Nate ~Before and After

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


I had thought about going natural off and on for a few years before making the final decision. While I was relaxed, I experienced breakage, dry scalp, severe dandruff, shedding, and thinning hair. I loved color, but my relaxed hair wasn't strong enough to withstand it. However, things weren't always bad. My hair would go through phases. When I experienced the aforementioned problems, that's when I always thought about cutting it all off and going natural.


Was your transition a long or short one?


I had originally planned to do a complete and gradual transition to natural hair. In other words, I had planned to gradually cut as my natural hair grew out. After transitioning for a few months, and after watching a plethora of Big Chop videos on YouTube, I decided that I would transition for a set amount of time and BC afterwards. I transitioned for 9 mos and BC'd on my birthday - December 3rd. The whole process was symbolic for me. It symbolized rebirth.



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


Even before I started transitioning, I used alot of water and did alot of no-heat styles like twist-outs and braidouts. I started co-washing after learning about its benefits (from YouTube vids of course *lol*) I'll admit, however, that I need to step up my moisturizing regimen. I used and still use shea butter and olive oil. I didn't really get into the moisturizing thing until I BC'd. I have been paying alot of attention to product ingredients so that I don't purchase items that have a tendency to dry the hair out.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

My staple styles were twist-outs, braid-outs and roller sets.


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

I honestly didn't like it as much as I did two weeks after my BC. I felt very self-conscious and I was not used to the new length. In the beginning, I would wear it out at work, but for some reason, I would cover my head with a bandana when I went to the gym. I didn't know how people would react to it. My mother was shocked at the new length. My brother didn't care for it. My sis felt like it might have been too short. I think overall that it was shocking for everyone that was close to me.



Did you have any regrets?


I have absolutely no regrets. Well, actually I do. My only regret is that I didn't go natural sooner! lol


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My long term goal is to grow my hair out long, healthy and strong. There are YouTubers that inspire me with their long, beautiful tresses. I'm inspired by RusticBeauty, LexiWithTheCurls, MopTopMaven, BeautifulBrwnBabyDol, AyannaNaeela, and soooooo many more! I want to achieve big, chunky twist-outs and gorgeous diva hair! lol

Natelege (Brownshuga24)

Courtney~Before and After

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

I thought about going natural for about a year or so, but had no idea where to start. It wasn't until later that I found natural hair blogs and youtube. Retaining length was never a problem for me but my hair began to thin tremendously from relaxers, so I decided to take the journey.

Was your transition a long or short one?

My transition was shorter than I had planned ,initially I wanted to transition for 1 year but I big chopped two months earlier because I was so anxious to see my progress.


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

When I was transitioning I really didn't know what I was doing .It wasn't until I cut it all off that I really started taking care of my hair. I seal the moisture in my hair often with water, Carol's Daughters Tui Leave in Conditioner, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Cantu Shea Butter.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

I did a lot of sew in weaves with my transition because I got tired of fighting with both textures.


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

I was actually surprised at how well I handled it, I felt great letting those relaxed ends go. My husband loved it and his opinion mattered a lot so as long as he loved it, I was okay.


Did you have any regrets?


Absolutely not, not once do I say I shouldn't have gone natural. I think I made the best decision I could of made for my hair and I can never see myself going back.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I plan on eating healthy and drinking lots of water because its also important what you put in your body. My goals are to maintain healthy hair and retain length.

Dexlyn ~Before and After

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

I decided to go natural in October 2009. 2 months before hand I had gotten a relaxer. It was weird how I came about going natural. I seen a lady with curly hair and I was like I want mines like that too. I went home that same day learning about natural hair, well I did find out we all can have different hair types which was a shock to me. I transitioned for 7 months, I recently did the BC on March 19Th 2010.


Was your transition a long or short one?

I guess long. I did it for 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 kept my hair moisturized by putting water in it almost everyday. I used coconut oil and cantu shea butter leave in.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


Ponytails and I did that for a couple months straight. Any other styles just didn't come out right.



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

When I BC'd I felt good. But a day after I felt like I should of waited a bit longer. But as of today I don't care, hair grows I am happy with my decision.
Everyone that I know loved it. My boyfriend just wishes it was longer.


Did you have any regrets?

No regrets.I just wish I had longer hair


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My goals are to continue loving my hair, taking care of it and watch it grow.


Me before the relaxer.


Curly fro transitioning style,

Jennifer ~ Before and After

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


I wanted to go natural for about 2 years, but I never had the courage to do it. But in recent months, I started watching videos on YouTube about other women who have either gone natural or was transitioning to natural. It inspired me to want to finally try it out. I grew my hair out for few months before I got frustrated with the two textures and decided to just do it!



Was your transition a long or short one?



I only transitioned for 3 months, so it was a very short 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 used Garnier Fructis leave conditioner on a daily basis to moisturize my hair whether it was wet or dry.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


While transitioning I blow dried/ flat iron my hair straight every other week but I wore Bantu knots, twist sets or braid outs. When I didn’t feel like doing my hair I would put weave in for a few days.



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


My exact statement was, “OMG my hair, I cut my hair!” I was scared out of my mind and really surprised that I just chopped off all of my hair. During the first few days I was so unsure of myself and a little insecure ,until I came to the conclusion that I didn’t care what people thought about my hair and I am the same Jennifer with or without hair.



Did you have any regrets?


Not one regret.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


I plan to treat my hair with the up most respect and gratitude. LOL. Seriously, I plan to continue to grow my hair out healthy (my focus is not just mega length) and embrace the natural me.

Christannette ~ Before and After

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


Well,sometime in 2008 was the first time I considered going natural, I'd heard a silly rumor that if you don't relax your hair for a long time your hair will grow, so when I got to about 4 inches of unrelaxed hair I was seriously considering cutting off the relaxed ends, but then thought "better" of it and relaxed my hair. Earlier this year, I joined a facebook group called "Care for your hair" and I instantly became hooked on Natural hair care, my hair was always damaged, breaking and refused to stay a nice healthy length, it was always one problem after another ,but I didn't know it was actually being caused by the relaxer, so in the end I was more than ready to just chop it all off.



Was your transition a long or short one?


My transition was very short. I wasn't hesitant at all, I'd never gone that short with my hair before but I was ready, plus I wasn't really feeling braids/weave to transition because they itch me way too much, so I just chopped about 2 weeks after deciding to go natural.



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


I'm still trying to find what works for my hair, but what I've discovered my hair loves so far is Pure Coconut oil, Coconut hair milk, Mega Thick doo gro oil, Alberto Balsam conditioner, Carrot oil and Organic Root stimulator hair mayonnaise.



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


My cut was a big change, but by the evening I was in love with it, I couldn't stop looking in mirrors lol. People reacted really well to my big chop, I got a lot of positive feedback.



Did you have any regrets?


None whatsoever.



What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


I want to grow my hair to a nice long length before I start really experimenting with my hair e.g cutting it, possibly natural hair dye etc, but for now my main focus is growth and keeping it healthy :o)

Charvass ~ Before and After

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

Well, actually I was natural for a while back in 2002 ,but I caved in under pressure and got a relaxer. My hair was growing quite well until I started going to this new hair dresser. I didn't want to get a relaxer but she talked me into it. About six months later, I was combing my hair then I realize my hair was gone on one side. My hair was broken off at the middle of the shaft and not from the roots. I was extremely ticked off because my hair was shoulder length. I pointed this out to my hairdresser and she acted as if nothing was wrong. She didn't want to cut my hair but it was broken off so bad that you could see through it. We fought tooth and nail about me cutting my hair. So, she finally gave in and cut it off. March 2008, I stop going to that hairdresser and started growing my perm out.


Was your transition a long or short one?

My transition was short.It only lasted 6 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 kept my hair in braids throughout my transition. I tried to use a lot of tea tree oil, carrot oil and vitamin E on my scalp. Now I use Carol's Daughter Hair Milk or Olive Oil hair lotion.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

Flat twist and braids.


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

OMG, my natural hairstylist talked me into the "BC". I was so scared but I went through with it and I loved my Big Chop. People were very positive about the BC and if they weren't ,I didn't give a damn because it is my hair.

Did you have any regrets?


The only regret I have, is relaxing my hair back in 2003 but lack of knowledge, peer pressure and low self-esteem caused me to give into society's beauty standards.



What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I just want long, healthy hair.I love being natural and I am not turning back.

Patrice ~Before and After

HOW LONG WERE YOU THINKING OF GOING NATURAL ? WHAT'S THE STORY?

I thought about going natural after my last relaxer to touch up the back of my hair (which was cut really short). It dried out the ends of my hair, which I had decided to shave down closer anyway. Two weeks later, it seemed like the section that I had relaxed was getting all busy again. It was too short to flat iron and I just became so frustrated! When I became frustrated, i decided that I was going to just embrace my hair's natural texture and I began my transition.


WAS YOUR TRANSITION A LONG OR SHORT ONE??

My transition was pretty short, I already had pretty short hair and I cut an inch off before getting kinky twists done.When I took the twists out, I had my hairdresser cut the rest off. I have no pics to show because I got it cornrowed right after, but the transition lasted for 4 months for the top and middle of my head and 3.5 in the back.



WE ALL KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO MOISTURIZE YOUR HAIR WHILE IN TRANSITION ,WHAT PRODUCTS DID YOU USE TO KEEP YOUR HAIR MOISTURIZED ?


I used Infusium 23 leave in conditioner when I wore my hair out and Africans Best Herbal Oil for when I had my hair in a protective style.


WHAT WAS YOUR STAPLE HAIRSTYLE WHILE IN TRANSITION?

Roller set (for a curly fro) and kinky twists


WHEN YOU DECIDED TO BIG CHOP ,HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR CUT? AND HOW DID PEOPLE REACT TO IT?


I decided to "BC" on Saturday, which was March 13, 2010. I got it braided after she cut it but it made me feel wonderful. The day before ,I had taken out my kinky twists and could not do anything with my hair because of straight ends. I live away from my family with my fiance and he's really supportive. To him, it's just hair and when I came home he wanted to know why didn't I just wear it out =)


DID YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS??


That I didn't do it sooner to give myself a chance to see how beautiful my natural hair can be.



WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM GOALS FOR YOUR HAIR JOURNEY?

My long term goal is just to have healthy hair. I've always loved shorter hair so I don't really have any goals as far as length goes.

Erin~ Before and After

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


Well, I changed my hair like i change underwear! doing different things to it and putting all kinds of weaves in it. It took a toll on my hair and on me. i changed my hair so much but i had some insecurity issues.
so God and I had a very long conversation and he said in order for me to find stability in life, i needed to find stability in my hair. besides, i hated the maintenance of relaxers. and how bad they made my hair break off.


Was your transition a long or short one?

Actually i didn't transition. I had a perm and i got my hair cut ,then about a month and a half later I BC'd.



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

The product i use for moisture is a shea butter mix i mixed myself. its a combo of organic shea butter, EVOO, kemi oil, and a little KC Knot today leave in conditioner. it's so amazing i love the way it feels. its so light-weight. and i try to use it every two days. and for my protective style i use EVOO, and KC knot today diluted with water in a spray bottle.


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

When i decided to Big Chop ,i felt like a boy.What made matters worse ,was people thought me and my older brother were twins! it was tragic lol. People at my church asked me if i was going through a crises. My group mate at the time, and now boyfriend liked it a lot. All and all i was happy with my decision but i still wished i transitioned instead of BC'ing.


Did you have any regrets?
All and all I'm happy with my decision ,but i still wished i transitioned instead of BC'ing. lol



What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

Just to have healthier hair.

Georgia~ Before and After

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

A few years before my BC, I've always thought about going natural but I was afraid of what my natural hair would look like and what people might say. It took me awhile to get over the fear, but I did eventually and I wish I did it sooner.

Was your transition a long or short one?

My transition was very short, 2 months.
I wanted to experience my natural hair, so I did my big chop while my hair was in a protective style (kinky twist).

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

While transitioning, I used Herbal Essence Sleek & Shine Leave-In, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil to moisturize my hair. I try to keep it pretty simple, even now while I'm natural.

What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

My go to style while transitioning was kinky twist.

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

I decided to BC, April 19, 2009 and I was so excited and nervous all at the same time. At first I didn't really like my cut, but I started to love it. Most of my family and friends were really supportive, except for my grandma. To this day she will ask,"why did you cut off your hair, are you going to perm(relax) it again?" and I say "No, Never, Stop asking me". lol

Did you have any regrets?

Nope, No regrets.

What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I just want to have thick and healthy hair. It can grow nice and long as well, that would be nice :)

La Cienega~A diva in Transition

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


I've had relaxed hair for about 4 years.The reason i had relaxed my hair in the first place was just for a change of style. I was tired of braids and cornrows and wanted to try something new. During my first 2 years with relaxed hair, i was heat-free and as a result, my hair was over shoulder length, thick and healthy. As i started using heat (blow drying weekly with no heat protectant), slowly but surely(over 2 years) my hair got damaged and broke off to about neck-length. As if that wasn't bad enough, i started self-relaxing, and since i didn't know what i was doing, after a year i had about 4 demarcation lines in my hair ! (patterns of well processed and under processed hair).
I began my healthy hair journey summer 2009 and decided that i would just take special care of my hair and hopefully it would get stronger, however, it kept breaking off easily on those numerous demarcation lines.
January 2010 is when i finally decided to let it all go and start fresh. I decided i was going to do a big chop and go natural again.
At the moment, I'm 2 months into my transition, i have 4 more months to go. I plan on big chopping in June :)
I will be rocking a coloured twa for about a year before i start growing my hair out again (i take this experience as a chance to finally experiment with hair colour, something i would never do with relaxed hair).


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

I've shared my plans with my family and close friends, and I'm glad to have received nothing but support from them.


What styles are you currently using to transition?

Currently, I'm using my trusty-curly half wig :)
i love her !

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

To moisturize my hair these days all i use is Aussie Moist conditioner. I works great for my hair, and my new growth loves it!


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

So far, i haven't faced any challenges with this transition, perhaps its because its not my first time .. When i began my healthy hair journey i did a 6 month stretch which went really well (again, thanks to half-wigs, i didn't have to manipulate my hair daily)


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

I do plan on Big chopping in June, and I'm so excited.


What are your long term goals for your hair?

For now( starting in June), i would like to enjoy my coloured twa's and fro-hawks.
In the future, lets say about 10 years from now, I'd love to have at least MBL natural/afro hair.

Cali B ~ Natural Inspiration

How long have you been natural?

I've been natural now for 1 year, after transitioning for 18 months.

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

My hair story isn't special, or emotional. I got a relaxer at a young age, not out of self hate it was just something I did a few times a years to make my hair "manageable". I decided to go natural at 16, I wanted to try something new. I grew tired of wrapping my hair every night, and curling it every morning to give it character.

How would you describe your hair type?

My hair type is really complicated. I used to describe it as 3c/4a but recently I've discovered some looser 3b curls. I have 4a around the perimeter, 3c in the crown, and randomly placed are 3b curls.


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

I don't have a strict regimen, it usually depends on the style I'm wearing, and how my hair feels. If I'm wearing small braids or twists, I usually push it for 2 weeks before I wash and condition. When I wear wash and gos, I co wash every other day and deep condition weekly. I don't keep alot of products in constant rotation. I've been trying out alot of different products. For co-washes and detangling .I use either V05 Moisture Milks or Suaves Tropical Coconut. For shampoo I use Creme of Natures Detangling and Conditioning Shampoo, I love it because it doesn't strip my hair. I moisturize with my Homemade Whipped Shea Butter, and seal with Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil.

Do you have any long term goals for you hair?

I would love to keep my hair healthy and retain length.


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

Computers are my best friend, you're reading this interview right now, so I'm guessing you're familiar with it too! Do your research, its so much information floating around the net. Seriously, when i was deep into my transition i had a "DUH Moment" when i finally decided to google natural hair. Patience is also key, your hair isn't going to grow back overnight.

Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?


You can find me at www.youtube.com/chisellecouture I'm also on Hairlista.com as chisellecouture

MY TRIP TO THE BRONNER BROTHER'S HAIR SHOW

Here are some of the pictures from the Bronner Brothers hair show.Although there really wasn't a lot of natural hair and products ,it was a good experience .There were so many funky hairstyles their also ,but it goes to show that this show really wasn't about healthy hair practices and just about the next new style.




Mmmmm , he was just some random model





Go Shima !!!




I chased him down for this pic Ha ha






Me in my hotel room

Wendy ~Before and After

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

I thought about going natural i.e. Loc my hair from age 16. I am so in love with Bob Marley and rastafarianism and wanted to pledge whole heartedly to the movement,nonetheless it didn't happen then. I was kindly reminded by my mother that not under her roof it would happen:(. I have had chemicals being applied to my hair from age 5..a very long time over 20+ years. My scalp became so irritated, the thought about getting a six weeks perm got me so livid. In 2008 I just could not go on with the lies I was feeding to myself thinking that it was o.k. to continue on the chemical path, so I got up one day and just went to the salon and got my big chop.....and hence I have not looked back.


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 didn't go through transition nonetheless I have been using deep conditioners......."fortnightly olive oil steaming," optimum hair lotion, olive oil oil sheen etc.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

I have had braids over the summer of 2009..not in transition but wanted to give myself a little less work to do on my vacation. Yeah I kind of cheated a bit with texturizer..don't think that constitute as transition??????


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

It was a spur of the moment decision in 2008. I actually loved it..freedom, not worrying about going to the salon or getting my hair wet during workout or shower. People were shocked..like "wth"..nonetheless there weren't any negative comments about my decision but a bit of teasing comically about the shape of my head etc.


Did you have any regrets?

None then, now or ever.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

To maintain my hair naturally and in a healthy manner,because I don't ever want to go back to using chemicals. For the first time I can feel my natural texture and I am very appreciative of it.

Samara~Before and After

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

I didn't do much research at first, but I was really tired of my relaxed hair. It was thinning out and shedding from stress causing it to be different lengths. I had past shoulder length hair on the sides and in the very back center my hair was significantly shorter. My hair was also still recovering from damage of the microbraids I worn years ago! My first decision wasn't really to go natural, but to cut my hair off and try a texturizer instead on the new growth. When that didn't go well, meaning I did not like the results or the amount of product and time it took for maintenance to make my hair look "curly", I just shaved it all off and decided to go completely natural.



Was your transition a long or short one?

I did not have a transitional period.



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

I was a bit skeptical at first because I wasn't used to my hair being as short as it was. I actually purchased a wig and wore it for my first few months. When I did become comfortable with my hair length, I did get rude comments from people that did not understand natural hair. The one word that stuck out the most was "crackhead". It was very hurtful to say the least. I had a total stranger once yell that out the window at me for no reason while I was walking to work. I then went and got my hair braided at a salon (medium sized braids of coarse), because I was so self conscience about my hair. When I did decide to remove my braids, the insults started again. I was called bald headed by someone and not to forget to include the word "nappy-head" as well. Although my hair was almost shoulder length at the time, the amount of shrinkage made my hair look very short and I was tired of people being rude and making comments about something they didn't understand. I got fed up with the insults, but instead of going back to a relaxer, I decided to correct people on their comments if they were ever said to me directly, which of coarse they weren't.


My husband, however loves my natural hair, and so does my dad and even my mom whom was upset at first when I cut it. My family supports me regarding my decision and that's all that matters to me. As time went on, I have gotten compliments from both men and women whom respect and embrace natural hair. It's really nice to have someone say your hair is beautiful after all the negativity I endured in the past towards my hair choice.


Did you have any regrets?


I have no regrets. Going natural is the best thing I've done for myself in a long time. You'd be amazed at how much damage a relaxer really causes. It can actually damage the hair beneath the scalp making going natural difficult at first, but once you overcome that hurdle, it's smooth sailing!


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

To have healthy, thick, long hair. My length goal is bra strap length. My health goal is to create a customized regimen for my hair that will work for me to maintain healthy hair that will accumulate length minimizing breakage, shedding, tangles, and knots.