throughout the day.  The less you comb or handle it the stronger your hair will remain.

YOu're not going to like this one, but you don't have to wash your hair every week... Sometimes I go for 3 weeks.  The natural oils  are good for the hair.  Keep foreign products out of the hair too.

Good luck. Dana

Hi,

I know this is a late response but I would be more than happy to share some of my natural hair transitions experiences and tips.

Not everything works for everyone and while I love and admire my sisters with locs and braids, Ive found that locs are not for me and i have never worn braids. I have seen people do beautiful tihngs with these styles but ive always been one who prefers either straight or curly and I have a staple of items i use for both styles and they work wonders. I have never done wigs or weaves but If u are interested in my technique or u have any questions please let me know. I will gladly share with you.

I have tips for detangling, straightening (sometimes necessary for corporate america, personal style or convenience) and even enhancing your natural texture without chemicals.

Check out "Hair Rules" the products are great for that style  you want.

Good Luck!

YOU NEED TO CUT THAT STUFF (THE RELAXER PART) AND STOP TRYING TO WEAR IT LONG FOR NOW. IT WILL LOOK MUCH BETTER AND YOU WILL FEEL BETTER. I USED A RELAXER IN MY HAIR FOR OVER 25 YRS..I AM TIRED OF THE UPKEEP AT 55 YRS OLD..  OUR NATURAL HAIR IS SOMUCH EASIER , YOU CAN KEEP IT FRESH AND WELL CONDITIONED AND HEALTHIER. KEEP IT TRIMMED EVERY 6-8 WEEKS AT A LEVEL THAT IS COMFORTABLE FOR YOU ( I KEEP MINE REALLY SHORT), WASH ANYTIME AND JUST GO. IT IS OUR OWN NATURAL LOOK AND I FEEL LIKE MYSELF AGAIN AND SO DIFFERENT FROM EVERYBODY ELSE....AND THE BROTHERS REALLY LIKE IT