
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I long term transitioned for 18 months mainly because I was terrified of having short hair. I’ve always been the black girl with relatively long hair, so I couldn’t imagine starting completely from scratch.
CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I recently Big Chopped on May 23, 2012. My stylist cut my hair into a shape so the back is shorter than the front. When she began cutting the short part of the back I can’t lie, I panicked a little. By the end of the chop I fell in love. I’ve never had short hair so it’s a new experience for me and so far I love it!

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family and friends have been very supportive of my hair journey. I wore braidouts/twistouts for over 18 months, so wearing a fro wasn’t a shock, but my current fro is definitely much smaller. I was nervous about cutting my hair so I was thrilled when they said they liked my new ‘do.
CN: What was your transition routine?
My transition routine consisted of co-washing with Giovanni’s Deep Moisture Conditioner or Herbal Essences Hello Hydration at least twice a week. I also did DIY deep conditioning treatments consisting of combinations of products such as eggs, honey, avocado, coconut oil, or olive oil.
CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Coconut oil was definitely one of my staple products. I loved it so much I introduced it to my mother (who is also natural) as well as a few of my friends. It kept my hair soft and moisturized and helped to prevent breakage at my new growth line.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural because although my hair was long it was unhealthy. The ends of my hair were thin and wispy. I thought my hair was invincible but one too many dye jobs proved otherwise. My hair journey was all about improving the health of my hair.
your hair looks great and i specially love the last pic….if you don't mind me asking where do you get your blouse? it's beautiful. thanks
Thank you for the opportunity to love on your crown and partake in your natural journey! It was a pleasure to service you. You are BEaUtiful inside and out. Keepmrising Queen! Namaste!
your hair looks great and i specially love the last pic….if you don't mind me asking where do you get your blouse? it's beautiful. thanks
Beautiful cut on a very very beautiful woman.
Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for the kind words! 18 months is a challenge, but well worth it if you're not comfortable starting from ground zero.
I got my hair cut by Veola Jolly at the Do You Naturally Holistic Natural Hair Salon in Round Rock, TX.
My youtube channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/kaylorray
I'm fairly new, but growing fast so check me out 🙂
This cut is gorgeous! I am also doing a long transition… I hope to be able to make it 2 years.. – discoveringnatural.blogspot.com
You are such a beautiful woman. I love you so much, you got ya Dadies hair.
Your DAD
Hi everyone!
Thank you for all of the kind words.
I got my hair cut by Veola Jolly at the Do You Naturally Holistic Natural Hair Salon in Round Rock, TX.
My youtube channel is: http://www.youtube.com/user/kaylorray
It's fairly new but growing quickly 🙂
Gorgeous cut Kayla, frames your face so well! Glad you had the support of people who mattered to you!
@Kameela – You two almost look alike! Don't forget you got a lot of supportive feedback from your curly sisters, the one or two negatives never matter!
Your hair looks awesome! Do you have a youtube or blog or anything like that? Though I'm not the type to search all over the internet to find someone who has the same "hair type" as me, I do get excited when I see someone whose hair is similar. I'd love to see more of your hair routine and styles.
Awesome hair cut! I have less than 6 months to go until I'm 18 months into my transition, and I'd LOVE to have my hair cut into this style. 🙂
Love your hair and your haircut 🙂
Great job on your long transition! I'm 25 months into my transition and I believe that one must do what makes one happy.
Congrats!
I love the cut & it frames your face very well, I really like the last pic your hair is very beautiful.
Brooke B.
I'm glad that you posted a long term transitioner! I see a lot of short term transitioning BCs on Curly Nikki and it's nice to see someone who did it for this long. I have been transitioning for over 15 months and thinking about chopping at 18. Keep posting more long term transitioners!!
This is absolutely fabulous! I love the hair!
Beautiful!
Woop Woop! Love the cut. I was featured a few days ago as a long term transitioner (Kameela), and recieved a few stank comments, so hearing your transition and chop story is a breath of fresh air. Go girl!
Another long term transitioner, great story…Im 9 months post and never plan on big chopping!
So happy to see young, African American women enhancing their natural beauty this way.
Great cut! Pretty girl!
@curlynikki I'm glad to see these features make a return. Yay!
Just beautiful–and I love her cut, as well as the color.
~caramelcurls
Gorgeous
Todally loooove the cut! I'm also a long term transitioner and I'm aiming for 18 months – 2 years! I don' mind short hair but I'm still trying to get my regime down and want to use this time to learn about my hair.
I also started transitioning to natural because I wanted healthier hair. You've inspired me to keep going! Thank you!
Gorgeous! Would love to know who blessed you with that amazing cut?!