Silky Coils- A Story of Transition

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?

SC: Surprisingly, I was a short term transitioner. I actually had planned to transition for 12 months…but it ended up being like 8 months. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I would react to the natural me. With taking a longer time to transition, I wasn’t fully committed and I could jump ship as needed. Lol. While that sounds bad, it can be scary embarking on this journey. But in the end, all worked out well.

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

SC: I actually chopped it all off last minute. Lol. It was November 2008 before Thanksgiving. I had braids in for like two and half months and wanted them out! Well, despite the advice I was given, my hair still did not play right (natural and still permed). It got knotted up and I had no choice really. Initially I was so frustrated and honestly contemplated if I had made the right decision. In the end, it worked out well. I love my hair and can’t want to see what the future holds for this kinky relationship!

CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?

SC: First, I continued to go see my permed stylist. She used the same products (that are good for permed hair) and would blow dry and straighten for me. I did this for like 2 months. Next, I got a weave for the summer months. Again, I went to the permed stylist to clean and restyle. After the weave was removed, I found my current natural hair stylist who would dry or wet twist my hair. She used the Jamaica Lime wax to twist and set my hair. While having the weave, I used a random braid and weave oil to keep my hair moisturized. For the twist, I would create my own concoction that included Shea, jojoba and other essential oils. This was used strictly to moisturize my hair. Satin scarves and caps are a must as well.

After I BC’ed, I began using s few CD products, Lisa’s Hair Elixir and the Rosemary Mint Shampoo…really good products. It wasn’t until now, that I really started to hone in on a set of products that worked for my hair. KBB is a good product line to use as well.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?

SC: I would have to say twisting is what I did the most. Whether it was a dry (when they blow out your hair then twist it) or wet finger twist, I kept my hair twisted to prevent breakage, but to also embrace my new look. My whole life I had long luxurious hair (silky mane)….so having short hair was new and fun to me.

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

SC: This is where the Lisa’s Hair Elixir came into play. I made sure that my hair was moisturized at all times. I didn’t necessarily have to do this daily, but I would do daily scalp and end checks. I also had my stylist trim the ends as needed. I was fortunate, for I don’t easily develop split ends. I was a nut…lol…I was afraid that I would damage my hair going natural, but my hair is actually stronger than I thought. As long as I took care of it, it would take care of me. …and to this day it holds true.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?

SC: There came a point in my life were a change needed to be made and with turning 30, I wanted to start a new healthier holistic chapter in my life. Along with embarking on a natural hair journey, I also was traveling down a weight loss path as well. So choosing to go natural was not just about my hair but about my life. The way I thought of myself, the people I associated with, the words that came out of my mouth, what I put into my body, etc. The new chapter was to grow as a person in all aspects of life AND learning to love myself for who God made. So the hair was just one prong of the many that was all being transitioned over the last year and half.

I’ve always had a nice healthy grade of hair (prior to being natural). Even with a perm, my hair never broke off, or thinned, etc. So with wanting to be natural (no chems, heat, etc) I was convinced that I would be even happier with my kinky coils. While I had frustrations (never regrets) in the beginning, the support of this blog and other natural sistas have given me more confidence and excitement with having my hair. Now I’m natural and loving life!!!

I’m actually documenting all my journeys in several places if your readers want to follow along:

• Twitter – efficient1

• Blog – www.theorakale25.blogspot.com

• Fotki – Ms Silky

PICS
~ The first pic is of me with my silky mane. Lovely and healthy as you can see!
~ 2nd is my dry twist set (that I referred to while transitioning)
~ 3rd is of my homemade twist out set (again while transitioning)
~ 4th is of a transitioning weave
~ 5th is a pic of my hair after the BC

The rest of the pics are me NOW…happy and nappy. Last two are my results this week from doing your historic Twist-n-Curl set using KBB.