Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I would have to say that I am a long term transitioner. I started my process at the end of 1998 to early 2000. One of the reasons that I decided to go natural is because I just wanted to really get to know and understand my hair in general, which was a quest all within itself. It was very funny, as a hairstylist my clients couldn’t believe that I was about to leave the world of relaxers. It was so strange, because many of them started to transition as well.
When did you BC?
I recently did a BC August of 2014 after being in locs for about 8 1/2 years.
What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I LOVE natural hair. I always have. I will say coming from having hair down my back for nearly 8 1/2 years to a TWA was very different, but it was hair and it will grow back.
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How did family and friends react to the new you?
My husband was a bit disappointed, because we started growing our locs together. But for me, I had this style for a long time, and I did everything from colors to styles. I was ready for a change. I shocked everyone, because of how long my hair was when I had my locs.
What was your response to them?
I was ready for a change, and I was missing my fro dearly.
What was your transition routine (products included)?
What I did wasn’t much different with my locs. I used black soap shampoo that I made, a cholesterol conditioner twice a month, and cranberry aloe vera juice with essential oils as my leave in conditioner. That was also something that I made after doing some research on the different benefits that would be good for my hair.
What was your staple hair style during the transition?
My staple hair style is the twist out. It is easy to do, and it provides the look that I want.
How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
I never really had an issue with moisturizer in my hair. When I take my two strand twists down, I put a little jojoba oil, rub it in my hands, then applied it to my hair. Even though I had already added the oil before twisting, I would do this.
Why did you choose to go natural?
I went natural because I love my own hair in its natural state, besides adding color. I love the texture of my hair, and the many styles that I can do with my hair. It has been a wonderful experience from the very start, and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
