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Can you straighten your hair while transitioning?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on February 15, 2026

Can you straighten your hair while transitioning?

If you're looking to completely straighten your hair while transitioning from a relaxer, a great heat protectant is key. "I usually like to use a thermal leave-in cream before blow drying, and a heat protectant spray throughout the hair before straightening.

Besides, can you flat iron transitioning hair?

Whether you are transitioning or natural, caution should be taken when applying heat to your hair. There's nothing wrong with the occasional flat iron or press, but you can overdo it and alter your curl pattern permanently.

One may also ask, can I dye my hair while transitioning? Don't use hair dye, texturizers, or press your hair

During the transitioning process you already have a mixture of two hair types: your natural hair and your relaxed ends. Hair dye, texturizers, and straightening will further prolong your transition and make it difficult to differentiate your natural texture.

Considering this, how should I wear my hair when transitioning?

The Top 10 Transitioning Hairstyles

  1. Fake ponytail. A simple but easy solution to the awkward transitioning stage is wearing a fake ponytail.
  2. Roller sets. These are a great technique for guaranteed bouncy curls!
  3. Hair wrap. When in doubt, hair wrap!
  4. High puff.
  5. Faux-hawk.
  6. Twists.
  7. 2 stitch braids w/curly ends.
  8. Faux locs.

Does your hair go back to normal after you straighten it?

As long as you dont do it too much or have it too hot and use a heat protectant it wont hurt your hair too much and the curl will come back. If you mean with just heat, like a flat iron, then yes, it will go back to normal after it gets wet, as long as you don't fry it.

What are the best products for transitioning hair?

10 Products to Use When Transitioning to Naturally Curly Hair
  • Genedor Beauty Moisture Resuscitate Deep Conditioning Treatment.
  • Soultanicals Fluff-A-Licious Curl Nutritious.
  • Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Knot Free Forever Leave In Detangler.
  • EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Pudding Souffle.
  • SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter & Argan Oil Repair and Transition Kit.

How do you transition from relaxed hair to natural hair?

11 Top tips for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair
  1. Take the time to learn about your new hair growth.
  2. Give yourself time to adjust.
  3. Remember to trim.
  4. Keep it moisturised.
  5. Find a hairstyle that works.
  6. Consider a protective hairstyle.
  7. Go easy with it.
  8. Switch to co-washing.

What can I do with transitioning hair?

10 Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair
  1. Don't set a time just yet.
  2. Find your go-to transitioning style.
  3. Detangle when hair is wet.
  4. Keep your scalp clean.
  5. Keep your hair moisturized.
  6. Get used to deep conditioning.
  7. Gradually cut damaged ends.

Does transitioning hair shed a lot?

9. Expect some breakage and shedding. If you gracefully make it through transitioning your hair without experiencing shedding and breakage, that is awesome! However, lots of transitioners notice the ends of their hair are a lot thinner after several inches of new growth.

How often should I wash my hair when transitioning?

Co-washing should be your primary option on cleansing transitioning hair, but every so often – whether every week, every two weeks or every month – it will be necessary to shampoo.

How long does it take for relaxed hair to transition to natural hair?

"The amount of time [it takes to completely transition] depends on the length of your relaxed hair, how often you trim or cut off the relaxed hair, and if there are any setbacks such as hair breakage or hair loss. It can take as long as a year (or longer) if you do basic trims every three months versus the big chop."

Why is my transitioning hair so dry?

The main underlying reason for dull, dry transitioning hair is pretty obvious – your hair is not properly hydrated. Dry hair could be a result of lack of moisture (not washing your hair enough), product buildup, protein overload or simply not using the right product combinations for your hair.

How long does it take to transition to natural hair without big chop?

If you decide that you would rather not big chop, it might take several months for you to become 100% natural. This obviously depends on the current length of your hair, but I've seen some women take 18+ months going natural without the big chop. Curl Centric recommends If You Love It, it Will Grow by Dr.

Is coconut oil good for transitioning hair?

Shea Butter, coconut, and jojoba oils bring this product to life, making it great for transitioning tresses. It moisturizes effectively, seals lightly, and helps impart shine, improve elasticity, and nourish the hair.

What are the do's and don'ts of transitioning to natural hair?

8 Dos and Don'ts for Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair
  • DO use a sulfate-free shampoo.
  • DO deep condition regularly.
  • DO moisturize and seal!
  • DO try protective styles or curly styles that blend the two textures.
  • DON'T rush through detangling.
  • DON'T neglect trims.
  • DON'T use excessive direct heat.
  • DON'T overwhelm yourself with tons of products and crazy regimens.

Will my hair go back to curly after straightening?

So what happens to your curls when you straighten them that makes them not bounce back? When your curls aren't protected and heat is applied, the structural proteins within each strand are damaged. “This repeated damage essentially breaks down the strand,” says Wilson. Once the damage is done, there's no coming back.

Why won't my hair stay straight after I straighten it?

Hair that's dried out and brittle before you even start with the straightener is the culprit behind frazzled hair that won't lie flat. "Take a paddle brush to comb the conditioner through," suggests stylist Sarah Potempa (who's worked with Lea Michele), "then rinse your hair gently.

Why is my hair poofy after I straighten it?

Dr Kormeili explained that all hair straightening techniques provide heat that can damage the hair shaft, rendering it dry, and “poofy” in appearance! Our hair shaft can be divided anatomically into 2 layers: the inner core and the outer coating.

How do I get my natural hair back after permanent straightening?

You can't turn hair that has been straightened back into its natural curly state. It is a permanent irreversible change. You need to be patient for months at least to grow out your hair so that it is long enough to chop of the straight ends.

Will straightening my hair stop it from growing?

Slower Hair Growth

Straightening your hair frequently without using a proper heat protectant can damage your hair cuticles permanently, leading to slower hair growth (1).

What happens when you stop straightening your hair?

Once I had stopped using my hair iron it really seemed to be growing so much quicker. Overall, my hair feels better than ever before. I also like that it is bouncy and not flat (straightening made my hair look really flat). Damage, split ends and dryness is far less noticeable on my hair now and I am loving it.