CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
E: I was definitely a long-term transitioner. I’ve chopped off all of my hair 3 times before this time, but I’ve been natural for 4 years. I love being natural. Nothing compares to it. Although it has been tough since I went natural 4 years ago, I haven’t been tempted to touch a texturizer or relaxer. I want to grow it out long like it was before. I learned my lesson with pressing it out that much for too long. It was fun and cute at first because I was still natural. However, the heat damaged my hair. I want to see how long my naturally beautiful curls can grow.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
E: I chopped it all off in December 2010. I didn’t have a hard time with it because I’d chopped it off before. I decided to chop it because my natural hair had been pressed out since March 2010. Once I became pregnant, it broke off badly. I love it super short!
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
E: My husband had to get used to it, but now he loves it. My friends and family also love it because they love me with short hair and have seen me with short hair before.
CN: What was your transition routine?
E: Sulfate free is the key now. I love products containing shea butter! I couldn’t live without it. I love how it smells and how it moisturizes my hair.
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
E: Right now I don’t have one. Before, my hair would coil up naturally, and people loved it! They would ask what I did, and the answer was nothing. My hair curls and does whatever it chooses.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
E: I’m still learning, although I’ve been doing this for a while. I’m learning to cut out a lot of the products I thought were ok. I am using coconut and avocado oil for hot oil treatments before washing. Also, I’m sleeping with a satin cap which I wasn’t doing previously.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
E: I was sick of all of the chemicals, and it was something different 4 years ago. Now, I am hooked and wouldn’t change a thing. I feel far more confident with it as well. I’m a “gym rat/fitness nut” and active duty military. So, it’s also an easier fit with my lifestyle.
hey! i'm active duty too, stationed in Germany, & i recentley BCd too, currently rockin some micros to take some time away from my teeniweeni 🙂
yay us!
Congrats on your BC! Looking very cute.
Aw we need some better photos. You can't see the hair that well in these.
I am happy to be natural. I am active duty Air Force and I have been able to put my hair in many more hairstyles since I transitioned back to natural (for the second time). I am happy that you have embraced your natural hair. Go girl!!
I swear that being natural is just healthier all around. So no to chemicals and yes to working out. Evelyn your hair looks awesome!
I just had to give a shout out to you as a beautiful active duty military naturalista. I am also active duty and I get all these questions from black women who are desperate to find a hair stylist in the local area when they get stationed here in Germany. I tell them there is no such thing. The best bet is to go natural. Some do, but some just rely on braids, wigs and weaves and it looks ridiculous in uniform, but to each her own. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope that more women are inspired by your hair journey. Although we have regulations about how we can wear our hair, there is nothing that says that we MUST straighten it to wear it in that all too familiar sock bun. 🙂