Connie-A Story of Transition

-Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I’ve been transitioning for a little over 7 months now, and my goal is to transition for a year. I’m nervous about cutting it in the winter, so I want wait until spring. I started transitioning on accident, really. I’ve always been curious about my new growth but I was admonished when I suggested growing it out. My long term transition is helping me transition my and various family members’ minds. It’s a group effort!

-When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
My goal is to transition for a year, but I’m flexible. If I can make it to March or April without cutting, I’m good. The excitement is making it really tough. I may just do back flips when I BC!

– What was your transition routine (products included)?
My routine is ever-evolving with each new thing I learn. Right now, I co-wash one or two times a week with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. I’m trying out Pantene R&N Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask now but I’ve used Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Pack in the past and I like it. I’m finding my hair is super dry so any suggestions on the moisture front are greatly appreciated. I don’t have any other staple items now. Still searching for a good leave-in too.

-How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Yeah, kind of failing at that right now.

-What was your staple hair style during the transition?
This has been the most frustrating piece. I had a really trendy cut before I started to transition. My hair was short in the back and long in the front (and blunt bangs!) which means no buns or pony tails. Not Cool. I started with flat twist outs. Once I got sick of paying someone to do them every week or so, I went with soft kinky twists. I’ve had those in twice and they’ve been a life saver. My other staple is a roller set with the small yellow rollers. I let my hair air dry overnight and they last about a week. This weekend I took out my latest twists, and had a ton of new growth. I did my first T-n-C and made a faux puff.

-Why did you choose to go natural?
For me, it was about faith, spirituality, and self-confidence. I was working to strengthen my relationship with God, understand His purpose for me, and the plans He has for me life. I kept reading about how He created those plans and me uniquely. My hair was one those unique pieces and for years I’d been making it submit to my will. It was almost like a metaphor for me needing to let go and submit and embrace God’s will for my life. Also, I’d spent so long caring about what other people thought about how I looked that my own self-worth was rooted in other peoples perceptions of me. I decided to say ENOUGH! Plus, I’ve always wanted BIG hair!