New *2010* Transitioners Support Thread!

[andromeda]

I'm trying to keep up with transitioning until at least April. I'm doing a low-mani regimen and keeping my hair cornowed for a month at a time. I clarified my hair this weekend (as prep for henna) and took texture shots. I allowed my hair to air dry, granted I went on autpilot and put my hair in large, loose twists, so it could've been stretched slightly. Please pardon my chipped nail polish. I traced a quarter onto the paper for perspective.

I snipped off some of the relaxed ends from this section but not completely, as you can see.

Here's a pic I took two weeks ago of my damp hair.

I also took a pic that shows all of my hair, including my relaxed ends - but it is such a ham, it's unfit for public viewing.

 

[MummysGirl]

Very pretty

I'm trying to keep up with transitioning until at least April. I'm doing a low-mani regimen and keeping my hair cornowed for a month at a time. I clarified my hair this weekend (as prep for henna) and took texture shots. I allowed my hair to air dry, granted I went on autpilot and put my hair in large, loose twists, so it could've been stretched slightly. Please pardon my chipped nail polish. I traced a quarter onto the paper for perspective.

I snipped off some of the relaxed ends from this section but not completely, as you can see.

Here's a pic I took two weeks ago of my damp hair.
I also took a pic that shows all of my hair, including my relaxed ends - but it is such a ham, it's unfit for public viewing.

 

[xyra]

I don't remember if I posted in this thread or not, so if I did, please excuse the double post I am currently 7 1/2 months post and still going strong! This is my third transition attempt and I am hoping to actually go through with it this time. My long term goal is MBL, but I would love to get to WL someday. I plan on being a long term transitioner and do not plan on doing a BC. Once my natural hair gets to MBL stretched, I plan on cutting off my relaxed/texlaxed ends.

I currently wear straight styles as it is much easier for me to maintain. I am looking forward to the day when my hair is fully natural so that I can have more style options. Also looking forward to my one year mark in June!

 

[Trini_Chutney]

XYRA- Welcome!

Ok ladies....talk me out of it please! I want to BC, I want to BC soooooo bad! . I think what's scaring me is that we'll be moving to Spain next month and I keep thinking who will I get ot cut my hair over there? I don't want to do it myself and I love my hubby but I'm scared he'll chop too much. I have a hairdresser here that I trust to cut it. Please talk me out of it

 

[Grand Prix]

XYRA- Welcome!

Ok ladies....talk me out of it please! I want to BC, I want to BC soooooo bad! . I think what's scaring me is that we'll be moving to Spain next month and I keep thinking who will I get ot cut my hair over there? I don't want to do it myself and I love my hubby but I'm scared he'll chop too much. I have a hairdresser here that I trust to cut it. Please talk me out of it

Hmm.. while I see your point about the stylist you have where you are now, I see that you are now nearly 8 months post.
Do you plan to visit home this year, after you've moved? If you do, say, in 10 months, you'd be 18 months post when you see your stylist again.
Book your ticket now so you won't, until then, ever ever have the urge to chop.

Otherwise.. I do think you could get a good stylist there too. I don't know where you're going exactly, but I remember that in Madrid all the black women had very well taken care of (mostly relaxed) hair.
My sister and I were like wondering if there was some secret we didn't know of.

And if that doesn't work out.. doesn't self chopping just seem like loads of fun?

So for now, don't do it!

 

[Ltown]

XYRA- Welcome!

Ok ladies....talk me out of it please! I want to BC, I want to BC soooooo bad! . I think what's scaring me is that we'll be moving to Spain next month and I keep thinking who will I get ot cut my hair over there? I don't want to do it myself and I love my hubby but I'm scared he'll chop too much. I have a hairdresser here that I trust to cut it. Please talk me out of it

Is this a military move? If so there will be someone to help your there, the bx/px or usually have some American stylist or someone that relocated too. I was in the military and station overseas, our people are everywhere and you'll find someone. Don't rush and do it find a style bun/pony that you can manage so you won't regret the cut.

 

[poookie]

I'm trying to keep up with transitioning until at least April. I'm doing a low-mani regimen and keeping my hair cornowed for a month at a time. I clarified my hair this weekend (as prep for henna) and took texture shots. I allowed my hair to air dry, granted I went on autpilot and put my hair in large, loose twists, so it could've been stretched slightly. Please pardon my chipped nail polish. I traced a quarter onto the paper for perspective.

I snipped off some of the relaxed ends from this section but not completely, as you can see.

Here's a pic I took two weeks ago of my damp hair.

I also took a pic that shows all of my hair, including my relaxed ends - but it is such a ham, it's unfit for public viewing.

oh my goodness! beautiful hair! your texture reminds me of mine, except my squiggles are a bit smaller than yours

 

[Black Hoya Chick]

chillen. getting lazy. can't wait for this to be over. just 1 - 1 1/2 inches to go.

 

[MummysGirl]

I don't remember if I posted in this thread or not, so if I did, please excuse the double post I am currently 7 1/2 months post and still going strong! This is my third transition attempt and I am hoping to actually go through with it this time. My long term goal is MBL, but I would love to get to WL someday. I plan on being a long term transitioner and do not plan on doing a BC. Once my natural hair gets to MBL stretched, I plan on cutting off my relaxed/texlaxed ends.

I currently wear straight styles as it is much easier for me to maintain. I am looking forward to the day when my hair is fully natural so that I can have more style options. Also looking forward to my one year mark in June!

Hmm.... I see what you're saying spain4risha. On the one hand, I think you can go longer by putting in extensions a couple of days before you leave and taking good care of your hair in them for 2 months... then you can wear your hair out - buns, curly styles - for another few months before you chop. I'm all about long term transitioning so this would be what I would do.

On the other hand, I see how easy it will be to BC now, put your hair in extensions, take them out after a couple of months and rock your pretty natural hair.

Do you like the idea of a TWA? If you do, then BC... if not, try to go longer <-- I wasn't so helpful, was I?

XYRA- Welcome!

Ok ladies....talk me out of it please! I want to BC, I want to BC soooooo bad! . I think what's scaring me is that we'll be moving to Spain next month and I keep thinking who will I get ot cut my hair over there? I don't want to do it myself and I love my hubby but I'm scared he'll chop too much. I have a hairdresser here that I trust to cut it. Please talk me out of it

 

[UGQueen]

jus wanted to say this is the longest i think i have ever gone without relaxing my hair
and its all thanks to you guys!

thank you!

 

[Trini_Chutney]

Thanks for all of the great advice ladies. It was nice to hear the pros and cons from other perspectives. I called my stylist to get it cut and ended up with an appointment for a curly weave just before we leave, LOL. I'll try to keep that in for 3 months and then go back to kinky twists or "out" styles. I'm thinking I'll get the Bohyme Brazilian hair, but I'm still looking.


UGQueen- way to go girl!

Black Hoya Chick- OMG, 22months!! You are amazing!

 

[andromeda]

oh my goodness! beautiful hair! your texture reminds me of mine, except my squiggles are a bit smaller than yours

Thanks!

chillen. getting lazy. can't wait for this to be over. just 1 - 1 1/2 inches to go.

Good for you!

 

[seraphinelle]

Just posting to see ticker.

 

[KathyMay]

checking in approaching 47 weeks post, I am hoping to get my kinky twists this weekend but with all of this snow coming our way I might have to change my plans.

 

[Allandra]

I hope everyone is doing well with their transition.

 

[LoveCraze]

Hello ladies. Well for the first time I really really had an urge to grab some scissors and cut away! Well I was styling my hair for work and I was thinking of pulling the top up in a pompadour with the back out. Well in doing so.....I took a look at the back and was like Uh Uh! Told my DH, "See, this is why I am going have to BC soon." I know pictures are better than words so here go. The first two show how see through my ends are compared to my new growth. The last pic is how I ended up wearing my hair. DH suggested that I just cut the back, but if I start to cut anything, then I'm going to do the whole thing. Anyway, just thought I would share. But I think my hair is trying to tell me somethingerplexed.

 

[Foxglove]

Hello ladies. Well for the first time I really really had an urge to grab some scissors and cut away! Well I was styling my hair for work and I was thinking of pulling the top up in a pompadour with the back out. Well in doing so.....I took a look at the back and was like Uh Uh! Told my DH, "See, this is why I am going have to BC soon." I know pictures are better than words so here go. The first two show how see through my ends are compared to my new growth. The last pic is how I ended up wearing my hair. DH suggested that I just cut the back, but if I start to cut anything, then I'm going to do the whole thing. Anyway, just thought I would share. But I think my hair is trying to tell me somethingerplexed.

I really like your updos

 

[Ltown]

Hello ladies. Well for the first time I really really had an urge to grab some scissors and cut away! Well I was styling my hair for work and I was thinking of pulling the top up in a pompadour with the back out. Well in doing so.....I took a look at the back and was like Uh Uh! Told my DH, "See, this is why I am going have to BC soon." I know pictures are better than words so here go. The first two show how see through my ends are compared to my new growth. The last pic is how I ended up wearing my hair. DH suggested that I just cut the back, but if I start to cut anything, then I'm going to do the whole thing. Anyway, just thought I would share. But I think my hair is trying to tell me somethingerplexed.

StephElise, you can wait 2 months to make 1 year, then reevaluate. Keep it pinned up so you won't have to look at your relax ends. The reason you are transitioning is because the relaxer made your hair weak. Put those scissors down.

 

[cch24]

my bun today with my flower fork.

 

[Jewell]

Not sure if I've posted here yet or not! Too many pgs to search thru! Anyway, time for an update. Tomorrow I'm 26 wks post. Still going strong, I don't even have an urge to trim, let alone chop. No BC for me. I did trim 1/2" last month, but I'll only trim as needed to even up my ends (love the blunt look). This NG is poppin' but is really about to sprout out since I started this sulfur challenge! TTYL

 

[2themax]

I'm only 2 months post and I don't EVER plan to relax again My hair just doesn't like it. It looks great and feels wonderful for the first week and then after that OR after I wash it...... Plus I can't stand the two textures. The new growth makes my hair thick in some areas and the parts that are still relaxed look thin and lifeless "Been there/Done that too many times. I give up. I'm just gonna let all the relaxer grow out and be N-A-T-U-R-A-L. I don't even plan on hot combing my hair unless it's urgent!

 

[nsmith30]

So I went to the bss today to buy a lace front and the store clerk started asking questions. I explained I was transitioning and she tells me it's the biggest mistake I'll ever make. I had to cut my eyes at her, I can honestly say the biggest mistake was being a slave to the creamy crack. I'm 16 weeks post and though the new growth has definitely made its presence known, I'm embracing this process and everything that goes along with it.

 

[trunee]

I'm a newbie ... I had my last perm about 7 months ago. My friend Kellie first introduced me to the idea of transitioning and it took awhile for me to get used to the idea and fully commit.

My hair is super thin and lifeless when it's permed and I've always wondered what my natural hair texture would be like.

I'm lazy when it comes to combing my hair so my protective hairstyle of choice will be kinky twists for two months, spraying daily with Infusium23, Jojoba oil, MSM, and water, along with a separate braid spray.

Deep condition for two weeks and immediately put the Kinky twists back in

It has been 8 days since I've had my twists out and dealing with this new growth has been quite an experience lol.

I think once I find the products that work for me I will be much more inclined to wear natural hairstyles.

Right now I'm wearing a half wig that has been a lifesaver.

This is going to be quite a journey, but I'm really looking forward to going along for the ride

 

[MummysGirl]

Steph, you'll be one year post on the 5th of March, you can definitely hold out till then

At this point in our transition, it's best to ignore the obvious difference between our new growth and relaxed hair (especially those of us who don't straighten our hair) & just get on with styling it. You're the style queen so your hair always looks good, just rely on that for the next month, ok?

I love the updo

Hello ladies. Well for the first time I really really had an urge to grab some scissors and cut away! Well I was styling my hair for work and I was thinking of pulling the top up in a pompadour with the back out. Well in doing so.....I took a look at the back and was like Uh Uh! Told my DH, "See, this is why I am going have to BC soon." I know pictures are better than words so here go. The first two show how see through my ends are compared to my new growth. The last pic is how I ended up wearing my hair. DH suggested that I just cut the back, but if I start to cut anything, then I'm going to do the whole thing. Anyway, just thought I would share. But I think my hair is trying to tell me somethingerplexed.

 

[Alta Angel]

Steph Elise,

I wish my hair looked that good if I wore it "down"! I think your updo looks great. Maybe you should try a set on smaller rollers if you want to wear it down?

 

[LoveCraze]

Thanks everybody for the feedback and support. I was just having a "MOMENT". I think we all go through them sometimes. I will surely hold out til I'm at least 1 yr post. My schedule is too hectic right now to try to add on a new beginning with my hair. I just wanted to share the importance of listening to our hair. Whether is be the need for protein, the need for moisture, the need to let the relaxers go, or the need to cut the relaxed ends. (Although right about now I'm telling my hair to shut the h*ll up!)I'm just going to be patient. My hair doesn't normally look like that in the back. But it is my thinnest area where the texture is also very fine. I'll be alright. But I hope this answered my DH question as to why we all feel the need to eventually cut our hair or BC. The proof is in the pudding or shall I say in the hair!

 

[lila_baby]

what products are u girls using for breakage? i'm getting quite alot at the demarcation line thanks ladies.

 

[LoveCraze]

what products are u girls using for breakage? i'm getting quite alot at the demarcation line thanks ladies.

Well if it's breakage, you may need either more moisture or more protein. If you have been giving yourself regular protein treatments say every 6-8 weeks or so, then perhaps you need to use more moisture. Make sure you are DCing every wash day. Elasta QP is a great moisturizer that you can get at your local BBS, some Sally's and I also found some at my Krogers. But to treat your breakage issues, you need to identify what's causing it so that you can use the right products to address it.

Side note, not everyone needs to do protein treatments on a set schedule. Eventually you will learn your hair and know just by testing your strands whether or not you need more protein on your hair.

 

[angenoir]

Hi Ladies,

After I relaxed my hair in June 2009 I was really unhappy with how thin and lifeless it was. I already have thin, fine strands but with medium density so the NG always looks quite thick but when I relaxed at 4 months post (i.e. in June) and my hair was just reduced to flat and straight and I was so unhappy with it. Also I was having trouble retaining length. So I decided to do a long stretch at least till Dec and then decide what to do.

Well, I did sew-ins from June to December and I still had no urge to relax. I just think and believe my hair is healthier sans relaxer… So I have firmly decided to give transitioning a chance.

I do not plan on doing a BC. Why? Because my hair has never ever gotten beyond full SL and in May 2008 I cut my hair sort to start my HHJ and it has only just gotten back to SL (I had a problem retaining length with a relaxer). So I think I will be too disappointed if I BC and just go back to short hair. Also, I don't think I look very nice in short hair.

So… Here I am. I am in a sew-in which I plan to take down at the end of Feb and then I want to try rocking wigs with my hair cornrowed underneath to give my hair a break from sew-ins. I have enjoyed sew-ins and I think overall my hair has thrived in them, except for a slight thinning at the edges.
Also if I do wear my hair out, I will straighten because I do prefer straight styles and my hair does straighten quite easily from what I can recall as a child.

So here I am ladies… New transitioner. I will post pics once I take down the sew in!

Sorry for the long post.

 

[dr.j]

Hello ladies. Well for the first time I really really had an urge to grab some scissors and cut away! Well I was styling my hair for work and I was thinking of pulling the top up in a pompadour with the back out. Well in doing so.....I took a look at the back and was like Uh Uh! Told my DH, "See, this is why I am going have to BC soon." I know pictures are better than words so here go. The first two show how see through my ends are compared to my new growth. The last pic is how I ended up wearing my hair. DH suggested that I just cut the back, but if I start to cut anything, then I'm going to do the whole thing. Anyway, just thought I would share. But I think my hair is trying to tell me somethingerplexed.

StephElise, how did you do your updo? It's very pretty!!