folks i know (including myself) made the transition of growing out natural hair with braids (cornrows,extension,etc). Many people simply cut the perm off and wear fades to start the growth process. Others grow their natural hair (using the methods mentioned above) and cut off the permed edges. It could also help to speak with a local beautician (even though sumuvem might try to talk u into stickin' with the perm $$$).

"We live the now for the promise of the infinite" --Mos Def

"I'm tryin' to soar to altitudes unknown to man, woman or the most agile of birds" --yours truly

"your people first. a quiet strength. the positioning of oneself so that observation becomes reaction, where study is preferred to night life, where emotion is not seen as a weakness. love for self, family, children and extensions of self is beyond the verbal"
--Haki R. Madhubuti