CN: When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
I first big chopped on January 9, 2010 at about 2am! I was tired of my 9-month transition so it had to go. My initial feelings were shame and embarrassment because I didn’t know what others would say when I got back down to school! That feeling went away after a few days and I haven’t worn a hat since!
CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?
My family didn’t see my hair for MONTHS! Not that I was avoiding them, they just weren’t around. When they DID see it, I got nothing but positive reactions. My mom loved it and I knew she was proud because she’s a natural head that has been waiting on me to hop on the train forever! My dad, on the other hand, his exact words were “Girl, grow your hair out”. I rolled my eyes and kept it moving!
CN: What are your plans for your hair (do you plan to grow it out, keep it short)?
I’m loving this short stage and the simplicity of it, however I would love to have long, natural hair that goes down my back! In due time, I know, but I will treasure each stage as it comes.
CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?
Nope, never. I let it do what it does. There is not much that I CAN do, so I don’t want to fight my natural look.
CN: If so, what are your favorite accessories?
I’ve yet to try any accessories, but as it grows I will definitely venture into headbands, and maybe even some natural and faux flowers this summer!
CN: How do you keep it moisturized?
This is still a trying dilemma as I would love for my hair to feel soft 24/7! However, I recently tried applying curl activator (i.e. S-Curl No-Drip) and EcoStyler gel to soaking wet hair and while at first it’s completely white and full of product, it dries SO soft! I learned that combo from LHCF 🙂 I figure that anything glycerin-related helps.
CN: What products and techniques do you use to style? How often do you style?
I co-wash with anything I find in the shower, but Aussie Moist has always worked for me so I have been sticking to that, lately, and I love Elasta QP’s Creme Conditioning Shampoo! Ladies, you cannot go wrong with this–rich lather and soft results, but NO sulfates! Love it!
CN: How do you get your waves or curls popping?
Hmmm…I haven’t mastered this, but the Ecostyler gel helps clump some of my coils, but for the most part I embrace the fluffy cloud.
CN: How do you preserve your curls at night?
Throw on a bonnet! So simple, I don’t know why I didn’t go natural sooner! 🙂
congrats on youe BC! You look great and it's probably growing like crazy now! Would love to see a current picture of your hair. Both you and I are striving for long natural hair but we need to embrace the length that we have now because it's not there for long! HHJ!
Giving the coily-kinky TWAs some love! You look great, Stephania!
Heads up for Hair Products whether shampoo or conditioners, Target has Buy One Get One Free Items that i saw on Tues while shopping here in GA. I know i plan on getting the moisture maniac they had for buyoneget1free. Those cost 13.99 a piece so this is a deal.
A good gel to try is "Leisure Curl Gel Acftivator" extra dry hair more moisture less oil found in BSS. Oh my gosh, this left my hair so soft and moisturized, my twistouts were the best they had ever looked. Plus you have a no crunch feeling and plenty of shine on the hair. Congrats on your new adventure of being Natural 🙂
Congrats missy!!! Welcome!
Sounds like you are already getting some great advice above on moisturization. You definitely want to start investing in deep conditioners, reconstructors, and hair oils. Definitely co-wash opposed to shampooing. I would just load up on Suave Naturals, and some cheapie conditioners to get you by for the next months to come. I often mix hot oil treatments in with my hair conditioners and it works pretty good, and I notice my hair is not as dry. It's hard starting out with a twa, but be patient, and be encouraged. It looks great, and congrats on your BC. 🙂
Congratulations on your BC. I BC last year December and it is amazing how much my hair has grown since then. I was tired of the transition.
You have to conquer the dryness. It took me about a month to figure out what works for me.
I use:
Castor Oil (absoultely amazing..gives me great shine)
Shea Butter (pure) – keeps hair moisturized for days
Jojoba oil – Great to use anytime
Olive Oil – only the day I wash my hair
Coconut Oil – every night before I go to bed I put a little in my hair
Some other products that give me great moisture are:
karen body beautiful hair milk
Any type of Hair Butter is great
You will notice in a couple days after using all these oils and moisturizers that you have defeated the dry hair problem.
Hope this helps!
How to get your curls popping.
1.Deep conditioner your hair for 40min with heating cap. Risen with cold water
2.Follow that with an leave-in conditioner mixed with a small amount of aloe vera gel. (giovanni direct leave-in conditioner)
3. Add your hair oil. Like Olive oil, coconut oil ect.Which ever one you like.
4.Use hands to smooth mixture throughout hair.
5.Take your hands and pat down on your head like your using accordion. Until you see your curls starting to group together.
What I use for a deep conditioner
1 small avocado
1/4 cup Coconut milk (full fat)
1/4 cup Olive Oil
Mix together in a blender until smooth.
You look great! Your hair looks very soft too.