Taniesha- A Story of Transition

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was definitely a long term transitioner. I was skeptical about having very short hair (it would be the very first time in my life), so I figured a long transition was a way for me to gradually prepare for the change in texture and length. I first decided to go natural back in January of 2009, unfortunately I became frustrated after 5 months (due to lack of research) and ended up relaxing my hair in May 2009….if there was anything that solidified my decision to go natural…it was relaxing my hair again. As soon as the relaxer touched my hair I knew I was making the wrong decision…that was my last relaxer.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I recently BC’d June 26th, 2010 after 13 months of transitioning. What initially was going to be a “trim” turned into a complete BC! I had finally reached the peak of my frustration trying to manage two different textures. Doing the BC was just so liberating, I didn’t feel trapped by my hair anymore, I could finally REALLY begin my journey into having healthier hair. I won’t lie though, initially I was pretty shocked. I lost a lot of hair that day… it was a big adjustment and as time goes on I become more confident and comfortable, not only with my hair, but with myself as well.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My close family and friends LOVED it! My friends embraced the new hair and my father, oh forget it, he just loves his daughter’s new look… being that he lives in VA and I live in NY, he saw the big change via facebook and he called me just to say “I just love the new hair, you look beautiful”.

CN: What was your transition routine?
I co-washed my hair once a week with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and Deep Conditioned with Pantene ProV’s Breakage Defense mask. As a moisturizer I used Elasta QP’s Mango Butter or Jane Carter’s Nourish & Shine. I tried my best to keep the two textures moisturized and Elasta QP’s Mango Butter definitely worked well with both textures. Other than that, I just always kept a satin bonnet/scarf handy, those were my best friends!

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Bantu knot out, bantu knot out, bantu knot out, I livedddd by these! As time went on the new growth became a little stubborn so I crossed over to 2 flat twists (inspired by chisellecouture YT)

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Due to me naturally having dry hair I moisturized my hair with water, water, water, Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner, Coconut Oil and that good ole satin bonnet.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural because while I was relaxed I noticed my hair was beginning to thin out and even though I was retaining length my hair was breaking off rapidly. I wanted healthier, stronger hair. At first I was concerned about the length being so short but I’ve realized as long as you treat your mane with care, the length will come eventually. I’m 100% natural and have absolutely no regrets and have no plans on returning to a relaxer.