Karla- A Story of Transition

Hello Nikki,

I hope you are doing well. After months of stalking your blog, I have finally decided to submit
my story with some pictures. I am a 33 year old attorney living in Hotlanta Georgia. I found your website a few months ago and I have all my friends hooked. Heck, I have people that never even thought about natural hair before writing off relaxers forever! So, here goes my submission. Who said that natural hair wasn’t professional! You can rock so many fierce styles. Anyways, here goes …..

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was short term. The last time I had a relaxer was July 07. I maintained my hair from July 07
to April 08 by using Hello Hydration and then flat ironing. I wore a bob during my transition- – cutting my hair gradually. After about two inches or so of new growth I cut the sides of my bob off into a pixie style. After my pixie, I chopped off all the relaxed ends. I had about two inches of hair after my big chop (above pic). I loved it. I didn’t want to make it a long process. I loved how my natural hair felt. I knew the relaxed ends were just holding me back… I didn’t want limp dry ends and soft curly natural hair at the roots.

CN: When did you big chop? What was the initial reaction to your natural hair?
I big chopped in April 2008 and had about 2 inches of hair. My stylist gave me the cutest little fro, and I loved it! It felt so soft and fluffy when I touched it. It was super easy to maintain at that length. I felt so liberated. I thought why didn’t I decide to do this earlier?

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Everyone loved it, I got so many compliments. My husband was thrilled… he loves what I love.
He is always super supportive. My family has always promoted healthy lifestyles. My grandma
was so sweet when I went home for Christmas. She said, “Grandma loves your hair baby.” My
mom liked it too. She was trying to figure out how she could get her hair like mine. My dad
has two daughters. So, he has seen every hair style in the book (finger waves, buns, stacks,
asymmetrical, whops, snatch backs)… need I go on? The styles were endless. But, dad isn’t
saying much unless you shave your head completely.

My sister has a PhD in Science Education. She makes her own hair products and would
tell me about all the horrible ingredients used in relaxers and some hair care products.
Needless to say I was totally grossed out. My sister was delighted when she saw my TWA.
Finally, I am an attorney so I often travel across the state of Georgia arguing cases before
different judges. I never felt the least bit uncomfortable in court. In fact, I have more confidence
natural. I didn’t get much hate from anyone. I was happy and everyone else was happy. I just gave back the love they gave to me.

CN: What was your transition routine?
I transitioned for about nine months before I big chopped. My hair was maintained by a stylist
during my transition. It was washed and conditioned bi-weekly. I received hydration to lock in
moisture and it was flat ironed. My stylist cut my hair gradually. I big chopped after about two or more inches of new growth. The first six months after my big chop I used the shampoo and a conditioner my stylist mixed up for me. When I ran out of that mixture I used Crème of Nature to wash and condition my hair. I also used Design Essentials Foaming Lotion and a mist for sheen. I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with a lot of different products. So, I kept it simple. Plus, it was summer and I rocked a TWA. I would wash my hair and go. I ordered tons of headbands from forever 21. I continued this routine for about six months. As the weather got colder dryness kicked in. So, I began to pay more attention to the ingredients in my products. I completely swore off any products with propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, and mineral oil. These products tend to dry my hair out. Now, I read the ingredients carefully and call my sister for her stamp of approval. I am currently using Anita Grant’s products. I also use coconut oil and rose water.

CN: How did you moisturize to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
After I big chopped I used sweet almond oil and lavender essential oil. I also used shea butter.
My hair loves moisture. I rub a little on my hair every other night or as needed. I wear a satin
cap at night.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I really wanted my hair to be healthy again. I knew I wouldn’t get the growth I wanted with
relaxed hair. I was also tired of looking like everyone else. A few years ago I was at a social
gathering. I looked around the room and all the women with relaxers looked like clones. We all
had the same safe hairstyles. I said forget this stuff. I have my own style and identity. I don’t
need this hair holding me back anymore. Thanks for all the inspiration Curly Nikki. Keep it coming please!!!

14 months post BC (chunky twist-out)