Mikel Claire- Tales of a Current Transitioner

CN: Will you be a long term or short term transitioner?
I have been transitioning for about ten months now. I attempted to transition before about a year and a half ago and made it about three months before perming again due to frustration over the two textures. I have had long hair for several years and am not sure that I want to big chop in order to be natural. Thus I have been fighting with two textures for several months. There may be an “I Big Chopped” story from me in the very near future 🙂

As I transition, I have fallen in love with my natural hair and curls. My natural hair is so much softer and easier to manage than my permed ends. Although sometimes I become extremely frustrated with detangling, I still love the finished look of natural curls and the excitement of finding new hairstyles.

CN: How have family and friends reacted to your decision to transition? What was your response to them?
I have had mixed reviews about my transition. My grandmother offers constantly to pay for a perm for me :)…..my mother shudders every time I mention cutting my hair (although she loves my natural curls)……my brother is very supportive……my 7 month old son loves me either way… and my friends love my hair (most of them have given up perms but still have their hair pressed straight). My response has been pretty much to tell them that this is what I have decided to do and that I love my natural hair.

CN: What is your transition routine?
I can’t say that I really have a “routine” per se, but I must admit that I am a product junkie!! I love to try different products. Currently I use HE Hello Hydration or Hydralicious, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner, and Miss Jessie’s Curly Merengue. I have also tried Mixed Chicks leave-in. There are soooooooo many other products that I have read or heard about that I want to try until I find the perfect combo that works for my hair. The only other thing I do routinely is sleep in a satin bonnet but I was not as consistent with that routine until very recently.

CN: What is your staple hair style?
I VERY often slick my hair back in a bun due to time restraints (did I mention I have a 7 month old :)? ). However, I have also done several braid outs and Twist n Curls. My absolute favorite is the Twist n Curl because I get the best results. I have worn my actual braids out on one occasion.

CN: How do you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I have not had an issue with breakage thus far. I am still in search of a moisturizer to use for my hair. I will be investigating various oils (for sealants) in the near future…I have previously used olive oil on a few occasions. I also leave a lot of leave-in conditioner in my hair when I co-wash in order to maintain some moisture.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
Initially I made the decision to go natural because I was living in California, pregnant with my son, and did not have a steady hairdresser. The more my hair grew out, the more I fell in love with my own natural hair growing out of my scalp :). Now, as I read curlynikki.com, watch youtube videos, and research natural hair, I have begun to truly long for the feeling of being the “true me”. I want to enjoy all the freedoms and versatility that comes with being natural.