CN: Where you a long term or short term transitioner? Why?
I was a long term transitioner. I am mixed with Black and Mexican but I was raised by the Black side of my family. No one knew what to do with my hair because it’s very thick and some of it curls and some doesn’t. They permed my hair constantly which in turn, of course, damaged my hair. I wanted to try and wear my natural hair but it was very badly damaged so I decided to chop it off.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I did my BC very recently, on July 30th 2011. My first thought was, OMG what did I just do. My hair was very long but it was dead and when I tried to wear it down natural, only the front and sides would curl. I thought having the short hair made me look masculine, but I’m getting past this.
CN: How did your family and friends react? What was your response?
My family was furious and so were my friends. They didn’t understand what my problem was with my hair. All of them excluding a few, made negative comments about my new look and suggested that I perm my short hair so it would lay down, but I refused. I told them that it was my choice and I’m confident that my natural hair, in time, will look just as good as my straight hair had. I just needed a fresh start so that it could grow healthy.
CN: What is your current routine?
My hair is very dry and tends to only curl after I wet it. I decided to try out the Mixed Chicks leave in conditioner after I wash my hair instead of mousse or gel. So far I like the product and how soft it makes my hair feel. I also put an oil moisturizing lotion in my hair at night before I go to sleep and wrap my hair with a satin scarf. I only wash once a week to retain my natural oils.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I decided to go natural because I wanted to embrace my natural hair. I wanted to stop covering it up and feel confident and beautiful when I wore it curly. I also felt like all the products and chemicals I was putting in my hair had caused so much damage and I wasn’t able to maximize growth. Your blog has given me so much support and made this transition that much easier.
You are such a beautiful young woman, short or long hair….I am glad you embraced the natural side as I know the struggles of what others prefer to see you in. You are not your hair, and once we accept that and are comfortable, we can just be ourselves.
What an inspiration. You and your hair are beautiful. Stay true to you.
I love your look either way!!! Its upsetting that people view being natural as a negative especially family and friends. Well done for the BC I am transitioning and I am set on the BC just contemplating when and where.thanks for the inspiration.
Some of us can be too concerned about length. You look great with short or long hair! 🙂 ~KF519
loooove your hair!! it looks beautiful! 😉
PinkPopMash
You look beautiful, work it girl!
You look absolutely stunning. Accept you and they too will follow suit. I love it! Bold and beautiful.
You are inspiring and absolutely beautiful!
I'm loving the look! I admire the fact that you did what you felt was best for you and the results are gorgeous…
Love your confidence to do YOU despite what family and friends think. Simply beautiful!
Beautiful!!!
Congratulations on going natural. Your TWA is all kinds of gorgeous; rock it girl!
Don't listen to your family or friends. You look beautiful with your short. But I agree with the others, short or long works for you. Enjoy the freedom of natural hair!
Y do u think I never triped off what u did with your hair and get mad when u put on makeup exhibit Alphabet above- Its Ducey
Thank you guys so much. I appreciate all of your support.
All of your hair styles are beautiful. I think you look simply gorgeous with BC.
Your beautiful facial features are amplified by the shorter her. Looks Great!
You are beautiful!!! Please keep the Curly Nikki community updated.
She looks great with short hair! I had the same apprehension before BCing, but it's well worth doing!
Its looks amazing.
Your are gorgeous and very brave. Dont worry about what friends and family say. "Do you!"
Your hair looked beautiful before and after your big chop but your twa is better because you're happy with it 🙂 Congrats on going natural!
–Natural-hair-care-info.com
Gorgeous twa!! keep smiling!
shes purrty
You look beautiful!
TheUncommonBeauty.blogspot.com
Your hair looks great and you have a face that can rock any style! Embrace your natural curls! you look great and don't let anyone tell you otherwise…they're just jealous!
You are so dang pretty that you can rock your hair long or short. Don't hold your family's reaction against them. They were just so used to seeing you ONE way and they probably loved your hair more than you did. Congrats on being so bold. I hope to one day follow in your footsteps.
I love your hair post-chop! It looks so healthy and shiny! Don't worry about the negative comments, stay positive and enjoy your new look!
Beautiful, no matter how you style your hair. Congratulations on your BC and your path to healthier hair — no matter the length!
Beautiful is beautiful whether long or short, and you my dear, are beautiful!!!
You are gorgeous and the haircut looks great.
I strongly dislike when people talk to you or look at you as if you werent' aware of the decision you were making. UGH!!
I received mostly positivie reactions when I bc'd but two of the comments were "do you like it?" This totally ruffled my feathers. This replied was in answer to my statement that "I just picked up my scissors and went at my hair". Nothing in my mannerism or in my statement indicated that I was upset – bc I WASN'T! Which is why the comment rubbed me the wrong way.
So what I say to you is, do you as long as YOU'RE happy!!
Good for you young Chica! You are "very brave" and should be so proud of yourself for deciding that the health of your hair was MORE IMPORTANT than THE LENGTH of it! Also it will grow back even "Longer"!!! Their jaws will drop when they see the end results! Keep doin what cha doin and don't change a thing. You are doing great and are an InSPIRATION to other's especially other young chica's like yourself 🙂 Stay Beautiful!
Just beautiful….
I concur with Califia's Lap! I was just saying that child could pull off any hair do!lol girl your beautiful! Don't let anyone tell you any different. They will all take back what their saying when they see how lovely your hair will be…in regards to "length" that is. They seem to be most concerned with that! Who knows you may even "Convert" a few of them! Do you girl! 🙂
Gorgeous pics! It's clear that you are a confident and beautiful young woman…long or short, relaxed or curly!
I think your hair is gorgeous both ways! You have such a lovely face you could pull off just about any look. Congrats on the big chop! Welcome to the natural chics club. It will all grow back before you know it, healthy and strong!
gorgeous!