
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.
"when I saw those first few strands curl up, I cried. It felt freeing to see myself the way I was meant to look."
aw bless, what a great story i probably will be emotional too when i cut off my straight ends in less than a years time! 🙂
Aw good luck to you London2011…
Just so everyone knows: I had to do another chop a week later (to finally get ALL the relaxed ends) I would post a pic but I don't know how… :/ sorry
"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." — wow!
Your candor is refreshing. In many of these posts I read, I feel few convey just how painful the feeling of burying a part of your identity for years in someone else's vision often is. Great post and love your hair!
indeed it is refreshing 🙂
@ Christa – Thank you for your encouragement. 🙂
@Annie L- I feel what your saying so much! When i see my new growth i am amazed as i don't know what my hair looks like! :O I really can't wait to see my hair without relaxer i am a 13 months post today! yay and i enjoy getting to know my hair along the way.
Your fresh new curls look fantastic!
love her story and her curls look lovely! good luck on your journey!
missdeeplyrooted.blogspot.com