Cherry Lola- A Story of Transition

-Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a bit of both. 6 years ago, after a disaster at the salon with a texturizer, I watched in horror as my shoulder length hair fell out in clumps. At first I clung to those damaged strands, but after a while, I gave up and I started wearing a style of weave called interlocking. In the back of my mind, I think I knew I was growing my hair out. However, I really only started to consciously think about going natural in October 2008. So physically, I was a long term transitioner, but mentally I was short.

-When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Jan 2nd 2009. My BC was actually a LC. I took the extensions out. My first scissor slice was on Youtube. I was shocked at how easy it was to let go. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was surprised at how long my hair was. However the ends were really damaged and in the end, I chopped 4 inches off.

-What was your transition routine? Staple Hair Styles?
Long Layered interlocking, that I did myself.

-How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I didn’t take very good care of the new hair until about the last year. Then I started to moisturize with Organics Temple gel.

-Why did you choose to go natural? Are you happy with your decision?
The decision stemmed from a few areas. One was of course being inspired by the hair Gurus out there sharing their information about how they got their oh so amazing locks- including you CN! Plus Curly Chronicles, ItsMsHeatherNicole, ReneeZoe, Afrobella, Teri@ Biracial hair, Motowngirl and the legions of others out there youtube-ing us to a revolution!

Another reason was I noticed that the hair line was breaking and a little spot in the front wasn’t growing back. It was because of all the pulling of the extensions. I didn’t want to end up with a receding hair line.

But the most important reason was I started to wonder why I felt like I had to cover my hair up. Why any of us feel like we need to cover our hair up or worse cling to damaged relaxed ends (let’s be honest, it looks terrible) is beyond me. It’s a question I still don’t have the answer too. I think it’s even worse here in England. I hope to help spur this movement over here in the UK by contributing to my own blog- cherrylola.com, discovering products available here that work with our hair, trying to ascertain why we are the way we are and maybe inspire others just as I have been.

I am ecstatic about my decision. Let’s keep it Going. Let’s keep on talking. Let’s keep it curly!

Interlocking

Straight Curls

Natural Hair- Jan 2009

For more CherryLola, check out her BLOG.