Amanda- A Story of Transition

Newly natural, and bursting with self confidence, Amanda submitted her story to inspire the long term transitioners. Enjoy!

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
A: Lets see….I would call myself a long term transitioner. I got my last relaxer in February and was not ready to chop my hair off–I had long hair for the better part of my life. The original plan was to transition for a year, but that did not go as planned. I got tired of the two hair textures and was extremely anxious to see my locks. I transitioned for 7 months before I did my Big Chop.

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

A: I did the big chop on October 1st ! When I first saw my hair (or lack there of) I was anxious and very nervous! I did not take anyone with me so I was like “Oh my Gosh, what will everyone think?” I knew I had to go to work (the job I had only been on for 2 weeks) and face family and friends. I was unsure about the texture and curl pattern of my hair. I looked in the mirror like a million times and just completely fell in love and didn’t care if people liked it or not, because I

LOVED IT! I was ready for my big earrings and makeup to go with my new cropped cut!

CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?
A: My transition routine was to maintain the two textures and prevent breakage. I wore micro-braids for three months and twist-outs until I did the big chop. For the twist-outs, I mainly did bantu knots, and either wore it in a Mohawk or pinned the curls up for a cute updo. I wore it straight a few times, but I stopped, because I knew it was damaging.

Products I used:
-Carol’s Daughter Hair Butter for moisture to set bantu knots
-Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk for moisture for fluffing after twist out
-Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner for deep conditioning
-Olive Oil for moisture and shine

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
A: At the age of 3 years old, I had really full, thick and healthy hair. I guess my mom found it hard to manage and did not have the knowledge to care for natural hair, so she gave me a relaxer. I’ve had one ever since and never had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with my natural texture (with the exception of pictures). I have always been the girl known for the “long hair” or “pretty hair” which was not a problem, but I have always had a fascination with big hair and curls. Fast forward to a year ago, I started visiting the salon every two weeks and was seeing great results…at that time. When I got my last relaxer I noticed that my hair was long but was thinning on one side and at that moment, decided it was time to make a change. Besides, the relaxers were pricey and I hated living around my hair. I did extensive research on natural hair and the different textures to get a feel of what to expect. I waited until I was sure I was ready and completed my transition. I am so happy with my decision. I look different, and feel different, and it takes real self assurance to wear your natural hair and I couldn’t be more pleased!

BC!

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