I Big Chopped- Alanna

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.