New *2010* Transitioners Support Thread!

[jamoca5]

You guys, I think I might want to BC soon.

I'm not sure if it's just lack of patience with waiting for this hair to grow, or my growing frustration with this weave I've got sewed onto my head (I am so OVER fake hair right now).

I was thinking that maybe I could make it semi-symbolic and BC on my birthday (June 13th- three weeks from now!). How cliche.

I don;t know, what do you guys think? When do you know when you're ready to BC?

 

[caligirl2385]

You guys, I think I might want to BC soon.

I'm not sure if it's just lack of patience with waiting for this hair to grow, or my growing frustration with this weave I've got sewed onto my head (I am so OVER fake hair right now).

I was thinking that maybe I could make it semi-symbolic and BC on my birthday (June 13th- three weeks from now!). How cliche.

I don;t know, what do you guys think? When do you know when you're ready to BC?

i'm not natural yet, but if you feel that way, i think you should go for it!

 

[Shay72]

You guys, I think I might want to BC soon.

I'm not sure if it's just lack of patience with waiting for this hair to grow, or my growing frustration with this weave I've got sewed onto my head (I am so OVER fake hair right now).

I was thinking that maybe I could make it semi-symbolic and BC on my birthday (June 13th- three weeks from now!). How cliche.

I don;t know, what do you guys think? When do you know when you're ready to BC?

I think you just know. I woke up one day and knew it was time to start making arrangements. I at least want to make it to 1 year post so I am doing mine over the 4th of July weekend.

 

[13StepsAhead]

1.5 weeks until I'm 11 months post, slowly creeping up on that 1year mark and my birthday.....

 

[Grand Prix]

Totally OT, but you ladies were the only ones I can think of asking: I have to hand in this paper and it would be really great if I could have a native english speaker proofread it for me. It's only a 1000 word paper, but it's been years since I've had to write one in english so I'm a little insecure about it!

Anyone in my transitioners family who wouldn't mind recieving a PM to read it for me?

 

[Grand Prix]

You guys, I think I might want to BC soon.

I'm not sure if it's just lack of patience with waiting for this hair to grow, or my growing frustration with this weave I've got sewed onto my head (I am so OVER fake hair right now).

I was thinking that maybe I could make it semi-symbolic and BC on my birthday (June 13th- three weeks from now!). How cliche.

I don;t know, what do you guys think? When do you know when you're ready to BC?

Hmm. I think it's just how everybody always says. You just know.
I just knew it one day, then I decided I would wait 2/3 more weeks to be absolutely sure.
I didn't care about the length anymore (I think this is why most of us are long term transitioners?) and up until 3 weeks before I still loved my relaxed ends like the rest of my hair.
After that I felt no "pain" cutting my hair, while before a 1 inch trim would make me a little sad.

Knowing it was long enough to pull into a ponytail was also a big help. BCers are usually able to do this at 18 months post.

I love BC's, but please be sure! If you're not entirely sure now, 3 weeks is real soon.

 

[MummysGirl]

I'd be glad to help

Will send you a PM with my email address.

Totally OT, but you ladies were the only ones I can think of asking: I have to hand in this paper and it would be really great if I could have a native english speaker proofread it for me. It's only a 1000 word paper, but it's been years since I've had to write one in english so I'm a little insecure about it!

Anyone in my transitioners family who wouldn't mind recieving a PM to read it for me?

 

[MummysGirl]

You guys, I think I might want to BC soon.

I'm not sure if it's just lack of patience with waiting for this hair to grow, or my growing frustration with this weave I've got sewed onto my head (I am so OVER fake hair right now).

I was thinking that maybe I could make it semi-symbolic and BC on my birthday (June 13th- three weeks from now!). How cliche.

I don;t know, what do you guys think? When do you know when you're ready to BC?

Hmm. I think it's just how everybody always says. You just know.
I just knew it one day, then I decided I would wait 2/3 more weeks to be absolutely sure.
I didn't care about the length anymore (I think this is why most of us are long term transitioners?) and up until 3 weeks before I still loved my relaxed ends like the rest of my hair.
After that I felt no "pain" cutting my hair, while before a 1 inch trim would make me a little sad.

Knowing it was long enough to pull into a ponytail was also a big help. BCers are usually able to do this at 18 months post.

I love BC's, but please be sure! If you're not entirely sure now, 3 weeks is real soon.

I've never had urges to BC so for me - the minute I thought of BC'ing for the 1st time (last week!), I knew I was very close to it

I'm definitely going to make it to 18 months post because my transition is actually not difficult and Ekaette has threatened me ...
My natural is so much longer than I thought and my thoughts were confirmed today when I cowashed and detangled my hair, and then proceeded to play in it - I've got a medium afro already

My earliest BC date will be Sunday June 20th @ exactly 18 months post and it helps that my birthday is just over a week after so I'm very excited about being all natural for my birthday.

You're 12 months post... if you think you are ready, start to think about style options now. Do you want to put your hair up in a pony or bun? Do you have enough natural hair for that? Do you want to wear puffs (which you should have just about enough hair for now ), twists, extensions? Give yourself a couple of weeks...

Whatever you decide, make sure you keep us updated

 

[jerseygurl]

You ladies are so inspirational, I'm just 5 months post and sometimes I wonder if I can really go the distance like you ladies.

Congratulations to all the recent BC'ers.

 

[MummysGirl]

Yes you can

Be positive about and you will - I made the decision to long term transition a month or two after where you are right now and here I am at 17 months post

You ladies are so inspirational, I'm just 5 months post and sometimes I wonder if I can really go the distance like you ladies.

Congratulations to all the recent BC'ers.

 

[dorko]

i wore my hair out today
in the rain so my hair is huge
got so many compliments about the waves & curls!!! affirms my continuation to transition

 

[SunnyDelight]

You ladies really are an inspiration. I am six months and counting - will try for 2 years. I am really enjoying the hairstyle suggestions. Thanks

 

[Foxglove]

I've never had urges to BC so for me - the minute I thought of BC'ing for the 1st time (last week!), I knew I was very close to it

I'm definitely going to make it to 18 months post because my transition is actually not difficult and Ekaette has threatened me ...
My natural is so much longer than I thought and my thoughts were confirmed today when I cowashed and detangled my hair, and then proceeded to play in it - I've got a medium afro already

My earliest BC date will be Sunday June 20th @ exactly 18 months post and it helps that my birthday is just over a week after so I'm very excited about being all natural for my birthday.

You're 12 months post... if you think you are ready, start to think about style options now. Do you want to put your hair up in a pony or bun? Do you have enough natural hair for that? Do you want to wear puffs (which you should have just about enough hair for now ), twists, extensions? Give yourself a couple of weeks...

Whatever you decide, make sure you keep us updated

Why'd you have to throw me under the bus?

 

[LoveCraze]

Hi ladies, advice needed regarding my edges.

I've always had a weak hairline but transitioning has wreaked havoc with it. I literally have a halo and can't gel down the hairline.

What can i do to recover the half an inch deep of hairline that has broken off.

I moisturising twice a day but that area is sooo vulnerable to anything and everything - even the scarf and bonnet i use at night hits on it.

The last 2 days i have been twisting the front middle area (where you'd have a bang/fringe) so that it falls down onto my face and then pinning it to one side. I was thinking that would stop the constant backwards styling but i still have the sides to deal with.

Any suggestions as to what i can do?

Have you tried using Jamaican Black Castor Oil, or just castor oil in general for your edges? It won't hurt to give it a shot.
____________________________________

Also, remember a bunch of pages back where I asked if hair detangling was easier once the relaxed ends were gone? Well I can certainly testify that it really is. I love to wash my hair because I know that I don't have to deal with those straight ends getting in the way and wrapping around my new growth. Just the mere FEEL of my hair without the straight pieces hanging on is such a treat!! Stay strong with your transitions ladies until you are absolutely sure you ready. I knew I was ready because it stayed on my mind all the time and I was no longer concerned with having a tremendous amount of length. I knew that what I did have, I'd be able to work with it. My natural hair with all the waves and coils called to me. I was more than ready when I did my BC.
So if you believe you're ready, like someone already mentioned, maybe give yourself a couple of weeks or three to sleep on it. Also you might want to consider what your style options will be once you do BC.
I'm still here for ya'll checkin on you.

 

[Trini_Chutney]

Hello ladies! Just wanted to stop by and say congrats to all of you! KUTGW!!

 

[Bublin]

Have you tried using Jamaican Black Castor Oil, or just castor oil in general for your edges? It won't hurt to give it a shot

That will moisurise it but it will not hide the halo of tiny curls.

I am gelling down or wearing a long side swept fringe to hide breakage. In the mean time i am applying a mild protein deep condish just on that area every time its wash day.

Airdrying is killing my hairline so i'm going to stop - my hair just don't like it.

I blowdryed and flat ironed today - was shocked at the length - even though i have cut off about 2 inches during the last 10 month of my journey......i must change my siggy pic

 

[jamoca5]

Thanks for the advice, ladies! In regards to how I plan to wear my hair- I have no idea. I just figured that maybe I could rock Wash n Gos for the summer and see where it goes from there. And since I've been weaved up for most of this transition, I'm still confused at what my length is. I'ma guess and say it's between ear and chin length while wet. Of course, shrinkage will have an answer to that erplexed

But yeah, I think I will BC on the 13th =) *cue excitement*

 

[slt54321]

I am transitioning (nine months) and just wanted to know what makes the relaxed ends become so thin. My original plan was to transition for 18 months but I honestly don't think I can last, every since I started trimming the relaxed ends 2 months ago, I can't stop, every time I wash I trim a little mo.

 

[13StepsAhead]

^^^ could be breakage, but its more likely that you are seeing the difference between healthy thick NG and your relaxed ends. I'm not a pro just yet, but I'm sure others will chime in soon.

 

[slt54321]

Thank you.

 

[Jewell]

Still going strong ya'll. 10 months post! CWs and wet bunning have been my staple style recently. I want to purchase a packaged quick weave to have another style option, because I don't like to manipulate my hair too much. It's done much better being left alone underneath wigs for like 8 months! I have updated pics of NG in my Fotki.

 

[LoveCraze]

That will moisurise it but it will not hide the halo of tiny curls.

I am gelling down or wearing a long side swept fringe to hide breakage. In the mean time i am applying a mild protein deep condish just on that area every time its wash day.

Airdrying is killing my hairline so i'm going to stop - my hair just don't like it.

I blowdryed and flat ironed today - was shocked at the length - even though i have cut off about 2 inches during the last 10 month of my journey......i must change my siggy pic

Well your question was how do you recover from the hair breakage at your hairline. What can i do to recover the half an inch deep of hairline that has broken off.
A good way to do that is by applying castor oil to help regrow your edges. Moisture is key while transitioning especially for the new growth. And castor oil was like my babies daddy while I was transitioning! I used it on my edges, my new growth and on my nape. Did it help? I believe it did. Although my nape is still thin, it was this way long before I started to transition. But my edges are in great condition. Ecostyler is the best gel that I know of that layed my edges down most effectively.


Also ladies I wanted to share my first two strand twist. I am so proud of them and was elated at how the ends curled and stayed. It is so soft and moisurized.

 

[LoveCraze]

^^^ could be breakage, but its more likely that you are seeing the difference between healthy thick NG and your relaxed ends. I'm not a pro just yet, but I'm sure others will chime in soon.

ITA. Looking at your relaxed ends compared to natural hair is like comparing apples to oranges. They just don't compare. Don't fret over it. Once your hair is dry and styled, they usually blend in pretty good depending on the hairstyle you are doing.

 

[c0urtkneee]

aww, you twisties are cute steph!

i had a dream i BC`d the other day...it was NOT a good look, i cut it VERY short & left a patch of relaxed hair in the front. :/

oh& i guess i`m 9 months now! didn`t even realize it, time is flying right on by.

 

[Grand Prix]

aww, you twisties are cute steph!

i had a dream i BC`d the other day...it was NOT a good look, i cut it VERY short & left a patch of relaxed hair in the front. :/

oh& i guess i`m 9 months now! didn`t even realize it, time is flying right on by.

Now why would you leave that relaxed patch in the front?

Don't let this scare you out of going natural, we all have our BC nightmares.

 

[Ijanei]

Sorry ladies but I think I am going to relax or something...I'm trying to stall and wait but I want to see my growth sooo bad. I dont want to have to keep putting the flat iron to my hair weekly......I will update you later on in the week

but on the same end, i wanna BC so I can wear my little curlies

 

[Foxglove]

I'm doing my 18 months post update a week ahead of schedule.
Sigh... Slow growth plus super shrinkage =

I'm a week shy of 18 months post relaxer and this is what I'm working with. I'm really glad I didn't wait until 18 months post to BC because it wouldn't have made much of a difference. I'm really glad I got to play in my hair for the last 2 months. It's super healthy. I'm probably going to put her away for a few months and will post updates when I take my braids out

 

[Khaiya]

You ladies are doing so well! I'm currently 31 weeks and 5 days post, its getting hard but i'm learning what my natural hair likes in the process.

 

[TruMe]

Hello Ladies, I would like to join in on this thread. I am new to all of this and really just need to get as much advice, tips and support as possible.

1. How far into your transition are you?
Not realizing it, I am actually 5 months, 3 weeks exactly since my last relaxer (I think; that is the last time I went to the hair salon and I think I got a relaxer then but not sure so I could be going on longer than that). I wasn't really going for being all-natural specifically since I was still straightening my hair once a week. I guess my impression of all-natural is wearing your hair curly so that is what my new goal is actually. So, I have not used ANY heat on my hair for 1 week and 3 days. THIS is a new area for me!


2. What's your transition goal?
I want to grow my hair to the point where I have trimmed ALL of my relaxed hair off so that I can wear my hair naturally from this point forward. I will not be doing the BC, so trying to style me newly discovered hair texture (along with the relaxed texture) is going to be work. My hair is too fragile to wear braids (or at least my relaxed hair is, although I have been told that even my new growth wouldn't be able to take braids). I'm not sure what my hair type is, I'm just guessing when I say 3c. I have my first hair trim appointment with a natural hairstylist tomorrow so I will be doing a length check then and will be taking pics of my new growth to show texture. I will post them on Thursday.

So far I have styled my hair in straw sets for the first week and attempted a try at flat two-strand twists. They both turned out OK in my opinion (my profile pic is a straw set after 3 days). I just have never done them before and am not used to my hair being above my shoulders as my hair straight is a little past my shoulders. This will be interesting and fun (I hope).

Thanks for this site and starting this thread!!

 

[c0urtkneee]

Now why would you leave that relaxed patch in the front?

Don't let this scare you out of going natural, we all have our BC nightmares.

i have no idea what possessed me to leave that patch. but it def wasn`t cute. maybe i should stop chopping pieces in the back...