Blake- Tales of a Current Transitioner

CN:Are you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?

I’m a long term transitioner! I have been transitioning for 1 year and two months so far. I’m a long timer because I feel like my head is too big to big chop (LOL).

CN:When are you going to BC?

I plan to BC at my 2 year mark, which would be July 2011. I think that is the longest I can wait. I’m too excited to have ALL natural hair!

CN: How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural?

My friends absolutely LOVE it. My hair used to be extremely long in my middle school years. I didn’t do much to my hair and didn’t get perms too often. Unfortunately, when I entered high school, I learned how to style my hair with heat, leading to damage. By the time I was going into my senior year, my hair was hovering above my shoulders. I knew then I had to get my healthy hair back and relaxers didn’t seem to be the best route. During the course of senior year my hair grew sooooo much and my friends were so excited, LOL.

Random people love my braid outs, I get at least one compliment a day on it, kind of crazy! As far as my family goes…my sister is an avid supporter, she BC’ed herself. My mom…she is not so fond of the idea, lol. I think she’d rather me have never gotten a relaxer. She isn’t too fond of my braid outs. My grandma freaks out at the sight of my hair -_- LOL, I guess she’s just used to it being super straight, neat and under control, like how she used to style it.

CN:What is your transition routine?

I wash my hair once a week, usually on Sunday. I either wash it or co-wash it, depending on how dry my hair feels. I use Nexxus shampoo and conditioner, and I’ll sometimes use Hello Hydration by Herbal Essences. I comb my hair while conditioner is in it, I towel dry and then section my hair for cornrows. On each section I apply Eco Styler Gel (for my edges), coconut milk mousse, Aussie Leave in Conditioner (or Nexxus Dualiste Leave in), and a tad bit of Olive Oil hair lotion for the ends. After I braid the section, I put a sponge roller on the end. The next morning when my hair is dry, I take out my braids and wa-la. The nights following, I’ll spray leave in lightly on my hair, moisturize with regular ol’ grocery olive oil and put my hair in a pineapple. Usually by Thursday, I’ll dampen my hair with a bit of water, leave in conditioner, oil, and put in bigger braids, to freshen up my curls.


CN: How do you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Olive Oil (from Publix) on my hair each day, lightly, and some Olive Oil Hair Lotion (the actual hair product). I like to hydrate my roots and ends the most, also the line of demarcation.

CN: What is your staple hair style during your transition?

I mainly do braid-outs. In the beginning I straightened my roots often but then I didn’t want to ruin my curl pattern so I decided I’d ban flat irons for about 5 months.


CN: Why did you choose to go natural?

Mainly because I was tired of my hair not growing, it was just so unhealthy. It STAYED the same length and I was annoyed by it. I’m so happy I decided to do it. It truly makes you stand out, makes you more unique, and happy! I LOVE natural hair. I just wanted back what I had all along. I think the phrase “you don’t really know what you have till it’s gone” applies here.