CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I am not really sure whether I would be considered a long term or short term transitioner, but I started transitioning September 2009. I decided to go natural because I wanted to see my true curl pattern and I got tired of the inconsistency with the perm application. Some of my hair was over processed, some it was under processed and the whole ordeal was driving me nuts. I had to get my hair cut several times over the course of my life because of this. So I quit with the help of my support system.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I did the big chop on July 7, 2010. I got tired of trying to manage both of the textures. As the stylist was cutting the last inch and a half of permed hair off, I watched my curly locs take over my head! I was amazed that I had so much length, and I was a little startled when I saw the size of my afro. Even the headband I had on couldn’t tame my freshly chopped mane. The stylist showed me how to care for it. Later that night, I went home and tried it and fell in love.
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family and friends were very supportive of my new look! I have received many compliments. However, my situation at work was a little different. I was received with many stares, but they soon got over it. I was asked by one co-worker, “how did I change my hair?” I simply told my co-worker that I stopped altering it.
CN: What was your transition routine?
I let my stylist manage my transition. I did not want to risk damaging my hair. Between salon visits, I used mainly Nexxus products for my hair. I experimented with a few other products from www.myhoneychild.com (So Deep Conditioner and Olive You Deep Conditioner).
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
I had a few staple hair styles: kinky twists/cornrows, buns, and when all else failed, I wore a wig. I was at an advantage because my hair grows pretty fast.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I used creamy leave-in conditioners between visits to my stylist. However, even with treatment I still received some breakage at my new growth line, but this was after my natural gained some length. That’s how I knew it was time for the BC.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural for the versatility, and because I got tired of the perming process. I knew that I had really thick hair and I enjoyed the fullness of my hair as the perm started to grow out. I thought about quitting several times. My bff encouraged me to continue with the process. I am so happy with the decision to go natural. Now, I am working on learning how to style it 😉
I enjoyed reading about your journey. I just did the Big Chop on Monday and so far I am loving my hair. Your story inspired me. My last perm was November 2009 and I was so nervous of my what I would look like without a relaxer or my flat irons to smooth my hair out but it's something about being all natural, you have FREEDOM!!! lol…Again I loved your story and your hair is so pretty.
Robyn- don't be discouraged..!
A have been natural for a year now (end of this month/next month will be a year from Aug. 2009) and did not BC until June of 2010. I had 5 inches of new growth and 6 in the crown (I reached the "year avg" of 6 inches of hair/ half an inch per month about a month and a half early in my crown area). A friend of mine who BC'd 2 years ago said that my hair surpassed hers in length and expressed a similar discouragment too.
TRUST- healthy hair does not always mean longer hair. Or rather, vice-versa. Growth rates are seldom as genetic as we think. Really what aids in length is our varying abilities to practice proper length retention (ie- PROTECTING THOSE ENDS). Also- don't forget about shrinkage! April was able to measure her wonderful and beautiful growth by (what appears to be) stretched hair (brushing, blow-out, etc.) No doubt April's beautiful mane grows and retains length quite lovely, but don't be in a frump with yours. I did not see the 6 inches (now close to 7 in my crown) until I COMBED out my entire head and brushed it with my Denmen brush LAST WEEK. I've been doing protective styling for close to a year now with rare wash-and-gos which still promoted shrinkage, thus I never saw my wonderful length. TRY strecthing your hair. I'm sure you'll be thrilled with its progressive length. And if not- who cares? I'm sure the THICK-"NASS" you'll feel at the roots, a sign of healthy locs, will have you won over all over again 🙂
Have a blessed day, ladies.
Your hair is absolutely gorgeous! After looking at your beautiful hair and amazing growth, I am almost ashamed to say that we transitioned the same amount of time… Wow! My TWA has nothing on your fabulous fro!!!
Thanks for sharing your story. Your hair looks quite healthy/shiny.
When it comes to the work situation, it really depends on the field sometimes. Because if you're in a creative industry (clothing, music, etc) then they tend to be more open minded. and honestly if your bosses haven't complained about it then I would say ignore what your coworkers say.
It's a good thing that you have a stylist who is knowledgable about natural hair. Cosmetology schools really should start teaching their students about how to style natural hair. There are alot of natural men/women who would pay top dollar for quality services and products.
@anonymous 1…thx for the compliment 😉
@anonymous 2…I got my last perm at the end of August/beginning of September. When I decided to BC, I had about 3 inches of new growth. It may be more. My hair has always grown fast.
@DFig…hey fellow dragon! You should go ahead and do it! It's time! Yes girl it's thick and I am working on the softness…
Hey there! I see you are a Drexel grad! I recognize the robes! Nice. I am a graduate student there and I LOVE the inspiration you just gave me. I was on the fence about my BC (started transitioning back in Sept 09 also). It is time.
GREAT fro! It looks so soft and thick!
gorgeous, thick mane!!! Hair jealousy 🙂 What's the date of your last perm? How much new growth do you have? Your hair grows super fast! it's beautiful!
Your hair looks amazing! I am so inspired!