Naturals.. how did u get there????? (long)

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beana3

Active Member
As many of you may know, I've been debating over whether or not i should go natural, so far i have not had a relaxer since october, and no matter how much I sike myself up (setting dates, preparing regimes) I never go through with it.
Currently i'm transitioning, i have about 3inches of new growth and my hair is very hard to style. My 2 year anniversary with my Jamaican sensation (my man /images/graemlins/grin.gif) is coming up in march. Since we have a long distance relationship, i always panic about looking just right.
As of right now, i have decided to go through with my transition plans. My hair does not respond well to chemicals, and while it has appeared healthy, i know i cannot continue to relax my hair.
sweetcocoa, hairfanatic, and a few other natural's posts (sorry i cant remember you all /images/graemlins/tongue.gif) has encouraged me to go through with this. I wanted ask some questions to help me make the most out of transitioning:

Did you transition or take the big chop??
If you transitioned what kind of styles did you wear??? how did you handle your hair??

Did your hair texture change along the way?? for example i have 4a wolly type hair that grows in now, is it possible to assume that i might grow 3c hair (as this might be my true texture)????

How long did it take you to accumulate your current length???

All responses are appreciated....
 
No advice, but as my hair twin I wish you the best of luck on your hair journey if you decide to go natural. /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

BTW which part of JA is your honey from?
 
Hi beana3,

I'm relaxed now, but about 4 years ago, I cut off all my hair to a short afro to get rid of a curl perm I had. I didn't think that transitioning was possible for me, because with a curl, you have to keep the hair moisturized and I was experiencing a lot of breakage. I think that there might be some ladies here who are transitioning without doing a big cut. I wish you good luck on your transition journey. /images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
actually my bf's parents are from Jamaica, my bf was born in the States. his father is from Kingston and his mom was born in England but she was raised in the countryside (i can't remember the parish) of Jamaica.

Thanks for the encouragement!!!!
 
I transitioned for 4 months. Since I wanted to wear a Halle Berry cut, I had my hair chopped and shaved off. The hairdresser cut my hair to the newgrowth on the top and crown of my head, but then shaved everything else off. The first time I got it cut my hairdresser curled my hair using heat, but after that I had maintained my hairstyle by having it rollerset by my hairdresser. When I started letting my hair grow back, I would wear it wet, and just tie my hair down.

When I transitioned, I wore my hair in braid outs. Since my newgrowth was fairly easy for me to handle, I would twistout to disguise the two textures. If I wore it straight, I would flatiron like normal.

I thought that my hair was 4a/4b majority, but as my hair grew out, it looked different. I have 3b/3c/4a hair, a lot of the hair that was shaved is 3b, but my 4a hair wasn't wooly though. It was soft, but it shrunk (and still shrinks) more than the rest of my hair. Your hair might seem wooly because the texture is a lot different than your straighter relaxed hair. I still have 4a but it's on certain parts of my hair in patches. But even though dealing with three different textures is a pain, you definately learn to appreciate your hair.

My hair length as of 1/1/03 is 9-11 inches of natural hair if pulled taught, or straightened. It has taken almost 13 months to acheive this length. By the time I reach my next relaxer touch up, I should be a little past shoulder length.

Personally I've found that the longer my hair gets, the easier it is for me to manage. 5 inches ago I was rather frustrated. And four inches before that I was just starting my natural journey by transitioning.
 
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By the time I reach my next relaxer touch up, I should be a little past shoulder length.

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So wait, you are going to relax again?
 
Well...

I sort of have always been a natural. The relaxer is just another hairstyle and I never maintain it. I had on relaxer and a curly perm twice. So overall three times. And I always end up growing out my hair. I just can't be bothered with salons, never liked them and those three times were the only times I really went. I usually use barbers for all my hair needs.

I find that after a while I get fed up with natural hair and all the hair styels I've done one to many, so I try a relaxer, have fun for a while and as it grows out that's pretty much the end for a long period of time.

At the moment I think I like going naturla the best, only because I've become 'no duct' so the speak, so no products. And I'm saving money and major major time. So staying natural is in my benefit.

I don't do natural as any hair journey or getting back to some silly roots that I'm to be representing. Just doing it out of pure and unadulterated laziness.... /images/graemlins/grin.gif /images/graemlins/spank.gif /images/graemlins/weird.gif /images/graemlins/wave.gif /images/graemlins/kiss2.gif /images/graemlins/dance7.gif /images/graemlins/sleeping.gif /images/graemlins/sleeping.gif /images/graemlins/sleeping.gif /images/graemlins/sleeping.gif

Tah,
A9
 
Hey Beana!

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Did you transition or take the big chop??

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I transitioned with a press and curl.


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If you transitioned what kind of styles did you wear???

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A press and curl and straw sets.


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how did you handle your hair??

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VERY gently.


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Did your hair texture change along the way

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Big time! My hair was very dry, thick, and coarse. I also had no curl pattern. Now it looks like this:


18435760.jpg



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It's medium textured at this point. My hair is weird though. My roots are wavy and velvet-like, but after about half and inch it starts get very curly.


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is it possible to assume that i might grow 3c hair (as this might be my true texture)????


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You could but I would advise against it.

We had a conversation over at nappturality about this a whole topic. Lots of the women were "hoping" for 3c or even 4a hair. When they didn't get it, it was yet another hurtle to overcome. Wearing you hair natural can be hard for many reasons. Re-learning how to care for your hair, the societal pressures, the self-consciousness, and many other things can cause you to go back to the chemicals.

I find that, attempting to accept whatever God decides to give you is your best bet. Getting out of the chemical mindset is imperative if you are going to wear your natural hair. You really have to let go of the mentality that 3b/c hair is more attractive or manageable than 4b or 4a hair.


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How long did it take you to accumulate your current length???

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To be honest I only recently stopped cutting my hair on the regular. But I do know the GNC has really helped me speed up my growth as well as curb breakage and strengthen roots.
 
Hi beana

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Did you transition or take the big chop??

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The chop was the best way for me. I was able to see how beautiful my hair really was and I didn't have to worry about fussing with the two hair textures.

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If you transitioned what kind of styles did you wear??? how did you handle your hair??

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Although I didn't transition the best way to grow it out is to wear your hair in curly type styles or styles that you have to do less manipulation....twists, cornrolls, braids, buns, curly styles using perm rods.

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Did your hair texture change along the way?? for example i have 4a wolly type hair that grows in now, is it possible to assume that i might grow 3c hair (as this might be my true texture)????

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That I don't know the answer to. I know that your hair can have several textures as mine does also.

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How long did it take you to accumulate your current length???

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It didn't take me long at all about a year and a 1/2. It probably would have been longer if I had not been so scissor happy. It was around brastrap during the summer of 2002. I will say that proper care of my natural hair...washing every three days, conditioning, etc. allowed it to grow and grow. Because it was stronger, I was able to see a lot less breakage.


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beana3 said:...I wanted ask some questions to help me make the most out of transitioning:

Did you transition or take the big chop??
If you transitioned what kind of styles did you wear??? how did you handle your hair??

Did your hair texture change along the way?? for example i have 4a wolly type hair that grows in now, is it possible to assume that i might grow 3c hair (as this might be my true texture)????

How long did it take you to accumulate your current length???

All responses are appreciated....





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Hi Beana /images/graemlins/cool.gif,


1. I did a little of both. I transitioned for about 3 months with cornrows, a wig, then braids before cutting it all off to 2".

2. I handled my hair gently, but pretty soon the difference between the natural hair and the relaxed hair made gentle handling impossible because the relaxed hair was sooooo much weaker than my natural hair. I was HAPPY to cut off the relaxed hair since it felt so bad. I had never had 2" of hair before, but I got used to it pretty fast.

3. First, I have to say that I agree that the most important step in deciding to go the natural route is to make a deal with yourself that you will accept whatever grows out of you scalp no matter the texture. If you only want a certain kind of hair texture to come out of your journey then you will have set yourself up before you even begin. There is SO much more to wanting natural hair that goes beyond texture. Make health your FIRST concern. Like some naturals, my hair texture changed after the first 6 months. Most naturals attribute this change to what's known as scab hair. For some, scab hair is the first few inches of hair give off a texture that is rougher than normal because it is sprouting from follicles that have been injured over time by constant relaxer applications.

4. It has taken 2 years, almost to the day since I am coming up on an anniversary on the 14th of Feb.

Hope this helps and good luck!
 
I'm sorry I meant to say last relaxer touchup. I count two anniversaries, one for my last relaxer touch up, and the second was my haircut. I should have edited better. No I don't plan on relaxing again.
 
I just had to pop in and say Moni your hair looks the BOMB.

I transitioned for about 7 months. Then I got a texturizer. Now im in the process of transitioning again with 2 inches of texturizer left. I've been chem free since november of 2001.
 
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NubianAngel said:
I just had to pop in and say Moni your hair looks the BOMB.

I transitioned for about 7 months. Then I got a texturizer. Now im in the process of transitioning again with 2 inches of texturizer left. I've been chem free since november of 2001.

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Thanks NubianAngel /images/graemlins/drunk.gif(I love your screen name!)
 
dear beana,

i chopped my hair. could not be bothered with the two textures. Then, i put it in braids when it was an inch, and took them out when they were three inches. THe mindset that i had to grapple with was the so called 'lack of growth' and how dry my hair looked. You will have lucked out already, since there are a lot of hair boards to aid with your transistion and other concerns about your hair, whether it be physical (as in styles) or mental (as in, why didn't i have good hair /images/graemlins/confused.gif). When i first cut and took out my braids, there was only naturallycurly.com, and well... everyone is into product frenzy and trying to get that 'good hair' look over health. March 14 will be two years since i got rid of my last chemical. I am glad that i did it, and if i miss the straighteness, i can always press it for a change.

I can feel you about wanting to please your man and look perfect and all, but really, if you are comfy with your hair and what you are trying to acheive, your bf will fall in line.

HTH

jazz.

Oh! and P.S. moisture, moisture, moisture. Your hair should be moist, but not greazzy!
 
I transitioned using rollersets and KMS Flatout on the roots to keep the 2 textues similar until I got to chin length then I did the big chop. My texture has changed as it gets longer. I also feel once your scalped has purged the chemicals(scab stage) your texture changes. The longer I stay natural the more I see the texture I had as a child. I've gone from 4a to a combo of 3/c-4a to where I am now of 3/b-3/c(a little 4a in the crown area). I am now a little past shoulder length in the back and collar bone length on the sides...and my bangs are 'finally' past brow length when straightened.
 
Beana:

I transitioned with twist-out, blow outs(straightened with a blow dryer) and press and curls. This was my third and final time transistioning my hair can't take chemicals.
 
thanks everyone!!! The reason i asked about a possible texture change is because my hair never grew in this way before i had a relaxer. My new growth was dry looking while being relaxed (and what i can remember from being a child) my hair was never dry looking! My mom never really deep conditioned my hair either, she just washed it using CON shamp and braided it in 3 braids. and took them down if we went somewhere special. I only remember olive oil being used on my hair for weekly maintenance and i had natural shoulder length hair as a child.
I agree that expecting 3 something hair after transitioning is setting oneself up for drama. I'll be happy with whatever comes out because, i KNOW it'll be healthier and stronger than what i have now.
I've had relaxed hair all throughout my teen years, so it will be hard to get used to. I can always press it if i want a straight look for the week. As soon as i achieve chin length, this relaxed hair is coming off!
 
Thanks to everyone who complimented my hair. You definitely made my day. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

Londongirl3: I just keep my hair well conditioned and it curls on it own. But believe me, they are not pretty when they get really dry. I just look like a human poodle.
 
Beana, I've been completely natural for 5 months now. I transitioned for 6 months with braids, and twist outs. I think if I had to do it again, I would have just done the "big chop." My texture has not changed, I have straight up 4a/b hair with a patch of 3c in the back. Right now I've got 4 inches of hair. HTH.
 
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CICI24 said:
Hey Monicurl,
I like your hair! I would like to see your album can you provide your password please.

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Hiya CICI!

Thanks girl! I am sorry, I just saw this request. My album isn't locked--just go to http://www.fotki.com/monicurl and browse at your leisure /images/graemlins/look.gif.
 
Hi Monicurl, did I read right on your picture? Do you live in Florida? If so, where? I live in florida too. orlando. /images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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... my hair never grew in this way before i had a relaxer. My new growth was dry looking while being relaxed (and what i can remember from being a child) my hair was never dry looking!

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I had this problem for a while, too. I never believed in the 'scab hair" theory before, but I do now! It was true in my case, anyway. My last relaxer was in July 2002. Until Nov/Dec my new growth looked like a cheap bath mat. /images/graemlins/laugh.gif I kept saying, "This is not the hair I had as a child!" /images/graemlins/confused.gif I saw a child with hair similar to mine and pretended to play with him just so I could feel his hair. /images/graemlins/shocked.gif It was soft! I was like, "WTF??"
Six months later my hair is normal. It's still nappy, but it's soft and fluffy. I think it's a combination of purging the chemicals, vitamin supplements, using better hair products and investing in a shower filter and a warm mist humidifier.
 
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It's still nappy, but it's soft and fluffy. I think it's a combination of purging the chemicals, vitamin supplements, using better hair products and investing in a shower filter and a warm mist humidifier.

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Hi Sassygirl,

Now those are things I need to invest in...a good shower filter and the humidfier. Which brands do you use?
 
I toyed with this idea of natural for a while now and when I see how strong and pretty Monicurl's hair is I want to take the plunge. I tried it and did'nt make it last year I went about 3 months.

It's so much work, casue I did'nt want to chop, for me that would be drastic after having hair down yuor back to a crop?? I could'nt bring myself to do it. I really like being about to comb my hair EFFORTLESSLY. I'm a pastor's wife and almost got stoned for having 1/2 and 1/2 hair.

My aunt, is like 82 years old and is still gettin retouches, she looks good, her ends look jacked though that last time I saw her, (she is a die hard Ultra Sheen Blue Grease fan) But overall her hair is in good shape @ 82. So, I'm afraid I'll be in that never ending cycle, cause I don't do dreads, or twists and braids are to juvenile for me (43 yrs) sooo, I suppose I'm stuck in creamy crack lye /images/graemlins/crazy.gif addiction...
 
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Now those are things I need to invest in...a good shower filter and the humidfier. Which brands do you use?


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My humidifier is by Sunbeam. It's not fancy, but it does the job. It glows in the dark and has a two gallon capacity. I've seen them at Kmart for $20-$30. But I got mine at Big Lots for $7. When I was reading the box, a girl asked me if I was getting it for my baby. I said 'yes' and I don't even have any kids! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif I was embarrassed at being so vain!
My shower filter is the Culligan model# SR-115. I got it from Lowe's for under $20. The replacement cartridges are $12-$15. The filters are supposed to last 3-6 months depending on how hard your water is. I saw some that are supposed to last one year, but they cost more and the replacement cartridges had to be special ordered.
 
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