Nicole D.- A Story of Transition

Nicole: I was a long-term transitioner. I transitioned for 9 months. Actually, I intended to transition for a full year (it seemed like the right thing to do), but the two different textures could not co-exist.

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

Nicole: I BC’d in October 2008. I was so determined to hack off the relaxed hair, which felt like a wet noodle, that I wasn’t nervous about it at all. When I finally cut it all off, I felt so free (and slightly militant, go figure). I’ve never worn my hair short, so it was very liberating. I think my husband probably took it the worst. He was really nervous about seeing me with my new kinks. Since then, he’s gotten used to it and I think he really likes it.

CN: What was your transition routine?

Nicole: I washed and conditioned weekly with Pantene Relaxed and Natural, and every two weeks I’d deep condition with Elasta QP’s DPR-11 (that stuff is the TRUTH).

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

Nicole: I wore it pulled back in a ponytail most of the time and used Carol’s Daughter Loc Butter as a pomade to smooth my edges. At one point, I got so tired of dealing with the two different textures that I got a weave, which lasted for about 2.5 months.

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

Nicole: Condition, Condition, Condition…however, since I was pulling my hair back in my usual ponytail, I think I did cause a bit of break from the tension. I also used Cantu Shea Butter LIC to moisturize the new growth.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?

Nicole: Oh, so many reasons! I was inspired by my daughter who has really cute hair and I didn’t want her to think that when you grow up, you have to get a relaxer. I’ve also always wanted natural hair for a long time, but I never knew how to transition or how to take care of it once you’ve grown it out. So I’m happy that there are so many great blogs (like this one!) with so much information. I also think that natural hair works well for me and my personal style, which my husband calls “Thrift Store Style” 🙂 Anyway, it just feels really good to love my hair just the way it is without chemical alteration, and I DO NOT miss the hours I spent roller-setting, flat-ironing and wrapping it into submission.