New *2009* Transitioners Support Thread!

[Shay72]

Of course we should start another thread and I think early December will be great. When people are about to embark on a new year it becomes decision time so I think it would be great to be able to support others while they may be possibly deciding to transition. As well as support one another as we continue on this transition.

I'm 4 months post as of yesterday . I will attempt to take pics tonight because I want to update my fotki and keep track of this transition. If I get some good pics I will post them in here too.

 

[Sequoia]

MummysGirl, I love your braidout puff! Beautiful!

15 MONTHS!


​

Congrats Skiggle

 

[Chameleonchick]

Will you stick to transitioning or have the pics posted in your thread convinced you to BC @ 12 months?

A couple of weeks behind you and I feel the same way... I'm going to post a celebratory thread when I'm 12 months post!

Yay! Um...I don't know sometimes I'm like yeah I'm just gonna chop when I take these twists out, then other times I'm like nah I need to wait a little bit longer. I'll know when I take the twists down for sure, I'll be like a week away from 12 months then.

 

[goodmorningruby]

I love this thread too!
We definitely need to continue in 2010...
Maybe we should start the 2010 one early December (which is when this one was started). It's been REALLY helpful, I started posting in this thread @ 7 weeks post and 38 weeks after, I'm still transitioning and will be for a long time to come



Will you stick to transitioning or have the pics posted in your thread convinced you to BC @ 12 months?

A couple of weeks behind you and I feel the same way... I'm going to post a celebratory thread when I'm 12 months post!

Co-sign.

 

[Garner]

HairsoThick,
How far along are you in your transition? Your texture is beautiful. Your hair looks extremely healthy and mositurized.

 

[Black Hoya Chick]

bored. lol

 

[nitavcc]

HEllo..

I've been lurking on this thread for a few months now...

Guys I need your help.. I have a banquet to go to this week and I have NO idea how to style it!

I have been transitioning for 10 1/2 months.. When I use the flexi rods, my permed ends really contrast to my new growth, and its at the point where you can see the two textures.


Think of a wet cat with curls sticking out of its body..
Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[ajoyfuljoy]

coming in here to say wassup! I straightened my hair this past weekend. Even though I didn't use excellent products, my hair hasn't reverted as quickly as it usually does. I bought Paul Mitchell Straight Works styling products so I am hoping they will keep my hair straight.

I am cutting a the rate of growth. I could see myself wearing it straight one week and natural another week like Pinkskates does. IDK we will see. It will be a journey, that's for sure.

 

[LoveCraze]

HEllo..

I've been lurking on this thread for a few months now...

Guys I need your help.. I have a banquet to go to this week and I have NO idea how to style it!

I have been transitioning for 10 1/2 months.. When I use the flexi rods, my permed ends really contrast to my new growth, and its at the point where you can see the two textures.


Think of a wet cat with curls sticking out of its body..
Any suggestions?



Thanks.

How about pulling your hair up in a messy updo after your flexi rod or twistout, braid out , etc. These can be very cute. But unless you want to put heat on your hair, it may be easier to embrace your NG and try styles that accentuate it. A cute bun with a flower or barret accent could work also. Try scanning some fotkis for hair styling ideas. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

[Foxglove]

HEllo..

I've been lurking on this thread for a few months now...

Guys I need your help.. I have a banquet to go to this week and I have NO idea how to style it!

I have been transitioning for 10 1/2 months.. When I use the flexi rods, my permed ends really contrast to my new growth, and its at the point where you can see the two textures.


Think of a wet cat with curls sticking out of its body..
Any suggestions?

Thanks.

My braidouts, twistouts, and bantu knot outs come out this way too. For a cute style try this pin up updo. It worked really well for me and I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it. Then again this could also be bc I'm always in a bun so people always say something when I do something different lol
I don't remember if I airdried then stretched my hair or blow dried it before attempting the style. You could probably try it to see if it works before the weekend

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqRqF-uLrxY
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKtYGa5BroA

 

[plastic]

just a question. For the transitioners who use heat alot in their hair ? Arent you afraid that you're heat damaging it before you even get to the natural stage ? So when you finally do cut off the relaxed ends ... what you see isnt your natural texture , but heat damaged hair ?

 

[shtow]

just a question. For the transitioners who use heat alot in their hair ? Arent you afraid that you're heat damaging it before you even get to the natural stage ? So when you finally do cut off the relaxed ends ... what you see isnt your natural texture , but heat damaged hair ?

Honestly, no because I plan to use heat on a regular basis when Im fully natural. I'll stick to buns and braidouts if I don't wear it straight.

 

[plastic]

Honestly, no because I plan to use heat on a regular basis when Im fully natural. I'll stick to buns and braidouts if I don't wear it straight.

Oh so you're not doing it to embrace your natural hair ...you're just doing it for the health of your hair ?

 

[pmichael52172]

just a question. For the transitioners who use heat alot in their hair ? Arent you afraid that you're heat damaging it before you even get to the natural stage ? So when you finally do cut off the relaxed ends ... what you see isnt your natural texture , but heat damaged hair ?

I don't use heat a lot. (well I guess "a lot" is based on one's opinion) I blow dry, hot comb and curl with marcel irons once every two weeks. My stylist does this, AND I do it when I can't go to her. I don't damage it because we both know how to manage the heat and because nothing touches my hair (no more heat, or even comb) until the next wash.

I'm transitioning progressively, so the relaxed ends are snipped off as often as my ends need trimming, (so far it's been every three months). I see my natural texture every single time my hair gets wet, and it's noticeably different from the stringy relaxed part. This Saturday will be one year :woohoo2: and my hair is as healthy as ever.

As for me, I've always embraced my hair... even when it was relaxed so I'm transitioning for health (not to make a statement - even though there's nothing wrong with that). I plan to wear my hair straight mostly and as it grows longer I plan to wear it textured. So sometimes I'll look and sometimes I'll look My siggy shows how much I love my hair!

 

[hairsothick]

HairsoThick,
How far along are you in your transition? Your texture is beautiful. Your hair looks extremely healthy and mositurized.

It'll be 9 months on November 19th. 3 more months and I'll probably BC. The straight pieces are starting to drive me bonkers.

It stays pretty soft. I washed with Sulfur 8 shampoo (I was having dandruff issues lol) and then DCed with ORS Replenishing Pak. I put some V05 in as a leave in and that was it.

 

[plastic]

I don't use heat a lot. (well I guess "a lot" is based on one's opinion) I blow dry, hot comb and curl with marcel irons once every two weeks. My stylist does this, AND I do it when I can't go to her. I don't damage it because we both know how to manage the heat and because nothing touches my hair (no more heat, or even comb) until the next wash.

I'm transitioning progressively, so the relaxed ends are snipped off as often as my ends need trimming, (so far it's been every three months). I see my natural texture every single time my hair gets wet, and it's noticeably different from the stringy relaxed part. This Saturday will be one year :woohoo2: and my hair is as healthy as ever.

As for me, I've always embraced my hair... even when it was relaxed so I'm transitioning for health (not to make a statement - even though there's nothing wrong with that). I plan to wear my hair straight mostly and as it grows longer I plan to wear it textured. So sometimes I'll look and sometimes I'll look My siggy shows how much I love my hair!

I heard that some people can get heat damaged from just one heat process, so that's why I was asking. Right now im transitioning and since I started I have used heat twice , and the flat iron did not touch my new growth at all !

I just find it amazing that women would transition to natural and use heat to keep it straight all the time , it's like what's the sense...but then if it is for the health then .. i guess.

 

[PeanutButterandHoney]

I heard that some people can get heat damaged from just one heat process, so that's why I was asking. Right now im transitioning and since I started I have used heat twice , and the flat iron did not touch my new growth at all !

I just find it amazing that women would transition to natural and use heat to keep it straight all the time , it's like what's the sense...but then if it is for the health then .. i guess.

I agree with you.
throughout my whole year transition,
I used direct heat (not counting DC) about 5-6 times (thats counting curling iron "touch ups")

 

[KBA]

Ok, I'm coming in here to introduce myself for the umpteenth time. My name is ajoyfuljoy and I am transitioning!!!

I think I will be a longtermer. My transition reggie is in my siggie. I will be cornrowing under a half wig for most of the time.

I think figuring out the moisture/detangling thing will be easy (fingers crossed). For me, the only challenge I see as a natural is figuring out how to keep my flat ironed hair reasonably straight for about four days. I'm already halfway there and kind of have a clue as to what will work but will need a little trial and error to know for sure.

I'm excited to get to know my natural hair and all the variety it will bring to my life.

I am a coily, thick 4a.

I'm transitioning the same way with half wigs...keep me posted on your progress, and I'll do the same.

 

[pmichael52172]

I just find it amazing that women would transition to natural and use heat to keep it straight all the time , it's like what's the sense...but then if it is for the health then .. i guess.[/QUOTE]

It's simple, chemicals weakened and thinned me out over the decades, no chemicals have allowed my hair to be thick again and retain growth while still wearing it straight. Whether relaxed or natural, goals and methods to achieve those goals come a dime a dozen - just like hair types. Most won't make sense if one doesn't have the same goals. If you try to figure it out, it will just confuse you more.

 

[plastic]

I just find it amazing that women would transition to natural and use heat to keep it straight all the time , it's like what's the sense...but then if it is for the health then .. i guess.

It's simple, chemicals weakened and thinned me out over the decades, no chemicals have allowed my hair to be thick again and retain growth while still wearing it straight. Whether relaxed or natural, goals and methods to achieve those goals come a dime a dozen - just like hair types. Most won't make sense if one doesn't have the same goals. If you try to figure it out, it will just confuse you more.[/QUOTE]

as i said .. if it is for health then I guess.

I dont think it has anything to do with similar goals. In my opinion heat is damaging . Even as a relaxed head .. I rarely used heat .. so I dont plan to be doing heat much when Im natural. But to go natural and use heat constantly ... isnt that messing up your hair ? I have been to many fotkis where natural ladies talk about cutting off their heat damaged ends.. but then again those ladies wanted their curls ...

 

[MummysGirl]

Yay! I see you updated your siggy again! Your hair's beautiful

There's one in my siggy (although it's not the best). I'll take more at some point.

 

[Ltown]

coming in here to say wassup! I straightened my hair this past weekend. Even though I didn't use excellent products, my hair hasn't reverted as quickly as it usually does. I bought Paul Mitchell Straight Works styling products so I am hoping they will keep my hair straight.

I am cutting a the rate of growth. I could see myself wearing it straight one week and natural another week like Pinkskates does. IDK we will see. It will be a journey, that's for sure.

Welcome to transitioning!

 

[Allandra]

Yay! I see you updated your siggy again! Your hair's beautiful

Thanks. Yep, I sure did. These natural pics are a little clearer than the other one.

 

[pmichael52172]

as i said .. if it is for health then I guess.

I dont think it has anything to do with similar goals. In my opinion heat is damaging . Even as a relaxed head .. I rarely used heat .. so I dont plan to be doing heat much when Im natural. But to go natural and use heat constantly ... isnt that messing up your hair ? I have been to many fotkis where natural ladies talk about cutting off their heat damaged ends.. but then again those ladies wanted their curls ...

Exactly, it's a guess. Okay throw out the goal concept but be reminded that all hair is different. In short, heat is not damaging MY hair. Depends on who you ask. There are just as many fotkis and youtubers & members here that press and curl and are natural. Pinkskates being one and Irresistable another ( and she presses her hair while damp) and both have nearly butt length hair. It's not complex.... again it all depends on who you ask and that's with everything on this board. Luckily, I can have straight undamaged hair AND turn around the next week and wear it curly.... non damaged. Hope this helps a little.

 

[Shay72]

Allandra--Love the new pics . How much growth do you guesstimate you get per month?

 

[Allandra]

Allandra--Love the new pics . How much growth do you guesstimate you get per month?

Thanks. I have no idea.

 

[Foxglove]

48 weeks post. 4 more weeks until 1 year post! I know I keep saying this but I never thought I would get to this point

 

[shtow]

Oh so you're not doing it to embrace your natural hair ...you're just doing it for the health of your hair ?

I'm going to embrace my natural hair by not getting relaxers anymore. My hair is relaxed now and I use heat on the regular and its healthy. Im simply transitioning because Im tired of getting touch ups and just want to be done with all the work that comes with being relaxed. I like to wear my hair straight, so I will continue to do so.

 

[shtow]

Allandra, your hair is beautiful!

 

[Ltown]

coming in here to say wassup! I straightened my hair this past weekend. Even though I didn't use excellent products, my hair hasn't reverted as quickly as it usually does. I bought Paul Mitchell Straight Works styling products so I am hoping they will keep my hair straight.

I am cutting a the rate of growth. I could see myself wearing it straight one week and natural another week like Pinkskates does. IDK we will see. It will be a journey, that's for sure.

Thanks. Yep, I sure did. These natural pics are a little clearer than the other one.

Thanks. I have no idea.

Allandra, pictures are fine nice curls!