CN: Are you a long term or short term transitioner and why?
I’m a long term transitioner and have been growing out my relaxer since Dec 09. I knew that I could handle a longer transition because I like to try new styles on my hair and didn’t feel the need to do a drastic cut (although I’ve had long and short hair before).
CN: What was your initial reaction to your new growth?
I was intrigued once I got past the initial months. I wanted to see what my natural texture was like. Now that I am about 15 months post relaxer, I love seeing the natural hair and find it an adventure to see what I can do with it next.
CN: How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural?
My family was supportive. My sister is natural now and she was the most supportive with tips, products, websites like this one and more. Thanks Sis! Some of my friends were like “Umph, I just couldn’t do it. I’m addicted to the creamy crack.” Lol, to each their own. Another one of my friends is currently transitioning and we swap styles and products back and forth. Fun!
CN: What is your transition routine?
I really just got into a routine in the past few months or so. Every week I deep condition my hair. I just got a Tangle Teezer, which I love. Then I’ll do a protective style and try to keep from manipulating it too much. Products are Jane Carter’s Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner or Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter (with a dab of honey) for deep conditioning. A staple is HE Hello Hydration for detangling. I’ve become a product junkie so I have a lot of different products but these deserve honorable mention.
CN: What is your staple style during transition?
Bantu knots, braid-outs and (now) twist-n-curls. I learned the bantu knot method fairly early. Braid-outs came next. I really like the way it stretches my hair. And I recently did a twist-n-curl (pic shown with jeweled headband). Love, love, love the way it turned out!
CN: How do you moisturize hair to prevent breakage at new growth line?
I’m always looking for new methods to keep my hair more moisturized. The best way right now that works for me is deep conditioners where I sit under the dryer for 30-45 min. My hair is softer and more manageable which makes it easier to detangle and puts less stress on the hair. I use light weight leave-in conditioners as well.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
Too much time spent at the stylist and no patience, lol! I would dread making an appointment for a relaxer and taking 4-5 hours at the shop! Plus I began to stretch my relaxers for 13 weeks or more and I thought why not just go natural?! As I mentioned before, I saw my sister transition and even though we had different methods, (she mostly did braids and a few sew ins) I knew I could do it too with some support.
Any other current long term transitioners? Share your experiences below!
So what hairstyles did you do the first few months (1-4) while transitioning
Thanks Allison!!!!!!
@NaturalSes
I usually do about 9-10 braids with one to the front for a bang, one at the crown and at least two on each side of my head above my ears. In the back I do about 4 more. This can vary based on your preference but I like how it comes out on my hair. I braid my hair about 3/4 of the way down then roll the ends on flexi rods (blue or red work for me). I got the idea from fgrogan on youtube. You can see how she rolls the ends and secures the rods in her braid out vid. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Allison,
I love your hair, especially the top picture. I did notice that you said it was a braid out, but could you tell me how you did the braids and also how did you do the curl (curl under or spiral curl)? I am recently transitioning and I am having a hard time finding a protective style that fits me.
@intreegme
I was thinking about BCing in the summer, but haven't made up my mind yet 🙂
@Candace4life, you can just twist the hair into a knot and pin it or 2 strand twist it and then knot and pin it. I've done both during my 14 month transition. 2 strand twisting it gives it more of a chunkier curl when taken out. Great hairstyles Allison, are you planning on BCing soon?
I think I will BC at 16 months.
On the bantu knots, are you suppose to twists the hair, or just do an 2 strand twists and then twist the hair and roll with an bobby pin? I was just curious which one is better to do this style for or will both work just the same?
I'm really digging the pictures, especially #2 that twist n curl out came out so pretty. The transitioning period is definitely working for you. Hum I may need to try that twist n curl on my hair, and see if I can get my hair to do something to the effect of your hairstyle.
@Ambitious_Tiff
I did my twists pretty small to get the definition and I did the style on a previous 2 strand twist protective style. So the twists were in my hair for about 2 days even before I did the TnC. Also, you can pin down the root of your twists to keep them from getting puffy on top. Thanks for the compliment!
@MonnyD Hey hair twin! Keep up the good work on your transition.
@skillsgill Thank you! This was my first TnC. The pic at the very top was a braid out.
Her twist and curl came out so cute and neat! Lol, mine usually look more like the top pic. (Which is cute also). Anyone have any idea how she got it to lay down like that?? The definition is to die for!!
@GorgeousGab
Now girl you know we can't tell you whether to cut your hair or not, lol! IMHO, though, sounds like you're ready to pump the brakes on your transition. The tnc does work wonders though, that's my favorite style because people tend to think I am fully natural when I rock it.
thanks for your input anon @ 4:30. !!!
Bantu knots are what kept me from cutting it all off. My last relaxer was a year ago in April. I have been trimming the ends as I go. There are still areas of my head that have some relaxed ends. I am also dealing with heat damage since I also stop putting any heat on my hair.
Yay! We are transition twins. My last relaxer was Dec of 09 as well, I got a relaxer for christmas lol (recession) I put it in my hair right after christmas dinner and later that day I decided to go natural lol. I guess it was my boyfriend watching me during the process made me realizing what the heck am I doing.. "Too many eww, why does it make your hair look so thin, i feel like this is cheating like steroids for hair" I had to hear that the whole time lol…But To get what you never had.. you have to do what you never did…TADA and the transition was born.. I am currently still transitioning and I actually enjoyed the transition. Its given me time to experiment with techniques I never used before and to just love the journey and me. Well Good luck with your journey. Its nice too see someone who started at the same time as you and is still going strong!!!!!!
I'm currently in my 14th month of transitioning, and I must say braid outs with rollers on the ends have been lifesavers for me! The 2 textures only bother me when my hair is wet. Otherwise, I hardly notice. Not sure when I'll chop…
I was a long term transitioner. in 2006 i decided to stop relaxing, and pressed my hair instead. Each salon visit I would have them trim the damaged ends off. I guess its been about 2 years since all my relaxed ends are gone, but recently I decided to wear "no heat" styles so I had to battle with heat damaged hair lol. I done several trims since june 2010 and I am happy to say that all of my curls are back! granted, because of my long term transition, my hair isnt as long as it could be but it will get there.
to gorgeousgab… Transitioning really isn't that hard when you look for other options:)I transitioned by doing crochet braids.(learned by watching you tube).All of the relaxer is gone but i want my hair to be shoulder length or more ,so i'm still wearing my crochet braids.I just redid them and my hair has grown like CRAZY!!!
i to am currently transitioning. I have about 1.5 in of relaxed ends in some areas. At the crown of my head (the most coarse area) the relaxed ends have broken off. The rest of my head still have the relaxed ends holding on for dear life. BUT I AM SO SICK OF IT. these fried ends are ruining my hairstyles. I'd like to do a wash and go too. But I'm holding on to these ends for length. A measly 1.5 in. I've been debating whether to get rid of it already because its just so frustrating. I'll be washing my hair today, and I dont know if I'll be transitioning any longer. I've considered waiting, and buying some flexi rods to do a TnC that I've learned about here at CurlyNikki. I assume that, that will blend the nasty dry dead ends, give it some life. But at the same time I'm just tired….I've been transitioning for 17 months. So what should I do ladies?!??! should I cut it off, or go buy some flexi rods and hold out until my hair is longer. Right now, its Shoulder Length-ish, some parts longers, some parts shorter. If I take off that 1.5 inch then ….ugh,, I dunno what to do……
My personal opinion: Transitioning is a pain in the A$$!!
For special styles, I definitely would advise you to try a nice twist and curl with perm rods or flexi rods, a twistout or braidout will blend the two textures of your hair.Or maybe a nice twisted updo. Maybe flat twist the back up in french roll and two strand twist the top half and create a swooping effect or even roll those up in a nice rooster or what they call a "beaufont" nowadays.
Love it!!! All of your styles look great, but really love, love, LOVE the twist and curl!! Great definition and the color is fab too!
Shelli
I'm currecntly transitioning and I hope to be fully natural by my junior year of highschool-I'm a freshman. This has been my third or fourth month. There's been debate about whether or notmy last perm was in December or November but all this new growth tells me November, pcitures show December. So anyway this is about my third month and I'm really excited. I can't wait to my sixth month mark. Right now I style my hair normally, pony tails, buns, and beanies. I do plan on getting kinky twists for the summer, though.
My regiment which I hope is now permanent is wash and condition with HE Hello Hydration, deep conditioner with Pantene Curly Deep Conditioner. Then I use Garnier Fructis leave in and my daily moisturizer is Cantu Shea Butter Leave in. It's amazing. My Relaxed hair is straight and soft and my new growth it soft and curly. Lol. Anyway this journey has been fun so far. Any tips for special occasion hair styles? 🙂