Hair transition: how to reveal your natural curls step by step
Have you decided to stop chemical straightening, relaxers or aggressive perms to reveal your natural texture? Welcome to the hair transition journey. This path, both technical and personal, calls for patience, the right gestures and suitable products. In this complete guide, we share everything you need to know: the two possible methods, a realistic timeline, the ideal routine and the mistakes to avoid so you can go through this stage calmly, without breakage or frustration.
What is a hair transition?
A hair transition refers to the gradual shift from chemically treated hair (Brazilian straightening, relaxer, perm) or very weakened hair towards natural hair, by letting your hair grow back in its original texture. This process allows thousands of Lolys to reconnect with their natural curly, loose coily or tight coily hair.
During the transition, two textures coexist on the same head of hair: the natural regrowth (at the roots) and the lengths still marked by the treatments. This junction zone, called the demarcation line, is the most fragile: it's the part that needs the most attention.
To go further on the fundamentals, read our article Hair transition: where to start.
The two methods: gradual transition vs big chop
The gradual transition
You let your natural hair grow while keeping your treated lengths. Over the months, you regularly trim the ends to reduce the fragile zone. This method takes longer (12 to 36 months) but lets you keep visible length.
Pros: a gentle transition, no visual shock.
Cons: managing two textures at once, a fragile demarcation line.
The big chop
You cut off all the treated lengths in one go to keep only the natural regrowth. Radical, fast, liberating: it's the option chosen by those who want to start from scratch.
Pros: a single texture to manage, healthy regrowth, immediately visible.
Cons: a dramatic change in look, very short length at the start.
Neither method is better than the other: it all depends on your relationship with your hair, your patience and your lifestyle.
A realistic hair transition timeline
- Months 1 to 3: first visible regrowth (2 to 4 cm). Discovering your natural texture at the roots.
- Months 4 to 8: the demarcation line becomes clear. This is the most delicate period: breakage can occur if the routine isn't suitable.
- Months 9 to 18: the natural regrowth gains length. Regular trims (every 8 to 12 weeks) gradually reduce the treated zone.
- Months 18 to 36: transition almost complete, hair mostly natural.
Note: the effects of straightening and relaxers can persist for up to 7 years in some cases. A targeted transition ritual can help eliminate the accumulated chemical residues.
The ideal routine during a hair transition
During the transition, your hair is structurally weakened: dryness, a characteristic of textured hair, is heightened by the coexistence of two textures. The aim of the routine is to start again on a healthy base. Before shampooing: purify with our Tropical Detox mask, which removes up to 98% of chemical residues. Apply it at the roots but also along the lengths.
Step 1 — Cleanse without stripping
Use Perfect Match, our hydrating shampoo with Baobab proteins. It cleanses gently and keeps the hair light, while strengthening the fibre — an essential asset when breakage threatens at the demarcation line. Massage the scalp to stimulate blood circulation and encourage healthy regrowth.
Step 2 — Detangle with care
Always from the ends towards the roots, never the other way. On very wet hair, after applying a Cream Conditioner. Discover our detailed tips in How to detangle your curly hair and avoid breakage.
Step 3 — Hydrate intensely with a leave-in
The leave-in is an essential rinse-free treatment for textured hair. Use the Kurl Potion to hydrate without weighing the hair down. Apply it on very wet hair to coat the fibre, ease styling and protect the demarcation zone.
Step 4 — Define
Finish by applying your Boost Curl or your Magic Twist (for tight coily hair). At night, sleep with a Silky Twist silk bonnet: it limits friction, preserves hydration and reduces breakage.
To go further: Finding your routine during a hair transition.
The 5 mistakes to avoid during the transition
- Skipping regular trims. Treated ends always end up breaking. Better to trim 1 cm every 2 months (than to lose it all at once).
- Forgetting regular detangling. With two textures, knots set in quickly. Gentle detangling at every wash is non-negotiable.
- Overloading on products. Many Lolys pile on treatments out of anxiety. A targeted routine is better than an accumulation.
- Using excessive heat. Flat iron, high-temperature blow-dry: to be avoided absolutely during the transition.
- Comparing your pace to others'. Every head of hair has its own timing. Yours is unique.
FAQ — Your questions about the hair transition
How long does a hair transition last?
Between 12 and 36 months depending on the length you want, the method chosen and how often you trim. The big chop drastically shortens this duration.
Do you absolutely have to do a big chop?
No. The gradual transition is perfectly viable, as long as you adopt a gentle routine and regularly trim the weakened lengths.
How do I know what my natural texture is?
Observe your regrowth at the roots after 2 to 3 months without treatment. Our article Understanding your hair type guides you step by step.
My hair is breaking at the demarcation line, what should I do?
Strengthen the routine with a regular protein mask (Pink Power Mask), space out manipulations, and consider a sharper cut to relieve the fragile zone.
Can I colour my hair during the transition?
Not advised. Any additional chemical aggression weakens a fibre that's already under strain.
Ready to reveal your natural texture?
The hair transition isn't a battle: it's a journey towards a freer, more authentic beauty. With the right gestures, the right care and a little patience, your curls will regain their natural shine.
To build a tailor-made ritual suited to your regrowth, take our free hair diagnostic : in a few questions, we identify your needs and suggest the ideal routine to go through your transition with complete peace of mind.
