Nikki,
I just love your website and the way that it enables females to embrace their natural selves, no matter the hair color, texture or whatever the case may be. You are truly an inspiration and I just thank you for the amazing work that you are doing. Keep up the great work and continue to be an inspiration for others. 🙂
Are you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I am a long-term transitioner currently 7 and a half months post my last relaxer, but I plan on doing the BC sometime in the spring. I am not exactly sure when.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
My mom is still a bit skeptical about the idea. She thinks I should wear my hair “normal.” In her eyes, normal is considered relaxed, but I believe that it is about that time where I find out what my “normal” really is. Some of my friends were skeptical about the idea as well, because they are so used to seeing me with long hair, but afterwards they became very supportive of the idea, and some even embraced it.
What is your transition routine?
I currently do not use any forms of heat in my hair. I tend not to use many products, but as far as my shampoo and conditioner, I use ShiKai Natural Tea Tree Shampoo and a combination of Jason Long & Strong Jojoba Pure Natural Conditioner and Tresemme’ Clean & Natural Gentle Hydration Conditioner.
Regarding leave-in conditioner, I tend to make it using the Tresemme’ Clean & Natural Gentle Hydration Conditioner and 3/4 cup of water with a bit of jojoba oil. I also use this mixture that I make using various herbs in order to promote hair growth as well as the maintenance of moisture within my hair. I also use jojoba oil in my hair in order to lock in the moisture while enhancing the shine in my hair.
What is your staple hairstyle?
My staple hairstyle while transitioning is using twist outs to create various hairstyles, especially protective hairstyles. My favorite hairstyle can be seen in the first attachment where my hair is in a very huge bun-type updo.
How do you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
In order to prevent breakage, especially at the new growth line, I use a water and herb mixture that uses herbs that stimulate the scalp in order to promote growth. These herbs vary from rosemary, thyme, lavender and etc. Some of my favorite herbs that I predominately use are rosemary and juniper berries. I also add jojoba oil to this mixture, since it is the closest oil similar to the natural oils that we have on our skin and hair.
Why did you choose to go natural?
I decided to go natural because I love the way that fellow naturals embrace their natural selves without regard to what others may think about them. I also toyed with the idea of going natural in summer of 2010, when I would wear my hair in wash and gos. I enjoyed the huge, puffy volume of my hair, imagining what it would be like if it was natural, but never thought about actually cutting my hair. When I found out that there are ways of transitioning long-term, I began to embrace the idea of going natural. Lastly, I love the idea of making your own products to specifically cater to your hair.
I've been transitioning for 14.5 months. Wigs have been my best friends! 🙂 Love her bun!
@anon 8:42am…Why not just big chop…'cause I dont want short hair…plain & simple. I dont want to go from relaxed to natural over night,its a process both physically & emotionally. I have talked to natural relatives who didnt BC but simple allowed their hair to grow out an thats what I plan to do!
I agree with Anon 10:00. For me, this transition period, I am learning a lot about my hair. Styling, maintenance, and other things. If I had just gone ahead and BC, I feel I will be in a big shock of mind. I do cut my relaxed every other month. Some people say that having relaxed ends does not promote as fast of a growth as having only natural hair. I beg to defer. I guess it is a head-to-head situation. Not all head/hair are created equal.
– discoveringnatural.blogspot.com
A Big cut for a beginner may be too much @ first! As a hairdresser I know that a RADICAL cut like that can be TRAMATIC for some (especially with hair as long as hers!lol believe me i have seen the reactions of many people who do drastic cuts! (i.e. crying, cursing,etc.)
I would suggest that you gradually cut off your relaxed ends so that you can get use to shorter hair. By time your ready to do the BC it wont be as bad.
@Anon 8:42 I concur
What I don't get is why wait to BC with all that long relaxed hair–might as well get it over with so you can get to your real natural self and the fantastic growth of it!
Lol my mom was a little hesitant tosupport me 2 but after i BCed she saw i wuz foreal! But i give u props for bein' able to stick it out for so long; after 4 mos i wux like, gotta get this limp relaxed hair off my head!
Im 4 months post relaxer an amy mom is the exact same way. She tells me that I need to "relax those naps". LOL She supports me in everything I do, but she says she isn't supporting me in this. I know that she's half joking though!
I'm currently transitioning as well, and a bit nervous about it. Not sure if I'm ready for the BC yet.
Im 7 months post relaxer also, & I dont ever plan on big chopping. Im just going to let my natural hair to continue to grow in while rocking a braid n curl!