Ambyr- A Story of Transition

-Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I consider myself to be a long term transitioner. I began by reading Black Hair Media and wanted to learn how to have healthy relaxed hair. I learned so much that I began stretching 5-6 months at a time. One day I realized that I didn’t need relaxers anymore if I could go 5-6 months without one. So – I began transitioning without doing a BC – because I had worked so hard to get to APL and I didn’t want to be bald.

-When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I BC’d on November 16th, 2008. At first I cried because I wasn’t used to my hair being so short – and I had really worked hard to get healthy APL hair. But after about 3 days – I was in love with my natural curls.

-What was your transition routine? Staple Hair Styles?
I’m currently on a no heat challenge. I stayed away from heat while transitioning. I refused to straightened more than once a month. So roller sets and bantu sets were and are my best friends. I wet set them at night, sleep on them – throw on a head back the next day. I swear by diluted Lotta Body, Giovanni’s Direct Leave-in and Castor Oil (I just added castor oil this month and I love it) to set my curls. Curlformers and bantu knots are my style tools right now. I wash once a week and DC with Queen Helen’s Cholesterol. I add a little hair milk before I mix my lotta body, giovanni’s and water and seal with castor oil for my curly sets.
Although my hair is about shoulder length in the front and almost apl in the back – I can’t rock a pony tail – so headbands and bobby pins are my friends.

-How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I added hair milk (and sometimes hair butter) to my wet hair before styling. I moisturize with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave in ( that name sooooo long) when I didn’t plan on setting my hair right away. And when I baggied (in the beginning of my transition) I used Care Free Gold Hair Activator on my new growth and ends. I sealed with Carol’s Daughter Tui oil or EVOO.

-Why did you choose to go natural? Are you happy with your decision?
Going natural was the best decision of my life. I’ve done away with a lot of chemicals in my life – from my cleaning products to my foods. I’m living a more natural life – and hair was a necessary step. I love the versatility of natural hair. When I was straight hair – I can have it – when I want curly hair – I can have it..and anything in between.

Sept ’08
Nov ’08 BC