Have you decided to make a change that starts at the very root? If you’ve decided to get back to your roots and go natural, you know that transitioning can be a difficult process. Your beautiful new tresses feel different, look different and may also straight up misbehave. But instead of responding to your hair drama with the big chop, here are nine tips from NaturallyCurly.comto help you make the transition from relaxed to natural with ease.  

1. Find your style. When your hair grows out without chemicals or processes, you may find a mix of textures and lengths. To adjust to the changes, try different easy-to-wear styles that make you feel great. (Suggestion: Play with a Bantu knot out or a twist out.)

2. Only detangle your hair when wet. Keep a wide-tooth comb in the shower to address knots in your hair when it’s wet and slippery. Start at the bottom and work your way to the roots. Yes, textures might make it a challenge, but be patient to avoid breakage.

3. Keep your scalp clean. Don’t let dirt or product build up on the scalp and clog hair pores, which can stunt growth. As a guideline, you’ll want to cleanse your scalp anywhere from every two days to every two weeks, but you’ll have to experiment since everyone is different.

4. Keep your hair moisturized. Dry hair can break easily, which is the last thing you want when you’re starting fresh. Use natural spritzers to keep hair cool and ready. Start deep conditioning. Your hair is going through a lot of changes, and it needs a lot of love.

5. Deep condition the hair to add moisture, encourage hair growth and add shine.

6. Turn off the heat. Heat styling can wreak havoc on even the healthiest hair. When your hair is in this delicate transition stage, forgo heat styling tools and always let your hair air-dry. Then, watch it grow stronger every day.

7. Protect your edges. This refers to the more delicate hair at the nape of your neck, temples and at the roots. To protect these strands from breaking and avoid overall hair loss, don’t even think about styles that put too much tension on these areas!

8. Be gentle. The point where your natural texture meets your straight hair is usually the weakest part of your hair. This means take your time when you detangle and style your hair.

9. Schedule monthly appointments. Why? To have your stylist gradually trim off damaged ends. (Suggestion: Get a good trim each month. And if you do it yourself at home, remember, use hair shears not regular scissors.) 

Once your natural tresses have grown out, what does it taketo keep them looking gorgeous? Click here to find out.