Aisha heard the call, and graciously shared her 4a/b love story. Check her out and show her some love!
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, why?
A: I was a little of both. Lol. My last relaxer was January ’09. I BC’d in May, but wore micro braids until September. I initially wanted to transition for one year, but quickly became impatient with my hair and with my stylist. Several of my girlfriends had recently BC’d and I was ready to join the number!
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
A: I BC’d in May ’09. To be honest, I hated what I saw in the mirror after my hair was cut! I’d seen my friends come back from their BC’s, with beautiful bouncy curls. That was not what I saw. I saw a head of short kinky hair that I had no clue how to take care of. I thought to myself, “What have I done?!” Now I love my hair. Thanks to curlynikki.com and others, I’ve learned how to take care of my natural hair.
CN: What was your transition routine?
A: I went to the salon every 2 weeks for a shampoo and deep condition, with Motions. After that, she would flat iron my hair. I had a short cut at the time, so I couldn’t wear rods or roller sets. Once I got braids, I would wear the braids for 6 weeks, removing them only to cleanse (DevaCurl No Poo Moisturizing cleanser) and deep condition (Jane Carter Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner) my hair before putting new braids in. I really made an effort to protect my hairline.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
A: This is something that I tried to focus on. I tried transitioning in 2007, but my hair broke off so badly where the two textures met, that I felt forced to relax again, just so I wouldn’t lose all my hair. This time around I used Carol’s Daughter’s Healthy Hair Butter. While my hair was braided, I used an Olive Oil spray to make sure that my hair was still moisturized properly.
CN: Why did you go natural?
A: There were several reasons that I decided to go natural. Although, I have very thick, kinky hair, I’ve always had a super sensitive scalp. Relaxers always burned my scalp and I ALWAYS had scabs. I would have to use the ultra-sensitive relaxers, which my stylist charged more to use. I also noticed that I hated my hair right after relaxing it. It was always too straight. I didn’t enjoy it until I had a little fluff. The main reason that I decided to transition and stick with it was my daughter. I didn’t want her growing up with a mother that wasn’t happy just the way that God made her. One of the things that I want my baby girl to know, is that she never has to conform to anyone else’s standards of beauty. She’s perfect just the way she is. How could I teach her that if I wasn’t a living example?
My pics:
The first is my relaxed after I had it cut
The second is my hair in between braids in July ’09
The third is my hair now.
I lov your hair in the "now"picture! I admire your motivation for going natural.
loveeeee your hair…hope my hair turns out like that after i bc
wow your hair is gorgeous! so healthy & shiny looking 🙂
I agree w/everyone! Your hair is fab!
Thanks for the love everyone. For the person that asked about my methods: I co-washed and detangled. Next I added my leave-in (Knot Today by Kinky curly). Then, I added Curly custard by Kinky Curly. Finally I braided my hair and coiled the ends. The next morning, I took them out, fluffed and sealed the ends with an H2O, shea butter, coconut oil, and rose oil mix.
Cute! And I love that headband (and the earrings)! 🙂 ~KF519
Aisha, baby, you look good. Everybody look at my beautiful, nubian, Queen! My wife is a stunna.
Your hair has grown pretty well from July to now. It looks gorgeous! Keep up the good work.
Wow. What an inspiration for me. Such my twin: The last I relaxed was in January 2009, Bc'ed in May, and have the same headband[haha], I have had my hair in micros since my BC [actually in now]. Although I like my 4a/4b hair, I do not like the length. .Aisha, I love your hair so much in your 3rd photo, that I think I will let my hair shine. Smile.
Your hair is very beautiful as it is now. It flatters your face.
Good for you. I understand about hating what you saw in the mirror, I felt the same way after I BC'd almost a year ago now, but I love it. My hair is growing and healthy. Happy Journey to you!
but your hair is so beautiful! i can't believe you didn't like what you saw at first. you are gorgeous, girl – glad you are feelin it now.
It looks great!
aww girl ur hair is cute, im lovg the headband
Her hair is the bizniss. Love it!
beautiful hair!!
cute!
Very nice girl and your profile shot is nithing short of Amazin!!!
The thing i love most about 4a/4b hair is how strong it looks. keep it growing sistah!
I have 4A/B hair and your hair is beautiful, what products do you use, i've tried several without real luck. Looking for some suggestions.
Your natural hair looks so much better than the relaxed hair! Whatever you are doing to it, keep up the good work.
Super Cute!
Pretty!!!! Love your accessories as well.
yeah i found my hair twin!
your hair = gorgeous! (love the headband btw)
Your hair is beautiful…way to go!