That is the question most women contemplate when deciding to go natural.
I have been transitioning since last year and I am finally just inches away to the end of my journey! The beginning was both exciting and frustrating, like any new endeavor we undertake.
Once I got into the routine of things I became more and more comfortable with the transition and enjoyed the process.
Going natural is and should be a personal decision. Once we decide to do it we are faced with another big decision. We have to decide either we would transition or big chop. We all make our choices for different reasons but what's important is to own and be comfortable with the choice we make.
I knew that transitioning was the best option for me because I sure can't tolerate having ' bad hair days'. I can't tolerate the thoughts of my hair being in a condition I have NO idea how to manage.
I did notice in the course of my journey that most people put pressure on the BC but it's my hair not theirs. I am the one who has to be happy and feel confident about my " crown" so I was in no way going to give into any kind of pressure about the BC.
Transitioning granted me more control. I can handle my hair with length. I would have been a frustrate sister if I had cut my hair and learned to care for it short and impatiently waiting for growth. I knew that even with a relaxer, short styles can be demanding so there was no way I would have complicated my life by having a BC.
Plus I am married and greatly respect the idea to always being/feeling attractive. Personally I think that when we are into a relationship we should maintain our best look even with natural hair and I did not think that I could pull it off with a BC!
I feel more confident when I look my best and I had doubt that a big chop would help me maintain that confidence consistently.
I wanted the natural hair without dealing with unwelcome frustrations.
Here an old article on the start of my natural journey: http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-am-coming-out-call-to-naturals.html
My Tips for easy transitioning:
Transitioning was easy for me because of the following:
1) I asked a LOT of questions before deciding to go natural.
2) I deep conditioned my hair every two weeks.
3) I maintained regular visit to the salon by having my hair professionally maintained and had my ends trimmed as needed.
4) I stuck with hair stylists that had natural hair and were very experienced in maintaining my hair healthy.
5) I stuck to products and procedures that work best for me from professional brands my hairdresser recommended to homemade products/treatment I loved.
I rarely used any protective styles throughout my transition. I got my hair braided just once in the course of my transition, and I used a pretty wig a couple of days when I was too lazy to attend to my hair.
Well, that's what worked for me and made my transition enjoyable!
Remember that it's your hair and either you BC or transition you are the one that has to love your hair (and make your man fall in love with your "crown").
What about you? What did you do once you decide to go natural? Are you a new natural? Are you transitioning or going with a Big Chop? Why?
N'na
That's great advice. I've been natural for the last year and a half. I love being natural and don't think I'll ever go back :).
ReplyDeleteI love being natural! I have been natural for 2 years. I was a long term transitioner. I actually grew it out without trimming it or cutting it. I have a conviction about cutting my hair- I am apostolic pentecostal :) On the other hand I agree that it was much easier to deal with my new growth as it came rather than starting fresh with a head of curls! That would have been crazy! My husband is the reason I went natural. He suggested it and initially I thought he was crazy but the more he talked about it the more I realized it was actually a great decision. So here I am, 2 years later- all natural and loving it!
ReplyDeleteHey Kristen
ReplyDeleteNice hearring from you. I bet being natural make running a lot easier. Having a relaxer use to discourage me so much from running( and swimming) unless I had a hair appointment scheduled in the days ahead.
Hey Kendrrraaaa
ReplyDeleteI did not know that your hubby was encouraged your natural haire life, but I did remember reading about your apostolic pentecostal background long before you even became a member on this site.
I have received some apostolic pentecostal teaching when I was in college at Purdue University. I used to attend a UPC church and I remember them not even being fans of trimming at all so I understand where you are coming from. You are total proof that with patience we can experience a healthy hair transition without cutting. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Yes it was my hubby who started me on this journey. I wouldn't have even dared to think about it! lol. Seriously!! I loved my straight hair and damaged hair ;) He loves curls and huge hair. He thinks it has way more character than straight hair! Its awesome to have that kind of support. If I don't tie it up at night, he will tell me, "babe, go tie up your hair!" lol He's on it!
ReplyDeleteWow that is pretty cool. Do you remember the name of the church? Its amazing how we are all somewhat connected!
Have a great day!
Hi kendra, sorry for the late reply. I don't remember the name of the church it's been so long all I remember is that it was UPC.
ReplyDeleteAs for your hair it's a true blessing that you too have a very supportibe husband!!!