I’ve been following your blog since my big chop a month ago and I’ve found so much helpful information. However, I’m having a hard time finding a lot of twas out there. And I went through a hard time adapting to being natural over the past month and would like to help others with my story! Thanks for allowing me the forum to do so.
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
Ashley: I was a short term transitioner. A family friend was visiting and suggested I go natural. I never thought I could because my hair is so thick and “nappy”. Once I did more research and went to the natural hair care salon she suggested I was ready to transition. But after 4 weeks I got tired of the two textures and had my stylist cut the rest of the relaxer off on a whim.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Ashley: I big chopped three days before my 22nd birthday. *Geminis Represent* So, it was June 7, 2009. I’m not going to lie, initially I was depressed. I felt ugly with these new found “nappy” roots and I refused to leave my house without wearing a wig for three weeks. However, one day I called my mom (it was during the third week of wearing a wig) and she told me beauty starts with inner confidence and if it radiates to the outside others won’t be able to help but love me the way I am. The next day I had my big “reveal”, and sure enough EVERYBODY LOVED it. Now I’m having fun being able to wash it when I want, trying twist outs and comb coils (which I cannot master to save my life).
CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?
Ashley: $90 a week for a shampoo/steam hydration/press a week. Yes, I’m a broke law student who was skimping on groceries just to get my hair done :/
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Ashley: I had a staple style? lol I’d have to say a two textured hot mess!
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth
line?
Ashley: I tried numerous products but then just did the big chop. I guess you can see I was an unsuccessful yet successful transitioner b/c I still reached the end goal of being natural!
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
Ashley: At first I chose to go natural because I became more in tune with the health of my hair and not just wanting long hair. Because it would grow, but then be all damaged and weak due to the relaxers, braids, and weaves. However, this journey has become so much more than that to include learning more about the inner me and embracing my roots physically and emotionally. It’s hard to explain, but I feel closer to my roots with my curly hair than I ever have before due to growing up in a military family where we were generally the only African-American family around.
The first couple of pics are of me with relaxed hair and the last one is a few weeks after the big chop. It’s grown even more since! Check out my blog at http://curlconfessions.blogspot.com for updates! It’s growing like crazy!!
You are cute as a button with that TWA!! And don't you ever let anyone tell you differnt!!
Thanks for telling me the comments weren't working bacalove and thanks for the great advice. I'm going to try it right now!
Hi: I tried to post on your blog curlconfessions, but was unable too. When you use Miss Jessie's you should do a two-strand twist or go under the dryer after twisting, and you will get a better curl pattern. You should combine the Buttercream with the Curl pudding or the Buttercream with shea butter or aloe if you have no curl pudding. Good luck!
Thanks for all the uplifting comments guys!
Congrats, Ashley!! Ur hair is gorgeous and so are you!! I will join ur blog…
giiiirrrrl, Ashley u're perfect in short hair! and it's natural! lol. Congratz
Girl your story is like many of us. Lol. The initial shock is what hit me as well…but this is a journey like no other! You decide the results at the other end of the tunnel.
Welcome to the family and stay encouraged. Your a beautiful women with natural or permed hair….make sure you realize that sista!
theorakale25.blogspot.com
Your story sounds a lot like mine. I bc'd in Feb of this year, and my last relaxer was in Oct. 08. It took me a few MONTHS of wigs and braids before I rocked my TWA with pride. Short hair is hard to get used to 🙂
curlylikeme.blogspot.com
She is very pretty with her relaxed and natural hair. The short cut really brings out her facial features.