How to Transition from Relaxed to Natural Hair Without Damage

Published by The Press Room Salon | Atlanta, GA

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is an exciting journey, but it requires patience, proper care, and the right techniques to prevent breakage and manage the two different textures. Whether you’re considering a big chop or a gradual transition, the key to success is keeping your hair strong, hydrated, and healthy throughout the process.

At The Press Room Salon in Atlanta, we specialize in healthy hair transformations, offering protective styling, hydration treatments, and expert guidance for clients looking to embrace their natural texture. This guide will walk you through the best transitioning methods, essential hair care routines, and professional treatments to help you achieve a smooth and damage-free transition.

What to Expect When Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair

The transition process involves growing out your natural texture while gradually trimming away relaxed ends. Since relaxed hair is chemically straightened, you’ll experience two different hair textures at the same time—your new natural growth at the roots and your relaxed ends.

✔ The challenge: Managing two textures without excessive breakage.
✔ The goal: Keep both textures moisturized, strong, and manageable until you’re ready to trim off the relaxed hair.

The transition period varies for everyone. Some cut off the relaxed hair immediately (big chop), while others take 6 months to 2 years to fully grow out their natural hair.

1. Decide on Your Transitioning Method

The Big Chop (Instant Transition)

✂ Best for: Those who are ready for a fresh start and prefer short hair.
✔ Removes all relaxed hair immediately, leaving only natural curls.
✔ Allows you to fully embrace your natural texture without dealing with two textures.
✔ Requires confidence and a low-maintenance routine in the early stages.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We offer expert short cuts and styling options to help clients feel confident after the big chop.

Gradual Transition (Slow & Steady Growth)

🌱 Best for: Those who prefer to keep length while growing out natural hair.
✔ Allows you to retain length while slowly trimming relaxed ends.
✔ Gives time to adjust to natural hair care and find what works.
✔ Requires protective styles and proper maintenance to prevent breakage.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We provide customized transition plans, helping clients retain length while keeping their hair healthy.

2. Keep Hair Moisturized to Prevent Breakage

Since natural and relaxed hair react differently to moisture, it’s essential to keep both textures hydrated to prevent excessive shedding and breakage.

Best Moisturizing Routine for Transitioning Hair:

✔ Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo to cleanse gently.
✔ Deep condition weekly to restore moisture and strengthen strands.
✔ Apply a leave-in conditioner after every wash for added hydration.
✔ Seal moisture with natural oils (argan oil, castor oil, or jojoba oil).
✔ Avoid heavy butters or thick products that can weigh hair down.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We offer deep hydration treatments to keep transitioning hair soft, strong, and manageable.

3. Minimize Heat to Protect Your New Growth

Applying too much heat can cause heat damage, preventing your natural curl pattern from forming properly.

✔ Limit flat ironing and blow-drying to once a month (or less).
✔ Always use a heat protectant spray before heat styling.
✔ Opt for heat-free styling options like roller sets, braid-outs, and twist-outs.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We provide low-heat silk press services that keep hair straight while maintaining curl integrity.

4. Strengthen Hair with Protein Treatments

Since transitioning hair is prone to weakness and shedding, strengthening treatments are essential.

✔ Use a protein treatment every 4-6 weeks to reinforce hair structure.
✔ Choose lightweight proteins like hydrolyzed keratin to avoid stiffness.
✔ Balance protein with moisture to prevent dryness.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We offer custom protein treatments to strengthen transitioning hair without making it brittle.

5. Use Protective Styles to Reduce Manipulation

Low-manipulation and protective styles help reduce tension, tangling, and breakage while allowing hair to grow.

Best Protective Styles for Transitioning Hair:

✔ Sew-in extensions – Adds length while protecting natural hair.
✔ Microlinks or tape-in extensions – Blends textures for a seamless look.
✔ Wigs or clip-ins – Provides styling flexibility.
✔ Braids or twists – Keeps hair secure while minimizing daily styling.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We specialize in protective styling options tailored for transitioning clients.

6. Trim Relaxed Ends Gradually

Slowly trimming the relaxed ends helps maintain a healthier, fuller look as your natural hair grows in.

✔ Trim every 6-8 weeks to remove weak, relaxed ends.
✔ Avoid over-trimming to maintain length.
✔ Get professional trims to prevent uneven breakage.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: Our stylists provide custom trim schedules to help clients transition smoothly.

7. Be Patient & Embrace the Process

Transitioning takes time and patience, but the results are worth it.

✔ Track your growth with photos to celebrate progress.
✔ Experiment with styles to find what works best.
✔ Seek professional guidance for personalized care.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We support clients throughout their transition, offering expert advice, treatments, and styling solutions.

Book a Natural Hair Transition Consultation at The Press Room Salon

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is a journey of self-care and self-discovery. Whether you choose the big chop or a gradual transition, maintaining moisture, minimizing breakage, and getting professional support will ensure your success.

At The Press Room Salon in Atlanta, we provide customized hair care solutions, protective styling, and strengthening treatments to help you transition with confidence.

📍 Ready to start your natural hair journey? Book a consultation today and let us help you create a plan for healthy, beautiful natural hair!

Visit us at: www.ThePressRoomSalon.com