CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I transitioned for 11 months. I originally set out to transition for at least a year, but I eventually started to feel “weighed down” by my relaxed ends. Braid-outs, Twists-outs, and other transitioning styles looked awkward to me with my relaxed ends – and I was dying to see my full natural head of hair. After the chop, I didn’t regret a thing. The whole experience was really freeing.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
After my BC, I immediately fell in love. To be honest, the first thing I thought was “Why did I wait so long to make this decision?” I got my BC done at the Hair Rules Salon by Anthony Dickey, so even the hair cut experience was tons of fun. Everyone on his team loves natural hair, so I honestly wasn’t even nervous as he started cutting my hair. I walked out of that salon with my head held high, feeling naturally fly!
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
I’ve always loved to see big beautiful curls and coils – and I’ve unofficially transitioned many times over the years. I’ve always contemplated going natural, so this really wasn’t a huge mental leap for me. It was more about learning styles, experimenting, and figuring out what works for me.
My family is supportive, and my grandmother has commented on the health and thickness of my hair since I stopped relaxing. I’ve also had many natural friends in college, so natural styles were definitely not a foreign thing to me…I just needed to figure out how to do them! lol
CN: What was your transition routine?
During the summer, I co-washed 3-4 times a week rotating conditioners. Some of my favorites: Herbal Essence Hello Hydration, Organix Coconut Milk conditioner, and KBB Hair Milk. During the colder months, I still try to co-wash 2 times a week and I LOVE braid outs.
I’ve recently begun to do ACV rinses about 1-2 times a week – and my hair LOVES it. Sometimes I’ll use my tried and true Creme of Nature shampoo though.
After I wash, my routine is: HE Long Term Relationship Leave-In, seal with coconut oil, then style as desired. I think EVCO has really changed my hair, so it’s a staple of mine.
Some stylers I love: IC Fantasia gel or Lekair styling gel (for lighter hold).
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
For the most part, I wore my hair in my signature up-do. My ends were protected, and I got a lot of growth retention with this style. When my hair grows out enough, I’ll be wearing it again. Other than that, I did buns or just wore my hair straight.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I think co-washing and coconut oil gave me moisturized hair and protected me from breakage.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I always hated getting relaxers. I did horrible things like using box perms and then getting relaxers at the salon (rotating no-lye and lye: a big no-no), since I would only get relaxers on a whim (and infrequently) when I didn’t know what to do with my hair any more.
I’m also a lover of curls, and I wanted to have healthier, stronger, longer hair. When I was relaxed, my hair never grew past my shoulders. I had faith that this would change, and so the journey began!
Other Info:
my blog/site – www.blackstrands.com
my fotki – http://public.fotki.com/TwistyTops/
thanks for replying! I will be going to see him sometime in the summer!!
Yes, he did my cut.
He cut it wet (after a wash and condition)at the washbowl to clearly see where my curls ended and the relaxed hair began.
Then he cut me again in the chair (wet, I believe) to style. His reasoning was that cutting curly hair in it's natural state – esp if that's how you intend to wear it – is the best way to really see how it will "fall" or look.
I know different stylists have their preferences, but I was happy with the way my hair came out. That's all that matters! lol
he also spared me as much length as possible – he knew I transitioned for almost a year, so I was happy about that!
one last question..did anthony dickey do your cut and did he cut it dry or wet?
Really it is excellent and helps the people to save money and have feel again like natural hair. There are also so many solutions available for natural hair growth but I found this solution most effective.
@djanae- yeah 200 is pricey but I would spend it cause I want it shaped right. When my hair was permed I got it cut but dealing with natural hair takes it a whole different level and you want to make sure it's done RIGHT! Miss Jessie's charge $325 for cut and style so right there I would be saving some money! LOL
Thanks so much for the kind words ladies!
curlyq145 – it was pricey!! but I did my research and was willing to go all out for my BC- from what I remember a little over $200 for a cut and style with Dickey (appts after the 1st cut are $180). The other stylists are great too and they charge less!
lexi- I love it too – mostly b/c its quick lol and sleek 🙂
ariana – I've heard of her (and seen some pics) – will def check into her!
I just found your blog site and I am AMAZED!
I have a quick request/suggestion regarding the celebrity section.
Have you heard about Nneka (nigerian singer)? Her curly mane is so …..
Awesome. Check her out.
OMG! I wear my hair like this everyday! (the updo) It definitely is a simple, easy, and classy style for transitioners to wear! I can't wait to do my big chop May 21! It will be 7months and 2 weeks!
You have beautiful hair! How much did his salon charge? I need a shape and since I haven't found any good salons here in DC looks like I will be making a trip to NY!