Kattya tells us of her self-imposed Big Chop! She’s loving her hair so much that she’s sharing her story with you.
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
K: I transitioned for 8 months. The first 3 months were kind of by accident. Then I fell in love with the curls and decided to grow it out for a year and go from there. By month 8, I hated my relaxed ends and was ready to BC.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
K: My BC was on July 23rd. I went to Walmart and bought the proper scissors and just went at my hair. I’m actually really happy that I did it myself. It was very…freeing. My initial reaction was complete shock. I loved my curls but I’ve never had short hair. I was kinda worried about what my husband would think. However, once I noticed how bangin’ my cheekbones looked, I was hooked 🙂
CN: What was your transition routine?
K: While transitioning, I usually did braid outs using whatever was hanging around the bathroom (Motions CPR Anti-Breakage Lotion, Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum). I’d try to braid out every Saturday, but this didn’t always happen. My sister would mail me wigs ( due to the lack of them in CT) and I had a sew in for 2 months.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
K: I think I just got over the whole relaxer routine. It was a bit much and didn’t fit into my schedule. When I moved to CT to go to med school, I had nobody to relax my hair. I did a couple myself and even taught my husband how to “get the back” for me. I realized that this was ridiculous! It was just too time consuming to wash, blow dry, flat iron, and wrap. I hated the mini emergency that would ensue every time I was due for a perm. I really felt enslaved by my hair. My life was also changing, I finished the first 2 God-awful years of med school and wanted to symbolically get rid of it. My husband and I are also planning to have kids soon and I wanted to definitely be natural during pregnancy. Finally, I learned to love me. I had always been the cheerleader popular type (not a mean girl) and truth be told, all that high maintenance stuff really wasn’t me. The way I am now is who I really am.. unadulterated…the way God made me.
Picture 1- College Graduation 2006
Picture 2- Transitioning Style ( Braid Out)
Picture 3- July 2009 after my BC
Picture 4- Getting used to deep treatments
You look so beautiful and you have given me so much encouragement(You don't even know). I am a undergrad senior and I decided to transition to natural hair. I'm 2 months in and all I keep thinking is can I go to medical school and be a doctor with natural hair? That's the argument my parents use. But you have inspired me to keep going. Thanks so much!:)
Hey girlie…your hair looks great! Your natural hair sets off your naturally pretty features. Enjoy the natural 😉
Your hair is so beautiful. I have tons of questions!!
you have gorgeous cheek bones
the TWA really accentuates them
Congratulations on your BC! Your cheek bones do really show with your new cut.
Good luck with continuing your residency and starting your family.
not to offend, but you look MUCH better natural. Gorgeous
Very nice! ~KF519
Thanks everybody!!!! This is why I love this web site. The encouragement on here is awesome. I'm REALLY happy to read that my story inspired somebody. I wish you the best of luck and many blessings ,Alecia. Both on your natural hair journey and in your future career(Medicine rocks!). And thanks for your words of encouragement, blestpearl. Some day I hope to be a pediatric resident too!!! I've already had to deal with a little "natural hair is unprofessional", but I'm moving forward. Thanks so much for the kind words!
OH AND….. I LOVE YOU MARJ!!!! (LIL SISTER #3)
congrats on your decision to go natural, and i hope you have continued success in medical school!
Her hair is simply beautiful ~
Hey!! I had somewhat of the same experience. . .as a pediatric resident I did not have time to sit in the salon for perms or blow-outs, and hence, I have been natural for 5 years. In the medical profession you will hear that you have to conform to a certain standard to be "accpeted." I know from experience–just be good–let your work speak for itself!! Good luck and keep it natural!!
wow! my sister looks amazing I must say! I'm so proud of you Kat, and I love you loving you! the Kattya On the inside matching the Kattya on the outside! You have always been beautiful, but now you are more radiant than ever! Thanks for always inspiring!
Love, lil sister #3
beautiful!!
Very beautiful face…your natural hair makes you stand out more! Love your cheek bones!!! 😉
Beautiful hair!! Congrats on your decision to go natural 🙂
Congratulations .. your hair looks great!
I love it. Your hair is beautiful and I agree that the short hair really makes those pretty cheekbones pop. Good for you 🙂
her hair looks so pretty
I just want to say your hair looks so beautiful. May God continue to bless you and be with you through medical school and beyond. I am myself almost 5 months post relaxer and I am leaning towards going natural and my hair is no where near as long as your was. So you are helping my inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. You are inspiring in many ways as I hope to have a medical/science career. Becoming free and empowered is a first step. Thanks again!! Blessings to you and your family.
Wow, beautiful lady and hair. Your short cut really shows off your beautiful face and smile.
Good for you! 🙂 Congratulations and enjoy your natural hair journey.
Absolutely beautiful!