Gradylady shares her transition story with the CurlyNikki.com community!
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
Gradylady: I transitioned for 8 months. I consider myself a long term transitioner because I transitioned the hard way (as some would say). I didn’t get a weave or braids etc. I dealt with two textures for 8 months and it wasn’t easy. I wore rod sets and my mom would always get mad when she had to do my hair because of the new growth, lol.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Gradylady: I BC’d in Feb 2009. I was excited about it. Once I cut all my relaxer out I loved the way my hair felt. I washed it everyday just so I could run my fingers through it. It felt so soft. The only thing I had a hard time dealing with, was the length. I wasn’t used to having short hair so I decided to get braids.
CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?
Gradylady: I didn’t have a routine during the transition. I washed and put rods in. That would last me about 5 days then I’d do it all over again. Products I used were Cantu Shea Butter Shampoo & Conditioner.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Gradylady: I don’t think I moisturized that much because my hair didn’t show any signs of breakage. I use hot oil treatments once in a blue.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
Gradylady: I chose to go natural not for spiritual reasons like my “friends” may think. Some people think that since I’m natural I’m all of a sudden into nothing but Neo-Soul. My friend actually called me a fake natural because I don’t have an Anthony Hamilton cd. What does my hair have to do with music? I chalk all the comments I get up to ignorance. The reason I went natural is because I wanted to try something different. I was tired of walking around looking like every other chick with a wrap or doubie. There was beautiful hair underneath those chemicals and I wanted to show it off. Wish I would of went natural sooner. Better yet, wish I would of never put creamy crack in my hair at all, lol.
It's interesting that folks made a connection between you hair and your art.
In the Bay Area, having natural hair in the early mid 90's was a signifier of being engaged with a critical consciousness (natural food, a reader, neo soul and or reggae.
However, moving to NY I saw so many folks who ate PORK AND HAD LOCKS. I was floored, had never peeped that before.
Our hair may or may not be connected to how we perform our personal politics.
LOL @ the fake natural comment. People are ridiculous with their stereotypes and preconceived notions. I was once told that I'm not really natural because I choose to color my hair. How ridonculous!
Love that last picture! Btw, ignore people and their dumb comments. People who see the world only in terms of stereotypes behave like a stereotype themselves…
I just love it – your hair is absolutely beautiful. Pretty girl and pretty hair. Please share with us the products you use.
ur hair is gorgeous and the color is hot. ^ sewdope: so true! ignorant ppl, i tell ya… i was laughing at the same thing
Your hair is beautiful!!!! Thanks for sharing your story!!!!
beautiful girl && hair 🙂
[email protected] anthony hamilton cds. if that's the case, i must be a "fake natural" too:) some people just have to put everybody into boxes so they feel comfortable. your hair looks fab!