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Curly Nikki

I Big Chopped- WhosThatRedHead

By January 27th, 202111 Comments
Meet WhosThatRedHead…a gorgeous natural that despite feeling ‘forced’ to chop, is loving her TWA and not looking back!

I Big Chopped- WhosThatRedHead

CN: When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
To be honest I was very nervous when I BC’d. I had just been through an extremely stressful time in my life. My mother went into cardiac arrest and I hadn’t spoken to her in 5 years. I flew back home to Cali to take care of her and ended up staying there for 3 months. She has brain damage from the lack of oxygen during her cardiac arrest. But we were able to patch up our relationship and she does a little better each day. When I got back home (Colorado) I had to deal with work and then I became ill. My hair fell out. Not sure if it was from the stress or the illness, but it started off as a quarter sized bald spot above each ear and grew to very large bald patches. So instead of wearing wigs or trying to cover up my bald spots I decided to own it and shaved my head.
I was very scared of what my boyfriend would think but when he saw me he rubbed my head and told me I was beautiful. That’s when I decided not to put any more relaxers in my hair. Looking back, it was hard. I shaved my head because I felt I had to, not because I wanted to. But I’m glad I did. For the first time I feel like I’m not hiding behind my hair and I’m actually forced to learn how to take care of it. I always thought I had “bad hair” Now I know it’s just hair.

I Big Chopped- WhosThatRedHead

CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?
Everyone was really great about it. I’ve always had a short hair cut. I even rocked a mohawk. But I NEVER had a fade. I remember I had India Arie’s “I am not my hair” blasting on my MP3 player as I walked into my office the Monday after I shaved my head. I actually got tons of compliments.

CN: What are your plans for your hair?
When I decided that I was going to go natural I was thinking about getting locs. I thought I could do locs because I wasn’t sure what to do with my hair once it started to grow in. As it began to grow longer, I couldn’t believe how much it hurt to comb it. My hair is thick and I’m extremely tenderheaded…not a good combo. I went to my beautician to ask her what I should do for my hair and she really didn’t have very many suggestions. I started doing research on the web and found CurlyNikki.com. Now that I’ve learned more about natural hair and how to take care of the hair God has blessed me with, I now want to see how long my hair will grow! I’ve never had long hair and if it doesn’t get long I’m okay with that. I’d love a red BAA though…..

CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?
Not really. I’ve always worn make up. I’ve always joked with people that I would work for eyeshadow if I could. I do make sure to at least wear earrings when I leave the house. I was worried that people would think that I look like a man, but who would think that? And if someone wants to believe that, then there’s really not much I can do to stop them.

CN: If so, what are your favorite accessories, or go to ways to glam up your look?
Right now I’ve been rocking headbands and satin flowers. I learned how to make the flowers from a posting I saw on CN! For me it’s all about the eye shadow….the brighter the better! I’m also a fan of jewelery. I love big earrings, chunky necklaces and bracelets. Plus when I cut my hair it gave me an excuse to go shopping for new clothes that matched my new attitude!

CN: How do you keep your TWA moisturized?
I’ve been using Kinky Curly Knot Today as my leave in and so far it’s been good to me. I’m always open to finding new products. So any suggestions would be awesome!!! I DC at least once a week. When I do DC, I usually just mix in some honey with whatever conditioner I choose. Since I live in Colorado (very dry) keeping my hair moisturized is one of my top priorities.

CN: What products and techniques do you use to style? How often do you style?
I’ve been trying to use the Curly Girl Method. I use Aubrey Organics White Camellia Shampoo and Conditioner. I also Co-Wash with Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner. Right now because I have a TWA I co wash every morning. I use Kinky Curly Knot Today as my leave in and Kinky Curly Curling Custard as my styling gel. I seal my hair with either Jojoba oil or grape seed oil. I haven’t figured out what to do with my hair at night yet. I’m thinking about trying Kimmaytube’s Leave In conditioner at night. I tried using aloe vera gel, but my hair didn’t like that much at all. I’m always feeding in to my growing PJism and looking for different products to try. I also have tried a cinnamon and honey mixture on my hair to lighten it for the summer. I figure that since I’m new to natural hair I need to find out what works for me right???

I Big Chopped- WhosThatRedHead

11 Comments

  • Anonymous says:

    LOVE the color! And your boyfriend is such a sweetie! I'm always too worried about what men will think about my hair.

    Debbie from Tyler, Tx — Honey, the Scripture says that Jesus' hair was "white like wool". It was not a reference to the texture of his hair.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi my name is Debbie from Tyler, Texas an i am being delivered from the no-lye chemical relaxer. I just Googled the Natural Hairstlye site and i am encouraged from everyones stories.My only fear is what the Christians will think.Jesus hair was like lambs wool and i want to embrace my True Texture so ooh well they talked about Jesus.I'm going to be Happy Nappy i only have 1 Life.

  • Juliette Samuel says:

    I think your hair looks wonderful and I'm actually starting to see more women take to this style.

    Juliette Samuel

  • Anonymous says:

    Congrats on your bc! Praying the strength of both you and your mother.

  • Anonymous says:

    Also to anyone that uses Kinky CUrling Custard/Knot Today products they will be coming to select Target Stores so go to the website, and they have the location of the states listed for which Target they are selling.

  • Anonymous says:

    Your hair looks good, and congrats on being natural. Also to anyone that uses Kinky CUrling Custard/Knot Today products they will be coming to select Target Stores so go to the website, and they have the location of the states listed for which Target they are selling.

  • Anonymous says:

    You go girl! I'm loving that pink! and KUDOS to you patching things up with your Mommy!

  • Anonymous says:

    Your story is truly beautiful and so are you. My prayers to you and your mom….Strut your stuff Red.

  • Anonymous says:

    I never comment but I had to say hey to a fellow red head 🙂

    All the Best,
    J

  • Anonymous says:

    Your story is like mine! Alopecia areata struck during a stressful time in my life and I big chopped to get rid of one of the stressors – relaxer damaged hair.

    My alopecia spots did return after my dermatologist treated them with triamcinolone injections; but now with my fuller natural hair, it's been relatively easy to conceal the thin spots.

    I'm loving the KKKT and KKCC too!

    I applaud your beauty and courage, and I wish you and yours the very best!

  • Balls Of Beauty says:

    hey red!! so glad to see ur story and a very touchin one i might add. more importantly im glad to see u make up with ur mom, u only get one! look fwd to following ur thread and keep the pj-ism under control. u are looking goooorgeous and im LOVIN the red.

    smooches
    nubienatty

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