P. Stewart- A Story of Transition

CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why?
P: I guess I would be considered a long-term transitioner. My last relaxer was in July of 2010. I wanted to go natural for a few years. I love how natural hair looks. My last relaxer just didn’t leave me feeling good about my hair. It was thinning and just didn’t look as good as it once did to me.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
P: June 2011. I went into the bathroom and just started to cut my hair. When I came out of the bathroom, I looked at my son and asked, “What have I done?” My son looked at me and initially said, “I told you that you would not like it.” The next day, we went to church, and my son looked at me and said, “Mom, you look pretty, and I really like it.” He stated that he liked it, and as long as we both liked it, it didn’t matter what anyone else thought. He is a jewel and has been my biggest supporter. He made me realize I am still me just with a new look. After a couple of days, I loved it. I can’t imagine my hair any other way. I look forward to the growth process.
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
P: Well, there are a few members in my family that are natural. So, it wasn’t anything new to the family. I had support along my transition which made it nice. My friends haven’t seen it yet. We will see. I think that people are entitled to their opinions. If they don’t like it, then they just don’t like it. I’m happy. That is what counts!

CN: What was your transition routine?
P: During my transition, I tried a lot of different products. It was interesting to find that what worked at 3 months didn’t help at all at 6 months. I even notice that things I hated during my transition are working well for me now. I don’t throw any products I don’t like in the trash. I don’t like to waste. If I cannot use it, I will find someone who can. I wore my hair in spiral sets and pulled it back in a curly bun. I used shea butter mixed with jojoba oil when pulling my hair back. My textures were so extreme, I never wore my hair straight and did not use heat during the process.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
P: I cannot tell you how much money I have spent trying things that I have read about, seen on blogs, or heard about on YouTube. I am trying my best not to become a product junkie. However, I must admit there is something exciting about trying a new product! During my transition, my best friends where shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, Suave Natural Conditioner, Say Yes to Cucumbers, and I had a brief relationship with EcoStyler. I don’t like hard hair. I also tried henna on 3 occasions. I think I will give it 1 more try since I am completely natural. I really didn’t notice a difference in my hair. Since my big chop, I have fallen in love with Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner!

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
P: Coconut oil really made my hair soft and manageable. I would also use shea butter and jojoba oil when pulling my hair back. I also tried products by Shea Moisture and Qhemet.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
P: I really love how natural hair looks. It is so versatile when it comes to styling. I like the idea that 2 naturals can be side by side and have completely different looks. Natural hair typically looks healthier and free. I also discovered a new level of patience, and the outcome was worth it! I rank this as one of the top 10 decisions I have made. I look back and wonder why I didn’t do this a long time ago.