Melissa- A Story of Transition

M: I was a long term transitioner. My goal was to transition for 2 years. I wanted to transition that long because I didn’t feel comfortable doing the BC with 1-2 inches of hair. But boy do plans change!! Lol. While transitioning I was wearing weaves and doing the occasional ceramic presses. Well around last Christmas I finally just wanted to wear my hair in its natural state. To my dismay, I had major heat damage. Most of my hair would not revert at all. I made a choice. To either continue transitioning and cut out all of the heat damage in another year or just BC and start all over again. I choose the latter!!

CN:When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?

M: I BCd Feb 10, 2009. My initial reaction when he cut most of it off was to stop!! I even told him when I had a mullet that I was done!! After a few laughs, he continued to keep cutting. I absolutely fell in love when he was done.

M: My transition staple hair style was primarily wearing weaves. My transition routine was making sure that my hair was moisturized underneath and that my scalp was really clean. So I shampooed 1x a week and finished with ACV rinses. I would moisturize my hair with an applicator bottle and then sealed with JBCO or coconut oil. I DC once a week, alternating between protein and moisturizing conditioners.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?

M: I moisturized my hair while transitioning with Oyin Handmade products and Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Creme. Right now with my TWA, I use KCCC, Knot Today, and JC Revitalizing Leave-in conditioner. The PJ in me wants to go and buy everything out there so I am still experimenting with what works best on my hair.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural? Are you happy with your decision?

M: The reason why I choose to go natural is because it took a long time for me to understand that God made me in HIS image. So it has to be good!! Any alterations outside of that, that I intentionally do is because I can’t accept myself for who I am. I have always been bombarded with the idea that Black is not beautiful. That my hair in its natural state (with no chemical alterations) can not be accepted by society. I don’t believe that anymore. I love me for who I am. So yes, I am very happy with my decision.

To me going natural is for every aspect of my life. Not just my hair. So this has definitely been a wake up call for me to really examine what I am putting into my body. The ultimate goal is for me to use all natural/organic ingredients. From food to toothpaste to laundry detergent. So the journey begins and I am so ready for the ride!!