CN: When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
Normally, I’m a pretty vain person, always concerned with the image that I project to others. I would have a tendency to be insecure and doubt myself if I didn’t live up to my own expectations. I wore different weaves on a consistent basis, and began feeling like I wasn’t being true to myself. So, needless to say, I was really self conscious about chopping… I didn’t think I’d be pretty, I thought I would look like a boy and honestly I thought guys wouldn’t like it.
It took some time for it to grow on me and I wore my new TWA with a facade of confidence –literally faked it till I made it! I now feel that cutting my hair was THE best decision I ever made. Not only do I get so many compliments on my style and natural hair, more than any weave style I’ve ever worn…but I also gained SO much confidence, it’s ridiculous. And most of the compliments come from guys! Go figure! Anyway, I feel comfortable in my skin and definitely feel like I am being my true self.
CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?
The response from family and friends was overwhelmingly supportive. I thought they would look at me crazy, so the day I came to work with my hair cut I thought I could slip in unnoticed…but that was not the case! I never thought that people would respond so well. I did have the occasional concerned “why did you cut your hair?” and I even got a “what are the guys gonna grab onto now?” TMI…I know right! But I continued to show my “confident face” and eventually it was no longer just a face.
CN: What are your plans for your hair?
Everyone (adamantly) tells me that I should keep it short. I’ve had short hair for so long, I’d like to see long natural hair on me. The only way I was ever really able to achieve long hair in the past was with weaves. My plans are to see how well it grows without a relaxer. My hair never really behaved while relaxed, I never knew how long my hair could actually get because it would always break off or I’d end up cutting it off into some short style. If it doesn’t work out, at least I know what style to return to!
CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?
Yes very! I wanted people to understand that I did this to my hair on purpose but that by no means did I want to lose my femininity or come across in a manner that was unintentional. I enjoyed being dolled up before the chop and I wanted people to know that I was still the same me, still the same style…but without all the extra bells and whistles of all the weaves I wore.
CN: If so, what are your favorite accessories, or go to ways to glam up your look?
I always keep the brows in order and apply AT LEAST gloss and mascara…these 2 items can work wonders. I didn’t feel that super huge earrings were necessary daily…I have some studs I rock. But girly eyes and lips will totally make you feel fem. I also enjoy a fierce heel…they are my weakness
CN: How do you keep your hair moisturized?
I am STILL trying to work out the best routine for my hair type…that’s why I stay on CurlyNikki! I am a PJ, and I tend to be a little bit heavy handed when applying product, but I am finding that I like my hair with as little product as possible- just a good leave in conditioner (kinky curly knot today, or cantu shea butter leave in) and some oil…currently I use castor oil to lock in moisture. Not a whole lot to my routine but I tweak it often because I still don’t know what I really like.
CN: What products and techniques do you use to style? How often do you style?
I love love love ecostyler olive oil gel… I usually finger coil my hair with this gel every couple of days…with my length it doesn’t last that long and I am very vain about my hair! I like a fresh looking hair style…smh I know! I also like Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and Totally Twisted.
CN: How do you achieve definition?
Herbal Essence Totally Twisted does helps a great deal in defining my curl. I have also tried a natural curl definer by Zuresh that I like a lot and Whole Foods sells a curl defining shea product that I like. My curls really pop most after a fresh cowash.
CN: How do you preserve your curls at night?
I use a satin wrap cap wit it being this short, anything else will be on the floor in the morning lol.
Thanks again! Aja I used eco styler gel sold at Sally's
You look beautiful…I have had short hair for years….love it dearly..
Very pretty.The TWA looks nice on you!
How did you achieve your curl definition in your last picture?
Gorgeous face and hair, Id stop and do a double take on the street.
Gorgeous! KF519
sooo beautiful! someone get this girl a modelling contract stat! LOL!
Those earrings are from Forever 21…I know because I have that exact same pair…and seeing Janiece has me thinking I should dig them up and put them on. 🙂 Simply gorgeous!
thanks everybody! Made my day for real
I agree with the previous posts-I thought you were a model as well. You are BEAUTIFUL and you shouldn't EVER doubt it! Congratulations and stay FIERCE!
Janiece, you are absolutely stunning!
Simply gorgeous with short cut! Really! Wow.
@Sabrina
wow, thank u!
The earrings, I forgot…I either got them from the Guess store or from forever 21…I'm an earring fanatic
Good god woman you are absolutely breathtaking. I'm sure that you found attractive by both straight and lesbian women alike. The short natural look is you and you wear it as queen should. I would never have recognized you in the perm picture vs natural pic. By the way wear did you get those earrings from, they are gorgeous? Congratualations on doing the chop, and continued many successes to you. Have a great weekend.
Hey! Thanks everybody for all the love! Thanks Nikki for featurning my BC. Since my friend/coworker felicia (who is on this site daily while she should be working lol) introduced me to the site I've learned so much and am still learning!
You look like a beautiful African queen! Your pic exudes confidence and a beautiful inner spirit. I thought you were a model also. You look cute with the straight hair, but you da bomb with your TWA!!!
Janiece looks stunning! I haven't even read the post yet, but I had to say, "Girl, you look GOOD!
OMG! She is gorgeous!! Especially in that first picture!!! Wow.
Short hair is very striking on you missy! That is a compliment because not many women can get away with it!
Great post and you look great with your short cut.
Your TWA is FLY!!! U definately look like a model.
You are beautiful! The short hair looks GREAT on you. Have fun with your natural hair.
You look so beautiful with your short hair!
GORGEOUS! Rock it! 😀 I love that you say your confidence has grown so much – that is fabulous 🙂 and you look amazing 🙂 Have fun growing out your tresses!
How georgeous!!! You should consider print work, because you were created for the twa. Like other noted, that long hair hid you.
Seriously, you look like a different person with the short hair. Attractive with the weave but yeah, your face and features just POP now…it's like the hair hides all of that.
You are so pretty!!!
I simply have to agree. The short hair truly brings out your features much better than the long hair.
I concur with everyone else, your hair is beautiful short and only enhances your features. Rock it girl!
Please dont take this the wrong way but you look WAY better with short hair! so pretty!
That is designed just for you, my BIG HEAD not so much… I have small head envy, because I would've cut this stuff off after seeing a few fly short cuts on people… No need to worry about what others think, because you are rocking this. Beautiful features and complexion, that haircut only enhances YOU….
Gorgeous!
Janiece!! I love your TWA. It's looks great on you.
@Janiece…girl, you look amazing!!!!! I thought you were a model when I first saw your picture. Short natural hair looks great on you. Keep us posted with your natural hair growth progress.
That cut is gorgeous on you!! I love it!
Your short hair bring out your features!!! very pretty!!!
Very fierce!
You look gorgeous with short hair! I love it.