Transitioning From Perm To Natural

I started my hair transition almost 5 month sago. I had been wearing perms since I was 14. Then I got into braids and individuals as an adult. But the soon as I took out my hair I would go right back to perms. That’s because I had no real knowledge on how to transition. I always thought if you wanted to go back to natural you had to get you hair chopped off. And I love my hair so that was’nt an option for me. So one day I ws talking to a friend of mine who had transitioned. I asked her how long did it take she said about 2 yrs. Now at this time I had’nt had a perm in about a month. I asked her did she get her hair cut she said no she just let it grow out. So I got to thinking I’ll try  transitioning since I had the option of not cutting my hair. Not only that I have straightening tools I do’nt need to buy a perm I can straighten my  own hair perms are’nt like they  used to be anyway. So I began researching how to maintain my hair and what to expect during the whole process. First thing to know is that in the begining your hair will shed. Now each person is different. Some people have minimal shedding while others could have a lot of shedding. The shedding hair is your permed hair. I shedded for 2 months. @nd thing is to make sure you wash your hair weekly and condition it. I use organic roots shampoo and for a conditoner I use african pride shea butter leave in. You do have to deep condition also. At first I was using queen helen but I stopped because it has petroleum jelly in it. So now I’m using cantu shea butter rinse out conditioner. I put it in my hair then put on a shower cap for about30 min. The instructions say 7 or 8 minuetes but to me that’s not a real deep conditon. Next thing to know you have to keep your hair moisturized. Because it can get very brittle and break off. I use cantu grow strong treatment. Now I buy it at walmart but the last time I went they did’nt have anymore so I brought palmer’s moisture grow. I brought it because it had coconut oil in it. I used it twice and left my hair realy greasy. The cantu does’nt leave your hair feeling like that because it’s more like a cream. The palmer’s product is like hair grease. Last thing to keep in mind is do not buy products with mineral oil and petroleum jelly in it. It wont penetrate into your hair.It will weigh your hair down and you do’nt want that. What I said I’m going to buy next time is africa’s best herbal hair and scalp oil. It’s a reall y good product I used to use alot. But then I got caught up in trying other things. Africas pride has lots of oils that are good for your hair. And do’nt comb your hair with a fine tooth comb use a wide tooth comb and try not to brush your hair alot. You want to minimize combing and brushing because the more you do that the more likely your going to see more breakage.That’s because during the transition your hair is at a very fragile state. I hope my tips are helpful to any one trying to transition. I got alot of my tips watching youtube researching on the internet about hair care transition and my friend who is a cosmetologist.. One more tip if you like to flatiron your hair it’s best if you wait at least 4 months. You could also get your hair braided in a protective style that way your not putting a lot of stress on your hair with combng and brushing everyday  that’s what I’m going to do whenthe kids start back to school because that’s when I’m in my hair the most.