Kemit– A Story of Transition

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a medium term transitioner, Lol! Sad to say it, but I dragged out a short term transition because I didn’t think I would look right without enough hair on my head…I’d been called Big Head forever..so I desperately wanted to cover it up. I felt like it was too much to deal with both the head and hair..thus the medium transition. Fortunately as time went on, I kept thinking why am I so concerned with other peoples opinions, I decided to take control and one major mini chop and a touch up mini chop later I felt more like myself than ever before. I embraced both my beautiful head and hair! 🙂

CN: When did you do your first/last Mini-Chop? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
My last Perm was on Oct.13, 2007. My first mini chop was a major one, done exactly 11 months later on Sept. 13 2008, my 2nd (because I clearly missed some permed and heat damaged ends) was on Dec.29, 2008. My initial reaction was ‘WOW this is pretty short’, but then I started checking out the curl pattern and the shine and fell into super strong like mode with my curly locks.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
I was one of the luckier ones. I never got any of the negative feedback from family and friends. My family was used to natural curls thanks to my mom, who has been natural her entire life (with the exception of three minutes back in ’83 when she rocked the perm for a sec). She’s been my Hair Idol for the longest. Also, I was fortunate enough to have several friends who were transitioning around the same time, and even if they don’t know it, each and every one of them helped me out tremendously, when it came to helping me stick with my decision.

CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?
Quick disclaimer..I have to admit, I wasn’t always the most consistent with this routine..but for the most part this is how it went down..Lol
My transition routine consisted of weekly Olive Oil Baggy Treatments, were I’d leave the oil in overnight. Sometimes I’d add essential oils such as Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, and/or Texas Cedar wood to the mix for some extra oomph. I’d rinse the oil mixture out in the morning, and then I would co-wash with Suave Naturals (sometimes adding Lemon juice to clarify and soften). I detangled with DevaCurl OneC, I would rinse and then add some more as my leave in. Finally I’d use my spray mixture of DevaCurl OneC/Water/Lavender EO to either set my hair, or to help in the bunning process. I’d seal with Raw Shea Butter.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
My staple hair styles during my transition were LOTS of buns (both high and low), Braid Outs and Twist outs and finally Braids.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I used Raw Shea Butter like it was going out of style. I also made a lot of my own oily concoctions and would use them in conjunction with the Shea Butter. My hair seemed to love it, so I just kept right on with it. I also left lots of conditioner in my hair when using it as a leave in. I would baggy(using a moisture and then oil to seal, then placing a bag over the area allowing to sit overnight) at the ends or over my whole head when it crossed my mind to do so (which was like once or twice a month) and that was about it…

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural for a variety of reasons. The main one being my need to be in line with my healthier, all natural, holistic, hippy chick self. I’d already been in the process of changing A LOT of things in and around me to reflect my healthier attitude. I was trying my hardest to make better decisions about the products I was putting in and on my body. I didn’t think it made sense to change all of that but still run to the salon to get a relaxer every 6 to 8 weeks, saturating my scalp with crazy chemicals. Thus the transition, which has been one of THE BEST decision I’ve ever made in my entire life. I am absolutely IN LOVE with my crazy curls. Thank you SO MUCH Nikki for helping to make my transition a positive one! I’ll NEVER EVER go back!!

both are brothers as well..the one in the red rocks a curly head too 😀