CN: Are you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I’m definitely a long term transitioner. I’m almost 7 months in, and I don’t plan to do the BC until I’ve hit at least a year, maybe more. The reason I chose to go long term is because I’ve always been used to having length. I had to cut my hair off once, at the end of my senior year in high school, and I HATED it!
CN: How did family and friends react to your decision?
They were like, ‘ABOUT TIME’!!! My mom is natural and rocks a TWA. One of my sisters and all of my close friends are either natural or have locks…soooo needless to say they’re all rooting for me! My mom says I just want to be like her (I LOVE that lady)!
CN: What is your transition routine?
At the start of my transition process I pretty much just used up all the products I was using in my relaxed hair. Now I’m co-washing once a week with Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration and I deep condition every other week with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner(that’s a looong name lol). I just recently tried Kinky Curly’s Knot Today and I’m really liking it. I think that might be my new staple conditioner! Whenever I need a smooth look in the front I use Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade, it’s pretty awesome!
CN: What is your staple hair style during the transition?
I had been flat ironing for the first 3 or 4 months (luckily without any damage), but now my staple hair style is the 2 strand twist-out. I love it, and it lasts for days if I want it to! Sometimes my best friend does the flat twists for me, those I leave in for a few days before I take them out. Since I don’t know how to do the flat ones I just twist them individually. I love to rock two French braids sometimes too.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural for 2 reasons. The first is that I was just tired of the same old look…I’ve been getting relaxers for about 10 years and I only rocked fresh roller wraps during that time. The other reason is that I have recently changed a lot of things in my life to promote a healthier lifestyle, and after I saw Good Hair (lol) and did a little more research on my own I figured this was a needed change too. I know it sounds cliché, but I’m enjoying the new me that I’m experiencing on this journey. I was the girl who always said she’d NEVER go natural, so in the beginning, it took a lot for me to push away that creamy crack and I’m proud of myself. I’m also looking forward to the liberating moment when I just chop it off!
very cute! My family is natural too, and its great having that support around you. I feel bad for anybody who doesn't!
Good luck girl! I'm right along with you! 4 months and counting…. :o)