Meet Stephany… she writes ‘getting a relaxer was never my choice, but it was something that I was forced to do to maintain my hair. After 15 years of conforming, I decided to make a choice to be me.’
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I would consider myself to have been a long term transitioner. I transitioned for about a year before I cut all my relaxed ends off (I trimmed a little along the way though). I decided to do a long transition because I had never seen my natural hair before, and I was afraid of what it might look like.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I call it my “little chop.” By the time I cut the rest of my relaxed hair off, I only had about 2 inches of relaxer and I was at a natural length I was comfortable with. It was sort of a graduation present to myself. I haven’t been completely natural for long, but I LOVE it!
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family and friends were very receptive to my transition. I had been getting relaxers since I was six years old and I was excited to find out what my natural texture would look like. I think everyone saw how much fun I was having with it and shared in my excitement. I even got other family members to decide to go natural, and now I can cheer them on!
CN: What was your transition routine?
I used heat in the beginning because I did not know what to do, but I wanted my hair to be as healthy as possible, so I cut heat out around month 4. I did a lot of wet sets (flat twists, Bantu knots, two-strand/three-strand twists). I even experimented and invented my own styles. I use heat for special occasions, but I’m learning that my natural hair is just as beautiful for special occasions. I used the Kera Care line, which made both my relaxed and natural hair really soft. I also used aloe vera and shea butter for moisture.
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Bantu knots! They gave my hair a curly fro look that I loved! When they got old, I was able to put my hair up in a cute, messy bun.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Aloe vera and shea butter mixed. I also used Garnier fructis’ leave-in conditioner that was great for revitalizing old twist sets. The Shea Moisture line is also AMAZING!
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I decided to go natural because relaxers were so damaging to my hair. I went from normal to mild relaxers. I even went three months between relaxers, but my hair was thinning and shedding too much for my taste. I had friends that had gone natural and they were so satisfied with the results. I wanted thick, full hair and I knew there was only one way to achieve it.
Lovely…U are a great inspiration.
I just decided to go natural yesterday…again. (this is my second try. first one lasted for about 6months)
I havnt had my hair relaxed in 2 months, and since i am impatient, i chopped off a lil over an inch yesterday.
U are a great inspiration. Thanks for sharing
I love it Step, you are truly my inspiration, I'm 9 months into my transition, and I love it also! I'm excited about getting the remaining relaxer cut off in Sept, if I can wait that long.
Cindy
OMG! Stephany, I love your hair! It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Welcome to the natural club 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story!
Congrats Stephany and welcome to the club… Hopefully you remember me… I'm Alex, the makeup artist that did your makeup for the Miss Maroon and White pageant last year.
Anyways, enjoy being 100% natural. I wasn't as patient as you and I cut all my hair off!!! But way to go mamas…
I love your hair.
Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany
Love your hair, especially the first pic!