Write an article on transitioning from relaxed to natural hair for African American women. Include some ways to do it instantly and gradually and how to update your products to make sure your hair stays healthy and thriving. The article should be four paragraphs and under 400 words. Mention something about it being a freeing yet emotional experience and write it as a black woman who transitioned years ago and is a natural hair advocate.
Hey sis! If you're reading this it means you're either considering or ready to free yourself from the bondage of relaxed hair. As a former member of the "creamy crack" community myself, I know all about how daunting this change can be. Grab a seat and allow me to help you navigate these unchartered waters.

First, let's discuss the why. Everyone has a reason, or several for wanting to ditch the perm. As long as you're making this decision for yourself it doesn't matter what your "why" is. For me, it was a discussion I had with my little girl about the reason for our different types of hair. The fact that I was so reluctant to put those chemicals in her hair was a wake-up call in and of itself. I started to question why I was so willing to allow the chemicals in my hair. So, that day I made a promise to her to allow my hair to stay the way it grew from my scalp and it's been that way for the past 12 years.

There are several ways you can go about switching from relaxed to natural. I preferred to get right with it and rip the bandaid off so I went with the "big chop" method where all of my relaxed hair was cut off right down to my scalp. It was such a liberating experience, to be honest, and it awakened a passion and understanding of my raw, inner beauty that I didn't have before. Just because you choose the big chop doesn't mean you're stuck with short hair until your natural locks grow in. You can also wear wigs and weaves after this to keep a certain aesthetic and make your change less startling. The other option is to transition over several months slowly cutting the relaxed hair until you've removed it all.

Now, once you have your head full of natural curls, coils, and kinks you'll have to rethink the way you approach your haircare routine down to the products you use. My one suggestion is to steer clear of products that contain drying ingredients, like alcohol and sulfates, and try to limit the amount of heat applied to your hair for at least the first year.