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.

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.

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

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.