CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
Song Bird: I was a short term transitioner. I only transitioned for about 2 1/2 months due to damage and breakage at the line of demarcation. My natural and relaxed hair was not playing nicely together!
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Song Bird: I BC’d January 24, 2011. I was shocked! I couldn’t believe what I had done to myself. But I was also very excited to see what the future would hold.
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Song Bird: My family and friend loved it. They said it fit me very well and that it made me look a lot like my mother. I just smiled.
CN: What was your transition routine?
Song Bird: Any moisturizing product that contained a lot of oils. I did sew ins and a lot of braids.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
Song Bird: I went natural because I knew it was healthier. I wanted to be different. I am only a sophomore in high school, and a cheerleader at that, so I’m no stranger to attention. I wanted to be the one who is different. And I accomplished that goal. I’m excited to see where my natural journey will lead to. My advice to those who are transitioning is to just do it! You’ll love your results and growth will come quickly with care.
I recognize and respect your courage, for going natural. For me it is one of the best decision I have made. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner. There will be times you want to go back to the creamy crack, but hang in there. You have not even seen your natural hair yet,because it takes awhile for the chemical to wear off. I leave you with this, WE ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE ON THE PLANET WITH THIS GRADE OF HAIR. There must be a reason for it. Love your hair, Love yourself.
I wish I had 1/10 of your wisdom and self-esteem in HS. You look fabulous, happy, long-lived hair affair!
PS Chocolate Mom, wishing your student the best, and whether curly or not, she's welcome here <3
OMG, I recognized that uniform immediately. I was a Falcon and was a cheerleader also!! I love it Song Bird. This is so wonderful. I'm glad you had the courage to big chop. I graduated high school in 2004. I was natural for the majority of the time I was in high school but I kept my hair in Microbraids for the most part. The times i did wear my hair out in a curly fro I definitely was teased by the stupid boys in the school. I decided to relax my hair my senior year in high school. It was the worst mistake I'd ever make and I ended up going natural soon after in college. Your hair looks great and you look beautiful.
I'm planning to share this post with a student of mine that recently tried to commit suicide b/c among her long list of tragedies, being teased for her hair was one of them. Hopefully she'll find comfort is seeing someone as beautiful as she is in her natural self.
Thank you for posting – I shared my student's story, please check it out.
http://chocolatemomrants.blogspot.com/2011/03/hope-my-words-saved-life-today.html
Keep it up! I am on the journey myself, my only regret is not having done it sooner 🙂
Confessions of a Purse-a-holic
Cute , I love it!!! I live in the same area that ur HS cheerleading uniform is from
You go girl!!! I think its great, looks beautiful!
You're a beautiful young woman with a good head on your shoulders. Very impressive! I wish I had that type of courage when I was your age..