Denie ~Before and After

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


I always admired women that I saw with natural hair. I never knew that I could be natural as well. I thought once I got a relaxer there was no turning back. I never hated my natural hair I just thought it was very unmanageable.Then one day accidentally I discovered the youtube natural hair community and I spent alot of time watching natural hair journey videos. I was so amazed. So I started doing research on going natural and then I made up my mind to do it. And it has been the best decision that I have made for my hair.



Was your transition a long or short one?


My transition was a long one. It lasted for eight months ,although I had planned to go a year. It became very difficult dealing with the two textures and after my friend made me realize how busted my hair was looking I just knew that I had to do the big chop sooner than I planned.



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 would co-wash often and keep my hair moisturized with shea butter and coconut oil.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


My staple hairstyle was definitely a ponytail I wore my hair in a ponytail for about 98% of the time. The only time I wore any other style was when I went to Jamaica for spring break I got my hair braided and early in my transition I flat-ironed twice.



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


After I did the big chop my initial reaction was ultimate shock. My hair looked dry and like I had a big matted fro. I immediately told my friend that did my big chop to braid my hair. So we went to the store and got the braid hair and I felt like all eyes were on me. I wore the braids for two days because I became allergic to the hair. After I took the braids down and washed my hair I saw my beautiful natural hair come alive and I have been in love with my hair ever since. I got some negativity from others but I did not let it bother me and now I have longer hair than all the people that told me I was a fool for cutting my "pretty" long hair.


Did you have any regrets?


The only regrets that I have is that I did not go natural sooner or if I could have known then what I know now I would never had relaxed my hair.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My long term goals for my hair journey is to keep my hair healthy and achieve my goal of waist length hair.

Jaee Jae ~ Before and After

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


I was thinking about going natural from May 2008 I believe. I left home to come to college and I noticed that everyone had curly, natural, pretty hair. I felt like I should not have permed my hair at 13. I thought I was a woman.. yes at 13 lol :) Furthermore, I just got to my breaking point with perms, I was tired of perming my hair every 3 to 6 months and only had one option, straight hair. I mean if I wanted my hair curly then I will have to use the curling iron or sit under the dryer with curlers. I was tired of putting my hair through that and plus if my hair was natural then I can have the option of straight or curly hair :).


Was your transition a long or short one?


My transition was a long one, 1 year and 1 month.



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 Soft Sheen Optimum Oil Therapy. Its a 3-in-1 creme oil moisturizer. It restores essential oils, prevents breakage and protects against heat. I also used Bronner Brothers hair grease for my scalp mostly but I would distribute it throughout my hair.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


At first I use to wash my hair and leave it out or half up half down but towards the end, the last month or so I brushed it in one and flipped it into a bun.


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


I decided to do the Big Chop when I didn't want to deal with the two different textures anymore. I did my Big Chop Jan. 2010. At first I liked it but then I started to hate it because I never had short hair before and couldn't come up with any short hairstyles. With long hair you can brush it in one and go but with short hair I had to leave it out or half up half down in a clip. After a while I liked it again and thought it was cute. Everyone liked it, especially my best friend. At first she was against it and when she saw it she liked it. It also helped with my career in modeling, everyone who I work with now loves it.


Did you have any regrets?


At first I did because I never had short hair but now I don't, I love it.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

My long term goals for my hair journey is to have healthy hair, longer hair and full hair. I feel like I am on the right path because I have 2 out of 3 so far and now I am waiting for the longer hair.

Carla ~Before and After

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


I thought about going natural for about 2 yrs before I actually did it. I've loved naturally curly hair for years, but it never occurred to me that I could have it! (weird right?)...until one day I ended up on YouTube and saw all the versatility that natural hair offered! I was instantly obsessed with it! And because I was impatient, I didn't really transition. I got all my hair cut off after 3 mos. without a relaxer.


Was your transition a long or short one?

very short...like non-existent.


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 really transition. The way I keep my hair moisturized now is by co-washing with Aussie Moist or Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture conditioner twice a week. I also use extra virgin coconut oil on my hair for shine and softness daily. I deep condition once a week with olive oil, my favorite conditioner, and honey. I use Castor oil in the winter time on my twists and also as a pre-poo treatment.


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


I had really mentally prepared myself for the BC, so after it happened I felt great! I felt free and a little "naked." I could no longer hide behind my hair, and I liked that feeling. I felt more confident and unique. Everyone was shocked when they saw that I really did it. No one really believed I would. But 99% of people's reactions were positive!


Did you have any regrets?

I have literally not had ONE second of regret for this whole first year being natural! I love my new-found hair!


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My ultimate goal is for healthy hair. But along with that, I am expecting my hair to continue to grow down my back. Will I be okay if it doesn't? Definitely. I also am trying to educate everyone who will listen about natural hair and how it is not this scary monster that we are taught to believe. I applaud Angie for her wonderful site! I also have a site: Fyecurls@blogspot.com. "Each one...Teach one!" (I stole that from the Precious movie... :-))

Chamille ~Before and After

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

I considered it for a while. In 2005 I went an entire year with no relaxer, but I kept it either pressed or in kinky twists. I went back to relaxers, and then during the beginning of 2009, I was approaching graduation,I was considering moving out of state, so I wanted to know how to take care of my hair in general because it was getting really thin. After my last relaxer in April, I "found" youtube as a resource. After that I was determined to have healthy, natural hair and truly know how to care for it. I also felt empowered to show others that black hair is beautiful in its natural state, and we can have hair as long as we care to grow it.


Was your transition a long or short one?


May last relaxer was at the end of April 2009 and my big chop was November 30, 2009. So 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 wasn't using the best products during my transition, because I was still learning. During that time, I was more focused on styles than health. I used "Jam" on my edges, Optimum hair lotion, and Pantene Relaxed and Natural Hair Lotion, sometimes Blue Magic. My hair typically was more greasy than moisturized.



What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


Braid-outs for most of the time. I got braids for a few months, then Kinky Twists, and then I did my BC.


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


I felt relieved because I made that "big step" and I knew I wouldn't go back, but I truly hated it and that probably had a lot to do with people's reactions. My sister told me it was ugly..after that my boyfriend (who I refused to show my hair and hid under a hood) felt it and told me I was bald-headed, my grandma (whom I live with) frowned her face and always had negative things to say (even to this day, but she's getting better). Overtime, once it grew out a bit more, and I started trying styles, my boyfriend and friends liked it, and now the rest of my family likes it and I get compliments all the time. But it was really rough for a while.


Did you have any regrets?


I think cutting my hair without talking to my friends and family first. If I could go back, I would have either transitioned longer, or really sat down with the people closest to me about my reasons for going natural, and how important it was to me. I think if I had done that and gave them more facts that I knew, they wouldn't have been AS negative. My little sister is just rude so she still would've reacted like that. But it's important to get a few people on your side because it is a VERY emotional process, even to this day. My grandmother hurts my feelings a lot, and its sad that people can only look to one standard of beauty. But having friends who support you (even on the Internet) helps a lot.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I would like to find some products that my hair REALLY loves, learn how to part (I am horrible at parting my own hair) and eventually have healthy, strong, bra strap length hair (hopefully by the end of 2012).

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 :)

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.