Danni- A Story of Transition

CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
D: I was a long-term transitioner mainly because I have never had short hair before and was scared that it would not look right on me since I have a long face.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
D: I BC’d in June 2010. I was just ready to get it over. I was in New Orleans for the summer. The weather was so hot, and my hair just didn’t look right when I twisted it. The ends of my hair just looked out of place. So I asked one of my grandmother’s salon technicians to cut the rest off for me. After it was done, I was relieved! I was ready to start the real deal.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
D: I come from a family of women who are all hairstylists. So, you can pretty much figure out the reaction. I had minimal support for my decision to go natural. That’s why I’m so grateful to have Curlynikki.com in my life! My grandmother really took it the hardest, and that’s why I did not tell her until about 3 months into my transition phase. Actually I didn’t tell her, my mom told her! Some of the people in my life really had a lot of negative things to say about my wanting to go natural and about how I would look with natural hair. It hurt my feelings a little bit, but I am so happy I did it because now I’m free. My hair is healthy, and I don’t have an excuse to not workout.

CN: What was your transition routine?
D: I wash my hair whenever I feel like it. There is never a set time to do it. I’m actually scared of the over manipulation syndrome. The shampoos I use are Biotin B-Complex and Suave Mango Smoothie. I use Biotin B-Complex, Herbal Essence Hello Hydration, Yes to Cucumbers and Shea Moisture Masque Treatment to condition my hair. To moisturize, I use olive oil, jojoba oil, African Shea Butter, Organix Coconut Serum, and CURLS Soufflé.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition and what is it now?
D: When I first decided to go natural, I wore buns. I then learned how to do a straw set from YouTube. Straw sets were my staple style throughout my transitioning phase. Currently, I am trying to be more versatile with my hair. However, since I am a college student, I can’t sit and play around with it all of the time. I have to say that two-strand twists and twist-outs are my best friends.

CN: How do you keep your hair moisturized?
D: I keep my hair moisturized by deep conditioning it every time I wash my hair which is about once every two weeks. I just started trying the pre-oil treatment because my hair is extremely dry in the winter. I wanted to find something to eliminate the dryness, and its working! Lastly, I seal my ends with shea butter because Midwest winter weather is harsh.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural and what advice can you give newly transitioners?
D: Honestly, I was feeling kind of adventurous! I just woke up one morning and decided to go natural. It was so weird for me to say that because all I knew was perms. Actually following through with it was a big accomplishment for me because I didn’t know I could be that patient with myself. I am so glad I did it and that I didn’t let negativity change my decision. For those who are thinking about transitioning to natural hair, please don’t get discouraged. Don’t let people around you make you second guess yourself. When you finally get to that place you want to be, you will be so proud that you made up your own mind!