CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
A: I was a short-term transitioner for 3-4 months. I was getting lazy when it came to doing my hair, and I didn’t like the 2 different textures. I was so excited to go natural and was becoming very impatient. I knew that if I didn’t do it soon, I might end up getting a relaxer.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
A: I BC’d on October 16th, 2010! My initial reaction to my natural hair was, “Ooo, I have some good hair!” I was so excited, and I absolutely love my natural hair!
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
A: My family and friends loved my hair! My dad really didn’t like it at first, but it is growing on him now. It took him a whole day to realize that I had cut my hair. My sisters loved my hair because they are natural too. They were my inspiration to go natural, and I received a lot of compliments from friends and my church family!
CN: What was your transition routine?
A: My transition routine was pretty much styling my hair every Saturday night and wearing that style all week. I would wash with Organics Olive Oil Shampoo by Africa’s Best and DC with Organics Olive Oil Deep Conditioner by Africa’s Best. Then, I would use Organics Olive Oil Setting Lotion by Africa’s Best, and style my hair.
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
A: My staple hair style during transition was rodded curls or twist-outs.
CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
A: To prevent breakage at the new growth line and moisturize my hair, I DC once a week. During the week, I would use 3-N-1 Botanical Oil by Soft & Beautiful Botanicals to keep my hair from looking dry.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
A: I chose to go natural because I’ve always wanted to have curly hair, and seeing my sisters wearing their naturally curly hair made me want to try something new. Also, I got a short hair cut in January. After a few months, I became lazy with doing my hair. I felt that I really didn’t have to because it was short and easier to manage. When I was in a rush, I would rock a slick & go. Then after watching the movie “Good Hair,” it made me not want to get relaxers anymore because of how much damage it does to your hair and scalp. I attend a HBCU, and I see a lot of natural girls around campus. Their different hair colors, curl patterns and styles are so cute to me. I noticed that with natural hair you can just play with your hair, and create different styles.
What I meant by I have some good hair is that I was so shocked about my natural hair & how healthy it was. Me saying I have good hair made me realize that I should have never gotten a relaxer in the first place. "Good hair" wasn't meant to be anything negative. Healthy hair is good hair..no matter the texture! & my hair has grown alot since then..I can't wait to see my result after a year! I love my curls!!
@Amanda Hey!! Yes we do!!!
Dang, now people can't call their own hair good? I thought healthy hair was "good". Some people need to chill out. She was referring to her own hair. It's not that serious….
wow. . .you look so much better and younger with natural hair! im not saying everyone with a relaxer looks bad or anything, but natural hair really enhances your beauty, Alanna.
I'm so glad that she embraced her natural hair and that she's loving it. "Good hair" doesn't offend me. She's describing her own hair, not putting down my hair. I don't believe in good or bad hair but to each his own.
OMGGGGGGGG Alanna!!!..you are in my Micro Bio Classes at TSU!!!!!! awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww yaaay!!! Hi!!!!! we gotta talk hair one day!!!!
you look good!!
Looking good Alanna!
Happy that you are happy with your new hair~
I wish you the best!
Please clarify what you mean by "I have some good hair". I think, for some of us, those may be loaded words. They mean different things to different people. Don't want people to jump all over you unnecessarily. We are all here for support and kindness!
Don't love that comment "I have some good hair…" REALLY, if it was so "good" then she didn't need a relaxer–I see that term is still strongly entrenched even among the young!
That black and white pic of your BC is so fierce….my word (SMH)