I was definitely a slow transitioner at first, but then later on I transformed into a Big Chopper. I decided to go natural back in 2010 when I learned how awful relaxers are for not only your hair, but your body in general. I had always had long relaxed hair and so I just became curious. Since I was so used to having long hair I did become a long-term transitioner and waited 14 months to do the Big Chop. Around month 13 I became anxious and frustrated with the two textures which led to my Big Chop soon after.
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| a couple of months after the chop |
Had you always embraced your texture?
Although I was mentally ready to Big Chop, I was slightly uncomfortable wearing my hair out in public. I wasn’t ashamed, everything was just SUPER new to me at the time so I needed some time to warm up. About 2 months later, I was out there and I really fell in love with my hair all over again.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My mother was very surprised to say the least, but she warmed up a few months later and it’s funny because now she is natural! My father thought it was cool and always made me feel comfortable. My grandmother on the other hand did not like my hair at all. She constantly asked questions like “You cut it?” “Why would you do that?” “I don’t like it.” “Can you straighten that?” My response was “I’m sorry,” which was not an apology for doing what I want with my hair, it was a smart remark meaning “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair has a mind of its own at times. It is coarse, thick and definitely low porosity. Lots of days it can be very easy to work with and others it’s a nightmare. I’m not really into hair typing but my hair is made of many coils with a slightly looser texture in the front.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!
I wash my hair every 5-7 days with either a sulfate-free shampoo or a cowash. Some of my favorites are UR Curly Soya Shampoo and the As I Am Coconut Cowash. I condition with TRESemme Naturals (my absolute favorite), Aussie Moist or Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner. I always deep condition once a week with Amika Olive Oil Mask, TRESemme Naturals or any of the Shea Moisture Products. I also do hot oil treatments with coconut oil often. I love two strand twists and twist outs!
How do you maintain your hair at night?
I don’t do anything special. I normally just wear a satin scarf or a bonnet to bed.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I wear protective styles a lot! Mini twists and medium sized twists are my go to styles. I also wear styles like buns and twist n curls to keep my hair off of my shoulders. To be sure that I don’t do any unnecessary trims, I only trim about three times a year.
What’s the best thing about being curly?
I love how versatile curly hair is! We can bounce from curly to straight in an hour’s time. We also can wear a variety of styles due to shrinkage.
Where can folks find you on the web?
I can be found at ClassyCurlies.com which is my natural hair blog as well as on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest @ClassyCurlies.
Hey, thanks for sharing this. Loved victoria.