CN: When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
I transitioned for all of 2 weeks before deciding to make the Big Chop. My hair was cut in a Rhianna-ish bob, and it was badly damaged from the constant heat I was applying to it. Because it was so short, the relaxed ends looked straggly. So one morning after seeing my daughter off to school and before heading to work, I cut a little in the back to see my natural hair (which was about 1/2 inch). I couldn’t get the real gist of it, so I cut a ‘lil more. Then I said forget this, and I cut it all! I felt elated. It just felt right. Before I cut the rest I said, “ooh if I don’t like it, I’ll just wear my wig to work.” Bump that, after all the ends were off I was IN LOVE! Now I’m just trying to find the right products.
CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?
Everyone liked it. I have the head and face for it or so I’m told. I’ve cut my hair before, so while they were surprised, they weren’t truly shocked. My daughter is the only one who doesn’t like it and that’s because she never wanted me to cut it. Now she calls me ‘pea head’ because my head is so small.
CN: What are your plans for your hair?
I plan on growing it out. However, I think I need to get it professionally trimmed. I cut my hair myself with my daughters broken safety scissors. It’s amazing that it looks so good. I may take a little more off before I let it grow.
CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?
Fo’ sho’. Without earrings I look like a little boy, ha ha, that is if you don’t look down and see all the junk my mama gave me. My boyfriend told me I make a cute AG.
CN: What are your favorite accessories, or go to ways to glam up your look?
Earrings are my favorite accessory. And I also love mascara. Those are my two must haves before walking out the house. When I have time and I am not rushing (which is rare) I will add blush and eyeshadow to really add to my look. But I have no make-up application skills. As much as I watch YouTube make-up tutorials, I end up looking like Bozo the clown, he he.
CN: How do you keep it moisturized?
I haven’t found the right products yet. My current products are “ok” but I’m looking to fall “in-love”. Currently I use Giovanni, or Jane Carter Conditioner. I’ve also tried Kinky Curly Knot Today and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration. So far eh….it’s okay. I do use olive oil and water of course. I don’t consider myself a product junkie because once I find what works for my hair, I’ll stop buying things. I do want to try the Qhemet line and blackonyx77’s Alikay Naturals line. Also kimmaytube created a youtube video on her homemade leave-in that I may use. Also I test all my products on my TWA, as well as my 11 yr old who has longer hair than I.
CN: What products and techniques do you use to style? How often do you style?
I currently use Kinky Curly Curling Custard. I love how my hair looks after this product dries. I don’t, however, love the build-up or white balls it leaves behind. Also, I need to find a cheaper fix!!!! $30 a jar. I’m on a budget…I think, lol.
I style daily, not in hair manipulation but in application of products. If there is enough product in my hair, sometimes I only need to add water. I add product in two sections, the back of my hair and then the front. Trying to evenly distribute a dollop of product on a whole head doesn’t work for me. I also finger comb and finger roll. Finger rolling involves making circular movements over sections of my hair.
CN: How do you get your waves or curls popping?
Kinky Curly usually does the trick, but on longer hair there’s too much shrinkage. Also, on tighter coiled hair it gets really dry overnight, so I’m sure I’ll have to switch once my TWA is longer, but that’s my experience on my daughters hair. I also always add water.
CN: How do you preserve your curls at night?
Satin cap and water, but I need a satin pillow case too because my cap falls off every night!
Oh wow…thank you all for the encouraging comments. I didn't realize Nikki put this up until recently.
Congrats! You are beautiful!!! Enjoy the journey…I've heard that Tresemme's Moisture Conditioner is a good replacement for the Kinky Curly stuff. Not sure because I've never used teh KInky Culy stuff but I love, love, love the Tresseme as a conditioner and as a leave in.
Hi, congratulations. I did the big chop in 11/09, so I'm not that far from where you are now. I also tried KKKT and KKCC but I didn't find them moisturizing enough. The KKCC also takes too long to dry. Probably most important is finding which ingredients your hair likes. You can make some things and spend your money only on what you can't replicate yourself. I would concur with trying Qhemet – their moisturizers have worked wonders for my hair – 4A and 4B – and they don't have to be used daily, saving money. Also consider aloe vera gel (Trader Joe's) for curl definition.
Congratulations on your successful BC and lovely style. Your hair accentuates your beautiful features!
I agree with Susan – I have had to cut my hair twice due to poor hair practices. Avoiding hand-in-fro, combing while dry, washing with SLS shampoos, the entire rogue's gallery of natural hair no-no's are as equally important as finding "the right products".
My hair appears similar to yours. I too use Kinky-Curly curling custard. Are you using the Knot Today for your leave in? I do, and I never have the "white balls". I do have some gumminess, especially after spritzing second and third day hair to refresh the curls. I'm still working on my application technique!
My sister has used KKCC and KKKT for years, and her hair has thrived! She even uses KKKT for her co-washes.
I like how they moisturizes my nair – it doesn't dry my hair out like other gels. I have had NO splits and a TREMENDOUS reduction in single strand knots since I've been using it.
Hope this helps!
Be blessed!
Finding the "right" products is good, but I think it's more important to cultivate good hair practices, like detangling, moisturising and deep conditioning etc. You don't have to spend a lot to get results. Pay attention to the ingredients in whatever you buy, you'll most likely find that most are similar. Tweak some of what you buy, like say adding coconut oil to a conditioner, trying simple homemade recipes. All the best on your journey!
Hey CONGRATULATIONS :0)…i would definitely recommend Qhemet products..i know everyones hair is different, but i really like their stuff…I like Burdock Root Cream..its like a light moisturizer, but if you feel like you have maybe thicker hair, they have the Amla Olive Heavy Cream which is thicker ..too thick for my hair but nevertheless may work for you, I also like their Cocoa Detangling Ghee,i think thats the name lol makes my still transitioning hair a WONDER to comb through and the uuum Honey Hydrating Balm u might think will make your hair sticky BUT it actually adds shine & moisture..basically those are things that i've tried and personally like..i know all hair is different, but they do have sample sizes in some things ..i'd say give it a try since ur already thinking about it, just wanted to give you an opinion since i've tried those things personally 🙂 Good Luck w/everything and CONGRATS again!!!