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.
love her story and her curls look lovely! good luck on your journey!
missdeeplyrooted.blogspot.com
Your fresh new curls look fantastic!
@ 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.
indeed it is refreshing 🙂
"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!
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
"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! 🙂