Lauren- A Story of Transition

-Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a long term transitioner (9 months) because that’s how long it took me to mentally transition. I began transitioning on accident (I put in micro braids to grow out a hair cut) and I wanted to make sure that I was ready to go natural before I chopped.

– When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I did the BC 9 months into my journey. At first, I didn’t know what to think because the stylist that cut my hair for me picked it out and I wasn’t able to see my texture. When I got home, I washed and styled it and I loved it.

-What was your transition routine (products included)?
For the first 4 months, I wore micro braids. I washed them with diluted Carol’s Daughter shampoo and conditioned them with Black Earth products Protective Mist Bodifier. After the braids, I mostly did roller sets that I pinned into an updo. I would shampoo with Carol’s Daughter shampoo and deep condition with an ORS Replinishing Pack that was mixed with olive oil and honey. I then set my wet hair on rollers using a setting lotion from Black Earth products, and allowed to dry under a hooded dryer set to medium. For moisture, I applied Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter and then I pinned my hair back with bobby pins and placed a headband on to cover the new growth.

-How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
To protect my hair from breakage, I deep conditioned every week for at least 1 hour. I mixed my conditioners with olive oil and honey to increase their moisture content.

-Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural because I have never been a fan of the relaxing process. For me, getting my hair “done” was more of a chore. I didn’t like to wear it down and for a few months prior to me transitioning, I wore a braid out simply because it was easy and I liked the look of it. When I realized that I can have my hair look like that all the time AND be much more healthier, it was a no brainer for me.