Hey guys, ex-lurker here, new and armed with questions.

[Kneechay]

Hey y'all, (that's the Texan in me but please don't blame me for Bush) I've finally quit lurking around LHCF and decided to join because I have so much I wanted to say and ask. Well, before graduation in Spring 06, I decided to go natural and grew out my hair and perm with braids, it worked so well. Ever since, I've been trimming inch by inch to get rid of the relaxed ends and I am glad to say I am free of them.

I came to this country with a head full of natural, long hair but my aunt decided to relax me and my sisters' hair because she felt it was too much, and that began the pattern of destruction for years. In Nigeria, we never really worried about relaxers and protective styling was what we mostly were used to.

Now, I've grown out my hair from the relaxers and the transitioning I can say is over, I've got the health part down, but now I want the length. I've put the scissors down for now and I have some questions:

1.) Transitioners, what was the hardest part in retaining length and what did you do about it?

2.) My hair has become a little too long for freestyle braids and do any of you ladies have any tips of great styles I can do for everyday wear that's sort of protective besides bunning/weaving? (I'm in grad school and I want to have variety )

3.) Should I have done a BC? Does it matter at this point?

that's all for now ladies and thanks in advance for those who respond, I'm ready to participate full steam ahead with the forum. I really should be reading for classes, but...

 

[LadyD]

2.) My hair has become a little too long for freestyle braids and do any of you ladies have any tips of great styles I can do for everyday wear that's sort of protective besides bunning/weaving?

3.) Should I have done a BC? Does it matter at this point?

Hi There and Welcome!

You could try twists or Bantu knots. You can get lots of styles from both of these.

You don't have to BC. It's a personal choice. I did but now that I know more about transitioning I wouldn't do it that way if I had to do it over again.

Here's a great Youtube video on Bantu Knots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbsLAwCxRO4

 

[Platinum]

 

[PureSilver]

:welcome3: Nichi we're glad to have you.

I'm not transitioning but i find that if i comb my hair too often like every day of the week i lose massive amounts by the end of the week. My hair is fine and thin so i mainly do protective styles like weaves and buns. Since i'm relaxed when i do these protective styles i find the only problem i have is shedding which is normal.

You said you're from Nigeria and back home protective styles are the order of the day, imho it would be nice if you continue along that trend. Protective styles have become many of us friends and has helped to grow some long beautiful healthy heads of hair on this board.

I wish you all the best in your HCJ.

 

[caramelcutieinva]

The hardest part about transitioning for me was detangling and dryness.

I agree with twists and bantu knots. You can also try pin curls or coils.

I think the BC is a personal decision. It depends on teh person. I transitioned for 10 montsh and then chopped. I wanted a short cut so I cut way more than my relaxed ends of. The big chop works for some and not for others.

 

[Toy]

Welcome to the board!!

 

[Nefertiti0906]

Welcome!

Sorry I don't have any advice because I transitioned many moons ago and I currently wear my natural hair straightened