Can relaxed hair go back to natural without cutting?

Author: Gladyce Bayer  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

You can gradually grow out your relaxer without cutting your hair or doing what is known as the big chop. The process of transitioning will take longer, but it is doable. Many women choose protective hairstyles to avoid cutting their hair and gradually trim their ends in between.

How to turn relaxed hair to natural hair without cutting it?

Wear braids or twists. One way you can transition without doing the big chop is by wearing braids or twists. Braids and twists, if done neatly, can help camouflage the two textures of your hair as the new growth comes in, and you can take your time cutting off the relaxed hair. You can also try twist outs.

Can relaxed hair revert back naturally?

Relaxers are permanent, so whatever parts of your hair that have been in contact with a relaxer will never grow back naturally. Therefore, at some point in time your hair must be cut off to above the demarcation line. If you're not willing to go for the big chop, the next step is to do regular trims of your hair.

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

3 months transitioning to natural hair

The line of demarcation, where your new growth meets your relaxed hair, is particularly fragile. Adding a balanced routine of protein and moisture will help prevent breakage. Up to three months is probably going to be your first high point of the transition.

Can I let my hair grow without cutting it?

Yes, your hair will continue to grow even if you never get a trim. Hair growth occurs at the scalp, and as long as your hair follicles are healthy, your hair will grow regardless of trimming.

I GUARANTEE YOUR HAIR WILL GROW IF YOU DO THESE | Grow Longer Thicker Fuller Hair to Waist Length

What happens if you stop relaxing your hair?

Once you fully transition, you will find your natural curls may become drier much faster than your straight relaxed hair. Even though your relaxed ends will eventually go, it is still important to keep your strands from top to bottom moisturised. After all, your hair is still on your head.

What happens if I never cut my hair?

It Causes External Damage. "Your hair will continue to rub against clothing, get ripped out by sunglasses, and generally get beat up by your day to day life," Bivona notes. "This roughs up the cuticle, which will cause your hair to lose its shine and cause added dryness and weakness.

Can relaxed hair still grow?

With a proper routine, you can honestly know how to take care of relaxed hair and make it grow! Learn how to take care of your hair, including hair care products, to keep it healthy and hydrated.

Does your hair go back to normal after a perm?

For most people, perm curls fall out within three to six months, reverting to your normal hair texture.

What does Coca-Cola do to relaxed hair?

Apparently, Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, a very low pH. So when you apply it to your hair, the cuticle tightens, which makes your strands look smoother and your curls look more defined. Others say the sugar adds build-up to your hair, making it look fuller.

Will my hair grow back after relaxer damage?

If the chemical burn caused by your hair relaxer was severe, it may also leave scars across the scalp. In this instance, the burnt areas are unlikely to fully regrow hair and may result in areas of permanent baldness where the follicles have been destroyed.

How to reverse a relaxer permanently?

Unfortunately, relaxer can't be removed from your hair once you've had it applied, so the only option is to wait for your hair to grow out or cut off your relaxed hair.

Is getting your hair relaxed permanent?

The results are permanently straightened hair. As your hair grows out you will need touch-ups to the new growth to maintain your new texture, usually every six to eight weeks. Relaxing your hair removes the natural kinks and bends that cause most of your knots and tangles.

Can relaxed hair revert back natural?

Yes, as long as you do not continue to process your hair with any chemical treatments. According to Medical News Today, hair grows at the equivalent of 0.2 to 0.7 inches per month. As a result, your natural hair texture will eventually come back after a relaxer. This hair is sometimes called “new growth.”

What does vinegar do to relaxed hair?

The benefits

Apple cider vinegar is good to use on relaxed hair because of the B and C vitamins and potassium it has. Plus, it has anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties which can be helpful for the scalp.

Is my hair permanently damaged after a perm?

Hair perming involves breaking the cysteine bonds in your hair using this thioglycolic acid. The cysteine bond is what gives your hair its structure. It therefore needs to be undone in order to achieve the new shape. “If the product is left on for too long it can cause these bonds to break permanently.

How long does it take for a relaxer to go away?

Whether you decide to do a big chop or gradually grow out a relaxer, it's going to take at least three to four months to start to see real change. For some, it may be a full year before you're completely chemical-free.

What to do if you hate your perm?

If you are unhappy with your perm service, go back to your stylist and discuss the alternatives. If it is too curly, your stylist can relax it. If it is not curly enough, wait at least a week to redo it.

What are the disadvantages of relaxed hair?

Challenges of Relaxed/Texlaxed Hair
  • Relaxed/texlaxed hair is structurally weaker than natural hair. ...
  • Relaxed hair has lost some of its natural elasticity and this also increases the risk of breakage. ...
  • Relaxed hair that is over-processed can have a flat and lifeless look and feel.

How to grow relaxed hair without trimming?

Best Ways to Grow Relaxed Hair
  1. Moisturize your hair daily and do a deep conditioning treatment occasionally.
  2. Eat more protein, iron-rich foods, and foods containing vitamins C and E.
  3. Protect your hair from heat and get regular cuts or trims.

How many times a year should hair be relaxed?

The AAD shares that in the case of hair relaxing, touch-ups should only be done every two to three months, and that relaxer should never be applied to hair that has already been relaxed. You also want to make sure that you're using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that won't strip your hair of moisture.

Can hair grow without cutting?

This biological process reveals the truth behind the myth: Cutting your hair doesn't directly influence its growth rate. The act of trimming affects only the visible, dead part of the hair, not the living follicles where growth originates.

What happens if I don't cut my hair for 2 years?

"If you don't cut your hair, it may appear to stop growing," said Vitale. This is because as the ends get older and split, those splits begin to travel up the hair and cause breakage. So those with long hair may feel like it stays the same length, due to the ends breaking at a similar point."

How long can hair go without cutting?

Mid-length hair: Trim every eight to twelve weeks to maintain length. Long hair: Long hair is forgiving, and healthy long hair can go up to six months between trims. Just be mindful of breakage, which is more likely to occur on long hair. Thick hair: Like long hair, thick hair can be trimmed every six months.

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