I transitioned then went back to texturizer now I have the best of both worlds!
I'm glad I went natural if nothing else but to see my true hair texture and the knowledge gained from sites like LHCF and
www.nappturality.com, and several books pertaining to natural hair (I can't think of the title or author of the one most helpful but as soon as I find my copy, I'll tell you the title. It's by Pam __?__)
I transitioned from somewhat long hair (about shoulder blade length) and probably would not have had such an issue with breakage if my hair had not been sick to begin with (improperly applied relaxer)!
These things helped me during my transition:
Remember, for the first 3 - 6 months, your new growth may be a lot different than the rest of your hair (more coarse) because it is getting accustomed to being without any chemicals (also called scab hair)! This is usually the stage that a lot of people go back to chemicals (including me, only I used a vigorol
). Try to keep it oiled (I used olive oil, and coconut oil to soften the new growth), and conditioned and comb your hair in sections from the ends to the scalp in short strokes. I sectioned my hair in 6 sections.
Try to wear protective styles to lessen breakage. You may experience excessive breakage but just remember that your hair has two textures and it won't last forever. I noticed my hair became easier to comb through and I experienced less breakage after 8 months. This is also when I noticed more wave definition and really thought I was cute
! I loved the fact that I could take a lock of hair, add water and a spit of gel, and make a curl
! Keep in mind your transition my be totally different and your new growth may be a lot smoother but I'd rather you were warned than be surprised
! I also wore braids 2 months at a time and got an inch trimmed each time so that helped me maintain a little length.
Now about the pony tails with the natural texture
!
There is a site called
http://www.phonyponies.com that was referenced here in an earlier thread and let me tell you the customer service is awesome! But more importantly, they have natural looking ponytails
! That was my biggest beef I wanted to start wearing the protective style like Adrienne does but I wanted a ponytail that suited my hair type (3c/4a texturized) which would be something wavy/curly and NOT SHINY
! I AINT got no silky shiny doll looking hair!!!GRRRRRR
!
Sorry, I had to get that out
! But that was my dilemna. Anyhow, I went to the site and i emailed Ginny about my situation. She sent me three snips of hair free of charge that was enough to compare to my hair (you're allowed 3)! I haven't ordered yet 'cause I'm in braids but they come Saturday, I will be ordering!
Sorry I was so longwinded!
P.S. Since you're the ponytail Diva
, do you know how to make a bun/chignon from a ponytail? This is my first time wearing one and this is the style I'd like to wear.
Thanks!