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.
lol@no 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!
beautiful girl && hair 🙂
Your hair is beautiful!!!! Thanks for sharing your story!!!!
ur hair is gorgeous and the color is hot. ^ sewdope: so true! ignorant ppl, i tell ya… i was laughing at the same thing
I just love it – your hair is absolutely beautiful. Pretty girl and pretty hair. Please share with us the products you use.
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…
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!
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.