twirlygirly01– A Story of Transition

Meet twirlygirly01… a short term transitioner who used kinky-twists to get her through.

I would consider myself a short term transitioner. One of my best friends has such beautiful natural hair. At the time she convinced me to transition, she had been natural for about three 1/2 years or so. I began my transition in August of 2007 while I had micro braids. I decided that after I removed that set of braids, that I’d just get kinky twists and go from there. I transitioned for six months. I chose such a short amount of time because the two textures were not working for me. The permed hair had to go! It was breaking off and looked so unhealthy compared to my new growth.

In February 2008 I removed my kinky twists and the two textures made it almost impossible to do anything with my length of hair (I previously wore a short bob style). I whipped out the scissors and started chopping one night. At this time I had hardly researched products, natural styling, etc. I loved the way my hair looked after the chop. However I wasn’t completely comfortable with the unknown (the reactions of others, proper care and maintenance, etc). Needless to say, I had kinky twists installed one last time. Three months later, in May 2008, I told myself that I really could care less about anyone’s reactions to MY hair. Armed with education and research (from you-tube and many hair forums) I removed the twists a few days after graduation and have been rockin’ my natural hair ever since. My mom was also natural at the time. She kept hers in a short fro. We learned about our hair together 🙂 At first I felt bombarded with so much information I thought it would be difficult to maintain my hair but after a few months of learning my hair I came to realize that it’s actually much easier than caring for permed hair (in my opinion).

My mom loved my natural hair after my BC. As stated before, she was also natural at the time. My sisters SAID they liked it, but I didn’t believe them at all. It was written all over their faces. I don’t think they realized how versatile natural hair can be. Now that my hair is growing and I am able to style it and manipulate it more, they love it! I think it was the length that took them some getting used to. Other people in my life (co-workers, friends, etc.) asked why I chose to go natural and I simply told them that I was tired of relaxing, wrapping every night, regular trips to the salon for cuts, etc. And most importantly I wanted to see my natural hair texture beyond 6 weeks of new growth (before a relaxer)…the way God made me. Who can argue with that? LOL! Other than that I wasn’t asked many questions.

LEAVE IN CONDISH! I faithfully sprayed a leave in condish on my hair while in braids/twist when transitioning. On my scalp I used Wild Growth Hair Oil (I still use it weekly) as it has a great mixture of several different oils and can be found at Sally Beauty.

Simply put, it was time for a change. I was so tired of maintaining relaxed hair and everything that comes along with it (afraid to get it wet, wrapping, flat ironing, etc.). I was also tired of looking like everyone else or what everyone expected. I needed a change and wanted something different. I’m loving my natural texture and I am able to style it in may ways. It’s a learning process and I’m enjoying every day of it. My hair is as healthy as it has ever been and I couldn’t be more pleased. I live in a very small town in Texas, so you can imagine the looks I get (from all races). I think I’ve seen two naturals within the past couple years here….yes seriously, TWO. LOL! There are many people that stop and compliment my hair as well. Many older African American women seem to love it! I look forward to learning more from CN and all the other readers. I love that we all support one another!