My’Chelle- A Story of Transition

CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
M: I was a short-term transitioner. My transition was about six months. I had been saying I wanted to go natural for a while. I had tried to transition a few times before, but there was always someone to discourage me. The final time I transitioned, I decided that it was time for me to finally do something that I wanted whether others liked it or not. Since I was terrified to BC, I figured I would let my hair grow out first, so when I did decide to BC, it wouldn’t be too short.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
M: I did my lovely BC on December 17th, 2010. When I was sitting in the chair, I had hyped my self up that I was finally going fully natural, but when it was all done and my hair dresser spun me around in the chair, I was sad. I didn’t like how I looked, I felt like a boy, and my self esteem momentarily took a plunge, but that all went away soon as I ran my fingers through my hair. I loved the texture and I couldn’t stop playing in it, I was EXCITED. I was ready to embrace all the wonders that came with being natural… after all, there was no turning back.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
M: Everyone loved it! It was a big surprise because I made the decision without asking anyone’s opinion. They thought it made me look more mature and I fed off of their energy. I would constantly get compliments where ever I went, and it made me feel good. I even went to cheer practice just to show everyone that even though I was bald, I was fiercer than before. They inspired me to wear my TWA with pride.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
M: Definitely Kinky Twist, I love me some Kinkys.

CN: How do you keep your hair moisturized?
M: I wash my hair once a week or when it begins to itch (whichever comes first), with Organix Tea Tree Mint Shampoo. Then I condition with Organix Tea Tree Mint Conditioner. Next, I deep condition with Aussie 3 Minute Deep Condition, which does wonders! Then on a daily basis, I spray my hair with Aussie leave in conditioner, followed by Pink Oil Moisturizer Light, and top it off with some EVOO. Oh, and I don’t use a dime or quarter size amount of anything, I always go overboard, lol.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
M: I went natural for two reasons. One, I’ve always hated getting my hair done because it was so painful and other people just don’t have any respect for your hair. The second reason I went natural is I despise relaxers and I’ve always had a thing for long natural hair, especially afros. Not to mention it has always been a dream of mine to have a waist length afro that followed me as I strolled down the street. Just imagine how everyone would have to move out of its way! That’s going to be an amazing day 🙂