Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care

Hello! My name is Mary. I just hit my one year transitioning mark on June 21, and wanted to celebrate by sharing my story on my favorite hair blog!

CN: Are you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
Long! I have the weirdest shaped head and I honestly believe God blessed me with long hair all my life to cover it up. Also I don’t remember having my hair any shorter then bra strap length (before I started to transition) and feel more comfortable keeping it that way. Oh and my mom banned me from scissors so I couldn’t chop if I wanted to!

CN: When are you going BC?
I plan on doing my BC on Dec 20 2011, which is also my 22nd birthday. That will be exactly 2 years and 6 months of transitioning.

CN: How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural?
Well, my family and friends thought I was joking because I was getting perms once or twice a month (horrible I know) and I straightened my hair once or twice a week (I honestly don’t know how I had any hair left on my head at all now that I think about it). After a few months of perm refusal they started to take me seriously and they all support my curls, as long as I don’t chop too soon! They all voiced their opinions against short hair on me. grrr...

CN: What is your transition routine?
You would think after a year I would have one, but I’m still all over the place with my routine. I usually co-wash and detangle on the weekend with Suave Almond and Shea butter conditioner. While I’m in the shower I put it into a bun. I wear the bun all week and it’s very helpful during school because I really would rather sleep for those extra minutes than do my hair. Then on the weekend, I do twist/braids with flexi rods just using Cantu shea butter and water. I wash with Suave shampoo whenever I feel dirty and deep condition with Organic Root Stimulator's Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner every other week (when I’m not being lazy). I’m pretty sure I need some more products but I haven’t found any good ones for my hair yet. Any ideas?

CN: What is your staple hair style during the transition?
Buns! All day every day. Twist and curl on the weekends.


CN: How do you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Luckily I don’t have hair that just dries out, so I don’t use much. Every night I spray more water and add some Shea butter. That’s it! To combat breakage, I mainly just utilize low manipulation styles and handle my hair gently while combing and styling. I only comb in the shower with tons of conditioner.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I’ve always admired natural hair. The curls and the kinks are just so beautiful to me. At the time I didn’t have anyone close to me that was natural so I just went along with everyone else and kept it straight. Despite what others told me, I always thought my hair was too thin and kinda boring. I really wanted my hair to be bold, big, and bouncy and just embrace the texture I have been blessed with! Natural was the only way to go.



I have a fotki-- http://members.fotki.com/-PeaceAndNatrility-/about/

I’m into photography so there are 100s of pictures to share on there and I’m always looking for other long term transitioners or even just anyone with ideas, reviews on products or cute styles. So if you have a fotki , please come check it out and share yours as well. Thank you!

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I made the decision to transition back in March, but I postponed it because I was going to Miami, and I wasn't ready to tackle my hair, so I used a relaxer one last time. I'm glad I waited because it wasn't until after I came back that I stumbled upon your website. My initial plan was to be a long term transitioner, but I was so anxious to cut my hair and get started on my natural hair journey. I've had my hair short before, and this is the best time to do it (summer time = wash n' go!)

CN: Why did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Over the last two months, I started cutting my hair in stages. I was too scared to go all the way, so I cut an inch off about every 1-2 weeks. Yesterday I was down to my last inch. I had butterflies in my stomach as I held the scissors to my head for the last and final chop. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time.


CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My mom and sister have not seen my recent "small" big chop yet, but they did see my last hair cut before that and they liked it. My co-workers LOVED it. I was surprised, but I really didn't care. I'm owning it, loving it, and growing it. That's all that matters to me, and me alone.

CN: What was your transition routine?
Well, because this is a short transition, I haven't yet found my routine, but I have tried a lot of products. So far, I like Aubrey Organics (HSR, and J.A.Y). I recently tried Garnier Fructis Sleek N Shine Leave In, and it works really great on my hair so I'm going to use that for a while and see how it does. I also tried the Yes To Carrots (found a sample size at Target), and I'm liking that also. This is still a work in progress. Any advice is welcomed with open arms.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
I cut my hair in a really cute short style and I was doing the wash n go's - after washing (or cowashing), I put some foam in my hair, tousled it, and let it air dry. Again, got a lot of compliments from the coworkers. My hair was growing really fast over the last couple of months.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
At night, I just used some hair butter or coconut oil and sleep with a satin bonnet on my head.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I was totally clueless! I didn't know there was another world in hair care - natural hair care. The only thing I knew about natural hair was the dreadlocks - I didn't want to go there. I didn't beg my mom as a child to get me a relaxer, she just took me to the hairstylist, and I got a relaxer, and it was pretty. That's all I knew. My hair was long as I was seeing a stylist, but that costs money that I could invest in more productive things. So, I started doing my own hair. I've been maintaining, but it's never been as healthy as it was going to my stylist. Besides, I don't like my hair relaxed, it makes me look so plain and lifeless. I'm a positive upbeat person, and my hair just didn't match with my personality or attire. I also like curly hair, but never knew how these natural beauties rocked those curly do's - then I recently learned about the braid outs/twist outs. I was sold immediately! Watching youtube and following your website, I was completely amazed at the endless number of styles you can do with natural hair.

Going back to question one - it was all in the timing. Several years ago, I contemplated going natural (before discovering CurlyNikki, LHCF, and YouTube ). So I asked my hair stylist (who is by far one of the greatest healthy hair care specialists in the world), and she told me that I would have to cut out my relaxed hair - of course, this is her tactic to discourage me from doing it, this is potential loss of money for her - I can't blame her she has to put a roof over her head too. Well, I chickened out and never thought of it again. So that itch has returned and this time I am armed with plenty of resources to help me through this journey.

CN: How long have you been natural?
I have been natural since July of 2006. I transitioned for a LONG 4 weeks before my Big Chop. My best friend is natural and she encouraged me to follow suit. It was the best decision I’ve ever made for my hair.

CN: What is your current regimen?
I try to wash and deep condition every other week. I am currently using Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercream and Curly Meringue. Otherwise I use coconut oil or Botanicals 3N1.

CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
I am not really big on length but for moisture I just make sure my ends never get dry by applying coconut oil or 3N1.

CN: How do you protect your curls at night?
When I am not tired I twist it up and seal my ends but I ALWAYS sleep on a satin pillow case.

CN: What would you tell a new natural or transitioning diva?
Stay encouraged. In our society it’s hard not to conform to the notion that straight and long is true beauty. Some of the most beautiful women are wearing what God gave them...just look around or simply look in the mirror. Don’t allow negative opinions to make you feel as if you’ve made a mistake. If it’s something you want to do, do it! God doesn’t make mistakes. He wouldn’t give you something (your hair) and expect you not to be proud of it.

CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends? How do
you respond to them?
My family and friends have always been very supportive. I have so many friends that are natural. I can’t recall any negative responses to my hair which has been amazing. My hubby loves my afro puff.

CN: What's the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
Being me. I know when I go somewhere no one will look like me. There may be other naturals but we are all fabulous in different ways.

CN: What are your plans for your hair?
I plan to big chop again within the next 12 months, it will be my 3rd. Although I love my fro I’m in love with my TWA.

CN: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I love the freedom of my hair whether I’m rocking a fro, twistout, or TWA. Even when I’m having a “bad hair day” it’s a great day. I’m not a hardcore “all natural” chic I just love my hair. Be blessed!!!!!

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I am not really sure whether I would be considered a long term or short term transitioner, but I started transitioning September 2009. I decided to go natural because I wanted to see my true curl pattern and I got tired of the inconsistency with the perm application. Some of my hair was over processed, some it was under processed and the whole ordeal was driving me nuts. I had to get my hair cut several times over the course of my life because of this. So I quit with the help of my support system.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I did the big chop on July 7, 2010. I got tired of trying to manage both of the textures. As the stylist was cutting the last inch and a half of permed hair off, I watched my curly locs take over my head! I was amazed that I had so much length, and I was a little startled when I saw the size of my afro. Even the headband I had on couldn't tame my freshly chopped mane. The stylist showed me how to care for it. Later that night, I went home and tried it and fell in love.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family and friends were very supportive of my new look! I have received many compliments. However, my situation at work was a little different. I was received with many stares, but they soon got over it. I was asked by one co-worker, "how did I change my hair?" I simply told my co-worker that I stopped altering it.

CN: What was your transition routine?
I let my stylist manage my transition. I did not want to risk damaging my hair. Between salon visits, I used mainly Nexxus products for my hair. I experimented with a few other products from www.myhoneychild.com (So Deep Conditioner and Olive You Deep Conditioner).

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
I had a few staple hair styles: kinky twists/cornrows, buns, and when all else failed, I wore a wig. I was at an advantage because my hair grows pretty fast.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I used creamy leave-in conditioners between visits to my stylist. However, even with treatment I still received some breakage at my new growth line, but this was after my natural gained some length. That's how I knew it was time for the BC.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural for the versatility, and because I got tired of the perming process. I knew that I had really thick hair and I enjoyed the fullness of my hair as the perm started to grow out. I thought about quitting several times. My bff encouraged me to continue with the process. I am so happy with the decision to go natural. Now, I am working on learning how to style it ;-)

Hi Nikki,

This is my second time transitioning and I'm really excited about it. I was excited the first time about two years ago, however, I was clueless about what to do with my hair after 8 months of transitioning. I ended up relaxing my hair again. So now with the help of my best friend (she has locs) and her addiction to youtube videos , I'm getting the much needed help and information that I wasn't aware was out there 2 years ago.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
After seriously thinking about the reasons I'm going natural (tired of relaxing, wanted to see if I could do it, etc.), I think the real reason is because of my son. He's 3 and he has beautiful curly hair (I'm biased though) and I want him to be proud of it. And I figured, how can I honestly do that if I'm not proud of mine? Also, he's my husband's clone, and the only thing we really share is our hair (I know that sounds kind of selfish, but I'm being honest ).



CN: Are you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
Long term. I want to maintain the length of my hair.

CN: Are you planning to BC?
I wouldn't necessarily call it a big chop. I'm doing mini-chops until I get rid of all the relaxed ends.

CN: How did your friends and family react?
They have been really supportive. My younger sister BC'd about 2 years ago and I have an aunt who just recently BC'd. Even my husband says he likes the curls. The best response I get is from my son, "I like your hair Momma".

CN:What is your staple hair style during the transition?
Two-strand twist outs (thanks to CurlyNikki) and flexi-rod sets when I want to change it up.



CN: What is your transition routine?
This is my routine so far, it's still a work in progress:

• Shampoo once a week with SheaMoisture Brilliant Curls Shampoo.
  
• Deep condition and detangle with SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque.
  
• Style using Elasta-QP H2 leave-in conditioner and/or Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioning repair cream, SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and foam setting lotion for the ends.

CN: How do you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Right now I'm using the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Cantu Daily Oil Moisturizer and it's working pretty well. I'm eyeballing a couple of other products to try, but I'm going to finish what I have (trying to keep the PJism in check).

Hello Nikki,

I hope you are doing well. After months of stalking your blog, I have finally decided to submit
my story with some pictures. I am a 33 year old attorney living in Hotlanta Georgia. I found your website a few months ago and I have all my friends hooked. Heck, I have people that never even thought about natural hair before writing off relaxers forever! So, here goes my submission. Who said that natural hair wasn’t professional! You can rock so many fierce styles. Anyways, here goes …..

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was short term. The last time I had a relaxer was July 07. I maintained my hair from July 07
to April 08 by using Hello Hydration and then flat ironing. I wore a bob during my transition- - cutting my hair gradually. After about two inches or so of new growth I cut the sides of my bob off into a pixie style. After my pixie, I chopped off all the relaxed ends. I had about two inches of hair after my big chop (above pic). I loved it. I didn’t want to make it a long process. I loved how my natural hair felt. I knew the relaxed ends were just holding me back... I didn’t want limp dry ends and soft curly natural hair at the roots.

CN: When did you big chop? What was the initial reaction to your natural hair?
I big chopped in April 2008 and had about 2 inches of hair. My stylist gave me the cutest little fro, and I loved it! It felt so soft and fluffy when I touched it. It was super easy to maintain at that length. I felt so liberated. I thought why didn’t I decide to do this earlier?

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Everyone loved it, I got so many compliments. My husband was thrilled... he loves what I love.
He is always super supportive. My family has always promoted healthy lifestyles. My grandma
was so sweet when I went home for Christmas. She said, “Grandma loves your hair baby.” My
mom liked it too. She was trying to figure out how she could get her hair like mine. My dad
has two daughters. So, he has seen every hair style in the book (finger waves, buns, stacks,
asymmetrical, whops, snatch backs)... need I go on? The styles were endless. But, dad isn’t
saying much unless you shave your head completely.

My sister has a PhD in Science Education. She makes her own hair products and would
tell me about all the horrible ingredients used in relaxers and some hair care products.
Needless to say I was totally grossed out. My sister was delighted when she saw my TWA.
Finally, I am an attorney so I often travel across the state of Georgia arguing cases before
different judges. I never felt the least bit uncomfortable in court. In fact, I have more confidence
natural. I didn’t get much hate from anyone. I was happy and everyone else was happy. I just gave back the love they gave to me.

CN: What was your transition routine?
I transitioned for about nine months before I big chopped. My hair was maintained by a stylist
during my transition. It was washed and conditioned bi-weekly. I received hydration to lock in
moisture and it was flat ironed. My stylist cut my hair gradually. I big chopped after about two or more inches of new growth. The first six months after my big chop I used the shampoo and a conditioner my stylist mixed up for me. When I ran out of that mixture I used Crème of Nature to wash and condition my hair. I also used Design Essentials Foaming Lotion and a mist for sheen. I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with a lot of different products. So, I kept it simple. Plus, it was summer and I rocked a TWA. I would wash my hair and go. I ordered tons of headbands from forever 21. I continued this routine for about six months. As the weather got colder dryness kicked in. So, I began to pay more attention to the ingredients in my products. I completely swore off any products with propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, and mineral oil. These products tend to dry my hair out. Now, I read the ingredients carefully and call my sister for her stamp of approval. I am currently using Anita Grant’s products. I also use coconut oil and rose water.

CN: How did you moisturize to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
After I big chopped I used sweet almond oil and lavender essential oil. I also used shea butter.
My hair loves moisture. I rub a little on my hair every other night or as needed. I wear a satin
cap at night.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I really wanted my hair to be healthy again. I knew I wouldn’t get the growth I wanted with
relaxed hair. I was also tired of looking like everyone else. A few years ago I was at a social
gathering. I looked around the room and all the women with relaxers looked like clones. We all
had the same safe hairstyles. I said forget this stuff. I have my own style and identity. I don’t
need this hair holding me back anymore. Thanks for all the inspiration Curly Nikki. Keep it coming please!!!

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a short term transitioner. I initially said I was going to transition for 4 months and chop, but I did not feel comfortable so I waited an extra month. My logic: I was going to do a big chop either way, so why prolong the mystery, especially since I had enough hair to get braid it up if I was not comfortable!

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Sunday, June 27, 2010 I woke up and said 'it's time'! I called my transition partner and gave her the word. My initial reaction to my natural hair was a feeling of pride. I felt beautiful! I never had hair this short, but I knew that I could put my “divatude” in it and make it happen!

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
I received nothing but positive reactions. It made me feel great! They told me how much it complimented me and how nice my hair looked...My line sister even told me “it made me look profound.” LOL

CN: What was your transition routine?
My transition routine was interesting, mainly because I did not know much about my hair. I had natural big sisters helping me along the way. I actually kept my hair braided up in some form of fashion. When my hair was out, I washed it with my Olive Oil Organic Root Stimulator Shampoo and conditioned with the Hair Mayonnaise weekly. During the last few weeks when my hair was not braided I co-washed 2-3 times a week with the VO5 Strawberries and Cream Conditioner.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
I am a teacher, so during my transition, I actually tried to avoid doing my hair so I had kinky twists, wigs, sew-ins, and roller sets. I could not afford to experiment on my hair during the school year and have to go to work the next day looking crazy. After the school year ended, I tried twist-outs or when all else failed, I would just blow dry it and put a headband around it.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I was natural until I was 16. I begged my Mom to let me relax my hair and she continued to tell me no until the first day of school in 10th grade. After school she picked me up and took me to the salon and I got a “Just For Me” relaxer. My natural hair was always soft, long, and thick so I didn't really need one, but it was peer pressure (my Mom knew that)! When I went away to college, I had no clue what to do with my permed hair and it started to break off. When I got out of college, I just became a slave to the hair salon (which I didn't like). I declared 2010 “The Year of Change” and I have done a lot of changing this year. I got accepted back into to graduate school, and achieved many more of my goals. I figured there was no better time than 2010 to discover who I really am. On January 27, 2010, after having a relaxer for 8 years, I told myself I was tired of it, why did I have to try and conform to what everyone else was doing? Why did I have to be in the salon every other week? My hair was just fine without a relaxer, so that is when I embarked on my journey BACK to natural hair.

Transitioning Roller-Set (3 months in at this time)

Nita writes:


Nik,

Hi Nikki,

When I was younger, my mom would press my hair with a hot comb on the stove! My hair was long and beautiful but thin. At some point my mother grew tired of pressing my hair every other day, so she decided to put a Kitty Kit Relaxer, which was supposed to be a “gentle” relaxer for kids, in my hair. I was so excited because there was a cute little chocolate girl on the box and her hair was beautiful! I never thought I was beautiful so here was my chance to transform! BIG MISTAKE, but at this time (I’m a 70s baby), that’s what you did to manage a little girl’s hair!


My “naturalhood” journey began in 2002. When I say natural, I am referring to a relaxer free head of hair, not necessarily free of all chemicals. After 8 months, I gave up! At the time, I didn’t view it as a lifestyle change, I was simply doing it so that my hair would grow. I was simply not ready.

In 2004, I decided to give up the relaxer again! This time, I stuck with it. I started to embrace the look of the natural and only straighten it on special occasions. For whatever reason, I still didn’t think I could look “dressed up” unless my hair was straight! I would tell my friends “I’m going to a wedding so I want to look nice”. As if I couldn’t look nice with my hair in its natural curly state!
Within the last 2 1/2 years I have started to understand that my hair is beautiful either way! I was recently introduced to your site and it has been such an eye opener! I have thrown away the Motions products and adopted a completely new hair care regimen for myself and my two children (daughter – age 16, son – age 17 months)! I realize that had I been more educated about natural hair, my hair would be all the way down to my butt by now! I am loving my hair and it is loving me back!

I am going to be donating a kidney to my father next week and will be on restrictions for 4-6 weeks and I am looking for a hairstyle that will last at least 3 weeks! Suggestions anyone? Wish me luck!



Shampoo – Trader Joe’s shampoo/Giovanni Moisture Shampoo

Conditioner - Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner/Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner

Styling - Kinky Curly Knot Today & Custard with Shea Butter on the ends - Wash & Go /Twist Outs

Styling Refreshers - Eco Styler/Aloe Vera Gel

Spritzer – Mix of Glycerin, Jojoba Oil, conditioner & H20

I am still learning THANKS TO YOU and your hair wisdom! I have only been using these products for a month now but I am becoming a PJ. I am getting to know my hair all over again. I am confident that I will start to see some significant growth!

My latest purchases: Coconut Oil, Aubrey’s Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner

My next purchases: Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade (it is still SOLD OUT), and the Ouidad Double Detangler!

Meet Stephany... she writes 'getting a relaxer was never my choice, but it was something that I was forced to do to maintain my hair. After 15 years of conforming, I decided to make a choice to be me.'

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family and friends were very receptive to my transition. I had been getting relaxers since I was six years old and I was excited to find out what my natural texture would look like. I think everyone saw how much fun I was having with it and shared in my excitement. I even got other family members to decide to go natural, and now I can cheer them on!

CN: What was your transition routine?
I used heat in the beginning because I did not know what to do, but I wanted my hair to be as healthy as possible, so I cut heat out around month 4. I did a lot of wet sets (flat twists, Bantu knots, two-strand/three-strand twists). I even experimented and invented my own styles. I use heat for special occasions, but I’m learning that my natural hair is just as beautiful for special occasions. I used the Kera Care line, which made both my relaxed and natural hair really soft. I also used aloe vera and shea butter for moisture.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Bantu knots! They gave my hair a curly fro look that I loved! When they got old, I was able to put my hair up in a cute, messy bun.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Aloe vera and shea butter mixed. I also used Garnier fructis’ leave-in conditioner that was great for revitalizing old twist sets. The Shea Moisture line is also AMAZING!

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I decided to go natural because relaxers were so damaging to my hair. I went from normal to mild relaxers. I even went three months between relaxers, but my hair was thinning and shedding too much for my taste. I had friends that had gone natural and they were so satisfied with the results. I wanted thick, full hair and I knew there was only one way to achieve it.

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a short term transitioner-- 5 months. I never really had a transition goal because I wasn't afraid to wear my hair short. I had worn it cut short twice before, so that wasn't the problem. I just knew that I didn't want to rock a fade so I decided to wear a sew-in for my first semester in college and whatever length it was at when I took it out, is what I was going to work with : )

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I did my big chop on December 25, 2009! Yup, I did it on Christmas Day! I cut it because I was so eager to see it... I was super excited! It wasn't a shock or anything because as I said before, I
am used to short hair. I'm also used to doing different things so it was easy to adapt. Then, I put on clothes and it went down hill from there.
I thought the hair cut made all my outfits look funny on me. So, I went from loving it to hating it. I had also dyed it jet black right after I cut it, and I thought the color was just way too harsh. For about a week or two I wore beanies....everyday. After I dyed it a lighter color and got used to my hair, I fell in love again! : )

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family didn't really care. I don't know, it just wasn't a big deal. My mom cut it and my brother and sister watched her.
Back at school was a different story. Before I got it cut I wore a curly sew-in. It looked like a huge curly fro and everyone loved that. When I told everyone I was cutting it, they begged me not to. So, when I finally stopped wearing my beanies people did not like it. I got sooooo many stares and crazy looks. I go to an HBCU, so they were used to seeing natural hair but they just didn't like it on me....yet. If people didn't like it they didn't say anything.
I did get positive feed back as well. A couple of people thought I looked way better with my new hair! After it grew out a little and I started experimenting with it, lots of people began to love it. I never had to defend myself because no one said anything rude to my face. So everything was all good.

CN: What was your transition routine?
The only thing I used was Organic Root Stimulator Shea Butter. And that was on my weave. I treated my hair horribly. I think I washed it once. At that time, I didn't have anyway to get any products because I was in a new place with no way to get around.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
My sew-in. I wore the same one for 4 months and for the last month I got it re-done. I did give my hair a break for about two weeks...during that time, I just straightened my hair.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Water. I was constantly putting water in my hair. I think that's the only good thing I did during my transition, LOL.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I was watching the Trya Show one day and the topic they were discussing was about good hair. After the show was over, I decided to look it up. So, I was inspired. I knew nothing about natural hair. I didn't know that a lot of black women wore their hair natural. I thought only mixed women wore their hair natural because it was already long and curly. Everybody I knew and had ever known wore a perm. When I realized the issue we as black people have with our natural hair, I decided that I no longer want to be a part of that issue. I wanted to embrace and accept my natural hair. Also, my hair never grew pass my shoulders and I was super excited to find out how to fix that and to learn that I to can grow long hair.

Pics:
First Pic: My hair during my transition
Second Pic: A few days after my BC
Third Pic: Me now
Fourth Pic: Me now (above)

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I think I would be considered a short to medium term transitioner. My last relaxer was April 23, 2009 and I BC'd on January 8, 2010; that's about 8 1/2 months. I had originally planned on just growing out my relaxer while pressing my roots straight and trimming my ends regularly. But through my online research I became very intrigued about seeing my hair in it's natural kinky state. I found out about heat damage and protective styling and Big Chops. So that's when I decided that one day I would eventually BC, I wanted to wait until I had enough natural hair for a ponytail, but at 8 months I became very curious to see what my hair really looked like, so I decided to start off 2010 with 100% natural hair.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I BC'd on January 8th 2010, my friend did it for me. I had been natural for the first 18 years of my life, but now at 28, it was my first time having short natural hair that had never been pressed or blow dried before. When I first saw it, I was a bit numb; it was a lot shorter than I thought it would be, and it didn't really curl up even after I added gel. I wasn't disappointed; I just knew that it was something that I had to get used to. After a henna treatment and a few days passed (maybe a week) my hair started to coil up and I started to love it, it was better than I expected. I couldn't keep my hands out of it.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
I knew even before I did it that I had to be sure of my choice and not let people's reaction sway me. My family and direct crowd of acquaintances (church and friends) are mostly Jamaican, and Jamaicans are very opinionated people; so I was ready for anything. Right before I cut my hair, my best friend told me that she thought I was making a huge mistake and that I should not cut my hair. She kind of seemed upset that I still decided to cut it, and she didn't really comment on my hair afterward. After about a month we were going someplace and I had just co-washed my hair and was sporting a wash n go and she actually complimented me, she said she loved the curls. I think she is used to it now (I don't ask her cause I don't want to get upset ).

Most people love it and say that it suits me, or they want to touch my coils. Some people ask why I cut it and didn't just let it grow out. I don't think my mom really likes it, every once in a while she makes a semi-rude comment about how my hair looks. But I told her that it is just hair and hair grows back and that my natural hair is beautiful. She won't even touch it, I think she thinks it feels like dry grass or something….lol!

CN: What was your transition routine?
I co-washed once or twice a week with Tresemme or Garnier Fructose Conditioner; I shampooed and deep conditioned once a week with various deep conditioners. I used a sulfate free shampoo most of the time (Everpure by Loreal) and Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo whenever I had build up or felt I needed to clarify. I used Castor oil on my scalp regularly (2-3 times a week) and baggied my ends every once in awhile. My routine wasn't written in stone but I was consistent in keeping my hair conditioned and not manipulating it too much (mainly protective styles).

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Flexirods done on wet hair and buns in the end when my hair started growing. Braid outs and twist outs took too long to dry for me, my hair is REALLY thick.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Regular deep conditioning, moisturizing with water based products and sealing with oil (Castor or Olive oil), regularly baggying my hair at night (that's moisturizing and sealing and then putting a plastic cap on before going to bed). I didn't have a lot of breakage at all. My hair stayed very healthy and easy to handle, I honestly could have transitioned for a couple more years if I didn't become so impatient.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
When my hair was natural, as a child and a teenager, I always had thick healthy, long hair. Once I started relaxing my hair, I could never grow it past shoulder length. So I stopped trying and I started cutting my hair short and wearing weaves and braids all the time. I gave up on achieving length and I settled with the fact that my hair can look healthy it just won't grow. I transitioned for a year when I was 21 but then for some reason relaxed again and I have been thinking about going natural ever since. Relaxer is just not for me. I think my hair is best when it is chemical free, whether it be straight or kinky. I'm excited about not looking like everyone else and the versatility I will have once I gain some length. This is the most exciting thing I've done in a long time!