When a Person Says They Started Out "0" Inches........

[HauteHippie]

So if that person said they started from zero 44 months ago would that make it better, or do you feel slighted that someone would say that even if they didn't shave all their hair off like you did?

Not directed at you, but I think some people who started from bald feel like their journey is somehow more authentic than someone who transitioned. Especially the long term transitioners, which is why some people get all riled up if the distinction isn't made. I've seen multiple comments made about "oh she didn't start with a twa", when in reality, 4 years of growth is 4 years of growth. Other than styling options, there is no difference. And I've never seen styling brought up as the issue, so that's why I think there's some pettiness going on. Of course I know that doesn't apply to everyone, but some people can be really ugly about this whole hair thing.

Sent from my HTC Evo

I'm not sure if people get "riled" up per se. But it definitely used to annoy and confuse me when I was new. Especially is they were big Mega Tek, Miconozale, and/or sulfur users. My first year I retained 5 inches, but it wasn't good enough b/c I'd see a thread for so-and-so who "BCd" the same time I did. Anyway, now I know better. I guess counting someone else's inches is a no-no. For a few reasons.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using T-Mobile G2

 

[reeko43]

I'm not sure if people get "riled" up per se. But it definitely used to annoy and confuse me when I was new. Especially is they were big Mega Tek, Miconozale, and/or sulfur users. My first year I retained 5 inches, but it wasn't good enough b/c I'd see a thread for so-and-so who "BCd" the same time I did. Anyway, now I know better. I guess counting someone else's inches is a no-no. For a few reasons.

Really what was your experience? Why do you feel that your big chop wasn't good enough compared to someone elses? 5 inches is great retention to me.

 

[nzeee]

I'm not sure if people get "riled" up per se. But it definitely used to annoy and confuse me when I was new.

^^ditto on being confused

and re: comparison; tho it's not normally good to compare ourselves to others at some point we were all learning and comparing is one of the ways we learn. To me it's the same as using the "hair grows an average 1/2" per month stat as a marker. i'm sure many of us compare our growth against that average to determine whether we are adequately retaining or if there's something we need to change to improve retention. It's not until we know our individual hair really well that we understand our personal hair growth rate and don't worry so much about the average.

when we're new, comparing our growth/retention to people of similar textures and lengths is completely natural and the same as comparing against the 0.5"/mth population average. but when all the information is not put out there regarding transitioning and such then yeh it's confusing and likely disheartening to some.

when you're still figuring out your hair, hearing about another's amazing growth can really motivate you or bring you down or get you to question your reggie. Until you find out the next person started off w/ a lot more hair than you and tho they're at bsl and you're only shoulder they didn't start from 0" as you did (and you assumed or were lead to believe they did)... they went from shoulder to bsl which is still commendable and even more so since it's more accurate.

in the scenario above i could see someone being initially confused, then disheartened and upon finding out all the details (re: the missing transitioning period) winding up somewhat irritated. sure one can say people should MYOB and stay out of other people's hair but i think full disclosure on a forum focused on long hair is beneficial for everybody.

and this isn't about being down on long-term transitioners. i haven't heard anyone say that and i certainly don't feel that. it's just about full-disclosure...

another long post

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I agree that everyone should include their transition when talking about how long it took to reach a length. What I'm saying is that if you do in fact use your last relaxer as your starting point, no one should be confused or upset by that.

When a person comes in and says they BC'd 6 months ago and now they're BSL, that's confusing. If they say they started from zero 4 years ago, and now they're BSL, that makes sense, yet people still are dismayed to find that this person never had a twa. That's what I don't get. I don't see why it matters whether you ever had a twa or not. Maybe people think transitioners have an easier time with retention?

Sent from my HTC Evo

 

[lesedi]

So if that person said they started from zero 44 months ago would that make it better, or do you feel slighted that someone would say that even if they didn't shave all their hair off like you did?

Not directed at you, but I think some people who started from bald feel like their journey is somehow more authentic than someone who transitioned. Especially the long term transitioners, which is why some people get all riled up if the distinction isn't made. I've seen multiple comments made about "oh she didn't start with a twa", when in reality, 4 years of growth is 4 years of growth. Other than styling options, there is no difference. And I've never seen styling brought up as the issue, so that's why I think there's some pettiness going on. Of course I know that doesn't apply to everyone, but some people can be really ugly about this whole hair thing.

Sent from my HTC Evo

FoxxyLocs
I think there is some truth in that. Maybe its because those who started off from bald(or thereabouts) feel subconciously that they took the 'braver ' route?

 

[HauteHippie]

Really what was your experience? Why do you feel that your big chop wasn't good enough compared to someone elses? 5 inches is great retention to me.

Thanks. I think Nzee covered it.
Basically, I thought I was starting the same time as others who big chopped when I did, when really they transitioned but chose to leave that out. So, my 5 inches to their 8-12 had me feeling all sad and stuff.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using T-Mobile G2

 

[MzSwift]

Regardless of how the journey was started, I give props to all sistas who decide to go natural.

Sometimes I wish I had transitioned because it would have been easier to maintain moisture and style my hair (buns/braidouts/twistouts/knotouts). However, I don't think I would have been able to delicately manage the two textures as it grew in.

Growing my hair out from "0" helped me to realize and appreciate what my hair can and can't do. However, I feel I lost a lot of progress in the first few months as I could not properly maintain moisture because my hair was always exposed to the elements.

One path is not easier as both paths have benefits and drawbacks.

 

[reeko43]

Thanks. I think Nzee covered it.
Basically, I thought I was starting the same time as others who big chopped when I did, when really they transitioned but chose to leave that out. So, my 5 inches to their 8-12 had me feeling all sad and stuff.

I am sorry you felt that way. Whenever I see progress pics I always look at the before and after. Usually someone will ask how long did that person transition so I don't have to ask the question.

There are many ways to be misleading in these progress pics. A person could bc but then add convincing hair weave for length and fullness. Depending on the lighting, etc. unless you are standing there next to the person, how would you really know the difference?

I hope you no longer let this affect you. You know your progress and you know what it took you to get there. If I ever posted my progress pic and got few responses compared to someone else, it wouldn't even affect me. This is a long hair forum and people are going to fawn all over it no matter what the circumstances

 

[diadall]

FoxxyLocs
I think there is some truth in that. Maybe its because those who started off from bald(or thereabouts) feel subconciously that they took the 'braver ' route?

I am not going to lie, I feel that way. I guess because in MY experience women that have big chopped to nothing wanted their hair natural so bad they sacrificed their length.

I know one woman that wants to be natural but she is holding on to her relaxed ends and based on what she says I really wonder why is she even bothering. It seems to be a fad with her because she said she will not cut her relaxed ends until she is full BSL natural.

That is my opinion based on the women I know that are transitioning or have truly big chopped.

 

[reeko43]

I am not going to lie, I feel that way. I guess because in MY experience women that have big chopped to nothing wanted their hair natural so bad they sacrificed their length.

Herein lies the problem. Why concern yourself with why someone else is doing what they do and the method they use to reach their goal?

This kind of reasoning is why hazing in sororities/fraternities lasted so long. People felt that if you didn't pledge 1000 weeks and take a beatdown, you didn't want it as bad as those who took the "easy way out" and pledged grad chapter. Never mind that some of those die hards didn't even remain active in their organizations after they pledged and that some who took the "easy route" have been strong and dedicated members.

There are plenty of women who BC to super short only to get a perm as soon as they have enough hair and transitioners who are long term naturals. Doesn't sound like your friend has issues, it is your thought process. If ou and your friend achieve the same positive result, why does it matter how either of you got there?

 

[HauteHippie]

I am sorry you felt that way. Whenever I see progress pics I always look at the before and after. Usually someone will ask how long did that person transition so I don't have to ask the question.

There are many ways to be misleading in these progress pics. A person could bc but then add convincing hair weave for length and fullness. Depending on the lighting, etc. unless you are standing there next to the person, how would you really know the difference?

I hope you no longer let this affect you. You know your progress and you know what it took you to get there. If I ever posted my progress pic and got few responses compared to someone else, it wouldn't even affect me. This is a long hair forum and people are going to fawn all over it no matter what the circumstances

Thanks. It's not that serious for me, though. More like a passing thought. If I'd stuck around in the threads, I'm sure I would have found that someone finally asked the OP if she transitioned and for how long. I wasn't on the forum a lot back then.

Either way, I am always happy for the other person when they reach their goal and/or personal milestone. It's a point for everyone and serves as good inspiration.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using T-Mobile G2

 

[Lucie]

So if that person said they started from zero 44 months ago would that make it better, or do you feel slighted that someone would say that even if they didn't shave all their hair off like you did?

Not directed at you, but I think some people who started from bald feel like their journey is somehow more authentic than someone who transitioned. Especially the long term transitioners, which is why some people get all riled up if the distinction isn't made. I've seen multiple comments made about "oh she didn't start with a twa", when in reality, 4 years of growth is 4 years of growth. Other than styling options, there is no difference. And I've never seen styling brought up as the issue, so that's why I think there's some pettiness going on. Of course I know that doesn't apply to everyone, but some people can be really ugly about this whole hair thing.

Sent from my HTC Evo

Actually, yes I do. It takes way more ballz to BC all the way to less than 1/2" of your hair. Especially to someone like me who has always been BSL - MBL. A big chop is exactly that. A BIG CHOP! Transitioning is a whole other animal. Sorry, that's just how I feel. Again, (as I stated in another thread) this is why I don't really come into this section too much because sometimes I feel like I can't keep it real without it being an issue.

Granted, I understand not everyone feels their head-type can handle a BC. I have a big head. So, it was a concern of mine. A BIG concern (pun intended). Clipping as you go IMHO is not a BC. I don't see it as being petty. It's a matter of preference and opinion.

Nonetheless, I am just happy overall to see women in their natural hair state. At the end of the day, natural is natural.

 

[Lucie]

I am not going to lie, I feel that way. I guess because in MY experience women that have big chopped to nothing wanted their hair natural so bad they sacrificed their length.

I know one woman that wants to be natural but she is holding on to her relaxed ends and based on what she says I really wonder why is she even bothering. It seems to be a fad with her because she said she will not cut her relaxed ends until she is full BSL natural.

That is my opinion based on the women I know that are transitioning or have truly big chopped.

The first time I went natural, I literally had a baldy, slapped a bandana on and left the salon. I then proceeded to wear wigs for 5 months. This second time around I was almost BSL when I BCed and never rocked a wig/weave. I wanted to be free. I did not want to have anything on my head that was not growing out of my scalp. I truly understand how scary it is to just shave your hair off. Ironically, I laughed the whole time. The women next to me was shocked and thought my stylist was shaving off extensions.

I do not think any woman should feel bad NOT BCing to achieve natural hair. However, when a woman (like the one you mentioned) is waiting to be B FREAKIN S-L, what is the point? Do you want to be natural or what? Part of the journey is to let your hair do, what it do, how it wants to do it. Contending with 2 different textures until such a long length is achieved seems a bit faddish.

 

[BostonMaria]

You gotta be kidding me with this thread *sigh* ok I'll bite

I tell people I was bald when I BC'd but really I had about 5 inches of hair. To ME that was pretty damn bald haha especially since my hair had never been that short.



Sent from my fancy iPhone using LHCF

 

[kupenda]

Well...this is interesting. I would be lying if I said I didn't go in the other thread, read the post twice, look at the pics, and scoot on out in utter confusion. I have never, before today, heard of the whole "0 inches of natural hair but 20 inches of relaxed hair therefore starting from nothing" thing. You aren't starting from nothing lol. And yes, I do pride myself on starting from nothing. I feel tht I've earned it. I put up with the ruthless comments and side eyes, being called a man even though I'm in a dress, being referred to as a lesbian before anyone met me, etc. I feel I fought harder for my hair growth. And to be honest, I can't say I understand transitioning. What is the actual purpose? I tried it when I first joined the board, but I couldn't really figure why I should even bother when I could cut it off and start from scratch. So maybe I'm being mean and blah blah blah. Just my opinion. And as for the poll, us girls that use the app don't get access to polls, thanks buttons, mentions, etc so sorry, dear


Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[rainbowknots]

Actually, yes I do. It takes way more ballz to BC all the way to less than 1/2" of your hair. Especially to someone like me who has always been BSL - MBL. A big chop is exactly that. A BIG CHOP! Transitioning is a whole other animal. Sorry, that's just how I feel. Again, (as I stated in another thread) this is why I don't really come into this section too much because sometimes I feel like I can't keep it real without it being an issue.

Granted, I understand not everyone feels their head-type can handle a BC. I have a big head. So, it was a concern of mine. A BIG concern (pun intended). Clipping as you go IMHO is not a BC. I don't see it as being petty. It's a matter of preference and opinion.

Nonetheless, I am just happy overall to see women in their natural hair state. At the end of the day, natural is natural.

ITA with the bolded. It takes major cajones to do it and unfortunately I don't have them .

Well...this is interesting. I would be lying if I said I didn't go in the other thread, read the post twice, look at the pics, and scoot on out in utter confusion. I have never, before today, heard of the whole "0 inches of natural hair but 20 inches of relaxed hair therefore starting from nothing" thing. You aren't starting from nothing lol. And yes, I do pride myself on starting from nothing. I feel tht I've earned it. I put up with the ruthless comments and side eyes, being called a man even though I'm in a dress, being referred to as a lesbian before anyone met me, etc. I feel I fought harder for my hair growth. And to be honest, I can't say I understand transitioning. What is the actual purpose? I tried it when I first joined the board, but I couldn't really figure why I should even bother when I could cut it off and start from scratch. So maybe I'm being mean and blah blah blah. Just my opinion. And as for the poll, us girls that use the app don't get access to polls, thanks buttons, mentions, etc so sorry, dear


Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

I can't speak for everyone, but the reason I'm transitioning is because I don't have it in me to just chop it all off. I think ladies that take that step are very brave, but I just can't do it. I'm not going to transition for years though. I only have about 3 inches of new growth and I don't think that's enough. If I were to cut my hair at this length, the only thing I would do with it is throw in microbraids. I think it's pointless to chop off my hair, only to have to pay someone to add more hair. It's easier to keep it in single braids until I'm ready to let go. I saw a friend of mine shave it completely off only to go right back to relaxers. I think if she would have transitioned and had some length, she probably would've stayed natural. For many people it's a mental as well as physical transition.

 

[Golden75]

I never gave this thought, until it was posted. When I did see I went from 0 to XX in X amount of time, I did expect to see less than an inch of hair, and when I did not see a shiny bald head, or peach fuzz, I clicked out, a little confused, but just K.I.M.

Otherwise it wasn't a thought. But like what was said upthread, I haven't really seen any one say I went from 0 inches, but I get what the poster is saying, 0 inches of non-chemicalized new growth to SL, but at first glance, I didn't get it.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I didn't start out bald, really for no other reason than I didn't have to. It was just unnecessary.

Sent from my HTC Evo

 

[kittenz]

I was also confused about the other thread but the answers in here cleared it up. I just figured she was joking. This could have been asked in the DUMB questions thread instead of being facetious.

 

[HauteHippie]

I was also confused about the other thread but the answers in here cleared it up. I just figured she was joking. This could have been asked in the DUMB questions thread instead of being facetious.

Oh. I am so slow. I couldn't figure out how the two were related exactly. I don't think OP is being facetious, though.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using T-Mobile G2

 

[kittenz]

^^^ You may be right... but it can definitely be seen that way If OP really just wanted to know and felt this deserved its own thread, sorry.

Personally, I would have asked this either in RTs, DQs or the original thread Different strokes....

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

I didn't start out bald, really for no other reason than I didn't have to. It was just unnecessary.

Sent from my HTC Evo

THIS! The connection between fad and long-term transitioning is quite ridiculous. One does not have anything to do with the other. For ME, relaxing was the fad. I was natural for 17 years, relaxed for 2, transitioned for 18 months and I have been fully natural for nearly 6 months. So it was faddish for me (or any other transitioner) to transition for so long because I did not want to be bald?

Your journey is your journey and this feeling of superiority just because someone did not follow the same path as you speaks more about your own issues.


Back to the topic, if someone says they started from 0 inches, I automatically think they were bald (less than an inch) but saying "from 0 inches to SL in a year" would clearly include from their last relaxer as well.

 

[Miss*Tress]

Come on ya'll we are really waxing poetic here.

You know when someone says, "I have zero inches of hair" that means they have basically less than an inch of hair. No one outside of this board would say someone has zero inches of hair if they have bsl but the only technicality is the last time they had a relaxer.

I had no idea that's what the other thread meant. I looked at the pictures then just clicked away in puzzlement.

For the record, I voted that 0 inches of hair means bald or peach fuzz.

 

[diadall]

reeko43

I am not concerned. A thread was created. I thought about the topic. I wrote what I thought about the topic. Had the thread not been created I would not have thought about the topic.

As far as your first sentence, "herein lies the problem," I am not out there causing problems for those with natural hair...or sororities and fraternities for that matter. erplexed

I am not concerned about most of the topics posted on LHCF, but I can still have an opinion. You think most of us are really concerned about what Ciara had on last week? No, but we can have an opinion.

Herein lies the problem. Why concern yourself with why someone else is doing what they do and the method they use to reach their goal?

This kind of reasoning is why hazing in sororities/fraternities lasted so long. People felt that if you didn't pledge 1000 weeks and take a beatdown, you didn't want it as bad as those who took the "easy way out" and pledged grad chapter. Never mind that some of those die hards didn't even remain active in their organizations after they pledged and that some who took the "easy route" have been strong and dedicated members.

There are plenty of women who BC to super short only to get a perm as soon as they have enough hair and transitioners who are long term naturals. Doesn't sound like your friend has issues, it is your thought process. If ou and your friend achieve the same positive result, why does it matter how either of you got there?

 

[reeko43]

@reeko43

I am not concerned.....As far as your first sentence, "herein lies the problem," I am not out there causing problems for those with natural hair...or sororities and fraternities for that matter. erplexed

I am not concerned about most of the topics posted on LHCF, but I can still have an opinion.

I don’t know who you do or don’t cause problems for because I don’t know you. I do know that the mindset "people who big chop really want to be natural and people who do a long transition are just part of a fad" is flawed.

I used reference to sororities/fraternities for the same reason that people seem to elevate themselves and/or purposes for their actions according to their own assumptions and generalizations of someone else’s actions. Not everyone who big chops is sacrificing because they really want natural hair. They may be used to cutting their hair short anyway, may have severely damaged hair, or may have succumbed to peer pressure. Also, unless you have done a long term transition, you can’t really speak accurately as to whether it is a sacrifice or not.

Thank you for expressing my opinion. I often wonder why a coworker of mine constantly harasses me about just cutting all of my hair off. I now have some insight into what her possible reasoning behind it may be .
I also have the same freedom to express my opinion and that is what I did and will continue to do. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[reeko43]

THIS! The connection between fad and long-term transitioning is quite ridiculous. One does not have anything to do with the other. For ME, relaxing was the fad. I was natural for 17 years, relaxed for 2, transitioned for 18 months and I have been fully natural for nearly 6 months. So it was faddish for me (or any other transitioner) to transition for so long because I did not want to be bald?

Your journey is your journey and this feeling of superiority just because someone did not follow the same path as you speaks more about your own issues.

Well put! This line of thinking is indeed ridiculous and flawed. I work full time and care for my son who is autistic and has many other disabilities. Anything I do to my hair other than slapping it into a ponytail is a sacrifice for me. My transition has been trying and definitely a sacrifice. And for anyone's information, I do really want my natural hair and take great pains to care for it. My reasons for doing my long term transition are my own and have nothing to do with how bad I want to be natural.

People would really do themselves a favor by focusing on their own hair journey and stop judging the journey of others.

 

[diadall]

Oh my! reeko43

Please go back and read my original post about this topic. I did not generalize, I spoke of one person in particular.

I also said I was basing my opinion on my own experience, just as you will base your opinion on your own experiences.

I see there are some deeper facets of this topic that bother you, for example with your coworker but do not confuse the two of us. I don't talk about hair to anyone beyond this board, not even with my friends.

I really hope this is not my first ebeef.

I don’t know who you do or don’t cause problems for because I don’t know you. I do know that the mindset "people who big chop really want to be natural and people who do a long transition are just part of a fad" is flawed.

I used reference to sororities/fraternities for the same reason that people seem to elevate themselves and/or purposes for their actions according to their own assumptions and generalizations of someone else’s actions. Not everyone who big chops is sacrificing because they really want natural hair. They may be used to cutting their hair short anyway, may have severely damaged hair, or may have succumbed to peer pressure. Also, unless you have done a long term transition, you can’t really speak accurately as to whether it is a sacrifice or not.

Thank you for expressing my opinion. I often wonder why a coworker of mine constantly harasses me about just cutting all of my hair off. I now have some insight into what her possible reasoning behind it may be .
I also have the same freedom to express my opinion and that is what I did and will continue to do. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[diadall]

@LaFemmNaturelle

I think people didn't read my post correctly and now its like trying to correct a rumor. In my post because I think it is mine that people are questioning I mention ONE person I knew who was transitioning and my opinion that she is doing it for a fad. I do not nor did I say that women who are transitioning are doing it as a fad. You are right in saying that he has nothing to do with the other and I didn't mean for it to.

Thanks!

THIS! The connection between fad and long-term transitioning is quite ridiculous. One does not have anything to do with the other. For ME, relaxing was the fad. I was natural for 17 years, relaxed for 2, transitioned for 18 months and I have been fully natural for nearly 6 months. So it was faddish for me (or any other transitioner) to transition for so long because I did not want to be bald?

Your journey is your journey and this feeling of superiority just because someone did not follow the same path as you speaks more about your own issues.


Back to the topic, if someone says they started from 0 inches, I automatically think they were bald (less than an inch) but saying "from 0 inches to SL in a year" would clearly include from their last relaxer as well.

 

[nzeee]

^^yikes! how'd we get so off track and uhm... just wow erplexed i feel like we all need a hug now

i think everyone has challenges in their personal life and in their hair journeys. everyone's challenge is different and will be taken different based on that individual's life experience.

i don't think the intention was to judge long-term transitioners for choosing to transition rather than BC to bald tho. i personally don't care and have never thought about it. Shooo, if i had BSL hair ain't no way i'm chopping it all off to be authentic. what?? i'm swanging that all over the place till i make it. but i wouldn't be talking about how i 'big chopped' when i clipped a few inches either. i do think that minimizes the experience of the women who go bald. and if i'm sharing progress i'll provide relevant details. it's not hard... a quick like about how long you transitioned and where you are now avoids all confusion and helps everybody.

people have said they'd just 'assume' someone had transitioned if they had overly impressive growth but that assumption can't be universal and the onus shouldn't be on the viewer to make things up and imagine a backstory to what they're seeing.

this is the first place i've been where there are sooooo many long haired black women!! when i first became active late last year, it was like i'd found a herd of super rare unicorns! the whole experience was so fantastical for me that if someone said they went from 0" to BSL in 1yr i'd be like great! how can i do that too? i would not automatically assume anything about their transitioning. my point?? one can't assume that everyone will automatically know that 0" didn't refer to bald. one can't assume that a n00b will make correct assumptions regarding details of someone's journey that they haven't themselves disclosed.

this forum should be about education (and drama and silliness cuz we like that) and all these assumption aren't helpful. over 80% of people taking this poll agree 0" means bald. done. perhaps long-term transitioners should find another way of sharing information that would cause less confusion...

 

[lesedi]

I have nothing against transitioners but I do find it irritating when I eventually find out that someone's BC length was APL and I'm trying to emulate their progress. It de-motivates me.