CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
C: I was a long-term transitioner. I transitioned for about 10-11 months, but I had planned to transition for about 16-18 months. At the beginning of my journey, I wasn’t comfortable considering having little to no length because my long hair was like my security blanket. However, after struggling with the two textures, I quickly got over my insecurities about short hair.


CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
C: I big chopped February 28th, 2011. It seems cliché, but when I saw those first few strands curl up, I cried. It felt freeing to see myself the way I was meant to look.


CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
C: My family and close friends have been extremely supportive. My mother was a bit hesitant only because she wanted to make sure that I was confident about my choice before I made a rash decision. Once she saw that I was happy, she was happy.

CN: What was your transition routine?
C: I always co-washed and detangled once a week. My hair loved anything with shea butter or coconut oil.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
C: During the beginning of my transition, I did mostly twist-outs, but at the very end, I did roller sets without heat.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
C: I use coconut oil, water, frequent deep conditioning sessions, low manipulation and sleep with my satin headscarf.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
C: I realized that my relaxed hair wasn’t an accurate depiction of me. I didn’t want to explain why I put dangerous/harmful chemicals in my hair to be different than the way I was born to the daughters I might have one day. Honestly, relaxers just didn’t make sense to me anymore.