LHDC- A Story of Transition

CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
LHDC: I was a long-term transitioner. I transitioned for exactly 2 years, 1 month and 4 days. I opted for a long-term transition because, quite frankly, I’m attached to my hair! I know that some frown on this motivation, but it is the truth. My hair has always been between shoulder length and bra strap length. So the idea of BC’ing first was never appealing to me. In fact, I find it very admirable of those who are able to begin their natural journey that way, but that just wasn’t for me.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
LHDC: I did my BC on February 7, 2011! I was very nervous when I chopped it off. I don’t know why, but I was. That was my initial reaction! My secondary reaction was excitement!

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
LHDC: I don’t know if “new me” is an appropriate term in my situation. I say that because, I wore my hair in tight curly styles such as braid-outs, twist-outs, etc. for the last 15 months of my transition. So, in terms of length, there wasn’t much of a difference while my hair was curly. Everyone is happy that I’ve finally closed that chapter of my life!

CN: What was your transition routine?
LHDC: While transitioning, I would wash my hair once a week and reset it to what I call my “cheat fro.” Occasionally, I used two strand twists, and sometimes I would substitute the braids in my “cheat fro” with twists. I heavily relied on low-manipulation hair styles rather than protective styling. The products I used didn’t change.

CN: What was your staple hairstyle during the transition?
LHDC: My staple hairstyle was definitely the “cheat fro” whether I used braids or twists as a foundation.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
LHDC: Moisture Maniac is both my leave-in conditioner and my moisturizer. I typically moisturize my hair with water and conditioner about twice a week and seal my hair with a mix of coconut and olive oil.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
LHDC: I truly believed that in order for my hair to reach its fullest potential in terms of health and length, I had to let go of that relaxer! I have 2 daughters and both of them love their puffy hair! I could no longer hide behind closed doors from them. They are the inspiration for my hair
And are a lot of the reason I let go of the relaxer!