Amina- A Story of Transition

-Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a short term transitioner for three reasons: 1) I did not want to deal with the two textures fighting off each other 2) I wanted to learn how to take care of my hair myself, and at the earliest 3) If I waited too long, I’d have gotten another relaxer.
I transitioned for a month and half. So instead of getting a touch up, I got a cut.

-When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I big chopped on September 29 2006. I thought I was going to cry but I felt so free…Finally I wouldn’t have to get my scalp burnt every 6 weeks, I wouldn’t have to compare myself to others, and most importantly, I started relaxing at the age of 8 so everything was new!

-What was your transition routine (products included)?
I had no transition routine.I just used the same products. I wasn’t versed on ingredients to avoid, what to look for…But I purchased tons of Carol’s Daughter products which ended up being a waste of money. Back in the days, I only used her products exclusively, but when I purchased them, prices doubled and the quality was not the same

-What was your staple hair style during the transition?
I transitioned with braids

-How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I don’t think I did anything to moisturize my hair.I took advantage of the transition period to read tons of books of natural haircare why go natural, etc…

-Why did you choose to go natural?
It’s actually when I moved to Indiana and I couldn’t find a decent salon that I decided that something needed to be done.I was also just sick of the breakage and spending so much money and time at the salon.
I was inspired by South African magazines when I was in Zimbabwe since they showcased so many natural hairstyles: from shaved heads to twa, afros, twists and locks…
Then a friend of mine sent me her wedding pictures and she had a fro…She helped me tremendously and directed me to hair care forums. The turning point was reading an article by Tanesha Smith on Going Natural in Elle Girl, where she wrote about her own journey to natural hair. I thought I was reading my own thoughts….that’s my story…the next step is locks.