Britt- A Story of Transition

I BCed on December 28, 2009. My initial reaction was amazement, seeing that my hair had never been this short and kinky-curly. I was shocked at the fact that I had transitioned for so long, and also that I was the one to take those scissors to my head!

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?

Well, I’m sixteen years old, and my mom had done the “perm” routine with me for years. We have always kept our hair up pretty well, but it was always relaxed (mine was always long). So my mother kept giving me odd looks (hahaha) though she insisted that she liked it. My dad, though skeptical through my transition, loved it. One of my brothers was so wide-eyed, but he said he was going to kill me.

Only a select few people have seen the new-do at this point, I went to a basketball tournament where most of my classmates were. A lot of them complimented on my new look (they couldn’t keep their hands away!) and were in awe of the fact that I cut my hair myself. Some people I know seemed shocked and disappointed. But they still admitted that it looked good.

CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?

Eventually my transition routine became quite simple. I would shampoo with BioInfusions organic shampoos and condition with Olive Oil brand moisturizing conditioner (ironically, the one that came in the perm box). Later into my transition, I began to henna and use virgin olive oil in my hair. My Garnier Fructis SleeknShine Leave In Creme Conditioner has always been a part of my routine.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?

In the beginning of my transition I tried twists and braids with beads a lot. Bantu knots and pin curls were a favorite. Since that became hard to maintain with work and school tiring me, I began to do a bun tied with a belt from one of my sweaters (hehehe) with the ends tucked with bobby pins. I would flat-iron every so often.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?

The creme conditioner and olive oil kept my hair moisturized pretty good throughout my transition. These are my best low-maintenance products.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?

I chose to go natural because for the longest time, I didn’t know what my hair really was. I decided I would embrace who I really was, because I realized my ignorance and was hurt by it. Natural hair has so much versatility! The funny thing is, I thank The Tyra Banks Show for leading me into transition. After seeing the episode on disputes within our community about natural vs. relaxed hair, I was convinced. I’ve seen complaints on the web about there not being enough natural representation on the show. That didn’t matter because the day I watched the episode, I was set on a decision. There’s still a journey ahead…

1st picture-Fresh perm, cut, and flat iron (about 1 yr ago)

2nd picture-Bantu knot out w/straightened bangs