CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a somewhat long term transitioner; I grew my hair out for 8 months before doing the BC. The reason I transitioned for that amount of time is because I wanted to take the necessary steps to learn about how to care for natural hair. I am a recovering weave-a-holic who only owned a wig brush before I decided to transition! Making the gradual decision to go natural was an enlightening step for me.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I BC’d 3 months ago yesterday (on November 28, 2009). My initial reaction was a feeling of indifference, followed by a feeling of extreme liberation. Let me explain: As previously stated, I am in recovery for my weave-a-holism. 😉 Consequently, in preparation for my BC I bought hair care items and a wig. The wig was for me to wear if I didn’t like my hair after the BC. So in a sense, I was indifferent about how the BC would turn out. If it didn’t turn out well, I decided I wouldn’t cry, sulk or bombard hair boards with ranting. However, you better believe I was going to slap a wig/weave/ponytail on my head and keep it movin’, lol.
The sense of liberation came two days after my BC when I wore my natural hair out of the house for the first time! At first I was slightly anxious. Then, I asked myself a pertinent question: Do you really care what people think about your hair?
I bet you can guess the answer to that question; because me, the former Weave Queen, is wearing her natural her to work, family functions and everywhere else!
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Everyone was surprisingly supportive. My mother even encouraged me to do my own BC. Now, both she and my sister are considering going natural.
CN: What was your transition routine?
I would wash my hair once a week with a no sulfate shampoo (co-wash with Suave conditioner as needed). I deep treated my hair twice a week with Lustrasilk Olive Oil Cholesterol (I’d add coconut oil, peppermint oil and more olive oil).
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Without a doubt, the Bantu knot out! I’ll be honest, that is a hair style where it takes some practice. (It normally takes a few or more tries to get the hang of things). However, once I figured out how to correctly make the knots, I stuck with it and didn’t let go, lol.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
To seal in the moisture, I used a lot of coconut oil and castor oil on my ends and
throughout my hair.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural because:
1) I received a lot of hair damage from using relaxers. I didn’t even like the way my straight hair looked anymore because it was so thin, limp and stringy.
2) I wanted to see what my natural hair looked like; I hadn’t seen it since I was 7 years old.
Fotki: http://members.fotki.com/HomeGrownHairGirl/
Blog: http://homegrownhair.blogspot.com
Alter Ego: http://www.nicolejenelle.com
What does BC stand for?
lol, thank you LuvDeluxe!
Whoa I thought you wanted to spray me! Your smile is lovely and you have an amazing amount beautiful healthy hair. It's not limp and lifeless now!
And thanks anonymous person! 🙂
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Aubin!
I plan on wearing my hair natural as much as I can. I'm actually going to take my annual headshots soon, and they will display my natural hair.
As far as the photo shoots I do; it really depends on the look the photographer is trying to portray. For example, I have vintage style photo shoot coming up next week. In this case, the hairstylist is going to style my natural hair in a vintage fashion instead of using extensions.
However, for certain jobs, I'm sure a client will want me to have longer hair. So I will just have to adapt my hair on a case-by-case basis.
I will say this: maintaining HEALTHY hair is key for me now; where it wasn't really a priority before. My hair was jacked up under the weave. If I wear extensions now, I make absolutely certain to take care of my hair underneath.
I enjoyed this profile. Thx for sharing. I like your new look.
Your pics are gorgeous HGHG!!! Congrats on your BC! I'm wondering if you will continue to model/act with your natural hair or if you will wear the wigs or weaves when you are working? I ask because for someone literally in the spotlight – and for those of us working 'corporate' jobs – the transition from long, dead straight hair to short kinky-curly hair can be an issue in the workplace, perhaps even affecting the kinds of jobs we can take.