I am a long term transitioner. I chose this as opposed to doing a BC right away, because I feel more comfortable being able to manipulate my hair.
-When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
In November I’ll be going on my 5th month of transitioning. I have about 2 inches of new growth. It wasn’t until I washed my hair myself one day that I was able to see the waves that formed when I had water and conditioner in my hair, needless to say that got me very excited. I was so used to seeing my new growth dry, and it wasn’t a pleasant site to me at first. But now I understand that because I can’t treat my natural hair completely as such (because of the relaxed end) I’m not seeing what it really can do!
-What was your transition routine (products included)?
I deep condition each time I visit my beautician which is twice a month. She uses the Jane Carter Solution line of products. When I’m at home, I use Olive Oil Sheen spray, particularly to moisturize my relaxed ends. I moisturize my natural roots with Optimum Oil Therapy Cream. Creams and lotion seem to moisturize my natural hair better than a “grease” like product.
-What was your staple hair style during the transition?
My staple hairstyle is a rod set. I get it done professionally every two weeks. The hairstyle lasts a week or so. I recently started washing and roller setting my own hair in between salon visits. Needless to say it’s a little harder than I imagined, but with more practice it’ll become easier. I manipulate my hair very little during this process.
-How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I’ve been focusing on keeping my roots as moisturized as possible. My beautician told me that natural hair is..well naturally dryer than relaxed hair. So the natural hair will pull moisture from the relaxed hair it it’s not getting enough. Each morning I’ll moisturize my edges with the Optimum Oil Cream. Then I’ll bend my head down and spray oil sheen over my entire head.
-Why did you choose to go natural?
I was tired of being a slave to my hair. Letting it almost dictate how long I worked out or whether or not I went swimming. I wanted a change…something new. I wanted my hair to fit into my lifestyle, not my lifestyle fitting into my hair. As the journey continues, and I meet opposition from people (who ironically aren’t paying for the up keep of my hair) it’s becoming more about accepting and loving my hair just the way it is. I tell myself that my hair is “good hair” because it’s my hair!
July 2008
October 2008
