Quanishia- A Story of Transition

CN: How long have you been natural and what was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I will be 6 months natural on May 15th, yay!!!! My Big Chop was November 15th, 2009 and it was the most random day of my life. I asked my friends to bring hair rods downstairs and as they were walking in, I was cutting all of my hair off. It was a huge shock for everyone as they watched me in amazement. My initial reaction to my hair was love at first sight yet going outside the first day I was nervous, but throughout the day I let loose.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family and friends were extremely supportive of my new hair, overall they loved it. Especially my sister who is natural, she was so excited. My grandfather who is so stuck in his ways was in utter shock stating, “You know you can talk to me about anything right?!” and “Why do you want to cut your hair like a boy?”. LOL, I guess he thought I was going through some sort of mental breakdown or phase. Gotta love him.

CN: What is your current routine?
I currently have a regimen thanks to your site– I feel it’s a better way to remind me of what I should be doing to my hair to maximize growth and health. I wash with Giovanni Tea Tree Shampoo every Sunday, then deep condition with olive oil and Hello Hydration mixed under heat. I henna once a month and try to oil my scalp every other day with olive or coconut oil. My normal hair style is a twist-out or pinning my sides now that I am in this weird length phase.

CN: What are your go to styles?
My go to styles vary! I love the twist-out. Right now, I have cornrows so that I stay out of my hair for about a week. But usually it’s whatever I’m feeling; a braid-out, a funky hat, or a head wrap with pieces of hair left out.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I went natural because I was ready to see my true texture. I was ready to embrace my true self and get rid of breakage and over processing. I would literally perm my hair like every three weeks so I kept it short and neat. I’m ready to see how healthy and strong my hair can be. I would tell people who are looking to transition to just go for it. As long as you feel confident with your hair, others will see that and respect it!