CURLMELEONS UNTIE!!! (Transitioning Thread)

[girlyprincess23]

What do you plan to do with your hair when it's out of the weave?

Ends will look ratty especially when wet with a lot of new growth. I'm trying to avoid situations where I'll really notice this so my transitioning styles (siggy) really help.

Reapplying the BKT, trimming it (while it's still straight) and measuring it, then following a low-mani, protective style regimen. I plan on cowashing, DC, moisturizing, and sealing it 2x week and then airdrying and bunning it or rollersetting and then putting it up. And to maintain it during the week I plan on moisturizing/ sealing and doing regular and hot oil scalp massages. And just protective styling it daily in the most simplest, fastest way possible. I'm thinking buns (with some bunnets sometimes), snoods, hairzings, and anything else I can think of to keep it interesting so I will be more likely to stick with it.

 

[RoundEyedGirl504]

Good luck.
Let's know how it goes and I'd like to see pictures of results please

Girl if it looks half-way decent I will be running in here to post pics!

 

[LuyshuZ]

Hair Type? 3C

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 16 months and change (see siggy)

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...) I'll BC at 29-30 dependent on other dates. I wear my hair in wet buns 99% of the time, and I co-wash just about everyday.


If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? I plan to BC at 30 months post.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? I haven't been able to retain the majority of my relaxed ends in many places because they were weak from over processing. No stylist that relaxed my hair understood the concept of "touch up" I got a root to tip relaxer every time. I have 4-7 inches of relaxed hair left after 2 1.5 inch trims during my transition.

What products are you are using? V05 Moisture Milks, Hello Hydration, Suave Naurals, Garnier Moiture xxx, 365 Conditioner, few other conditioners that don't come to mind. Coconut oil, EVOO, Cantu Leave in

 

[onejamifan]

I guess me posting here makes it official! My sister BC last year, my best friend and mom are both transitioning, so I am going for it too!

Hair Type? I don't know. Will have to wait a few more months before I try to figure it out.

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 11 weeks post.

What is your transitioning plan? Transition for 2-3 years and cut maybe once or twice a year (I can't see myself letting go of my length). Currently WnG but will start doing roller sets and flat ironing roots for Fall/Winter.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? None so far, but it is early.

What products are you are using? Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol Plus is a God send. Coconut, almond, and garlic oils. PC. Everything else is just stuff I have in my stash that I am using up.

 

[AllAboutMoi]

I guess me posting here makes it official! My sister BC last year, my best friend and mom are both transitioning, so I am going for it too!

Hair Type? I don't know. Will have to wait a few more months before I try to figure it out.

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 11 weeks post.

What is your transitioning plan? Transition for 2-3 years and cut maybe once or twice a year (I can't see myself letting go of my length). Currently WnG but will start doing roller sets and flat ironing roots for Fall/Winter.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? None so far, but it is early.

What products are you are using? Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol Plus is a God send. Coconut, almond, and garlic oils. PC. Everything else is just stuff I have in my stash that I am using up.

What kind of garlic oil do you use? After you told me you use garlic oil I tried it and made my own and it worked great! However I may have been a little heavy handed on the garlic because I smelled garlic when I washed my hair a few days later.

 

[CurlyGirl1996]

To start just introduce yourself/ hair story:

Hair Type? 4a (I think)

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 5 months

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...) Trim hair as it grows out/ ponytail

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? No BC

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? Dry hair, breakage

What products are you are using? African Royale M.O.M., Kemi oyl, Lustrasilk shea butter, WEN, Nexxus Humectress

 

[Black Hoya Chick]

Hair Type? 3C/4A, dense, thick, and medium-coarse

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 16 months and 3 weeks (according to ticker lol)

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...) I was trimming an inch for an inch at the beginning of the year. Now i might just trim whenever I straighten until the end of next spring. or just wait until then and cut the rest off all at once. I am an avid bunner in the meantime.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? I guess i answered. But to be specific, between April-June of 2010

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? luckily no, i almost did when i was usually gel earlier this year and not caring for it properly. but now i got that together. i didn't lose any length though

What products are you are using? um...Pantene! lol. specifically: Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo, Pantene Curls Conditioner, Pantene 5 Minute Strengthening Mask, Pantene Split-end Prevention Leave-in Cream, Fantasia IC Gel (Clear), Shea Butter, Coconut Oil. and when i straighten, I add on Pantene Protector Spray and Pantene Smooth Serum...can you tell i LOVE Pantene?! lol

 

[Simply_Kelz]

Hair Type? 4A/4B

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? About 9

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...) Cutting away slowly. Probably 3 times a year. Braidouts, bantu knots, blowouts; whatever.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? Shrugs. A LONG time. At least 2 years from now. It won't be a BC, just getting rid of the last of my relaxed ends.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? No.

What products are you are using? Any shampoo, Suave/V05 conditioners, Coconut oil

 

[Nina_deF]

Hair Type? 3C

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? I plan to BC at 30 months post.

30 you say?

I'm at 8 and counting the SECONDS to 18!

 

[LuyshuZ]

30 you say?

I'm at 8 and counting the SECONDS to 18!

LOL! I consider myself a slow grower so I'm holding on to my relaxed ends to retain ALL my growth. 18 Months will be here b4 you know it =). It only gets easier.

 

[nuance7]

Hair Type? 4 something

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 4 weeks post

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...) LONG term transition. No BC, just trims maybe once a year. Flexi rods and buns. Flat iron only to trim.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? Fully natural by 7/2012

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? Not yet

What products are you are using?
Product junkie!

 

[onejamifan]

What kind of garlic oil do you use? After you told me you use garlic oil I tried it and made my own and it worked great! However I may have been a little heavy handed on the garlic because I smelled garlic when I washed my hair a few days later.

I use a dominican garlic oil from the local bss. My saving grace is the HE LTR shampoo. It really gets rid of any lingering odors....

 

[a_shoe_6307]

Hair Type?
3B/3C

How many months/weeks/ days post are you?
2 months

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...)
I did the BC last September and went very short. I plan to just rock my curly hair and wear a wig when I want to switch it up. I might do kinky twist.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it?
I did the BC again 2 months ago and went extremely short.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet?
My only set back was that I when I cut my hair short last year I could not go natural . I kept using a texturizer because it was so curly and I had never experienced my hair short and curly (I was use to BSL hair. See profile for pics.), but I wanted to cut the dye and texlaxed hair out and go back to being 100% natural like I was prior to five years ago. I also kept cutting it because I hated watching it grow out all crazy and short .

What products are you are using?
VO5 Hot Oil Treatments, Organix Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner, John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum and Night Treatment, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask, and Aveda Be Curly Products. I'm also going to give MN a try starting tomorrow.

 

[DDTexlaxed]

I'm 3 months post and I am a mix of 3c/4a, I think
I am unsure about my transition length because I am having a little problem styling my hair. I think I will break the no heat rule. I am tired of looking rough. I am determined to continue transitioning. I think this is the longest I ever transitioned because of my styling problems. I am however learning some ways on how to continue. You tube videos and my friends encouragement has really helped me past this little stumbling block.
​

 

[Black Hoya Chick]

i love transitioning threads =)

 

[Skiggle]

To start just introduce yourself/ hair story:

Hair Type? 4B.

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 1 year.

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...)
Braids
Kinky Twists
African twists
Bantu Knots
Twist outs
Sew in
I'm going to start
wearing lace fronts soon.

I cut off 4 inches of my hair...
on Friday. My first "trim". I still have 3 inches
of permed ends left.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it?
Next year August.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet?
Just leaving my edges alone.

What products are you are using?[/quote]

Aphogee 2 Min Reconstructor
My own Shea butter mix
Mega Tek
[FONT=&quot][/FONT]Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose.
Lutrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol-The ish for detangling
Avocado oil
I'm trying to find a moisturizing shampoo..
the one that I'm using is drying.

 

[Amerie123]

I just wanted to post and say what was on my mind: I am very happy with my decision to transition, and while I am soo happy that I decided to transition now (as supposed to waiting till BSL or 30 y/o when I thought I was going to "go natural"), I already wish that I would have done it sooner. Oh well, I cant wait to see what this journey brings, as if I wasn't eager enough before. I am definitely even more eager now. *sigh*

 

[luvn_life]

I just wanted to post and say what was on my mind: I am very happy with my decision to transition, and while I am soo happy that I decided to transition now (as supposed to waiting till BSL or 30 y/o when I thought I was going to "go natural&quot, I already wish that I would have done it sooner. Oh well, I cant wait to see what this journey brings, as if I wasn't eager enough before. I am definitely even more eager now. *sigh*

Girl I have been thinking the same thing. I was like dang I wish I did this 2 years ago. So I'd be at the end now. but that's OK. I expect to be between APL and BSL two years from now. I washed my hair this morning and examined my new growth and I am in love. I'm so glad I decided to go natural... so glad u know we're on this journey together girlie...

 

[MummysGirl]

I'm 34 weeks post today... Exactly 8 months post in 4 days.

Today I clarified with aloe rid, DC'd with ORS Replenishing Con and Coconut Oil, applied AM for about 15 minutes, rinsed out then Roux Porosity Control con for less than a minute. Giovanni direct LeaveIn on damp hair:



I'm gonna put in box braids (no extensions) when my hair's dry.

Another coil pic (compare to avi pic):

 

[AshCash]

Hair Type? 3B

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 7 Months

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...)

Trim every 4-6 months and then BC. "Wash" every day (I'm a runner), detangle and pull back into ponytail in shower. Airdry in ponytail overnight. Flat iron bangs and braid into single french braid in morning (5 mins) or flat iron entire length (20 mins).

Despite transitioning, I am continuing to grow all of my hair and hope to reach waist length before I BC. I hope to be shoulder length natural when I BC.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? July 2011.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet?

This is my second (third?) attempt to go natural. I BC'ed too early (for me) at 11 months last time. I chopped only because I was anxious to see my hair curly. This time I want to go much longer as I am not comfortable with short hair.

This time around I am having issues with shedding/breakage. I haven't done a protein treatment in years so that should probably take care of it. (My hair loves K-pak.)

What products are you are using? DevaCurl Low Poo, DevaCurl One C, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and Garnier Fructis Gel (for smoothing while in ponytail.)

 

[WesternEyes]

Hair Type? 3C/4A

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? Almost 4 months. Yah!

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...)
Cutting 1inch off every month until natural. I'll be wearing twist outs and ponytails.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? If I BC, it will be on a whim, probably due to frustration of the two textures. But as of now, no projected BC.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet?
NONE

What products are you are using?
I'm trying to remain silicone free. Suave Conditioners. Trying new butters and moisturizers from Curl Junkie and Miss Jessies.

 

[Chameleonchick]

I'm 34 weeks post today... Exactly 8 months post in 4 days.

Today I clarified with aloe rid, DC'd with ORS Replenishing Con and Coconut Oil, applied AM for about 15 minutes, rinsed out then Roux Porosity Control con for less than a minute. Giovanni direct LeaveIn on damp hair:



I'm gonna put in box braids (no extensions) when my hair's dry.

Another coil pic (compare to avi pic):

Nice growth you have going.

I have one more month left in these twists then I can see my hair again!

 

[DDTexlaxed]

I've decided to leave this challenge. I think I'm going to stay relaxed a little longer.

 

[natieya]

To start just introduce yourself/ hair story:

Hair Type? 4a/4b (mostly 4b)

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? not sure...but I think my last relaxer was some time back in March?

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...) I am currently wearing extensions, and I plan to slowly trim away the relaxed ends.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? At this point in time, I don't plan to BC.

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? Well, not really. I am just now getting to the point where I'm wanting to take the extensions down and try braid outs and bantu knot outs...

What products are you are using?I just discovered Qhemet Amla and Olive Heavy Cream. I swear when I used it I could hear my hair singing "Hallelujah!"...it made my hair sooo soft. I love it!
As for shampoo, my hair loves Anita Grant shampoo bars. I am planning on stocking up on them while she has the free shipping thing going so I'll be set for a few years... ;-)

 

[Jewell]

To start just introduce yourself/ hair story:

Hair Type? 3c/4a

How many months/weeks/ days post are you? 3 weeks post

What is your transitioning plan? BC or cutting up as your hair grows down? Hair styles (weaves, braids, twists...) I plan to gradually trim over many months and even years. This will be my second transition, I BC'd after 9 months last time. Was natural for about 4-5 months. I will use wigs, braids, braidouts and clip-on extensions to change up my look and aid the transition. I want to invest in a sexy curly lace front, but we'll see.

My BC last year was well worth it, but I much prefer long hair. When I BC'd I had about 5 inches of hair stretched. I could shampoo my hair and not apply conditioner and still run a comb through it like butter. It was softer than my baby's hair and she's only 13 mos. I know my hair won't by difficult to manage in that respect.

If you plan to BC, do you have a projected date that you are going to do it? N/A

Have you experience any problems/ setbacks yet? No, I typically stretch for 6 months at a time, so its always a breeze dealing with the NG until that point. Last time I transitioned, after month 6 it was very easy to deal with my hair. I kept the manipulation low and hid my hair under headwraps and wigs when I felt the urge to relax. I do get a lot of shedding in the spring, but in fall/winter its not so bad...I purchased new vitamins which seem to keep my shedding to a minimum. I guess spring is my time of year to shed?

What products are you are using? Cheapie conditioners for CW's like Aussie Moist, White Rain Cucumber Melon, Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal. Oils like Vatika and Amla. Deep Conditioners: Joico Moisture Recovery, Motions CPR, Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil Cholesterol, AO HSR, AO Rosa Mosqueta. Shampoo (once a month) is CON green label or NTM Cream Lather Shampoo. Styling Products: Optimum Shine Booster, Proclaim Aloe Styling Gel, Kids Organics Shea Butter Det./Cond. Lotion. Leave-ins: Motions Nourish Leave-In, Doo Gro Leave-In Treatment, Kids Organics Shea Lotion, Vatika Oil to seal.

Thanks OP for starting this thread! We all need tips and support!

 

[Glamorous_chic]

I'm 3 months post and I am a mix of 3c/4a, I think
I am unsure about my transition length because I am having a little problem styling my hair. I think I will break the no heat rule. I am tired of looking rough. I am determined to continue transitioning. I think this is the longest I ever transitioned because of my styling problems. I am however learning some ways on how to continue. You tube videos and my friends encouragement has really helped me past this little stumbling block.
​

i completly understand what you're saying. i thought i was looking cute with my bun, until someone at work asked if i was having a rough day, b/c i looked tattered. well, i thought i looked cute, but that comment, brought me down. erplexed then, the next day, my friends made a comment about my hair. i mentioned how i was transitioning, and one of them said, i knew something was up, b/c your hair is usually so pretty and flowy. after that, i decided to get a rollerset, and blowout. i made sure to get a deep conditioner, and a good leave in and heat protectant. my hair turned out really pretty. i don't think my hair likes being airdryed, b/c it seems like it breaks off and gets real crunchy. so, for now, i think i'll just continue to rollerset, and just make sure to always do a good dc, and pre-poo, and use a heat protectant and leave in.

 

[girlyprincess23]

Just an update. I took my weave out. It was too ratty and annoying. It's weird weaves are starting to get on my nerves, I like my regular hair much better. So it was late so I just washed and conditioned, detangled in the shower, added some salerm 21, put it back in a loose pony to dry overnight, tied a scarf around the front to lay it down, and braided the length in 2 loose braids. This morning I took out the pony moisturized with some carrot cream, lightly brushed the front and put in a hairzing. I love the waves of my natural hair in the front!! This low mani thing could be easy!! We will see how difficult it is to dry style!! I think I should lay off the braids and the weaves for a while as I think they are causing damage/ breakage throughout my head and at the edges. My next style I will be trying (perhaps this weekend) will be a braidout!! We will see how that goes!

 

[MummysGirl]

Let's know how your braidout turns out
I agree, definitely lay off braids/weaves if you're having breakage, especially your edges (that's my number one reason for not doing them).

Just an update. I took my weave out. It was too ratty and annoying. It's weird weaves are starting to get on my nerves, I like my regular hair much better. So it was late so I just washed and conditioned, detangled in the shower, added some salerm 21, put it back in a loose pony to dry overnight, tied a scarf around the front to lay it down, and braided the length in 2 loose braids. This morning I took out the pony moisturized with some carrot cream, lightly brushed the front and put in a hairzing. I love the waves of my natural hair in the front!! This low mani thing could be easy!! We will see how difficult it is to dry style!! I think I should lay off the braids and the weaves for a while as I think they are causing damage/ breakage throughout my head and at the edges. My next style I will be trying (perhaps this weekend) will be a braidout!! We will see how that goes!

 

[girlyprincess23]

Let's know how your braidout turns out
I agree, definitely lay off braids/weaves if you're having breakage, especially your edges (that's my number one reason for not doing them).

I will!! Yeah I am. I just get tired of my hair sometimes. It seems to take so much work to keep it on my head (it seems to shed a lot and break for no reason) but I will have to deal wit it at some point especially since I don't really like fake hair so may as well be now Also do you have any tips on braidouts the one in your siggy (last on the left) is gorgeous!!

 

[SweetD]

One of my friends has been natural for 10 years and has done the BC 3 times. She suggested that I cut a little at a time so it's not such a shock when I BC. So, I took her advice and I did a mini chop on Friday, 8/14/09. I cut 5 inches off and it felt so good . I never thought it would feel so liberating cutting my hair but it was. I want to BC in December or January but since I did the mini chop I am itching to do it sooner so I'll see.