The Pros and Cons of Transitioning to Natural Hair

Are you thinking about giving up your relaxer? Can't decide if you should transition or big chop?

The perfect post to learn about the pros and cons of transitioning to natural hair is at your fingertips. 

Transitioning vs Big Chop

Transitioning refers to growing out your natural hair while maintaining the relaxed ends. This journey requires patience and consistency. But, it is possible to transition to natural hair without doing the big chop.

The big chop is taking the plunge and cutting or shaving off all the relaxed hair.  

The decision to transition or do the big chop is a big one. In this post, I have prepared a list of the pros and cons of transitioning to natural hair. 

Pros

1. You will slowly adjust to liking your natural texture

Transitioning will allow you to embrace your natural texture. You will get familiar with the look and feel of your hair. 

2. Transitioning allows you to accept your new look

When transitioning, I had difficulty embracing how I looked with my natural hair. Watching women on Youtube with similar hair texture helped me to appreciate my hair. 

3. The awkward growth phase is avoided

Many individuals who have done the big chop talk about the in-between/awkward phase (moving from TWA onward). You can grow your natural hair to your desired length before cutting off the relaxed ends.

4. Transitioning provides the opportunity to find styles that suit you

After the transition chop, there is little fuss in finding a style that falters you. It is a great time to try different techniques and hairstyles.

5. You control how long your transitioning process will be

There's no rule as to how long you should grow out your natural hair before getting rid of the relaxed ends. You get to choose. I chose to transition because I wanted to have some length before I cut my hair. I transitioned for approximately three (3) years. 

Cons

1. Detangling while transitioning can be difficult because of the two textures. 

2. Breakage is a part of the process, especially at the line of demarcation (where the natural and relaxed hair meet).

3. Stringy and fragile ends.

4. It can be frustrating to maintain both textures. Having a hair care regimen with moisture-protein balance helps.

5. Patience is a requirement for this process to reduce breakage while detangling or styling.

Did you transition or do a big chop? 

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