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How often should I wash my hair while transitioning?

Author

Andrew Vasquez

Updated on March 15, 2026

How often should I wash my hair while 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.

Likewise, how often should I co wash my transitioning hair?

You should co-wash with a conditioning cleanser at least once or twice a week, depending on your texture and the amount of product you tend to style your hair with. Remember, it's a cleanser, so you should use it as frequently as you would a shampoo.

Similarly, 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.

Considering this, how long does it take for your hair to fully transition?

"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."

How can I transition my hair faster?

10 Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair

  1. Don't set a time just yet. You don't have to know when you'll rock your 100% natural hair right away!
  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. Wind down your heat usage.
  8. Protect your edges.

What products to use while transitioning?

10 Products to Use When Transitioning to Naturally Curly Hair
  • As I Am Cleansing Pudding Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Cleanser.
  • SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Transitioning Milk.
  • As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner.
  • SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque.
  • Darcy's Botanicals Coconut Lemongrass Transitioning Creme.

Does your hair grow while transitioning?

Hair grows an average of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month, so to keep your tresses healthy and looking good, you should aim to trim at least 1/4 inch per month as you transition. As you get rid of processed ends, you make way for more of your natural texture.

Do you condition after co wash?

Always Use Conditioner Afterwards.

And, if your hair is very dry, you may want to follow your co wash routine with a masque or a deep-conditioner.

Can I wash my hair with just conditioner?

Co-washing (aka conditioner-only washing, aka no-poo) is when you—yup—use only conditioner to rinse your hair and cleanse your scalp. Unless you're already slathering oils and butters on your hair every day, the idea of massaging conditioner through your roots can sound positively insane.

Can I just use conditioner without shampoo?

So the logical next step on the "no 'poo" path: co-washing, or conditioner washing, using a cleansing conditioner but no shampoo. The idea behind co-washing is that it's a gentler way to clean your scalp and hair: Without the harsh detergents found in shampoos, hair maintains its natural oils and stays healthier.

What is co wash in curly girl method?

Co-washing or conditioner washing is cleansing the hair with a botanical conditioner that tends to be gentler on textured hair. Many curlies following the Curly Girl Method (CG method) by Lorraine Massey use this method and have found it to be quite effective at reducing frizz and retaining moisture.

How do I know my curl type?

"Your curl type is determined by the shape of the follicle that your hair grows out of from your scalp. The flatter or more oval-shaped the follicle, the curlier your hair; the more circular the cross-section, the straighter 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.

How do you stop transitioning hair from breaking?

How to Minimize Breakage During Your Transition
  1. Keep it stretched. One way to see less tangles and therefore less breakage is to keep the hair as stretched as possible as often as possible.
  2. Don't be afraid to trim.
  3. Stick to one style.
  4. Be patient when detangling.
  5. Bye-bye Shampoo, Hello Conditioner.

How often should you deep condition transitioning hair?

Washing your hair more than once or twice a week may be too often. Too much conditioning can create over-moisturized hair and disrupt the proper balance of moisture and protein that hair needs. Deep conditioning once or twice a week is more than enough, anything more than that may be overdoing it.

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.

How long does it take for hair to adjust to Curly Girl Method?

Commit to the method for at least four weeks before thinking of doing something else. It's OK to feel frustrated when following the Curly Girl Method but it really is worth it if you can get past the transition phase. It can take months or even years to get your hair back to its optimal health.

How do you grow out a relaxer?

Weave, Wigs or Braids

Weave is a great way to grow out your chemical relaxers. If you decide to go the weave route, remove your weed every 4 to 6 weeks. Get a trim before you put the weave back in. The plan for the weave is that you are slowly trimming off the relaxed hair while allowing the natural hair to replace.

Does hair grow faster after big chop?

Many people claim that hair grows faster when you big chop versus transition. Others say it doesn't make any difference. While there is still some debate about it, hair that is freshly cut does not necessarily grow faster. Growth is born at the scalp level with the follicles.

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.

Does natural hair grow faster than relaxed hair?

Growth rate

Hair growth rates are pretty much the same whether the hair is natural or not. Many see a difference in growth rate not because the hair grows faster, but because there is growth retention with lack of hair breakage, shedding, and loss. Relaxed hair is also capable of retaining growth.

How long does it take for a hair relaxer to wear off?

Most perms last about 6 months, though you'll likely notice the curl pattern loosening before that 6 month mark. Relaxers are much more permanent. Typically speaking, relaxers don't really fade out of your hair.

What happens if you stop relaxing your hair?

No lye relaxers can still harm the scalp if left on long or applied on to the scalp instead of the hair. Relaxers are irritants and need to be placed on the hair with care. Many clients who stop relaxing their hair who have flaky scalp, notice less itching and dryness once they stop using relaxers.

How do I know if I have new hair growth?

How do you know if your hair is growing? You may notice dark spots in your hair follicles, These follicles have come in the anagen stages as well as activating the hair growth state. dark spots is a sign of new hair growth. To begin with, the follicles tend to reform and start to create the hair root.

Is the big chop better than transitioning?

But doing a big chop enables you to get used to your hair texture much faster. Moreover, you will feel empowered when you see your hair in its natural state. Lastly, in contrast to those who transition their hair, people who do a big chop have better product results.

How do you sleep with transitioning hair?

Here are 3 ways to preserve styles, prevent matting, and reduce damage to transitioning hair at nighttime:
  1. Scarf Pineapple. When it comes to the pineapple, I generally warn transitioners to stay away.
  2. Light Banding. Many naturals use the banding method to stretch highly textured hair without heat.
  3. (Loose) Multi Pineapple.

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. But it can also be used for finer hair as a styling product to create definition.

Does vinegar take perm out your hair?

A: Vinegar certainly won't do anything to rid the hair of the perm. While vinegar is acidic and will strip the hair of oils and moisture, as well as swelling the hair shaft if left on the hair for too long, it does nothing to break and reform the chemical side bonds that were altered in the perming process.

What is the best deep conditioner for transitioning hair?

Top 10 Deep Conditioners for Transitioning Hair
  1. 10 Deep Conditioners for Transitioning.
  2. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque.
  3. Alikay Naturals Honey & Sage Deep Conditioner.
  4. Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner.
  5. Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner.
  6. Pura Body Naturals Chocolate Hair Smoothie.