Nadia- Diary of a FLYY Black Woman

I decided to cut my hair again. I grew it out for about 6 weeks, and then I started to feel lost on what to do with it. I contemplated getting it braided, but I really have grown to love my new look. The picture above (from Nov 11,2009) shows my hair at its longest length since the big chop. The picture below is of my current look. I am LOVING my short hair!

I have had some compliments, some complaints, and some that fall somewhere in the middle. Most of the time people that like it will tell me that they think I am brave for cutting off so much hair. People that fall in the middle just comment “Wow you cut your hair!” and leave it at that. People that don’t seem to like it (maybe one or two) just say “Why’d you cut it all off ?!”. I think the funniest thing anyone has ever said to me about my new ‘do is, “You have such a pretty skull for that look”. LOL

I am still feeling very confident. I wake up and just do minor touch-ups with product, and I’m ready to go. I always know that my hair is in place, and there is very little that I have to do to it each day. I enjoy wearing earrings and other accessories that help to frame my face. For now, I think I will keep it short. I like this look, and I like the low-maintenance aspect of it.

See you next month!
Nadia

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Original Post– 10/22/2009

Hi ladies!

Things are progressing well.
Here are some pictures of me about to go out on the town. My hair is growing so fast!! I forgot to mention that I take GNC Ultranourish Hair vitamins abot 3 times a week. These vitamins make my hair grow super fast! I swear by them. I’ll be in touch soon 🙂

Nadia

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Original post–10/12/2009

First, I want to say thank you thank you to everyone for all the support and very kind words!! Everyone has been so sweet with all of their comments. I am happy that I have inspired others to think about making hair changes themselves. I really do not miss that mess at all!!! This style is so easy and healthy. My hair is growing really quickly, and I haven’t decided whether I will grow it out or get it cut again. I really like it like this, and you guys have convinced me that you like it too 🙂 Here is a picture I took on Friday. This makes a little more than two weeks since my big chop.

Luv,
Nadia

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Original Post–10/8/2009

Hola Chicas,

Due to the positive reaction from all of you, and Nadia’s unique situation (a spontaneous and drastic BC), I thought it’d be interesting (and fun!) to watch her over the new few months as she, and the folks around her adjust to her new look. She’ll be regularly updating us with pics, her innermost thoughts and feelings, and reactions from friends and family. She’ll be handling business as usual…all while rocking healthy, chic natural hair.

I emailed her this afternoon to propose the idea and she agreed! Here’s her response:

Absolutely! I was wondering how I could do just that. I’d like to send you monthly updates on my journey.
I really love the change. I wanted something that was easy to maintain, and looked great at the same time. It’s been almost 2 weeks and I really do not miss my long hair at all. The biggest test for me was going out to a bar, and even my gym. I was sure I would notice a negative reaction from guys and thought no one would talk to me. It was good that I did resume my normal activities so quickly. I completely forgot my hair was so short because everyone treated me the same. It’s sad how we have images in our head of how we “should” look according to society, and that if we don’t fit that mold then we are not beautiful. For me, I never realized that having relaxed hair was my way of trying to fit in with society’s expectations.
I sent a link to my family yesterday, and my dad already wrote back. You’re welcome to post his response. It really surprised me how sweet his reaction was (I promise I didn’t make it up myself). His message is below:

Nadia, nice spotlight, you look great with your natural hair and you have captured the spirit of others who will benefit from your break from the relaxer cycle. I am so proud of you. Keep reaching.

Stay tuned ladies, as we take a peak inside the Diary of a FLYY Black woman.

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Nadia writes, “Nikki, please publish my story to give some courage to girls who, like me, have been using relaxers all their life.” Check it out, and show her some love!

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
N: While deciding whether or not to put in my next relaxer, I had a conversation with my oldest sister. She convinced me not to further damage my hair with yet another relaxer. I had about 5wks of new growth, and decided to do a BC instead.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
N: I did my BC on September 25, 2009. I thought I would cry at the shock and drastic change, and the realization that there is no going back, but I didn’t. I looked in the mirror, and realized that I could pull off this look, thanks to having a small head. I felt immediately free and happy. It was really different to have hair that was immediately less damaged, and healthier.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair?
N: I use Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural for cowash, and Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 to moisturize. I use either one of these as my leave in overnight. In the morning, I rinse out the conditioner and use Garnier Fructis Wet Shine Gel to activate and hold my curls throughout the day. I only shampoo after going to the gym to wash out the sweat/salt.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
N: I wanted healthy hair that was easy to manage. I have NEVER been without a relaxer in my life. Seriously, there are pictures of me on my first day of kindergarten with relaxed hair. It just doesn’t make sense to have long hair if it’s really damaged and breaking.