N.P.R. Addict
New Member
I am transitioning. Right now I am about 32 weeks post. My last relaxer was June 12, 2008. I do not plan to BC and if I do, then it will be after 1 year of transitioning.
New *2009* Transitioners Support Thread!
- Thread starter SignatureBeauty
- Start date
CarLiTa
Well-Known Member
wow i'm about 31 weeks post and I barely noticed!!
this is great!
last time I washed my hair was nearly 3 weeks ago though
it's still mostly straight, except for the front and the back that have reverted
I am getting it blowdried straight soon (sometime this week or during the weekend)
I tried transitioning before and went to 7.5 months (up to July 2008) and couldn't deal with my hair and relaxed it.
Right now, I am about 7 months post again. It's easier this time around. There were times when it was rough, but i realize it was because I was manipulating my hair waaayyy too much. Honestly, if I could wash/blowdry it every 2 weeks, I'd be cool with that (so long as it's cold outside).
I have at least 3 inches, though the front grows a little more slowly.
this is great!
last time I washed my hair was nearly 3 weeks ago though
it's still mostly straight, except for the front and the back that have reverted
I am getting it blowdried straight soon (sometime this week or during the weekend)
I tried transitioning before and went to 7.5 months (up to July 2008) and couldn't deal with my hair and relaxed it.
Right now, I am about 7 months post again. It's easier this time around. There were times when it was rough, but i realize it was because I was manipulating my hair waaayyy too much. Honestly, if I could wash/blowdry it every 2 weeks, I'd be cool with that (so long as it's cold outside).
I have at least 3 inches, though the front grows a little more slowly.
I might relax.
I stretched a section of my hair to see how long it is since i havent worn it straight in weeks and it is long as hell!
I could be well beyond SL and nearly hitting APL if i relax..
I can't cut that off! I need help!
I've still been entertaining the possibility of texlaxing again for the same reason. I don't measure my hair while wet but I was in the shower this week and I'll be damned the water stretched my hair to TBL which got me to wondering if I'm WL...I aint bit mo cuttin that! Lmao. I haven't straightened in months and don't plan on it for another 2 mos...what I's gon' do?
This week makes 14 mos. for me. I have to get the cord to my camera so I can finally post some pics. But anyway, It's thick up and through. But I'm hanging in there. Sometimes I want to chop, other times I want to relax and get it cut into a bob. I've never had short hair so that would be a big deal for me either way. But in the end, I put it into a pony and try to forget about it. Anyway, keep it up ladies, and thanks for the support
natural2be
New Member
Welcome to LHCF!
Duchesse
Well-Known Member
I was thinking the same thing...though I highly doubt I will texlax again..I may just never cut my ends off. If my hair continues the way its been going, by summer I should be APL, there's no way I'm going to cut all that hair off and be above SL again.
Since I don't plan on wearing my hair in it's fully natural state, but rather in braidouts/flexi sets, and lightly heat straightened, I don't see a need to cut my texlaxed inches off, the two textures blend pretty well when dry.
jaded_faerie
Well-Known Member
I'm going on 4 months next week. I'm in this long term...26 more months to go. It hasn't been a huge battle, since my relaxed hair is texturized and blends well with my natural hair. I also wig it everyday so I don't deal with the two textures until wash day.
alanaj
New Member
I'm at month 9 right now. My hair is so thick that I struggle when trying to put it into 1 ponytail. Instead I have to do 2, one on top and one on the bottom. Then it's actually tight enough to get neat.
This week I tried doin my hair with conditioner like Terry from www.biracialhair.org. I loved the curls that I got from it! it really does define well and made me realise that maybe I'm manipulating my hair a lil too much. It's so much faster for me to get ready for work when I do it this way and then just dampen the hair and add moisturizer and go.
This week I tried doin my hair with conditioner like Terry from www.biracialhair.org. I loved the curls that I got from it! it really does define well and made me realise that maybe I'm manipulating my hair a lil too much. It's so much faster for me to get ready for work when I do it this way and then just dampen the hair and add moisturizer and go.
jazzzmoods
New Member
HI! My last relaxer was 12/27/08 and although that is only 7 weeks ago....I am a reformed relaxer at 4-5 weeks. I am almost certain I am going to give this a whirl....I would love to "meet" my natural hair again! I will need support too!!!!
Her technique really helps with defining curls! Her hair before and afters are crazy!!!!
countrychickd
New Member
Thanks so much. I've been lurking for years, but I just paid, and now I'm officially a member, so I guess it's about time.
You make a really good point. I'm sitting here in two bantu knots now debating on whether to flat iron or not. Meh, maybe not. I know I'm going to be sweating today and tomorrow so no point.
Chromia
Well-Known Member
I'm 17 months into my transition. I bought an FHI Platform flat iron from misikko.com and I used it for the first time last week. I used it with Tresemme leave-in/heat protector and Tresemme straightening gel. I'm happy with the results. The gel did what it said on the label - it made flat ironing easier and quicker than before, and it left my hair shiny.
The last 2 times I straightened I used a Maxiglide. My hair looked dull, but that might be because of the products I used with it. I used leave-in with either Fantasia IC heat protector or Aveda Damage Control.
The last 2 times I straightened I used a Maxiglide. My hair looked dull, but that might be because of the products I used with it. I used leave-in with either Fantasia IC heat protector or Aveda Damage Control.
jetbeauty09
New Member
I'm transitioning again but will not be cutting my hair. My texture changed after I had in box braids so I tried to texturize to make it more managable but it didn't take that well so now I'm stuck with straight ends in some places and nappy hair in others. Now I'm in it for the long haul!
Zay-neey
New Member
GUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IM BC'd I washed my hair and i saw those ends, and was only going to do a mini bc but then i got so into in it i started to cut all those relaxed ends. I was 5 months . now im going to get sum box braids! to all u transitioners good luck hopefully u have more will power than me ! lovin my hair
IM BC'd I washed my hair and i saw those ends, and was only going to do a mini bc but then i got so into in it i started to cut all those relaxed ends. I was 5 months . now im going to get sum box braids! to all u transitioners good luck hopefully u have more will power than me ! lovin my hair
MummysGirl
New Member
Hi 
My last relaxer was 20th December 2008, I plan to transition for at least one year.
I am currently 8 weeks post and I'm doing okay cos I can stretch for 19 weeks.
I'm glad there's a support thread
My last relaxer was 20th December 2008, I plan to transition for at least one year.
I am currently 8 weeks post and I'm doing okay cos I can stretch for 19 weeks.
I'm glad there's a support thread
SparkleDoll
New Member
songbyrd517
Member
Okay... I am back on the band wagon. A little history (sorry, a little long):
[NOTE: I attached pictures of my completely natural hair (#1 is post BC, and #'s 2 and 3 are after growing a while), and #4 is a picture of my texlaxed hair now. They are at the bottom. The avatar pic is also my hair now, and see my profile for a pic of it flat ironed. Thank GOD I did not relax it straight!!! Any girls transitioning fro texlaxed hair, fell free to share any tips/knowledge]
If you get weak and want to reach for that easy-cream, DON"T DO IT
! I am a former natural that successfully transitioned once already. Then I had to go and texlax 3 times 
Everyone told me not to do it, and that I would regret it, but I didn't listen. I am wishy-washy when it comes to my hair, and i get bored with it quickly. I am also such a PJ, that I don't give things a chance to work, and when they do work, don't notice it until I have stopped using it. I am impatient with my hair. There, I said it. I am currently at APL (17 in. long), and I aspire to have natural, waist or even hip-length hair, that reaches APL when curly.
In Dec. 2004, I decided I did not want to relax my hair anymore. My hair was first relaxed when I was 8 years old - I had no say in the matter. So on 12/9/2004, I had what was supposedly my last relaxer. I was tired of weakness, breakage, and never getting much past APL - and I wanted versatility. Then, In November 2005, after transitioning for almost a year, BC'ed and was completely natural (chopped off 5 in. of hair!). I loved my natural hair, but after a while, I got frustrated with it and tired of people's comments like: "you never do anything with your hair". WTH!!! I didn't know that taking care of your hair and now using heat was not doing anything with your hair! It was pretty. I wore buns and puffs and a half-fro (pull back with a big scarf or band to about the middle of my head, then let the back be free). But to many people, I was acting like a little kid, and thinking I had good hair, etc. Once again, WTH!!!
Fast Forward - I my hair got to almost APL near the end of 2007 - it would have been a lot longer if it weren't for my PJ'ism and my lack of a stable regimen. But, it was nice. Then, on Oct. 7, 2007, I caved in and used a mild relaxer. I graduated from college and moved back to my home state, and I guess I could not take comments from certain people in my family my family. They meant now harm, they just don't know any better. I also got sick of that "you can do that because you have good hair" thing. And "one mo' 'gin," WTH! First I think I have good hair, then I can be natural because I have good hair? Why does that make any sense!!! I hate the good hair/bad hair thing! ALL hair is good hair because GOD made it. The only hair that is bad is hair that is not taken care of, and that hair is not inherently bad. It is self inflicted. All textures are good!
The good news is, when I relaxed it, I only left it on for about 8 minutes, and did minimal smoothing. I relaxed just enough to loosen the curl a little, and to make my hair more manageable (at least that is what I told myself). It was still plenty big and curly - just a little easier to comb.
I continued this way, and told myself I would only relax a maximum of 3 times a year. I have done a lot better than this actually, because my next relaxer was not until Sep. 28 of 2008 (almost a year). I did only that part that was not previously relaxed a year ago. I had to look very closely because I had not relaxed my hair very straight. If I had been smart, I would not have done it and just continued to grow it out. Then, in almost four months, on Dec. 14 2008, I did another mild relaxer. I still only left it on 8 minutes, and did not smooth much.
So, now, have decided to let that last texlax be the last one. I desperately miss my hair, and I now realize that my breakage was caused by using the wrong products and too many of them, and that my discontent with my hair was caused by worrying about what other people think. I have to do what I feel in my heart, and what's best for my hair. Rexlaxer's are great for many (and lots of relaxed girls have A1 hair - and I am so jealous), but not best for me. Makes my hair weak. I am transitioning, officially since 12/14/08.
I don't think it will be that hard since my relaxed texture is not super-drastically different from my natural texture. It has stretched out a little though because I have been heat-styling a lot more than I normally do. Hopefully it will shrink up some when I lay off of the heat.
[NOTE: I attached pictures of my completely natural hair (#1 is post BC, and #'s 2 and 3 are after growing a while), and #4 is a picture of my texlaxed hair now. They are at the bottom. The avatar pic is also my hair now, and see my profile for a pic of it flat ironed. Thank GOD I did not relax it straight!!! Any girls transitioning fro texlaxed hair, fell free to share any tips/knowledge]
If you get weak and want to reach for that easy-cream, DON"T DO IT
! I am a former natural that successfully transitioned once already. Then I had to go and texlax 3 times Everyone told me not to do it, and that I would regret it, but I didn't listen. I am wishy-washy when it comes to my hair, and i get bored with it quickly. I am also such a PJ, that I don't give things a chance to work, and when they do work, don't notice it until I have stopped using it. I am impatient with my hair. There, I said it. I am currently at APL (17 in. long), and I aspire to have natural, waist or even hip-length hair, that reaches APL when curly. In Dec. 2004, I decided I did not want to relax my hair anymore. My hair was first relaxed when I was 8 years old - I had no say in the matter. So on 12/9/2004, I had what was supposedly my last relaxer. I was tired of weakness, breakage, and never getting much past APL - and I wanted versatility. Then, In November 2005, after transitioning for almost a year, BC'ed and was completely natural (chopped off 5 in. of hair!). I loved my natural hair, but after a while, I got frustrated with it and tired of people's comments like: "you never do anything with your hair". WTH!!! I didn't know that taking care of your hair and now using heat was not doing anything with your hair! It was pretty. I wore buns and puffs and a half-fro (pull back with a big scarf or band to about the middle of my head, then let the back be free). But to many people, I was acting like a little kid, and thinking I had good hair, etc. Once again, WTH!!!
Fast Forward - I my hair got to almost APL near the end of 2007 - it would have been a lot longer if it weren't for my PJ'ism and my lack of a stable regimen. But, it was nice. Then, on Oct. 7, 2007, I caved in and used a mild relaxer. I graduated from college and moved back to my home state, and I guess I could not take comments from certain people in my family my family. They meant now harm, they just don't know any better. I also got sick of that "you can do that because you have good hair" thing. And "one mo' 'gin," WTH! First I think I have good hair, then I can be natural because I have good hair? Why does that make any sense!!! I hate the good hair/bad hair thing! ALL hair is good hair because GOD made it. The only hair that is bad is hair that is not taken care of, and that hair is not inherently bad. It is self inflicted. All textures are good!
The good news is, when I relaxed it, I only left it on for about 8 minutes, and did minimal smoothing. I relaxed just enough to loosen the curl a little, and to make my hair more manageable (at least that is what I told myself). It was still plenty big and curly - just a little easier to comb.
I continued this way, and told myself I would only relax a maximum of 3 times a year. I have done a lot better than this actually, because my next relaxer was not until Sep. 28 of 2008 (almost a year). I did only that part that was not previously relaxed a year ago. I had to look very closely because I had not relaxed my hair very straight. If I had been smart, I would not have done it and just continued to grow it out. Then, in almost four months, on Dec. 14 2008, I did another mild relaxer. I still only left it on 8 minutes, and did not smooth much.
So, now, have decided to let that last texlax be the last one. I desperately miss my hair, and I now realize that my breakage was caused by using the wrong products and too many of them, and that my discontent with my hair was caused by worrying about what other people think. I have to do what I feel in my heart, and what's best for my hair. Rexlaxer's are great for many (and lots of relaxed girls have A1 hair - and I am so jealous
), but not best for me. Makes my hair weak. I am transitioning, officially since 12/14/08. I don't think it will be that hard since my relaxed texture is not super-drastically different from my natural texture. It has stretched out a little though because I have been heat-styling a lot more than I normally do. Hopefully it will shrink up some when I lay off of the heat.
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FindingMe
Well-Known Member
10.5 months post and I am working it out!!!! I AM LOVING MY HAIR RIGHT ABOUT NOW!!!!
Braidouts with coconut oil all over and shea butter on the ends are my friends!!
I just cut an inch off and will continue to do so until I am fully transitioned. My original goal was to get to BSL and then transition from there cutting an inch off at a time...HOWEVER, the ends of my hair just keep chasing my bra strap like my bra strap stole something, so I don't think I'll ever get there and my ends are kinda stragglyand dry, so I cut...
I think I have about 2-3 inches that could really stand to be cut, so I think I will be this length for about the next 6-8 months and once I get these ends off, we'll see about letting it grow to BSL and continuing my transition from there...
I really think that although I am struggling with my relaxed hair to get to BSL, my natural hair will be able to get there no problem. It's so strong and moisturized and healthy.
Anywhoo...that's my update-
Braidouts with coconut oil all over and shea butter on the ends are my friends!!
I just cut an inch off and will continue to do so until I am fully transitioned. My original goal was to get to BSL and then transition from there cutting an inch off at a time...HOWEVER, the ends of my hair just keep chasing my bra strap like my bra strap stole something, so I don't think I'll ever get there and my ends are kinda stragglyand dry, so I cut...
I think I have about 2-3 inches that could really stand to be cut, so I think I will be this length for about the next 6-8 months and once I get these ends off, we'll see about letting it grow to BSL and continuing my transition from there...
I really think that although I am struggling with my relaxed hair to get to BSL, my natural hair will be able to get there no problem. It's so strong and moisturized and healthy.
Anywhoo...that's my update-
Hello transitioners! Just to let you know that I am no longer transitioning, 'cos I've done the BC!
My last relaxer was in November 2008. The BC was not planned, my hair matted so badly after washing so I picked up a scisors and hacked off the relaxed ends! It's a wonderful feeling. Good luck with your transitioning! Hoping to see more of you on the other side(natural) soon.
My last relaxer was in November 2008. The BC was not planned, my hair matted so badly after washing so I picked up a scisors and hacked off the relaxed ends! It's a wonderful feeling. Good luck with your transitioning! Hoping to see more of you on the other side(natural) soon.
MummysGirl
New Member
Congratulations again... see you on the other side!
half.cadence
New Member
Congrats Zay-neey on your BC!
just checking in. I trimmed about an inch off two days ago..first cut since transitioning. I think Im just going to do half inch trims every other month or so for the next 3-4 months.
I have not had any real issues w/my hair. I've just put my hair in singles and the routine is fairly simple. Just basically on cruise control and doing everything as needed. One thing I have been bad about is cutting certain areas of my relaxed hair of. Im sure when I where it straight now, Im going to be like patchwork w/random cowlicks and such..
just checking in. I trimmed about an inch off two days ago..first cut since transitioning. I think Im just going to do half inch trims every other month or so for the next 3-4 months.
I have not had any real issues w/my hair. I've just put my hair in singles and the routine is fairly simple. Just basically on cruise control and doing everything as needed. One thing I have been bad about is cutting certain areas of my relaxed hair of. Im sure when I where it straight now, Im going to be like patchwork w/random cowlicks and such..
turnergirl
New Member
Ladies,
Even though I am not transitioning, I have done it before and I helped my best friend through a 3 year transition. We did flat twist set on her. Like 5-8 flat twist done on wet hair and rolled with a rod at the end. It was always beautiful and lasted over a week.
If I can find a picture I will post it.
Even though I am not transitioning, I have done it before and I helped my best friend through a 3 year transition. We did flat twist set on her. Like 5-8 flat twist done on wet hair and rolled with a rod at the end. It was always beautiful and lasted over a week.
If I can find a picture I will post it.
Duchesse
Well-Known Member
Gradygirl, your hair is too pretty! Your story sounds just like mine girl. If I never caved in and relaxed justifying with "well it's mild, well it'll only be for a few minutes, well my natural is too hard to deal with, well I'll look prettier with straight hair", I would be nearing WL natural by now!
pinkdot's blog
New Member
Congratulations on your progress Finding Me and Brandy! 
I also want to update an let you guys know I made 6 months! I am sooooo happy. I don't really have to worry about my two textures right now because I'm wearing micros but I am taking them out this week. I want to enjoy the length right now. I'm not snipping anything off yet. Good luck everyone. May we all have a happy smooth transition!
I also want to update an let you guys know I made 6 months! I am sooooo happy. I don't really have to worry about my two textures right now because I'm wearing micros but I am taking them out this week. I want to enjoy the length right now. I'm not snipping anything off yet. Good luck everyone. May we all have a happy smooth transition!
Morenita
Well-Known Member
Congratulations to all those who B/C'ed! You're all very courageous 
Welcome! Your hair is lovely. I'm like you, in that I get bored easily and don't give things a chance to work with the PJism and all lol.
FM! Hey girl. I just cut off about an inch or two also. My ends were thin also. I think it's the old damaged hair growing out, and not necessarily continued damage (I hope). I am not as gentle with my hair as I should be though and it breaks off so darn easily. I figured out recently that I have been doing moisture overload and stepped up my hardcore protein to once a week. I use Nexxus Emergencee right now and I picked up some Aveda so hopefully that will help. I give it until March 2010 at the latest before I get sick of doing this though. I keep looking at pics of the ladies who chopped at 18 mos-2 years post or who have 18 months to two years worth of natural hair growth and it looks so pretty! Southerntease and Ebony Majesty come to mind, there are lots of others though. Don't even get me started on my natural inspirations like Curly Nikki, Serenity, LadyLibra, and the long long haired divas, Chichelle, Chicoro, Pink Skates, and I could go on and on and on!
Oh man, why can't it be next year already?
Okay... I am back on the band wagon. A little history (sorry, a little long):
[NOTE: I attached pictures of my completely natural hair (#1 is post BC, and #'s 2 and 3 are after growing a while), and #4 is a picture of my texlaxed hair now. They are at the bottom. The avatar pic is also my hair now, and see my profile for a pic of it flat ironed. Thank GOD I did not relax it straight!!! Any girls transitioning fro texlaxed hair, fell free to share any tips/knowledge]
If you get weak and want to reach for that easy-cream, DON"T DO IT
In Dec. 2004, I decided I did not want to relax my hair anymore. My hair was first relaxed when I was 8 years old - I had no say in the matter. So on 12/9/2004, I had what was supposedly my last relaxer. I was tired of weakness, breakage, and never getting much past APL - and I wanted versatility. Then, In November 2005, after transitioning for almost a year, BC'ed and was completely natural (chopped off 5 in. of hair!). I loved my natural hair, but after a while, I got frustrated with it and tired of people's comments like: "you never do anything with your hair". WTH!!! I didn't know that taking care of your hair and now using heat was not doing anything with your hair! It was pretty. I wore buns and puffs and a half-fro (pull back with a big scarf or band to about the middle of my head, then let the back be free). But to many people, I was acting like a little kid, and thinking I had good hair, etc. Once again, WTH!!!
Fast Forward - I my hair got to almost APL near the end of 2007 - it would have been a lot longer if it weren't for my PJ'ism and my lack of a stable regimen. But, it was nice. Then, on Oct. 7, 2007, I caved in and used a mild relaxer. I graduated from college and moved back to my home state, and I guess I could not take comments from certain people in my family my family. They meant now harm, they just don't know any better. I also got sick of that "you can do that because you have good hair" thing. And "one mo' 'gin," WTH! First I think I have good hair, then I can be natural because I have good hair? Why does that make any sense!!! I hate the good hair/bad hair thing! ALL hair is good hair because GOD made it. The only hair that is bad is hair that is not taken care of, and that hair is not inherently bad. It is self inflicted. All textures are good!
The good news is, when I relaxed it, I only left it on for about 8 minutes, and did minimal smoothing. I relaxed just enough to loosen the curl a little, and to make my hair more manageable (at least that is what I told myself). It was still plenty big and curly - just a little easier to comb.
I continued this way, and told myself I would only relax a maximum of 3 times a year. I have done a lot better than this actually, because my next relaxer was not until Sep. 28 of 2008 (almost a year). I did only that part that was not previously relaxed a year ago. I had to look very closely because I had not relaxed my hair very straight. If I had been smart, I would not have done it and just continued to grow it out. Then, in almost four months, on Dec. 14 2008, I did another mild relaxer. I still only left it on 8 minutes, and did not smooth much.
So, now, have decided to let that last texlax be the last one. I desperately miss my hair, and I now realize that my breakage was caused by using the wrong products and too many of them, and that my discontent with my hair was caused by worrying about what other people think. I have to do what I feel in my heart, and what's best for my hair. Rexlaxer's are great for many (and lots of relaxed girls have A1 hair - and I am so jealous
I don't think it will be that hard since my relaxed texture is not super-drastically different from my natural texture. It has stretched out a little though because I have been heat-styling a lot more than I normally do. Hopefully it will shrink up some when I lay off of the heat.
Welcome! Your hair is lovely. I'm like you, in that I get bored easily and don't give things a chance to work with the PJism and all lol.
FM! Hey girl. I just cut off about an inch or two also. My ends were thin also. I think it's the old damaged hair growing out, and not necessarily continued damage (I hope). I am not as gentle with my hair as I should be though and it breaks off so darn easily. I figured out recently that I have been doing moisture overload and stepped up my hardcore protein to once a week. I use Nexxus Emergencee right now and I picked up some Aveda so hopefully that will help. I give it until March 2010 at the latest before I get sick of doing this though. I keep looking at pics of the ladies who chopped at 18 mos-2 years post or who have 18 months to two years worth of natural hair growth and it looks so pretty! Southerntease and Ebony Majesty come to mind, there are lots of others though. Don't even get me started on my natural inspirations like Curly Nikki, Serenity, LadyLibra, and the long long haired divas, Chichelle, Chicoro, Pink Skates, and I could go on and on and on!
Oh man, why can't it be next year already?
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Mad Scientist
Well-Known Member
I think I'm going to BC tomorrow.
songbyrd517
Member
Me too, and thank you very much for the compliment! We're both not going back this time
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