Transitioning Teenager Hairstlyes For School

WHAT HAIRSTYLES CAN I DO WHILE TRANSITIONING AND GOING TO SCHOOL?

Flat Ironed Transitioning Hair

 Hey Beautiful. I get lots of questions from teenage girls about what in the world to do with their transitioning hair. This post is dedicated to you. T is a teenager who transitioned while in middle school, I believe from 7th grade. I know hair is REALLY important at that time (and lets face it...it's pretty important to all of us at any time). So without further ado, I share with you some of the styles she did while transitioning:

The flat iron. That's right. You can transition and still use heat. But please use it sparingly, cautiously, and sensibly. Based on the thickness, health, and other factors, you must decide the best heat setting that will avoid damage. Remembering that you have 2 textures of hair going on. The natural hair will request a bit more heat to straighten than the relaxed hair (which is already straight, but in need of heat to flatten down). More info on this to come in a different post.

 With the flat ironed transitioning hair, you can then style on that straight texture. In this picture, she opted to braid the front for a different look. The front braids are also great for when the flat ironed hair (especially the hairline) starts to frizz, revert at the roots, etc. 

Keeping transitioned hair trimmed helps with styling. It helps to avoid tangles (frazzled ends will tangle easily). If you have a lot of relaxed ends (long lengths of it), it will be beneficial to trim off any thinning, lanky ends--usually about 1/4'' if they are tackled before they get out of hand.

On the style below, she decided to give her hair a break from detangling by braiding it all up. She wore this braided style for 1 day before taking it down for a wavy braidout look. Yes, her hair was flat ironed first. Once she was done wearing it straight, she had it braided up. As you can see, this transitioning teen opted to wear her hair flat ironed for most of her transition. Is that okay? Please be advised that not everyone's hair has the same requirements or tolerance to heat. She applied heat to her hair exactly 2 times a month. No "bumping" or "touching up" allowed.

 The braids allow for great protective styling. For those of you who are transitioning with the expectations of enjoying your curls once fully natural, braidouts (minus the heat) is a great choice. It will eliminate the possible risk of heat damage. Especially if you are unsure how to safely flat iron your own hair. Professional hair dressers can't always be guaranteed to be safe either. At the end of the day, the decision is definitely something to research.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE TRANSITIONING, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING INFO:

IF YOU WORE YOUR RELAXED HAIR STRAIGHT MOST OF THE TIME: During your transition, you can opt to continue to do so. Just understand that your natural hair is curly, and you may want to eventually embrace that. It's understandable if you are frustrated by the 2 different textures during your transition. Just know, it will be wise to decide on a weekly style plan for your transitioning hair. For instance:

WEEK 1: (Pre Poo-Optional), Wash, Condition, Deep Condition, Detangle, Put Heat Protectant of Your Choice, Section,  Air Dry/Blow Dry, Flat Iron. Keep for at Least 7 Days        while moisturizing and wrapping.

Week 2: (Pre Poo-Optional), Wash, Condition, Deep Condition, Detangle, Moisturize, Seal, Section, Braid Natural Hair, Curl Relaxed hair with Perm Rod Rollers. Keep for 7 Days while maintaining with a loose ponytail or pineapple and moisturizing as needed.

Week 3: Flat Iron (same regimen). 

Week4: Braid Out (same regimen)

During this time, you can do some buns as protective styling. Ponytails go well with either texture.

Laying Down The Hairline During Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural

Transitioning Hair and 2 Different Textures

Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural Without Support

HOW "NOT TO CARE" WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT YOUR HAIR

The whole transitioning thing can be a very lonely experience if you do not have family support. If you are hearing discouraging comments, you may begin to doubt that your decision to grow your hair natural is a good one. I'm pretty sure that the reason you decided to go natural was a very good reason. How do I know this? Well, most people don't just think up things to do just to make their lives difficult. 

You started your journey sure of yourself and what your reasons were for making your decision to stop using the chemical relaxer/texturizer. Now people are saying things like "you don't look the same", or "you don't have the type of hair to do that", or making not so very nice comments about your hair styling. Like anyone, you will have bad hair days. It's okay. Let them talk. I'm not gonna say that it's not upsetting. But once you know what YOU want, then don't worry about what others have to say. 

• Try to have a network (online or not) of other people who are transitioning and natural. This will sort of serve as a "relief" during trying times. You can be sure that they will have similar stories to share.

• Don't sacrifice your sense of style just because you are transitioning! If you like to wear your hair straight, then KEEP WEARING YOUR HAIR STRAIGHT! Just be sure to use heat sparingly (approx. 2x a month), keep up with your deep conditioning (1x week), make sure to use the correct temperature on your flat iron, and other recommended safety precautions when heat is involved.

• So you're not ready to cut? If you're used to long hair, then wait. Keep transitioning. You won't ever have to to the "big chop". Just keep trimming until no more relaxed hair is left. 

•  Get confidence through knowledge. Learn how to care for and style your transitioning hair to your liking. Don't settle with a style that you saw someone else did. Do a style that YOU love. It may even become your "staple" or "go-to" style. That's okay! It's your hair. Also, it's JUST hair.