CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
P: At first, I had plans to be a long-term transitioner and wanted to wait a whole year! I was in my 7th month of transitioning, and I went MAD!!! I was ready for all of it to go! It was too much work to keep up both textures together, and I was falling in love with my curls! I was ready to discover their full power and let them be free!
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
P: I big chopped on November 20th 2010! I loved every moment! I loved the way my hair looked and still do. Initially I thought it was too short, but decided I could rock it! Now I can’t keep my hands off of it!
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
P: My mother was worried during the summer. She did not want me to cut it off. She thought I was going to look like a boy and so did my grandma. After she saw how much growth I had, she said it would be fine for me to cut it. However, I was not ready. They recently saw a picture of me on Facebook, and they LOVE IT!!! I was glad. The best part is that my boyfriend, Ben, was supportive and loves it! He can’t keep his hands out of it.
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
P: During my transition, I used Treseme Shampoo, Hydralicious Conditioner by Herbal Essence, and Sunsilk Smoothing Leave-In Conditioner which is wonderful! I would do a protein treatment one to two times a month. I would sometimes use some olive oil before washing and that’s it. My hair style staple during my transition period was of course the braid-out. I tried a fabulous ‘do by Miss Tamiah during the last two weeks since it’s freezing in Boone, and I received a bunch of compliments. I can’t wait until my hair is longer so I can do it again.
CN: How do you keep it moisturized?
P: I’ve been using some raw coconut oil and wearing some cute winter hats since it’s ridiculously cold! Soon I’m going to order some raw shea butter which I hear is great. I’m open to any suggestions.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
P: I have a wonderful friend, Ms. Kim Waldron, who was my total inspiration. I loved her hair! It was tiring getting relaxers. I live in Boone, North Carolina, and it is impossible to find someone who can relax hair here. I was also getting scabs from all of the burning. Plus, I had no idea what my hair was like, and I was super curious. I am thankful for Kim and the Curly Nikki site to help me along and make the final decision.
North Carolina!!! I am from Chapel Hill..UNC-CH YAY!!
I heard about this product when it first came out and I was a devout Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship user. I was hesitant to try it, but Herbal Essences Hydralicious Reconditioning Conditioner – I loved the brand, so figured I'd buy this. I LOVE it! It keeps my hair soft, shiny, and silky smooth, even through what I put it through. It manages to keep my hair softer than ever, with a fresh color job, natural frizzy curls, and frequent blowdrying/hot ironing. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And for such a low price? I absolutely adore this product!
Love your hair and cut! Congrats! 🙂 ~KF519
Do you think that curlies will start winning beauty pageants? Have they already?
Cute, i too transition because (1) moved to subs and too costly to travel 2hrs to my hairdresser (2) got tired of the burning at home(3) my daughter has curly soft hair and i wanted her to know her curly hair is beautiful and if she saw mine she would be ok. Love your story!!!
I love your new look – cute, cute, cute! Congrats on the big chop!
Pamela, you look fantastic! Congratulations Darlin'! =)
you look great!!!
Your hair is super cute! Love your story..keep inspiring
Cute!
App State! I'm in NC too. You are absolutely adorable! That word is being repeated over and over because it's true. You're too cute!
Your is very beautiful.It become you.
This is weird, but even her writing is adorable. Beautiful girl! Wishing her all the best on her natural journey.
how adorable!