I've decided to go on a journey: a natural hair journey. I haven't relaxed (chemically straightened) my hair in six months, so it's fair to say I've already come a substantial way in that voyage. I'm not brave enough to do the big chop so I'll transition (grow out my hair) for about another year and then, when I feel completely ready, will cut off the relaxed ends.
I picked up a few extra new hair products and tools a few weeks ago- just before I took out my weave- to help me through it all. Lord knows a decent wide-toothed comb is a must. After hearing some great things about the TRESemé Naturals Conditioner, I was eager to try it, and it's become a staple part of my hair care regimen.
Since the age of 9, I've chemically treated my hair and started wearing weaves a year and a half ago. I don't know what came over me to make such a decision but I just got the overwhelming urge to embrace what God blessed me with. To be honest, I find it quite a hassle to maintain a hair texture (straight) that I was not born with. Going natural isn't for everyone; heck it might not even be for me, but I want to give it a serious go.
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo; Aussi Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner ; TRESemmé Natuarals Conditioner ; Mizani Supreme Oil ; Shea Butter ; Eco Styler Gel.
Hair clips; rollers; dryer bonnet; wide-toothed comb; Denman brush.
I love my 'fro, though it's not all natural yet. Now I totally understand when naturals say that you really have to prepare yourself mentally 'cause there are loads of bad hair days; loads of detangling sessions; loads of the "hmm, it's different" comments. As I'm hopeless at keeping up with styling my hair daily, I'll be wearing it in protective styles for a while, e.g. braids, and twists.
Hello Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI was just googling mustard brown nails (wanted to do something with my nails) and then you and your shoes came up :p I decided to stay on your website because you say you want to transition? Good for you! And good luck with it all! I am sure you will find any and all information you might need on the web and maybe you can come by natural sunshine.com if you have any more questions.
It's not my website, but I am a member and the women there can help you with any problems you might come across. I'm going to keep following you on bloglovin now, because I want to make my mom understand that she can transition too (she REALLY doesn't want to cut her hair).
Take care and God bless,
Véronique
Hi Véronique!
DeleteThank you so much for your comment...Ha! It's funny what you end up finding when googling.....I will definitely check out Natural Sunshine.Transitioning can be difficult and challenging but not impossible. When I finally cut off my relaxed ends, it will be so liberating and rewarding. Definitely encourage and support your mum 'til she's ready. Take care and stay in touch. :)
As ever,
Rebecca-Monique
You will look gorgeous with your natural hair dear I cant wait to see trust me i'VE NEVER HAD A PERM BUT I MEAN COME ON you where born with it so it will totally be epic. Ugh huh not to mention you're totally gorgeous so anything will look good on you
ReplyDeleteSunnie
(.=
Ha! Thank you, lovie! I'm loving your blog (now following it on Bloglovin'). The dress from your 'Ask and you shall receive' post is hot. :)
DeleteI transitioned for 21 months without a big chop! Conditioner was my best friend, lol! Good luck on your journey - kinks and coils will suit you x
ReplyDeleteAaaww. Thanks Liane. Yeah, I'm going to transition for quite some time before chopping off the ends. Thankfully there's a wealth of info about natural hair out there to help me through it all.
DeleteI am starting fresh with my tranistioning phase. Going natural is not really a decision I made I just kind of fell into it - it's a matter of finances. I haven't had a relaxer since June and the new growth, needless to say, is growing and this is the first time I have actually loved it! I flat iron my hair and I've washed and braided it and take the braids down the next day - loving it. Haven't used a blow dryer in months and don't want to. My only issue is taking care of my hair between the stages of washing it. What products to use and things of that nature. From shampoo and conditioner to moisturizers and gels I just don't know where to begin regarding products. I've searched the internet and it can be overwhelming. It seems as if we're at the same stage of transitioning so I'm asking you please help.
ReplyDeleteHi Felicia,
DeleteThanks for your comment.
I hear you when you talk about going natural being a matter of finances. Although some hair products for naturals can be expensive, I've saved so much money....Yeah, there are days you love your hair and days you hate it. I think it can sometimes be more high maintenance than weaves etc though- takes a lot of TLC and patience.
In order to keep my hair well moisturised, I co-wash twice a week and only really use shampoo once a month (because shampoo strips away the moisture) to get rid of product build up. I would advise you to stay with the basics and don't become a product junky. Not all the expensive products are the best. As my main focus is growth and good healthy hair, I tend to go for minimal or no manipulation styles. At the moment, because I experience so much shrinkage after washing my hair, I normally just leave it in a mini afro after my wash and go, or I will do a twist-out for a bigger, more defined afro. I moisturise daily before I go to bed because dry natural hair can make you look really unkempt (plus it's damaging). It's winter now so I've put my hair in braids as a protective style and to give it a little break.
I'll do a post some time soon on my hair regimen that will go into more detail. Hopefully that will be more helpful.
As ever,
Rebecca-Monique