-Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I haven’t had a relaxer since 2004 and all my hair is completely natural, BUT I would consider myself a long time transitioner because I constantly had my hair pressed-out leaving much of my hair permanently straightened.
-When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I never BC’ed but when I did have a relaxer, I was always aware of my natural texture because I didn’t keep up with relaxers on “schedule” and I wore braids. I really liked my natural texture and I couldn’t understand why I ever wanted to straighten such cool hair but was afraid to go natural because all I knew was straight hair and didn’t know how people would react to my natural hair or even if I would look right wearing it.
-What was your transition routine? Staple Hair Styles?
I started to get my hair in kinky twists with weave at the salon. Then when I started losing hair around my edges, I started to do them myself. There is a whole lot of products I use because I’m still experimenting, trying to find what works with my hair the best but I love Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask. It really makes my hair soft and smells really gooooood. I like Ojon’s Ultra Hydrating Shampoo. When I use that first, I squeeze all the water out of my hair and slather globs of Neutrogena’s hair mask and leave it for like 5-10 minutes, it does wonders! Other good conditioners are Nexxus Humectress and their KerapHix which is a protein reconstructor. I used to use that after I took down my twists. I recently started doing twists with my own hair (because I trying desperately to stop using a blow dryer and flat iron!) and I would put in Organix coconut milk conditioner in it while it’s wet and twist it.
-How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
All my hair is basically new growth! : ) With the twists, if it’s my own hair, I will use the Organix coconut milk conditioner while it’s wet or use Sheamoisture, both are good. If I have a weave, I use Ojon Revitalizing Mist. I’m telling you, that revitalizing mist is AMAZING! Just twist your hair for about a month and use that every day on your hair and when you take them out, your hair will be glorious!
-Why did you choose to go natural? Are you happy with your decision?
I chose to go natural because I was not born with straight hair and I felt like I was trying to be something I wasn’t on a crazy level… using harsh chemicals on my head, and being afraid of the rain and going swimming! I didn’t like that I couldn’t be myself because society tells us our hair is basically “unacceptable” and not beautiful. Also, while I was straightening my hair to look “normal”, I was envious of girls rocking big curly hair and I was like, “Why can’t I have hair like that?!” I’m totally happy with my decision and once it grows to the length I want it to, which won’t take forever, it will be even more fabulous to me. If you love your hair and take of it, it will love you back!
Congrats girl, your hair looks fab. Keep doing you! =D
God Bless
Monique,
I’m also looking at experimenting with different products to see what works – It’s been almost three months since I went natural. But I’ll say in the meantime, your hair looks fab.