CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a short term transitioner. When my hair was relaxed I desperately needed a change. I began to change on the inside (spiritually) so I wanted my outer appearance to also reflect it. My hair was mid-back length and I cut it into a pixie cut. My hairstylist put a texturizer in my hair instead of a relaxer so I could have more styling options. I loved it, but I couldn’t achieve that spiky, messy look without applying a lot of heat because of my texture, maybe? I don’t know, but I couldn’t always go to the hairstylist either. When my hair was long I would style it my self and only go to treat myself, LOL. Eventually I became frustrated and decided since I cut most of it off anyway, why not go natural while my hair was still short. I read a LOT of blogs before going natural so I would be able to have some knowledge on natural hair versus relaxed hair.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I officially bc’ed in January 2009. I had *maybe* 3 inches of hair at that time. I had recently texturized my hair so I knew I would have to cut it as short as possible. On a whim, I took a pair of scissors, went into the bathroom, and just chopped off my hair. Once I realized my hair was gone on one side I immediately called my stylist so she could fix it. She didn’t answer the phone so I had to finish it myself. I had to go to work the next day, but I did not want to go! Luckily, no one at work said anything or noticed, LOL. I must admit when I first chopped one side off I had to laugh to keep from crying. After about a week I was okay. I would recommend letting someone cut your hair for you!!! My hair was sooo uneven and I used regular scissors which caused my hair to frizz at the ends. I know better now, but at that moment I knew if I didn’t do it, I would never be brave enough.
CN: What is your staple hair style?
Right now the only style that I wear is a wash-n-go. I have tried a puff a few times. I usually wash my hair with Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo (old formula…. side note: I HATE the fact that the new formula has sulfates UGH! What were they thinking???) Then I apply Hello Hydration as a leave-in. ***Thanks CN and readers*** When I get out of the shower I apply a very small amount of Kinky Curly Curling Custard and I put jojoba oil on top of it to keep away that crunchy feeling. That’s it. The KCCC gives my hair so much definition. At first I hated it because it dried like a gel. Once I discovered the oil and put it on top of KCCC while my hair was wet I was sooo impressed! This is what I call my holy grail for now anyway π I don’t wet my hair or wash it daily. I used to, but discovered it’s not always necessary. Sometimes I’ll only wash it once a week. It just depends on how it feels. I sleep with a satin bonnet at night. If my hair needs a little something I’ll spritz it with a mixture of water and conditioner. Sometimes in the shower I’ll run my wet hands over it. As you can see, I’m not good with a set routine lol I just wing it. Oh and I deep condition every week sometimes if I’m lazy every two weeks. I use Pantene’s R&N Deep Breakage Defense.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
As I stated before I needed a change. I’ve toyed with the idea for a looong time. I first fell in love with natural hair when I saw a friend’s locks. I witnessed her process and became curious. Her hair is beautiful. I didn’t make the decision before because (honestly) I was afraid. I’ve always been told never to cut my hair. I wouldn’t look right with short hair. Then after I cut it I wanted to go natural. Of course more people told me not to, but I’m so glad I did. Now I think to myself why did I ever listen to them? It’s funny because before I could never walk in the rain. Now I don’t care. I have a sense of freedom. I also look forward to new growth lol! … and we know when you’re relaxed you DESPISE seeing new growth! My hair has never grown this fast before at least I can’t remember if it has. I like that I can retire my hairdryer for now. Thank you to curlynikki.com. I’ve received so much great information because of this site π
PICS:
The first one is from my relaxed days and before the first cut. The second one is me with the pixie cut (back view) w/ the texturizer. The third one is my BC picture. The fourth one is about a week after my bc. The fifth and sixth is my natural hair now.
Lost_one needs our help! Check out her question below:
My hair isn’t that long but I would like to try coils or a twist out but they won’t stay. They keep coming unraveled. I am limited with my style options so I was wondering if maybe you or your readers could give me some advice on the products to use especially for a coil out. Is my hair too short? Please let me know what you think. Thanks again!!!
I personally don’t think her hair is too short for twists. Perhaps making them smaller will prevent unraveling. Also, a light gel or styler may be necessary. What do you guys think?!
Thanks so much for the tip about KCCC! I love the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard but I did find that it made my hair seem a bit dry after drying. I'm going to try the jojoba oil after my next attempt. Thanks for the tip!
Your natural hair is absolutely beautiful. The short hair really is becoming on you. I know you want to find different things to do with it. But, it is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy it!!
I recently bought the ecostyler gel and I really like it. I still have not been able to do the coils…. maybe it's my patience lol I'll have to check out Mahoganycurls. I love youtube Thank u!
Well you can also try the new "Ecostyler Olive Oil Gel" it's very good, though it states a (10) for max hold, i believe it should say 6 or 7. But it does a wonderful job, and your hair doesn't have the crunchy feeling, and it smells wonderful. Also your hair looks good it reminds me of the texture of "Mahoganycurls" from youtube.
I'm sorry Anonymous. I just realized someone posted after I did. Thank you so much for the compliment! The BC really isn't as bad as u think, but I feel you. My best friend is nervous as well. I just started my fotki. I've only added the pics u see here, but will update asap. My fotki is: tryn2figureitout π
From what I can tell in your pics, I think you have plenty of length for finger coils. I definitely did them on my hair a few months after BCing. I would agree to do them on wet hair and to make them small. I used to use a little Curl Whipped Cream then coil the hair around my fingers. (I tried Aloe Vera gel once and ORS Lock & Twist gel but I didn't like how crunchy my hair was with the former and the residue that came with the latter). Hope that helps. π
~KF519
Creme of Nature has had sulfates in their products since the 1970's, so that "old" formula you love also has sulfates (unless you've kept a bottle from the 70's lol). The only difference between what you used and the new formula are the certified organic ingredients they added. Just to let you know! : )
As for the coil/twist out advice; her hair looks very fine and baby soft (I can tell what it feels like from the photos) so I see her issue. She may need something to with a lot of hold to keep them smooth, and air drying may not be an option which gives them time to unravel and frizz before it's fully dry. Use something with shine and hold and pop a diffuser on it for a few.
and thank you again CN (you are probably tired of seeing me write that lol) I got some great advice on the coils and products!!! I'll let you know how they turn out. I may try them next weekend after finals lol
Thanks so much for the advice and the compliments ladies! I will try the suggested gels and making my coils smaller. The video on youtube makes it look so easy lol. I saw another great video from prettydimples? (I think) She did coils with a comb. I like the idea of the bantu knots and the rods as well. I'm just tired of the same ol wash-n-go y'know? I want to try something different.
lol@ kurlyque letting them unravel
honeysmoke, I think I relaxed because I thought that's what I was supposed to do. My father took me to a salon once because my mother had no idea what to do with my hair. They told him to relax it so it would be more manageable. It used to be extremely tangled and thick. I've had relaxed hair since I was in the 8th grade.
I have the same problem! I am not quite sure what my hair type is but I will guess 4a or b but very cottony and completely straight in the front and top. I have used ORS lock and twist gel and am able to finger coil but they only last a couple of days. I also use small rods for the front because it won't coil at all. Some have recommended that I use pro-style (brown) gel to make them stay but I haven't tried that yet. You're hair definitely isn't too short to do it, it's just a matter of finding the product that works best for you. Beautiful hair nonethe less!!
I've had the same problem ever since my bc. My twists don't unravel as much when I use Lock and Twist Gel, but I don't use it anymore. I just let it unravel and most ppl don't notice. Pretty hair.
No, your hair is not too short at all! I have always done a Bantu twist out and since you coil the hair around itself it stays put. Also, you could take it back and do a pin curl set and anchor with bobby pins. Just make sure your hair is dampish and you are using a good leave-in conditioner or maybe a light styling product.
I think all she needs for finger coils is a little gel. I use Fantasia IC gel for mine…they stay perfect. Her hair is not too short for that. Try doing them small….for me it takes about 5 hours to do small coils but they last a long time. I use just water and gel… make sure the hair is wet and use a good amount of gel. Check out LadyP on youtube, just search "finger coils"
Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Thanks so much for the tip about KCCC! I love the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard but I did find that it made my hair seem a bit dry after drying. I'm going to try the jojoba oil after my next attempt. Thanks for the tip!
Your natural hair is absolutely beautiful. The short hair really is becoming on you. I know you want to find different things to do with it. But, it is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy it!!
I recently bought the ecostyler gel and I really like it. I still have not been able to do the coils…. maybe it's my patience lol I'll have to check out Mahoganycurls. I love youtube Thank u!
Well you can also try the new "Ecostyler Olive Oil Gel" it's very good, though it states a (10) for max hold, i believe it should say 6 or 7. But it does a wonderful job, and your hair doesn't have the crunchy feeling, and it smells wonderful. Also your hair looks good it reminds me of the texture of "Mahoganycurls" from youtube.
I'm sorry Anonymous. I just realized someone posted after I did. Thank you so much for the compliment! The BC really isn't as bad as u think, but I feel you. My best friend is nervous as well. I just started my fotki. I've only added the pics u see here, but will update asap. My fotki is: tryn2figureitout π
And your fotki is where? LOL Lovely hair! Woudl love to kep up with ur journey. I havent worked up the courage to BD yet.
yes Tiffers! so you feel me? lol
KF519 I read somewhere that the Curl whipped cream is a good styling product. Do you have to order it?
Thank you, anonymous!
I still haven't tried the coils because I've been super busy, but I plan to rock them or attempt to for the 4th of July
I liked the old Creme of Nature too! I lived by it for years before I moved on. Nothing works like the old formula π
Gorgeous hair!
From what I can tell in your pics, I think you have plenty of length for finger coils. I definitely did them on my hair a few months after BCing. I would agree to do them on wet hair and to make them small. I used to use a little Curl Whipped Cream then coil the hair around my fingers. (I tried Aloe Vera gel once and ORS Lock & Twist gel but I didn't like how crunchy my hair was with the former and the residue that came with the latter). Hope that helps. π
~KF519
Okay thanks! I had no idea that it had sulfates, but that gives me even more of an incentive to find another shampoo ;-P
Thank you anonymous and Shadow. I never thought of using a dryer. I'll try that as well π
Creme of Nature has had sulfates in their products since the 1970's, so that "old" formula you love also has sulfates (unless you've kept a bottle from the 70's lol). The only difference between what you used and the new formula are the certified organic ingredients they added. Just to let you know! : )
you look good either way.
She is super pretty!
As for the coil/twist out advice; her hair looks very fine and baby soft (I can tell what it feels like from the photos) so I see her issue. She may need something to with a lot of hold to keep them smooth, and air drying may not be an option which gives them time to unravel and frizz before it's fully dry. Use something with shine and hold and pop a diffuser on it for a few.
Make them smaller, twist when hair is wet, not damp. Try a pomade like shea butter or something from Oyin.
and thank you again CN (you are probably tired of seeing me write that lol) I got some great advice on the coils and products!!! I'll let you know how they turn out. I may try them next weekend after finals lol
Awww thank you π
She really does look so much better with that short natural cut. Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks so much for the advice and the compliments ladies! I will try the suggested gels and making my coils smaller. The video on youtube makes it look so easy lol. I saw another great video from prettydimples? (I think) She did coils with a comb. I like the idea of the bantu knots and the rods as well. I'm just tired of the same ol wash-n-go y'know? I want to try something different.
lol@ kurlyque letting them unravel
honeysmoke, I think I relaxed because I thought that's what I was supposed to do. My father took me to a salon once because my mother had no idea what to do with my hair. They told him to relax it so it would be more manageable. It used to be extremely tangled and thick. I've had relaxed hair since I was in the 8th grade.
What a cute pixie cut!
I have found that regular gel makes the hair hard if used over time because of the protein. I use aloe vera gel and its soft and holds like a charm.
I have the same problem! I am not quite sure what my hair type is but I will guess 4a or b but very cottony and completely straight in the front and top. I have used ORS lock and twist gel and am able to finger coil but they only last a couple of days. I also use small rods for the front because it won't coil at all. Some have recommended that I use pro-style (brown) gel to make them stay but I haven't tried that yet. You're hair definitely isn't too short to do it, it's just a matter of finding the product that works best for you. Beautiful hair nonethe less!!
I've had the same problem ever since my bc. My twists don't unravel as much when I use Lock and Twist Gel, but I don't use it anymore. I just let it unravel and most ppl don't notice. Pretty hair.
No, your hair is not too short at all! I have always done a Bantu twist out and since you coil the hair around itself it stays put. Also, you could take it back and do a pin curl set and anchor with bobby pins. Just make sure your hair is dampish and you are using a good leave-in conditioner or maybe a light styling product.
beautiful natural hair. trying to figure out why you relaxed.
I think all she needs for finger coils is a little gel. I use Fantasia IC gel for mine…they stay perfect. Her hair is not too short for that. Try doing them small….for me it takes about 5 hours to do small coils but they last a long time. I use just water and gel… make sure the hair is wet and use a good amount of gel. Check out LadyP on youtube, just search "finger coils"