The "Super Long Transitioners" Thread!

NalaJae

amber109 wrote: »

Im very new to this site and to transitioning. I am so glad to have come across this site. My last perm was Feb 2011. I have no plans on doing the big chop. I do not look cute with really short hair.I will have to cut it all off to be relaxer free. As of write now I am trying to grow it out with a sew in. I think I am going to keep wearing them at least until the end of the summer. I will get a trim every 3 months. I dont feel comfortable trimming alot off yet so right now it just may be the split ends we will see. Even though I am wearing a sew in a work out alot so I have been co washing everyother day. I am also trying the no poo method.

i also had my last relaxer in Feb 2011. i mostly do braidouts and i LOVE them. i have done a bun...it was ok. but my hair is really hard to manage because it is very long and i dont plan on doing the BC so braidouts are working great for me right now. i need to trim my hair though.

pprMACHEheart

Hope everyone is doing well with their whole transitioning bit today.

Butterfly_Curlz

pprMACHEheart wrote: »

Hope everyone is doing well with their whole transitioning bit today.

I know that you transitioned for a good amount of time & I'm curious as to your thoughts on the ease and/or difficulty of the transitioning process the further you went along.

I have never been a PJ (mainly because I never wanted to jump from product to product & because of a lack of funds), however I noticed that once I settled into a consistent reggie the entire transitioning process becomes alot easier (at least for me).

Yes I spend 3 to 4 hrs on each wash day but I just consider that a part of the process & I look at it as pampering my hair so the time doesn't really bother me. I sometimes can't relate to those who state that transitioning is sooo difficult bc it...well just isn't for me. I just like everyone else want long hair rt now however I know that can't happen so I focus on the health of my hair instead knowing that the growth will come in time.

What are your thoughts?

pprMACHEheart

JaylensMami10 wrote: »

pprMACHEheart wrote: »

Hope everyone is doing well with their whole transitioning bit today.

I know that you transitioned for a good amount of time & I'm curious as to your thoughts on the ease and/or difficulty of the transitioning process the further you went along.

I have never been a PJ (mainly because I never wanted to jump from product to product & because of a lack of funds), however I noticed that once I settled into a consistent reggie the entire transitioning process becomes alot easier (at least for me).

Yes I spend 3 to 4 hrs on each wash day but I just consider that a part of the process & I look at it as pampering my hair so the time doesn't really bother me. I sometimes can't relate to those who state that transitioning is sooo difficult bc it...well just isn't for me. I just like everyone else want long hair rt now however I know that can't happen so I focus on the health of my hair instead knowing that the growth will come in time.

What are your thoughts?

I agree with you, transitioning for me was easy. I found what worked for me and clung to it, between finding that my hair thrived with Joico products, deep conditioning treatments every two weeks, and doing twist outs when I didn't go to the salon . . . transitioning for almost 2 years, seemed like no time at all.

I wasn't afraid of trimming either, I trimmed every 3 months and my hair stayed healthy and long to boot.

Transitioning is all about your mindset, if you think it's difficult (and you moan, gripe and complain about wishing you could perm your hair every time it does something you're not accustomed to) it will be and you'll want to go back to relaxers.

But this is just my two cents.

Butterfly_Curlz

pprMACHEheart wrote: »

JaylensMami10 wrote: »

pprMACHEheart wrote: »

Hope everyone is doing well with their whole transitioning bit today.

I know that you transitioned for a good amount of time & I'm curious as to your thoughts on the ease and/or difficulty of the transitioning process the further you went along.

I have never been a PJ (mainly because I never wanted to jump from product to product & because of a lack of funds), however I noticed that once I settled into a consistent reggie the entire transitioning process becomes alot easier (at least for me).

Yes I spend 3 to 4 hrs on each wash day but I just consider that a part of the process & I look at it as pampering my hair so the time doesn't really bother me. I sometimes can't relate to those who state that transitioning is sooo difficult bc it...well just isn't for me. I just like everyone else want long hair rt now however I know that can't happen so I focus on the health of my hair instead knowing that the growth will come in time.

What are your thoughts?

I agree with you, transitioning for me was easy. I found what worked for me and clung to it, between finding that my hair thrived with Joico products, deep conditioning treatments every two weeks, and doing twist outs when I didn't go to the salon . . . transitioning for almost 2 years, seemed like no time at all.

I wasn't afraid of trimming either, I trimmed every 3 months and my hair stayed healthy and long to boot.

Transitioning is all about your mindset, if you think it's difficult (and you moan, gripe and complain about wishing you could perm your hair every time it does something you're not accustomed to) it will be and you'll want to go back to relaxers.

But this is just my two cents.

Ita w/that as well. Transitioning is really all about what you make of it. It is a process...sometimes a very long one depending on what your goals/expectations are when you chop however again I say focus on the health of your hair instead of length or where you aren't rt now.

I really noticed that once I did that the 1st yr flew by & doing another yr or two max really doesn't seem that far fetched to me anymore.

I'm comfortable w/my transitioning styles, my reggie, the way my hair reponds to my reggie & I totally make wash day a complete pampering day where I do my toes & nails when I'm done w/my hair.

It has really been an enjoyable process thus far. I love seeing and playing w/my hair on wash day (I view wash day as a time to love on my hair vs a 'chore') & I'm excited about all thats to come in years ahead.

annabananalise

I haven't found it difficult at all. I'm even trimming my own hair now!

On the phone! Sorry for teh errerz.

Butterfly_Curlz

annabananaliese wrote: »

I haven't found it difficult at all. I'm even trimming my own hair now!

On the phone! Sorry for teh errerz.

Yea me too! I was initially a little nervous about trimming my own hair however once I got used to it its no biggie anymore.

I must say that I am throughly enjoying my transitioning process. I will admit that I wish I could just snap my fingers and have thick, lush, long natural hair however I am ok w/going thru the process and loving what I have...even if it is an inch at a time!

aa9072

I plan on transitioning for a year or so!! Lets see what happens :-/ 2 weeks ago I did a mini chop! Chopped my Apl hair to neck length. I am 5 months post now. I think a year of transition would do me good

mochamel

I haven't relaxed my hair in about 3mths. I used Jane Carter to help go natural. It didn't do anything. I used Mixed Chicks last summer and it was so so. I've been using One&Only Argan Oil products. At 1st it was great and now I'm doubting if it is any good. Bought Kinky Curly products last nite mite use them. I'm just trying to find some good hair products to use in between relaxing. Btw I'm a 3C. And I don't know any of the transitioning or hair product terms so please explain to me lol.

MochaMel (CurlyKinky3C)

Rusycurly

Just wanted to check in with you ladies. With this heat I've been exclusively wearing protective styles. I do wash and gos until hair air dries and as soon as it does so I either do a bun or French braids. I tried twist outs and braid outs and they were a fail for me. Right now I'm just trying to keep the hair away because my 11 month old loves to pull it and I'm trying to minimize breakage. What are you ladies up to?

annabananalise

Welll it will be a year in three days. I'm pretty much doing buns and ponytails lately. Wash, detangle, let dry then bun. I need to find some more hairstyles as I'm feeling rather uninspired. Lol.

On the phone! Sorry for teh errerz.

Rusycurly

How often do you ladies trim your hair? Last time I had a trim was in May. I was originally thinking of waiting until December for a trim (since I'm trying to keep my length) but lately I've been giving serious consideration to cutting off at least a good 4 inches. For those of you who have transitioned longer than me (only 8 months) would it cause a lot of damage to my hair if I were to go for like a year without trimming? My hair doesn't have any split ends or anything. I'm just concerned because I keep hearing that breakage is an issue when you long transition.

pprMACHEheart

As someone who transitioned for almost two years, I trimmed every three months religiously. My hair stayed healthy and I kept my length. I think trimming is pretty important while transitioning.

besos2011

Hey Ladies!,


This Thread is very neat! I have been transitioning for 27 months and my goal is to transition for 36 months.

I just want to say congrats to all the ladies on here for making the long term transition. I know how difficult it can be at times. So keep up the good work and HHG!

Butterfly_Curlz

annabananaliese wrote: »

Welll it will be a year in three days. I'm pretty much doing buns and ponytails lately. Wash, detangle, let dry then bun. I need to find some more hairstyles as I'm feeling rather uninspired. Lol.

On the phone! Sorry for teh errerz.

Congrats on reaching 1year anna!:occasion9: Doesn't it feel great?!

pprMACHEheart wrote: »

As someone who transitioned for almost two years, I trimmed every three months religiously. My hair stayed healthy and I kept my length. I think trimming is pretty important while transitioning.

I would have to agree w/pprmache. I originally used to trim every 3months and then I switched to as needed, which has been working better lately. I protective style, have only used heat once since I started, DT religiously,etc but as of the past 2months I have noticed very minimal splits every 3wks.

At first I was like I have to wait one more wk to cut but then I realized I have to do whats best for my hair & if it requires me dusting every 3wks then so be it. I say this all to say that while it is important to trim, don't get so wrapped up in only doing it on a set schedule. If your ends are looking a little rough then dust them before they get out of control (I dust when I see 1 stray strand). My hair thanks me for it with giving me less breakage and easier manageability in the long run.

besos2011 wrote: »

Hey Ladies!,


This Thread is very neat! I have been transitioning for 27 months and my goal is to transition for 36 months.

I just want to say congrats to all the ladies on here for making the long term transition. I know how difficult it can be at times. So keep up the good work and HHG!

Wow! Congrats on making it this far already! I can't wait to reach my 2yr mark.

annabananalise

Thanks! It does feel great.

On the phone! Sorry for teh errerz.

Aerogirl530

RealChic4eva wrote: »

Hey yall!

I'm 10 months in and I'm starting to have a difficult time handling my hair. I'd probably get a relaxer if I hadn't come so far already.

I've always had long hair, and I'm not interested in short hair at all. The tangles are out of control! I can pass the comb thru, grab a clip, change the channel, do anything really, I go back to it and it's tangled again! So frustrating!

I don't know if the tangling is b/c of the relaxed ends or what. But I don't really see how that can be the case.

I'm brushing BSL straightened, and I plan to cut 3-4 inches as soon as I get the cajones.

Dunno what to do abt it being so difficult to handle tho. :thumbdown:

I'm having the same dilemma i comb my hair, i try to brush it into a bun and look ! its tangled again, but my hair tangles at the demarcation line (where natural and relaxed hair meet) because they are fighting for freedom, i am also 10 months post i will be a year on october 27th, i plan on big chopping between 18-20 months or 24 whenever i've comfortable,but i am very young not even in my 20's !, i'm in middle school

MsNellabella

Flat twists outs have been working great for me. I saw a tutorial on by kimmaytube on youtube. It is a great way to blend the relaxed ends and get a big head of curls.

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using CurlTalk App

Butterfly_Curlz

MsNellabella wrote: »

Flat twists outs have been working great for me. I saw a tutorial on by kimmaytube on youtube. It is a great way to blend the relaxed ends and get a big head of curls.

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using CurlTalk App

I'm going to have to check that out.:book: I am very very style challenged despite buns, braids & twists...that does not include flat twists. I still have never mastered wrapping my hair at night...

jonesn0811

April 2011 was my last relaxer. My hair was long and I got it cut to my shoulders. I wash and deep condition my hair every week, so far everything is going good. I am going to get my hair cut again since it has grown out since I last got it cut. What hair products do you use?

Butterfly_Curlz

jonesn0811 wrote: »

April 2011 was my last relaxer. My hair was long and I got it cut to my shoulders. I wash and deep condition my hair every week, so far everything is going good. I am going to get my hair cut again since it has grown out since I last got it cut. What hair products do you use?

Congrats on making the decision to transition. In addition to the products in my siggie, I use Braggs organic acv every other wk after I co-wash & I make my own PT w/egg yolks, mayo & EVOO.

Nothing to complicated. I try to keep my reggie very very simple.

Butterfly_Curlz

Ok so I was having a very strong urge to cut my hair...then as I starting typing this I said ah hell to the naw! Lol

Rusycurly

JaylensMami10 wrote: »

Ok so I was having a very strong urge to cut my hair...then as I starting typing this I said ah hell to the naw! Lol

The same thing was happening to me until I came across the long hair community forum. Those ladies have a bunch of ideas for different types of buns and braids which I will be experimenting with. Dot think I'll be doing any haircutting for a while now

Butterfly_Curlz

So while doing my hair today I decided that I will not BC nor will I transition anymore (ok well technically I guess I would still be transitioning however I'm not calling it that LOL). From this point on I will not have a 'transition end date' nor will I be focused on attempting to have my hair reach a certain length by whenever I let go of my relaxed ends.

I am just going to focus on keeping my hair as healthy as possible and I will never chop. I will continue to DT, baby and love my hair religiously and only dust my ends when I feel the need to.So if that means I will technically be 'transitioning' for 4 or 5yrs then so be it. I believe that by changing my perspective it will make my natural journey that much easier and allow me to really enjoy each step of the process!

How is everyone else doing?

Rusycurly

JaylensMami10 wrote: »

So while doing my hair today I decided that I will not BC nor will I transition anymore (ok well technically I guess I would still be transitioning however I'm not calling it that LOL). From this point on I will not have a 'transition end date' nor will I be focused on attempting to have my hair reach a certain length by whenever I let go of my relaxed ends.

I am just going to focus on keeping my hair as healthy as possible and I will never chop. I will continue to DT, baby and love my hair religiously and only dust my ends when I feel the need to.So if that means I will technically be 'transitioning' for 4 or 5yrs then so be it. I believe that by changing my perspective it will make my natural journey that much easier and allow me to really enjoy each step of the process!

How is everyone else doing?

I think we have unknowingly come to the same agreement. After I found the LHC forum I fell in love with my long hair again and have promised myself to just keep it growing for as long as I can. My ends are really healthy with no split ends so my plan for now will be to keep it growing and only trim when it's REALLY necessary and not on my usual every 3 months routine.
Now that I have become more familiar with protective styling I really don't feel the need to cut. Also it has made blending the two textured easier so I don't feel as uncomfortable as I did before. I've mostly been doing different buns (even experimenting with hair sticks and other hair toys), French braids and last week I ordered the Curlformers. I cant wait to try them. Hopefully they'll make it easier to have hair "styled" without having to go to hair salon to fry my hair every week (I've been heat free for as long as I've been transitioning-8 months).
Btw, have any of you ladies tried the Curlformers yet?

Butterfly_Curlz

Rusycurly wrote: »

JaylensMami10 wrote: »

So while doing my hair today I decided that I will not BC nor will I transition anymore (ok well technically I guess I would still be transitioning however I'm not calling it that LOL). From this point on I will not have a 'transition end date' nor will I be focused on attempting to have my hair reach a certain length by whenever I let go of my relaxed ends.

I am just going to focus on keeping my hair as healthy as possible and I will never chop. I will continue to DT, baby and love my hair religiously and only dust my ends when I feel the need to.So if that means I will technically be 'transitioning' for 4 or 5yrs then so be it. I believe that by changing my perspective it will make my natural journey that much easier and allow me to really enjoy each step of the process!

How is everyone else doing?

I think we have unknowingly come to the same agreement. After I found the LHC forum I fell in love with my long hair again and have promised myself to just keep it growing for as long as I can. My ends are really healthy with no split ends so my plan for now will be to keep it growing and only trim when it's REALLY necessary and not on my usual every 3 months routine.
Now that I have become more familiar with protective styling I really don't feel the need to cut. Also it has made blending the two textured easier so I don't feel as uncomfortable as I did before. I've mostly been doing different buns (even experimenting with hair sticks and other hair toys), French braids and last week I ordered the Curlformers. I cant wait to try them. Hopefully they'll make it easier to have hair "styled" without having to go to hair salon to fry my hair every week (I've been heat free for as long as I've been transitioning-8 months).
Btw, have any of you ladies tried the Curlformers yet?

Lol. Ita. I have no reason to BC so why should I? I will just grow and grow and I will eventually be 'all natural someday'. I'm not concerned about the label 'transitioning" or 'natural'...damn it I'm just not perming my hair anymore! Lol. I already feel like a ton of bricks has been lifted off of me by making this decision.

No more stress about will I be this length by next summer and if I'm not what will I do?! The answer is who cares! I will still be growing my hair out and tryn my best to keep it as healthy as possible to retain as much length as I can. I gave up on length goals as well. Don't get me wrong I still want LONG hair but again I will just let my hair grow as long as it wants to. If that means MBL or waist length hair then great but if not I'm not pressed.

I've also been eyeing the curlformers as well and am curious about whether they would really work...

YaniraNaturally

Hi Ladies! :wave: This is my first post here!

I'm almost 17 months into a 24 month transition! My curls and coils are really starting to take over my head. I can't stop reaching for them when I'm bored/busy/awake etc. I would say that my hair is 65% natural and 35% relaxed.

My transition hasn't been too terrible because I've been in braids for 9 out of the 17 months. I'm getting my hair braided next week so I can power through the next 7 months. I plan to BC in May after my graduation from college.

aa9072

My 6 months transitioning hair!!!

From Relaxed to transitioning to natural! Loving this journey!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2SEt6V4oPM

Butterfly_Curlz

YaniraNaturally wrote: »

Hi Ladies! :wave: This is my first post here!

I'm almost 17 months into a 24 month transition! My curls and coils are really starting to take over my head. I can't stop reaching for them when I'm bored/busy/awake etc. I would say that my hair is 65% natural and 35% relaxed.

My transition hasn't been too terrible because I've been in braids for 9 out of the 17 months. I'm getting my hair braided next week so I can power through the next 7 months. I plan to BC in May after my graduation from college.

Congrats on your decision and having the strength to stick it out for as long as you have already!

I love to play w/my hair as well however I reserve that for my wash days! Lol. In order to stop myself from messing w/it too much I PS on wash day and leave it alone (other than moisturizing daily) till the next wash day. Knowing that I have a full day to 'play in my hair' when I wash it typically keeps me sane. Lol

Rusycurly

Ok, just took out my first set of Curlformers and wanted to report back...these are the bomb!!! Easy to put in (I never managed how to do a roller set so this is huge to me), it gives you really defined curls AND it blends the two textures so well!! Now I know for sure that I wont be doing any haircutting any time soon with these. They are my new way to keep my hair "styled" when I return back to work in Sept. I highly recommend :-)