I Big Chopped- Irocklocks

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I planned to be a long-term transitioner, but my scalp was really dry and I didn’t feel comfortable with my plan to wear braids, so after a couple of months of no relaxer, I just did the BC. I figured it would be easier to nourish my scalp and I was not the best at dealing with two textures.

CN: When did you BC? When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
I did the BC on Friday, June 11, 2010. I knew I was ready, but on the day of the big chop, I got butterflies in my stomach, wondering if I was making the right decision. I had already BC’ed before, so I knew I could rock it, but I really wanted my husband to like it. I got really nervous up until I heard the clippers and saw my hair falling. No turning back at this point. Now, I love it! I feel liberated and free of society’s belief of beauty and embracing my own sense of beauty.

CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?
I cried at my husband’s first response. I walked in the house and said “Are you ready?” and he responded in a very dry tone “I already saw it” and went back to his phone conversation. I guess he looked out the window and saw me getting out the car. Now, it’s growing on him and he tells me I’m still beautiful and he still loves me. His reaction is the only one that really mattered to me. I’m sure he didn’t think “for better or for worse” would include hair when he made those vows.

CN: What are your plans for your hair?
I BC’d twice before with no hair goals, and ended up going back to the relaxer once my hair started growing out. This time, however, I have a goal. I want to loc my hair and I plan to blog the entire journey (irocklocs.blogspot.com). I’m super excited to see the journey of my hair from rockin’ relaxers to rockin’ locs!

CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?
Definitely!

CN: If so, what are your favorite accessories, or go to ways to glam up your look?
I’m not a big makeup fan, but I love great eyes. I won’t leave my house with out great eyeshadow (whether toned down or glammed up) and earrings are a must! I also feel more adventurous with clothing, trying to find my own sense of style!

CN: How do you keep it moisturized?
Right now, I’m just using a shea butter mixture a friend gave me as a “Welcome to the Natural Side!” gift. I’m pretty frugal and plan to use what’s in my house before I venture out, but I am researching and surfing blogs to find the right daily moisturizer.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
My hair and scalp are so much healthier without the harsh chemicals of a relaxer. So, my primary reason was for healthy hair. Secondly, I have contemplated locs for years and am finally ready to take the leap and get started on this journey. I think the history of locs is amazing and it’s an awesome expression of my heritage and the re-definition of my beauty!