Meet Chinwe…took a leap of faith and hasn’t looked back!
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
My transition was 10 months because I wasn’t comfortable big chopping so soon. Actually, my intention was to transition for a year or longer, but the BC bug got to me big time.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I BCed on February 1, 2008. My initial reaction was pure joy. The natural hair on my head was new, coily, healthy, thick, and most of all beautiful. Then I went into a temporary moment of shock at what I just did. Haha. It only lasted a second though.
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Hmm, fortunately one of my sisters had just made the crossover into the natural realm so she was very supportive. The rest of my family didn’t take to it well. They wondered if we were making some political statement with our hair. My response to them was that I needed this change for the health of my hair. They replied with a hope that I would eventually relax again or at least wear braid extensions. That was then. Today, they fully accept my hair.
CN: What was your transition routine ?
My wash days were once to twice a week. I would wash with Creme of Nature Shampoo (green bottle) and deep condition with a mixture of mayonnaise, egg, and olive oil for an hour. After rinsing that out, I would apply V05 Conditioner for moisture and detangling then rinse. Then I’d follow up with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk-touch Leave-in and seal with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
My staple style was the braidout with a cute clip or scarf. It blended the two textures (natural and relaxed) pretty well. Other than that, I wore strawsets, rollersets, braid extensions, and wigs for the most part.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I made the choice because I was tired of not retaining much growth and health with a relaxer. My permed tresses were usually thinning, breaking, and fragile so much so that I would visit the salon regularly for a good old trim to start the healthy hair process all over again. Then I stumbled upon online hair care and the world of natural inspirations. Natural hair was no longer just a fro to me. It came in many shapes, lengths, and textures. It was versatile, beautiful, and healthy. With that, I took a leap of faith and transitioned to natural. So far it’s been nothing but good to me!
I love your blog, Nikki!
Pics:
Relaxed hair vs After BC
Braidout fro (2008)
Twists (2009)
Micro Twists (2009)
Relaxed hair vs After BC
Braidout fro (2008)
Twists (2009)
Micro Twists (2009)
You are wasijiru!
I would know that hair and those cheek bones from anywhere….
your hair, your face…too gorgeous!
and for repping naija!
gbosa for you!
Thank ya, ladies!! 🙂
Nice! You look great! 🙂
Your hair is beautiful!
Such lush hair! I envy the look, but not the work–especially with those micros.
WOW, such a HUGE difference between relaxed and natural; and it looks like natural IS the way to go. I am especially loving your curls in the last pic.
Thank you ladies!!
@Anonymous: Been natural 2 years. 🙂
@Anonymous: Did the micro twists myself. It took almost 3 years relaxer-free to get that length. (My last relaxer was March 26, 2007.)
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One word – gorgeous!
Beautiful hair and creative styles! I love the flower adornment in your braidout fro :} You're always an inspiration for me girly!!
great hair, love the micro twists! very pretty
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love that mini twists ponytail. did you do it yourself or have it done at a salon? how long did it take for your hair to grow that long? Looks beautiful! Great inspiration…. 🙂
oh wow,am transitioning,my permed her is thick n the new growth is off the chain,i hope it grows..lol,how long have u been natural?
Thank you all!! I really appreciate the love. Natural is where it's at. 🙂
I love the hair. I want my braid out fro to look like that.
O how I WISH I could get the hang of twists and pinning them up into cute protective styles. At any rate, you have inspired me to try YET AGAIN to get this right because my hair is not loving being all free and roaming in this winter weather. AND it's windy today. I mean it's in a ponytail, but still… Anyway, beautiful hair. You are pretty in your relaxed photo, but you are really owning your beauty with your natural hair. Look at that healthy ponytail! Go girl!
Loves it….clapping hands.
What beautiful hair!!! Thanks for sharing. As a 4a/b transitioner you truly inspire me and give me more to look forward to!!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Your hair is beautiful and you have achieved great length. Those last two pics are particularly cute. 😉
abosolutely beautiful….love it…
YAYYYYY LOOLLLAHHHLOOOOOOOHHHH! YOur hair is awesome and so are you 🙂 My cousin's name is Chinwe too btw.
Much love!
Lina
Very beautiful hair!
oooooooooooooooooh beautiful hair! I absolutely love it and your name is beautiful as well! Congrats!