Dear Curly Nikki,
Where do I start. It has taken me months to build up the courage to share my story. The only reason I want to is because I don’t see many ladies transitioning for over a year. Maybe my story will help those who aren’t interested in doing a BC and would like to transition for some time. I follow your site everyday, looking for new ideas. I am married and my spouse works overseas, so I spend 3-6 months out of the country. The products that I’m able to bring to and buy in Europe are very limited. I do use different mixes and use many home remedies. When I return home to the States I always try something new that I have seen here on the site.
CN- How long have you been transitioning?
I started my transitioning journey Oct 2008. I have been transitioning for a year now as of Oct 24th 2009.
CN- When do you plan to BC?
I have always had long hair. Even when I wasn’t taking good care of it. I don’t plan on doing a BC– I’m not one for short hair. For now, I straighten and trim my hair once every 2 to 3 months…taking off a little at a time. For me the two textures aren’t that difficult to manage. I understand that this may not be the case for everyone. For me, this journey is about ME. I may wake up one morning and decide that I don’t want any of this relaxed hair on my head anymore. I doubt it, but if that happened, it’d be okay. The bottom line is that I’m doing this for me and I am finally listening to and getting to know my hair. I am taking my ‘journey’ slow and I am loving it, every step of the way!
CN: How do you feel about your new growth?
I have been amazed at how curly my natural hair is and how much I love it. I do have my days when I feel overwhelmed by my hair, however those are few and far between. After washing my hair I really notice the two different textures. I can’t wash & go without a little work. Once I do a braid-out, or use rollers on the ends the result is great.
CN: How did family and friends react to your transitioning? What was your response to them?
At first, they just thought I was crazy. I’m already a vegetarian and they thought it was just another one of my crazy ideas. I have tired to get different family members to transition without any luck…I think tranistioning is something that should be done when a person is ready and willing to do the research. This transitioning process isn’t something to be taken lightly. Do your homework and take the time to learn what your hair likes.
CN: What is your transition routine (products included)?
–I co-wash 1-2 times a week with Aussie Moist Conditioner or Hello Hydration
-I wash on Saturday or Sunday using Dr. Bronner‘s Magic Soap
-I deep condition with Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol, Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol or Hello Hydration (deep conditioner I found here while in Europe)
-I use protein 1-2 times a month (Aphogee 2min Reconstructor)
-I moisturize and seal my hair morning and night with a few different products
– I try to detangle only in the shower with conditioner and under running water. If fail to, I detangle with Silken Child Detangler.
I would die without coconut and olive oil. The number one thing that has been helpful during this process is actually a comb! But its not just any comb, it’s the best comb I have ever used. I was losing so much hair using regular wide tooth combs. I have 90% less breakage. The Conair thick and wavy comb is a must have for any transitioner.
CN: What is your staple hair style during the transition?
My staple hair styles are braid-outs and low buns. When I first started my journey, I wanted to try every single style I saw on youtube and hair sites– I quickly learned that my hair is fragile and breaks easily because I’m transitioning. I learned that styles like low ponytails that allow the hair to lay in its natural direction work better for me. I also learned how to dress up my buns and ponytails. *wink*
CN: How do you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I use leave-in conditioners and a few regular conditioners as leave-ins EVERYDAY. I also make sure that I seal the leave-ins with coconut and olive oil. I always kept a spray bottle of water handy.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I fell into this hair journey by luck or pure chance. I had a family member who was struggling with their hair and came to me in tears. That day I decided to research and learn everything I could about ethnic hair. From that moment I was like a kid in a candy store. There was so much that I didn’t know and was amazed to find out. A week later I vowed to never let another chemical touch my head. Your blog was one of the first blogs I started following, and I don’t miss a day. This site is like my morning cup of coffee. I LOVE THAT YOU UPDATE IT EVERYDAY…I feel like I’m part of a secret society and wish more woman knew the “art” of ethnic hair.
My relaxed hair broke off a lot and I always had hair breakage on my shirts. I even had friends ask me if I recently cut my hair. I thought this breakage was normal, I really thought I was taking good care of my hair. If only I would have known then the things I know now. There are so many natural products that I can’t wait to use! My hair isn’t where I want it to be, but thank God it isn’t where it was….. So thank you Nikki and all the other ladies you highlight, for inspiring me and my hair.
You can find me at:
http://public.fotki.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/
I thought i was crazy for transitioning for 2+ years,and my hair was growing so well until recently i found out my "old hair dresser" wasn't cutting my ends properly(perimeter only). I use to wash and deep condition just as you, but now my hair has grown short and i was considering the BC because i have to start all over again. I just had a good trim to salvage what was left and currently have lengths ranging from above ear to armpit. Good luck on your journey it has given me hope again!!!
I am on the same page as you,as far as NOT going to do a BC..My hair has been long all my life, i'm a recent transitioner, my last relaxer was in Dec09. I have also learned sooo much from this site and from research on youtube. Becoming a part of the natural community IS like being a kid in a candy store and like learning how to care for your hair all over again..but i'm up for the challenge and if ever i feel weak or weary, i know EXACTLY where to come for encouragement!!! Anyway thanx for sharing your story, I haven't heard many transition stories for people who start transitioning who already have long hair an don't plan to cut so i appreciate your story : )
Nikki and Nita,
Thank you so much for sharing your stories! Nikki thank you for starting this site! It is amazing and overflowing with information. . .I don't know where to start. Many of the stories assure me that I'm not alone in my hair journey.
I've been transitioning since August 2009 and I feel like I'm locked in a constant battle between my natural and relaxed hair. I don't want to do a BC. . .that's not the look I'm going for right now(don't get me wrong I think the style looks great. . .there was a time when all I rocked was a TWA). I was natural (except for Mama's straightening comb) until I was about 21. Dealing with it had been a struggle since I was a little girl, but I had it under control. Then somewhere along the way I decided (probably for managability) to start relaxing my hair. It stayed beautiful, healthy and strong for years, but in the last 3-4 years no matter what I do it looks dry, thin and scraggly. After my last relaxer in July 2009 I decided that enough was enough. The problem is now I don't know what to do with it. I've spent the last few months with it in a lifeless ponytail and some days I've wanted to cry because it was so tangled.
While I'm still struggling and haven't quite mastered the styling of my natural hair this site has been a God sent. I want to transition as long as I can and Nita your story gives me hope that I can do it!
"My relaxed hair broke off a lot and I always had hair breakage on my shirts"…"I thought this breakage was normal, I really thought I was taking good care of my hair."
This story was so encouraging. I saved it in my favorites so I can refer back to it when I feel discouraged. My hair did the exact same thing! Every time I combed my hair it would shed onto my shirts. It got so bad I avoided wearing light colored shirts. My hair is so thick I didn't visibly notice the breakage on my head and I just thought it was normal.
Last night (Christmas Eve) I went to three different stores to find the thick and wavy comb! I couldn't find it but I found something similar at Sally's.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. It gave me another boost of patience.
Wow! Your hair is lovely! You have so much more growth than I do, and I'm just about a year into transition as well! You go girl! You inspire me!
I've been getting relaxers since I was in the fifth grade. My mother felt my hair was not manageable. I didn't want to relax my hair but I must say my first relaxer had me for a second b/c my hair was so long. But like every female who has a relaxer, I experienced that ONE breakage and it crushed me. So from 6th grade, not even a year after my first perm, to the 8th grade I had shoulder length hair. By high school I had a new stylist and he had my hair booming. The summer of 2008 I tempted to go natural, just keeping my hair braided but when I returned home I allowed my grandmother's negative comments to persuade me to relax my hair again. So my last perm was June 10, 2009 and I'm transitioning as well. My friend told me to keep my hair braided and it'll grow swiftly. We'll see. I don't plan on doing a BC either. So this young lady motivated me. I love my new growth. It's curly. My dream hair is a big curly fro. 🙂
It seems like mostly 3c with some 4a textures have no problem with long term transitions. It's the 4a, 4b, and 4z's like myself, that need the BC. The textures are soooo different. I would never use a comb of any sort in my hair.
I love seeing stories like these. I'm planning to transition long term and need all the help/inspiration I can get. Thanks Nita!
God bless your patience! I always tell people not to BC until they are 100% ready mentally for it. I think your hair is gorgeous. Good luck with the rest of your transition! I would love to see an update when you do your bc.
Hi, Nita!
I too have long hair & plan a long term transition. My last relaxer was prior to Labor Day. I am not yet bothered by the 2 textures, but I haven't mastered the art of making the front "lay down." 🙂 Last night I moisturized w/Hawaiian Silky, and layered pure shea butter, Liv & Jam on top. I went to bed w/a smooth straight texture & POP! Today I have a mass of waves in the front. At least they are soft, lol. Who knew my hair could be so tempermental???
Great Job & GORGEOUS hair!!! (hugs, dancergirl)
Hi Nita:
Thanks for posting the story of your journey. Thanksgiving Day will mark my one year transitioning anniversary and I've never looked back. Like you, I've embraced my multiple textures and enjoy the challenge of discovering how to best nuture my tresses. Hang in there!
This is great!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm a long term transitioner and I have been searching for someone that is doing it!
Thank you Nita, for sharing your journey, I'm hoping to be a long term transitioner too. Thanks for setting a good example and showing you can have healthy, beautiful hair while doing a long transition.
Ziggs
i really love how long you transitioned. i too have long relaxed hair,about bra strap length. recantly i have decided to transition and am 1 month post relaxer. i plan on transitioning for about a year also. 🙂
I'm happy to read this story as I'm also planning on long term transitioning. I don't have much issues with the two textures and I'm glad to see I'm not alone in that. I feel like my hair is easy to manage it just takes making the effort to do it.
I admire your patience with your hair. One year of transitioning is awesome and I love your hair styles. Thanks for sharing.