Angel ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? Whats the story ?


The third time was a charm for me! I had wanted to go natural during my junior year of high school, and every time I attempted, I failed. After going to my friend's prom in May 2009, I decided that I would finally do away with relaxers forever! May 7, 2009, was the last time a relaxer touched my head!


Was your transition a long or short one?

I believe my transition was in the middle. I transitioned for 6 months. I didn't plan on cutting my hair at that mark, but it just happened!On Wednesday November 11Th
I cut my long relaxed hair off while listening to India Aire's song "Strength Courage & Wisdom." I had consulted God before making this huge decision,and he confirmed many of times that it was the right thing.I was born on Wednesday March 11See the similarities between my unplanned big chop and my birth? I felt like this was my rebirth. I am molding into a new woman now, and I refuse to look back!










We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

During my transition, I was a faithful user of cantu shea butter conditioning repair cream. Now that I am natural, my hair hates that stuff! The cantu would leave white stuff in my hair, and no matter how many times I shampooed, it would not come out.
I also used vitamin E oil during my transition.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

I am a young lady who loves switching up her hair on a daily basis. I hate having one style! lol. I wore twist n curls, braid n curls, buns, bantu knot outs, roller sets, etc.


When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?


When I big chopped, I cut it so uneven, so I had to go to my pro-relaxer hair stylist to shape it up. She used a small tooth comb and combed through my dry hair! It was the worst experience ever! I was left with a dry little fro. I remember looking in the mirror, being embarrassed in front of all the clients, and thinking to myself..."Did I cut off all my long beautiful hair for this?"
She tried to get me to walk out the salon with the little dry fro, but I put my hood on, and walked out feeling discouraged. I tried not to cry, and hoped that after I "fixed" it, it would look better. I went home and gave myself a deep conditioner, and all of my curls started to POP! I was filled with overwhelming joy, and I told myself that I would love my hair, and display confidence at all times!

Did you have any regrets?

I have no regrets! This has been a learning experience, and it is a journey that continues everyday.

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

My hair grows pretty fast, so I plan to let it grow to its capacity. I would like my hair to at least reach BSL length unstretched. I plan to love my hair when big, flat, dry, kinky, curly, whatever! I have to have patience, and continue to encourage and motivate other women to go natural, and embrace what God gave them! I did my senior project on the Politics of Black Hair, and I continue to reach out and educate others.

Marcia~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story?

I actually never considered going natural at the time, in the narrow sense of what I defined as going natural. I didn’t have a plan.

It was 2006 and I did a charity fashion show on December 3rd for Cure Autism Now (C.A.N.). I had my sew in at the time and it had been 4 weeks since my last relaxer and fresh weave(So my last relaxer was approximately November 3, 2006) . Two days before the show I attempted to contact my stylist because I wanted a fresh do before the show. Well, my many failed attempts to contact him turned into me wearing a wig to the show. Unfortunately it was a straight synthetic wig and the look for the show was big curly hair. OMG!!! I had to expose the Indian (I had Indian hair) mess going on under the wig because you know you can’t flat iron synthetic hair!!! To get the look they wanted for the show, they had to do the best they could with what I had going on with my disaster of a weave. Let me tell you, I was not happy about it. They did the best they could with what they were working with.

So for the rest of the week I tried to contact my stylist (he travels a lot) and could not reach him. I didn’t realize at the time that this would be the catalyst for the best thing that ever could have happened for my hair. On that Saturday I decided to stop at the first salon I found and get any random stylist to take out my weave. I paid the stylist $20 to remove my weave. I put on my hat and went to the closest beauty supply store and was reunited with my ponytail. This time the pony was afro textured and more closely resembled my real hair.

So for a year and 2 months I rocked my pony-this was my year of transition. I would just wash it and put setting lotion and gel on my hair, I didn’t relax it because I was feeling my waves. On January 12, 2008 I was in another fashion show for the Trumpet Awards. The models were sent to a salon a day before the show to get our “show hair”. At this point I’d already decided that I wasn’t going to relax my hair anymore ,though I didn’t have a plan for it. I would’ve been wearing the ponytail to this day if I had not done this show. I was so nervous. Remember, I’d been washing my hair and immediately pulling it in the pony so I didn’t have a clue what my hair looked like and I was scared out of my mind! When the stylist was finished, let me tell you-I absolutely could not believe what beautiful strands were flowing out of my scalp! He trimmed my damaged ends and what was left was a full head of silky, bouncy, beautiful hair. I never knew my hair could look like this. In that moment, it took me back to an episode of Oprah from about 15 years ago when a middle aged lady in the audience stood up with a twa and said, “The only way black women will truly be happy with their hair is when they embrace their natural hair.” I have to tell you, I simply didn’t believe her. I thought, as many of us do today, that natural hair means locs, puffs, afros, super short boy cuts, twists, etc. Though those are beautiful natural hair styles, some women just don’t prefer that look and don’t realize there are other natural options. It took me back to a moment in 2002 when a stylist told me that I needed to go natural. I gave her the classic line that I hear every time I try to convince a non-believer, “I don’t have hair like yours.” I simply didn’t believe her.

January 11, 2008 was the first time I had that “wind blowing through your hair” moment and I was happy! I was natural! I was loving it! And now I was a believer! 8-)


Was your transition a long or short one?

It was about 2 years. I did the pony tail for a year and 2 months. After I did the show and took out the ponytail, I didn’t realize that I still had some relaxed ends and had some breakage at my line of demarcation. I’d been getting it flat ironed.


We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair while in transition, what products did you use to keep your hair moisturized?

I am fortunate to have found a natural hair salon that provides hydration treatments-a true God send! A hydrator/steamer looks like a hooded dryer, but instead of dry air coming out, steam comes out to hydrate the hair. Having the high moisture content just breathed life into my hair and after it was trained, kept my hair from reverting back even when it’s extremely humid. I ended up leaving the stylist at the salon and went on a mad search to find my soul mate stylist which I thank God for!!! It took me 7 weeks and 7 stylists before I found her. She is truly a natural hair genius and owns 2, going on 3 natural hair salons. She has a passion for healthy hair like no one I’ve ever known. She has her own hair care line and I use her products.

When you decided to Big Chop, how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

I didn’t really do a big chop into a twa. I did cut my relaxed ends, but still had some length left. The 1st picture is a picture of my length immediately after I took the ponytail out and wore my own hair out. The 2nd picture is how short I had to cut it because of breakage at the line of demarcation and some messed up hair cuts before finding my current stylist. I wish I would have found her early…I’m sure I wouldn’t have had to cut off so much, but oh well.








What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I have short term and long term goals.

Long term

My long term growth goal is to grow my hair to mid back length.


My 2010 growth goal is to grow my hair to collarbone length.



Next incremental

I find that it helps to set incremental goals, so my next incremental goal is to grow my hair to chin length. It’s currently at jawline length.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ma5qHD1L1I

I not only make it a point to take care of and nurture my hair on the outside, but it’s important to nurture it from the inside out. I’m making a concerted effort to watch my diet, drink my water, take my vitamins, get my sleep, etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWhDIP_7YCc


www.youtube.com/str8tnatural

My Transition Story via YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm3BLJGa6B0



My Transition Story (Same as above) via Fotki
http://journals.fotki.com/str8natural/a-crowns-journey/

Yarie ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?


I've been natural back and forth, the most recent time was because i wanted to switch my hair styles. I never really had a problem with the texture of my hair,it was more a will to change styles because i was bored with my hair. However, the first time i went natural was in 2004, i completely shaved my head because i wanted to drastically change, i loved it!! but when my hair grew long, i was shut down by the tangles!! i couldn't manage so i switched to another style again. I did this about 5 times and every time i went back to shaving my hair. Last year in May, i decided to stick to one style and I am challenging myself to see how long i can stand without getting bored again. It's been more than 8 months now since I've shaved my head on May 11th 2009, time will tell how long I'm willing to go :)


Was your transition a long or short one?

No transition .



We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

I mainly use shea butter, right now i am in a phase where I am testing mixes : shea butter with oil (almond oil, avocado..)


When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

Well let's say people always think I am crazy for shaving my head everytime but they're used to it. I must admit, the first time i shaved my head was by accident, as i was cutting my hair I accidently ended up cutting chunks out of it .. i just went on and shaved it off. lol;


Did you have any regrets?

No, never :)

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I am letting my hair be, my main goal is to keep it healthy.

the after pic : one week after i shaved my head







pic of twist out : early feb

i am currently in tiny twist

Articia~Before and After

How long have you been thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

I had been thinking of going natural for about a year prior to cutting my hair short... before the big chop. A close friend of mine was natural and she tried to talk me into it and I just didn't want to cut all my hair at that time. My hair was coming out in the same spots every few months that's what led me to cut my hair shorter. I realized that my hair grew fast, and it couldn't be that I was always stressed out, everything was going good so that couldn't be the case. After I was in a wedding in June '09 I decided I would stop relaxing my hair. My hair dresser told me that my hair would break off and shed without getting my relaxer... I researched it and learned about transitioning from relaxed to natural and that's where it all began in August 2009!


Was your transition a long or short one?

My transition was short in my opinion, it was suppose to be much longer; I had made the decision to do my BC on April 30, 2010, and I stated my transition in August 2009 But one day (October 23, 2009) I went to the Natural Hair Salon in my area to get a trim, and left with a BC...lol

We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

To be honest all I used on my hair was Cantu Shea Butter Oil Sheen, Blue Magic hair grease, and foam wrap. I started researching Natural Hair in October (when looking into transitioning I only paid a lot of attention to styles not care... big mistake, I was lucky that my natural hair wasn't damaged). I now know that I was using all the wrong products. when I think of it I was trying to treat the relaxed hair not the new natural hair. I know better now, Thank Goodness!

What was your staple hairstyle while in transition? Wet sets/ wash-n-go, braids, and

Roller wraps

When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

Since my BC was a spur of the moment thing ,I was torn... I liked it but I didn't love it, but 7 days later I knew I would never go back to a relaxer; I was in love! My family, friends, and co-workers were shocked... but they all agreed it looked really good on me, and even now with more length people tell me the shorter hair was their favorite.

Did you have any regrets?

NOT AT ALL!

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I really just want my hair to grow as long as it wants... I look forward to trying new styles in the upcoming months, and years to come!

Bronner Brother's Hair Show

Hey,ladies hope all is well. Just wanted to give you all a heads up.I will be away for a few days for the Bronner Bro's hair show.I will update when i get back .later!

Marcy ~A diva in Transition

What made you decide to go natural? What's your story?


Frustration and my boyfriend. He would call and say “Didn’t you just get your hair done?” and he was right. I calculated how much money I was spending by going to the salon once a week and decided I would rather have that money in my pocket. I was frustrated that I was spending so much money. My hair was nice and full the first couple of days then flat and boring for the rest of the week. I was frustrated that my hairstyles never lasted as long as I wanted. I usually liked how thick my hair looked once my new growth started coming in but I couldn't’t comb it. I looked through my pictures and I was tired of looking the same. I’ve had the same hair for years; I needed a change and refused to color my hair. I learned my lesson from the last time I got highlights. So I googled natural hair one day and I was hooked. I spent at least 2 months reading blogs and forums before I decided that I wanted to give this a try, and in May 2009 I said no more relaxers.

Have you told anybody? (friends, spouse, family members) What do they think? Is there any negative feed back?

I’ve told everybody, lol. My dad is a typical Haitian in the sense that he thinks I should have long straight hair. Even if I wanted to cut my relaxed hair he would have a problem with it. My mom doesn’t quite get it. She thinks that I’m going to flat iron and press my hair all the time but I want to stay far away from direct heat except for the rare occasions I chose to straighten it. I haven’t had much negative feedback aside from my little cousin. She laughed at me. It kinda broke my heart to hear her say that we’re not pretty without relaxers. She just started college and at her age I had hoped that she would understand that there is no cookie-cutter definition of beautiful. My biggest supporter is my boyfriend. He’s the one that put the idea in my head in the first place. Since he’s been helping me with the process I want him to cut my hair with me when the time comes.

What styles are you currently using to transition?


I’ve learned how to do kinky twists on my own (Thanks YouTube!) Instead of going to a shop to get it done and spending a couple hundred, I can buy the hair which is pretty cheap and do it myself. I’ll usually keep them in for a month then take them out wash my hair ,making sure I clarify and deep condition. I like to give my hair, especially my edges, a break so I will wear a two strand flat twist-out for a week before installing another set of kinky twists. I like them because I moisturize, seal and I’m out the door, I don’t have to worry about how I’m gonna wear my hair.

What products are you using to moisturize your hair while in transition?

Where to start? I think I’ve cured my PJ-ism and found some staples which makes me (and my bank account) very happy. I use Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle conditioner to co-wash. Also the Organic conditioners that I’ve tried (Coconut Milk, Shea Butter and Tea tree Mint) are pretty good with the addition of oil for some added slip. I have just recently discovered and fallen in LOVE with Cantu Leave-In. While I was researching natural hair, I saw plenty of talk about it on blogs and forums and decided to give it a try. Best decision I could’ve made. I can’t use too much of it though (my hair turns white) so I alternate with a spritz made up of water, coconut oil and HE Long Term Relationship Leave-In. I can’t just use an oil to seal but have recently across Safi Hair Care’s Avocado Shea Hair Butter and it’s doing wonders to keep the moisture locked in. I am still on a search for the right deep conditioner though.

There are alot of challenges that come with transitioning, what are some of yours?

Definitely dealing with the two textures. I’m not the most patient person when it comes to washing my hair ,so detangling is the WORST. When I first started I would yank a comb through my hair and then be shocked at all the hair that was coming out but I’ve learned that I need to take it slow and start from the ends and work my way up. Another was learning what my natural hair needs. It sucks up moisture like a sponge so I know now that it needs some sort of leave-in daily. The kinky twists have made it a little less trying than other transitioning stories that I’ve read.

Do you plan to BC? (Big Chop) if so, When?


I decided that I was going to transition for a year before doing the BC. My last relaxer was around the May 20, 2009 so I think I’ve finally settled on doing it right before Memorial Day weekend 2010 and starting the summer season off with a change.

What are your long term goals for your hair?

Health is my ultimate goal. I want my hair to be strong and well moisturized. Length is usually what comes from healthy hair so if that comes along too, I’ll take it lol. What’s most important is that I get to learn more about the hair that I was born with; the hair I always thought was so horrible that as soon as I got some new growth I ran to my Dominican salon to have it either blown straight or relaxed. This process is more about me being comfortable with who I am.

Priscilla ~Before and After

Meet Priscilla,Becoming natural has lightened up the load on her wallet.





How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

Last year I started out looking for ways to grow healthy relaxed hair. Through that I decided that I wanted to relax my hair less and when I had gotten some new growth, I couldn't take my hands out of my hair! I was falling for my natural hair texture! I was inspired by my oldest sister and two of my cousins who are natural and I started "Youtubing" natural hair journeys too. I was also finishing up my last semester of school and thinking about ways to make my hair up-keep easier on my wallet. My last relaxer was in mid October 2009. I made the final decision to transition in early December 2009. I did the big chop on February 11, 2010!


Was your transition a long or short one?

I transitioned for about four months. I had braids in for about two of those months, but once I knew I wanted to go natural, I started getting pretty impatient and I took the braids out a week early and BC'ed a week later. It was only four months but it felt like a long time to me :-)


We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

GroHealthy Thick and Healthy Olive Oil Cream and water kept my hair well moisturized especially while I had braids.



What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


At first, I flat ironed once a week, but when I realized I could be damaging my new growth I put it in braids. When I took the braids out I did bantu knots and a knot-out for the week up to my big chop day.

When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

It felt really good to get the relaxed hair off of my new growth. I felt fresh and am still really excited about it! Pretty much everyone has told me that it looks great on me, that it really suites me!



Did you have any regrets?

No regrets so far. I'm just trying to figure out what products work for my hair and give me the look I want.



What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

My long term goals are to keep it healthy and to let it grow as long as it wants!

Gina ~Natural Inspiration

Meet Gina , A natural diva who has proven how versatile natural hair can really be.



How long have you been natural?

I had my last relaxer on December 28th 2002. 7 years

Have you ever had a relaxer? If so ,What's your story? What made you want to decide to go natural?

I had my first relaxer when I was in 6th grade. I was 12 or 13. I was 22 when I had my last one.

For the final two years of college, I moved across town closer to my school, but further away from my stylist. It was difficult trying to get an appointment with her that would work with my class schedule so I tried to find a new stylist closer to where I lived and I didn’t like the way any of the new stylist would do my hair. I thought 'why exactly do I have to keep relaxing my hair every 6 weeks'? and I couldn't’t come up with a reason “why” I was actually relaxing my hair. It’s as if I was saying that my natural hair was not good enough to be shown around. I made the decision to stop relaxing right when I was due for another “touch-up”.

I was going to do a long transition because I had long hair, but after about 3 months, I got tired of the two different textures and cut all the relaxed hair off. If felt so liberating! I’ve since done numerous big chops. My last one was in April 2006.


How would you describe your hair type?

Like many black women, I have a multitude of textures on my head. The center and nap of my neck is very dense but fine (3c & 4a) while the rest is 4b.



What is your regimen? What products do you use to maintain the health of your hair?

Being natural for the past 7 years, I think I’ve tried everything under the sun. The best thing for my hair however, I recently discovered at an Aveda salon, the steam machine. The steam machine gives a higher level of deep condition than I could have ever expected. I decided to invest in a steam machine for my home and I love it. I also use Aveda products, shea butter, coconut oil and some products by Jane Carter.

Do you have any long term goals for your hair?

Just to keep it healthy. I am pretty satisfied with my length especially when flat ironed.


What tips would you give,to the newly natural ladies?

Remember that your hair is beautiful as is. You can’t treat natural hair the same as relaxed hair.

Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?

http://public.fotki.com/LaGina/

Jennifer ~ A Diva In Transition

How long have you been natural?

I officially began transitioning January 2009.

Have you ever had a relaxer? If so ,What's your story?What made you become natural?

Yes, my last chemical relaxer was in June 2001. After that I used "Naturalaxer" until 2004 and then "BodipHier" until December 2008 to "relax" my hair. I did not BC, so I still have about 4" of relaxed hair.I stopped using chemical relaxers since I apparently developed an allergic reaction to them. It would itch like crazy when the product was applied to my scalp (even after it was washed out, shampooed and conditioned).

How would you describe your hair type?

a little 3c; /4a mainly /4b sides


What is your regimen? What products do you use to maintain the health of your
hair?

Wash day is on Saturdays: Cowash, Ayuvedic Powders to condition/strengthen (amla, brahmi & bhringraj); henna+indigo (1 or 2x a month); mayonnaise for protein (when necessary)Nightly: massage JBCO on scalp, spritz lightly (rose water/glycerin; 1 tbs MSM powder, a few drops Infusium 23, JBCO, EVCO) and seal with EVCO(main staple). To sleep - Loose bantu knots & satin scarf

Do you have any long term goals for you hair?

Healthy waist length hair

What tips would you give to all the newly natural ladies?

Patience (it's by trial and error you'll learn what works for you - I'm still learning), Handle your hair with TLC since you'll have two textures, especially course textures. Depending on your hair type, you'll realise that products for relaxed hair won't have the same effect on natural hair.Pay attention to ingredients (sulphates, mineral oil, petroleum, parabens)Join other hair forums for advice/share experiences.

Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?

www.K-I-S-S/biz & www.naturalsunshine.ning.com

Tamikka~ Before and After

Meet Tamikka,She decided she no longer cared for what people thought about the look of natural hair and went through with a big chop.




How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

Wow, I wanted to be natural since 2000 . I always loved the feel and look of natural hair but it wasn't popular so I wasn't doing it. Also I cared too much about what people said and thought.In 2008 I cut it all off and decided to go natural I mean I cut it down to my scalp and wore wigs, still wasn't comfortable with how it looks so here go's wigs, then because I couldn't do anything with it I relaxed it again, and then it started breaking. So in May of 2009 I started doing my homework and consistently researching natural hair. In June of 2009 I started the transition.


Was your transition a long or short one?

My transition was short, I started in June and BC'd in September

We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

I used olive oil products

When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut?And how did people react to it?

I loved it , I had a lot of mixed reactions especially in the corporate world but surprisingly the CIO and my VP complimented me on my hair and they are of the Caucasian race. But what was real surprising to me was I got more compliments from the Caucasian race then my own...

Did you have any regrets?

I honestly didn't

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

Trying different styles so I can train my hair to be versatile. But I promise this. NO MORE RELAXERS EVER!!

Jalissa ~A diva in Transition

Meet Jalissa,she considers her journey to be like a fairy tale.





What made you decide to go natural ? What's your story?

My name is Jalissa but, all of the natural hair lovers can call me NaturalBella. I chose that name because my natural hair story is similar to a fairy tale.
I decided to go natural because I wanted to embrace my natural beauty. I grew up with beautiful natural hair until my mother smacked a perm in my hair.During my childhood I never really knew the true beauty of my hair until I became a teen & was able to style my own hair.I was never good with the curling iron or flat iron ,so I decided to do something unique to my hair for high school ,not only because I couldn't use curlers but also because I love to stand out. At school almost every girl was rocking straight hair so I decided to rock big hair. I washed my hair & picked it out. I added some s curl to it & oil sheen. Went to school & I got great complements from everyone I seen. that's when I fell in love with my natural hair.


Have you told anybody? (friends,spouse,family members) What do they think? Is there any negative feed back?

I told everyone that I was going natural. I was so excited about transitioning. I asked my Facebook family what they think about me going natural & I got alot of good feedback & a few negative. I made a YouTube video called, "My hair Relationships" It expressed my struggles during the transition & my cry for hair tips. My mother blames herself for putting a perm in my hair. She say it was a bad idea and she supports me on my natural hair journey. My boyfriend is super loving & supportive. He says i will look good with a afro & even a bald head. Lol. I have full support from both family & friends.


What styles are you currently using to transition?

The styles that I am currently using is a simple bun. I tried quick weave & micros but, they never last. The micros only lasted for three weeks & the quick weave lasted only three days!!! So I still need some tips ladies.


What products are you using to moisturize your hair while in transition?

The products I use to moisturize my hair is some natural hair lotion I think is called GOLD & some curl activator gel because I hate black gel.



There are a lot of challenges that come with transitioning ,what are some of yours?

The challenges that I have been having during my natural hair transition is finding the right hair protection that will last. My next option is to buy a few wigs.


Do you plan to BC? (Big Chop) if so ,When?

I don't wanna do the BC because I don't have the patience to wait for my hair to grow back out full again. I LOVE MY BIG BEAUTIFUL NATURAL HAIR I will just trim my ends every 2 weeks.



What are your long term goals for your hair?

I want to be natural forever & I thank God for sending me to these wonderful & helpful sites. Much love to you Angie for this great blog. Much love to every lady who posted hair videos & much love to the Natural Sunshine site.
May God continue to bless you all! <3 NaturalBella

Cristine ~ A diva in Transition

Meet Cristine,her decision to go natural is not only for healthier hair, it will also help her with her confidence level.



What made you decide to go natural ? What's your story?

I got my first relaxer at age 11 for my sixth grade graduation. I was never on a schedule with my relaxers (every 8 weeks or anything like that) so I learned how to stretch a relaxer from an early age. My mother has always been good about teaching me how to take care of my hair, but of course as I started to do my hair on my own, what I wanted took precedence and I allowed heat and relaxers to damage my beautiful mane. I live in Maryland (outside of Washington, DC) and go to school in Rhode Island. Having to stretch my relaxers 3 and 4 months at a time (when I didn't get my friend to relax my hair) opened my eyes to how beautiful my natural hair really is. I miss my hair! but I would always revert to a relaxer because I didn't have the time to really focus on styling my hair (doobies worked wonders for the busy college life style; wash-blow dry-flat iron-wrap : that would keep me at minimum for a week). Now I am studying abroad in London until June and I made the decision to not get any relaxers (I'm on a budget and I cannot do them myself! Never learned, never wanted to either). One of my Sorors recently went fully natural and I spend too much time adoring her hair pictures on Facebook LOL. I started thinking, praying, researching and decided that it was time for me to do the ultimate relaxer stretch and go natural. I love my hair, I want it to be healthy, and I'm so tired of society telling me what my hair should look like. The African-American community at my predominately white school is small and very conservative in terms of hair. It may not be obvious, but in conversations and observations I've had, I feel that many of the African American women have very limited views of the beauty of their hair. I decided that my hair is 'good hair' relaxed or not.

Have you told anybody? (friends,spouse,family members) What do they think? Is there any negative feed back?

I've told my friends and most of their reactions have been supportive. They've asked a lot of questions, mainly why. I've had one negative reaction from someone who is very attached to her relaxers. It hurt me and it made me angry, but most importantly it made me really look inside myself as to why I wanted to do this. And I realized that it was a personal decision for me, by me, and as long as I was fine with it, the decision stood.
I keep a blog while I'm in London and I recently wrote about my decision; my family reads it so I'm interested in hearing what they have to say next time we talk... I was/am very nervous to have the conversation with them because we take pride in our appearance (and there is nothing wrong with that!) But I'm known to be strong-willed and once I put my mind to something, I'll do it, so they have no choice but to support my decision

What styles are you currently using to transition?

I've been wearing buns and bantu knot outs. I've always liked to wear buns (when my hair is long enough) and the bantu knot out is my favorite transitioning style that I've tried. I love the results and I get lots of compliments when I wear the curls :-) (my picture is of my most recent bantu knot out)

What products are you using to moisturize your hair while in transition?

I'm still experimenting with products, especially since I'm in a foreign land! I've been doing hot oil treatments and deep conditioning - deep conditioners do wonders for my hair. I recently discovered that my hair does not like a lot of olive oil, so I will be looking for an alternative.

There are alot of challenges that come with transitioning ,what are some of yours?

My biggest challenge right now is confidence. Even when I wore relaxed hair I had this issue because I stuck to a few styles, so when I would try a new style, I would be very self-conscious and not really know if I liked it, if it looked good on me, etc. My transition to natural is about a lot more than my hair, but an overall transition to a healthier me - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Lots of people view me as this very self-confident, unwavering spirit because I hold a lot of leadership positions on campus and I'm always in the spotlight... but the insecurities are there. It's a daily battle.

Do you plan to BC? (Big Chop) if so ,When?

Oh no! I don't think I have the head or face shape to BC, LOL. I'm planning on a complete transition to natural. I'm focusing my transition on hair growth because I would like to be fully natural by my 21st birthday (August 27, 2010), but we'll see. I've had short (chin length, relaxed) hair twice in my life, so I know my hair can grow... I just needed to get away from the dangerous, chemical induced breakage. So the only chopping I will be doing is chopping off relaxed ends one or two inches at a time.

What are your long term goals for your hair?

I would love to be able to wear my hair in a big curly afro one day! I have a picture of my grandmother with a big curly afro and I absolutely love it. I'd love to rock a BAA for a while. But other than that, I just want my hair to be happy and healthy. It's been a while since she's been both.

Claudia ~ Before and After

Meet Claudia, Not even the negative comments from her family would stop her from doing what she always wanted to do.




How long were you thinking of going natural? Whats the story ?

I thought about going natural since I was about 15 years old (I am now 20). I would always imagine what my natural hair would look like whenever I looked at pictures of myself before my mother started relaxing my hair. At one point in high school I actually went 8 months without a perm (the longest ever without a perm), but the only problem was that I didn't know one thing about caring for relaxed hair, so what could I possibly know about caring for natural hair. I ended up perming my hair after the 8 months and didn't think about going natural until my sister went natural May 2009. She was my motivation and inspiration to actually follow through. So my last perm was August 2009 and I did my BC February 4, 2010.

Was your transition a long or short one?

I would say that my transition was average. I transitioned for about 6 months when I finally got tired of the two textures, the straight hair on the top and the natural hair on the bottom.

We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair while in transition,what products did you use to keep your hair moisturized?

As of right now I am still trying to figure out what keeps my hair moisturized the best. So far I am using a water and oil mix that I made (water mixed with olive oil and almond oil), coconut oil, and shea butter to seal it in. I am still trying different things since I'm a newbie.

What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

My transition hairstyle of choice was a twist out and getting my hair braided with weave.

When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

I honestly couldn't wait to do my BC. I had put braids in my hair and told myself that I would leave it in for about 2 months, but I have always been the type who doesn't like to keep weave in my hair for too long so I ended up taking them out after a month and a half. Then I told myself I would cut my hair the Friday before Spring Break (which would have been March 5) so that I would have time to play around with my hair before anyone else saw it. Well that was too long because I ended up doing my BC the Thursday after taking my braids out and I am honestly so glad that I did my BC. It is starting to grow on me because I have never, ever had short hair a day in my life. People's reaction were half and half. My mother hated it upon sight, my brother couldn't believe I cut my hair so short, my sister loved it (being that she is natural), some of my cousins had nothing positive to say, and some said nothing at all (which is what I prefer compared to saying negative things), my boyfriend had a neutral response (he didn't hate it but he doesn't really like me with short hair)... but 2 of my aunts thought it was decent and loved that fact that my hair was so curly and even asked me what I put in it to get it that way. I have a huge family so the majority hasn't actually seen my hair yet. Overall I would say that people's reaction were average.

Did you have any regrets?

I have no regrets. Why regret what I have done when all I am simply doing is bringing out the very thing that God has blessed me with.

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

My goals are to care for my hair and give it love... along with the products it needs to help it stay healthy. I believe that with healthy hair you will have good hair that wants to grow.

Carol ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

I started thinking about going natural when I became fed up with the breakage, shedding and split ends as a result of perms. I started transitioning in January 2009, but never really intended to do the big chop. My hair kept growing steadily and I kept cutting it to keep the hair style. I had plan to wear straight styles only. The motivation to big chop came after 7 months of transitioning: Last summer, I bought Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Conditioner (for the first time) for my daughter. I used it once and noticed how my new growth curled up and I felt like those curls were just dying to come out. lol
More importantly, I went through a spiritual transformation at this time. My idea of physical beauty was always attached to having long, straight toss able hair. The Lord impressed upon me that He is more interested in cultivating inner beauty and that any type of hair texture He created is "good". This insight gave me the confidence and freedom to let go and not worry about it. I have self-worth because of Jesus Christ-not because of the way my hair looks!

Was your transition a long or short one?

medium-7 months

We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

I used a spray--I used Proclaim Olive Oil Spray and Cantu Shea Butter cream. I no longer use these for my natural hair.

What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

I had a straight bob-very easy to just wrap at night and comb down in the morning.

When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

I loved it-the freedom-and the individuality of my curls and coils. It was very short--but very cute. I think I played with it compulsively. I got so many compliments, but most people were shocked. Nobody really knew that I was transitioning anyway because my hair was straight all the time.

Did you have any regrets?
None

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?
I plan to let it grow and let it flow.

LYNNE ~Before and After

Meet Lynne ,after she did her big chop ,she threw a "bc" party



How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

I had been thinking about it for the past year, about 6 months ago my husband said, "Have you ever tried going natural?" and that really gave me the push to go ahead and learn as much as I could before taking the plunge.

Was your transition a long or short one?

After reading many different women's transition stories, I realize that mine was virtually nonexistent. I transitioned for a little under 2 months straight. I had a relaxer in Nov. 09 and then BC on Jan. 17, 2010. I wasn't satisfied with my transitioning styles and I was blow drying a lot, which led to more breakage and one epic bad hair day,all equalled to me moving my BC up by a week and handling it that weekend! :o)

We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

I used a lot of coconut oil. I put that all over my hair every chance I got. I have very dry edges and so that helped my hair to not dry out as the new growth was coming in. Which my hair actually grows pretty quickly - who knew?

What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

Just a blow out flip. Real quick and easy.

When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

I had a trusted friend do my BC and she almost cried for me because she thought I would regret it in the morning and blame her! I was so ready to do it though, I was at "that place" mentally so there was electricity in the air almost. I threw a BC party. Invited over a few close girlfriends, made a hair play list (India.Arie, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Fiona Apple, Erykah Badu), made a penne and sausage dinner, chatted it up a bit, then after dinner we all gathered in the den and went to town! It was glorious and really memorable. I had told my mom way in advance that I was cutting it off and she always laughed it off and said "Ah ha! Lynn you're funny!" I gave her plenty of heads up so she wouldn't have a heart attack. Her reaction was priceless, but she immediately said "Awww it suits you..." with a big smile after saying "Lynn what did you do?"

Did you have any regrets?

Absolutely not. I really was in the zone mentally to do the BC and stick with the BC. No wigs or weaves right afterward. I just threw a clip in it the next morning and took my little man to preschool. I absolutely love it. I just wish I did this when I was younger. I'd be at my desired length by now!

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I just want to grow my hair out in its original form with no additives. I want to learn how to care for it, keep it happy, and see how much better I feel after switching more things in my life over to a more natural state.