Christyn Big Chops!

I've known Christyn for a while and she's always had beautiful long locs.  Well, last year she decided to cut off her locs and start a loose natural journey and she is finding her way through styling!  After wearing her hair cut very closely for a few months, she decided to let her hair grow and venture into attempting some loose natural styles!  This week was her first attempt at finger coils and coil out.  I think for a very first time she did an AMAZING job!  Go Christyn! Check out the photos below.  Also, this was her birthday week.  Wish her a happy birthday and leave her some encouraging words below!

Finger Coils under way!  You can see her TWA length on top.

Finger Coils All Done!

Coil Out in the Back!

Coil out Close Up in Front

Happy Birthday Christyn!!!  Looking Good!

I've Big Chopped, Now What?

My big chop 12.20.2010

The weather is getting warm outside letting us know that summer is on the way!  In fact today in NC, the weather is forecast to be 90 degrees!  As the temperature rises, we have a tendency to want to shed; our clothes and our hair.  For those of you who are transitioning to natural hair, this may be the perfect time to get ride of those relaxed ends and do the big chop! Maybe some of you have already cut your hair.  You now may be wondering, I have this TWA, what do I do with it?   Well never fear, here are some tips for maintaining your TWA!

1.  Develop a simple maintenance routine!  There are many natural hair products out there, be careful not to go overboard buying products.  All you need is a sulfate free shampoo, a conditioner, an oil for sealing in moisture, and a styling product.  For a relatively inexpensive brand for just starting out I recommend either Curls or Shea Moisture products.  Both can be found in Target stores where there is a relatively high African American demographic.

2.  Combat dryness by moisturizing your hair regularly!  Many new naturals often complain of dry hair.  The best way to keep your hair moisturized is by applying water. This doesn't necessarily mean shampooing the hair every day (a common mistake that new naturals make).  It does mean however, that your hair needs water frequently.  Mist (don't saturate) your hair with a spray water bottle for moisture and a light oil (i.e. coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil) to the hair to seal in the moisture.  Always sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to keep dryness at bay as well.

3.  My hair looks dull, is it unhealthy?  Naturally curly hair reflects light differently than straight hair because it has bends and curls in it therefore instead of it being a totally reflective surface, its structure fragments light.  It is very rare for highly textured hair to appear "shiny", however you will notice that it does have a healthy "sheen" to it.  Again, the use of light oils can help with this.

4.  Utilize low manipulation styles on your TWA.  A few simple hair styles for your new TWA is a wash & fro (without gel) or a wash & go (which uses gel to define your natural curl pattern), finger coils & coil outs.

Finger coils on a TWA

5. Accessorize your new look!  Your TWA will naturally draw attention to your facial features.  Use the time to try a new bold make up look, feature your favorite jewelry accessories and wear flowers, bows, and unique headbands in your hair!

6.  Lastly remember, short natural hair DOES need care & maintenance.  Short natural hair is not  get up and go hair.  While you may not have to spend hours styling your hair you will need to care for your hair in order for it to have a healthy and neat appearance.


Do you have any questions about maintaining your TWA?  Leave a comment in the comment section below and I'll answer them!





NaturallyNita is a women's lifestyle blog.  After chronicling her natural hair journey 2.5 years ago, Nita realized that there were many other life  journey's where she could share her lesson's learned with others.  This blog focuses not only on natural hair but also health/fitness, business, finances, spiritual & personal growth. www.naturallynita.blogspot.com

9 Month Post Big Chop Length Check!

Today is a my salon appointment day!  (Insert happy dance, whoop! whoop! whoop!)  All of you know as much as enjoy learning about my hair by doing my own hair, I really miss my salon appointments from my relaxed days.  That was my treat to myself.  So today I'm back in Taji's chair today getting her signature 2 strand twists with extensions.  My next post will be about that style including pictures.

So before my hair was styled, I asked her to take pictures of my hair length.  Currently, the front of my hair is down to my top lip!  OMG!  Check out pictures of my hair length on the side and rear below.  This was freshly shampooed & conditioned hair with no product added. We're on the grow!

Additional information:  I transitioned for 6 months prior to my big chop.  For more information about my transition click here.

My Cheerleader - Lateshia's Story

As I stated before, I have been blessed to have a lot of support from my family and friends in my transition to natural hair.  One person who was pushing me to the very end was Lateshia.  I watched a lot of Youtube videos about going natural but it was she who was the tangible, real life example of the process that let me know "Hey, I can do this!"  I interviewed her recently on how her journey is going so far.  Read her responses below.

NN:  What made you decide to go natural?.

L:  I have always wanted to go natural but I thought my hair was too thin and wouldn't look right. Plus my hair was so thin (practically nonexistent) at the temple area, I was just scared to do it.

NN:  How did you know it was time to big chop?  How long was your transition?  What was your big chop date?

L:Well suffering from severe anemia, stress, and not to mention chemical overhaul my hair started to thin out really, really bad. I always wore my hair short so I would never go longer than 7 weeks without a fresh relaxer. Anytime I saw curls in the back (of my head) I'd slap some on creamy crack.. Finally after visiting my dermatologist April 6, 2010 and being diagnosed with Non-scarring Alopecia, it was a no brainer for me. There are some things I have control over and I could definitely live without the relaxers so it was a done deal for me.
Because I'd always worn my hair short, I wouldn't say I had a big chop date, but I say May 1st 2010 is my official natural date. All I needed to do was cut the few relaxed ends off and keep it moving. I did that over a 2 month period. I've worn two strand twists with extensions and faux fros for the first 7 months. During that time my hair was totally natural, but I wanted to keep my hands out of it and let it grow.

NN:   What do you love the most about your all natural hair?  What is your greatest frustration?
L:  I love that my hair is thicker than its ever been. Where I had no hair where I'd been relaxing, I now have healthy hair. I love that's is mine, mine, and all mine.
My greatest frustration is realizing I have very tightly curled hair and getting my hair to stretch is a challenge.

NN:  How are you coming on establishing a hair regimen?  What products is your hair loving right now?

L: Now this was the biggest challenge for me. Because my hair is so tight and needs lots of moisture, I realize I cannot shampoo my hair as often as I did when it was shorter. Now I'm trying to stick with shampooing every 1 to 2 weeks depending on the style I'm wearing. Right now I'm rocking my fro so when I get up I just fluff it out, refresh, and keep it moving.
Right now, my hair is loving Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo, Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner, Kinky-Curly Curling Custard, and Kinky-Curly Styling Spritz(to refresh curls). For added moisture for hair and scalp, I use Coconut Oil or Cantu Hair and Scalp Oil. For 2 strand twists or braid outs I use Jane Carter's Wrap and Roll.

Thanks Lateshia for being MY cheeleader and motivator!




Lateshia & me w/ relaxed hair - December 2009






TWA June 2010

  




Stretched Hair January 2011

Wash & go - February 2011  "Shrinkage!!!"




1 Month Anniversary/Length Check

I didn't perform a length check during my big chop sooo on the 1 month anniversary of my big chop (Jan. 20th) I decided to do a length check.  I took measurements at the crown, front, left & right side, and left & right rear.   I'm at about 3 inches all over!

Customize your own free picture collage

The Big Chop!

December 20, 2010

I was nervous and excited.

I took the day off of work.

I had invited a few girlfriends to come witness the transformation (and hold my hand, LOL).
I'd picked out a style that I felt would look cute on me.
I was ready.

THEN..

None of my girls were able to come.  And imagine this!  We had one of the coldest weeks of the month leading up to my hair appt.  And I'm about to cut all of my hair off?? (I really can't stand being cold you guys!)  I almost changed my mind.

Then I remembered my reasons for doing this:
1. Achieving healthy hair
2. To learn how to care for and maintain my own hair for the first time in my life
3. Learn that beauty has less to do with what is external but more to do with what is internal

PLUS, I'd reached my transition goal - 6 months! I was still a little nervous until I walked into the salon.  But when I came in the door, there was Taji, my stylist, smiling.  Let me interject here to say, that if you are going to patronize a stylist as a natural (or anyone who provides a personal service for that matter), make sure it is someone who understands what you're trying to accomplish and is truly supportive of your goals.  Ensure it is someone who listens to YOU as the customer and doesn't push their own preferences when you've clearly stated what you desire.  A supportive, knowledgeable stylist is just as much if not equally as important as supportive friends and family on your journey. Taji met all of these criteria for me.

With my confidence renewed, Taji whipped out the scissors and said, "Do we need to do anything before I get started?"  I responded in my signature jovial way, "Nope!  We don't have to pray or hold hands singing Kumbaya my Lord.  I'm not going to cry.  I'm ready!"  And I meant it this time.

Before the cut ......





 After the cut....

That's a genuine smile!  I love my curls and coils!

With leave in conditioner -  6.5 months of new growth

Thanks to Taji  for not only being supportive, but making this a fun and enjoyable experience.  AND for making me look fab!

Styled - Faux hawk with comb twists...
Hair by Taji Shabu, Taji Natural Hair Styling
http://www.tajishabu.com/

 



I am so happy that I made this decision. I haven't regretted one moment and look forward to continuing to learn as my hair continues to grow! 

The Transition!

Everyone transitions differently.  Some big chop (cut off all their relaxed ends) immediately.  Others, transition for a full year, carefully nursing the two textures of hair (relaxed and new growth).  Since I was already planning to get a full sew in for my trip, I utilized weaves for the duration of my transition, 6.5 months.  I had two installations of virgin Indian hair, and then a faux Afro weave install leading up to my big chop.  This allowed me to transition without dealing with the two textures, and to give myself time to follow others natural hair journey on Youtube.

This time was very valuable to me because I was able to change my mindset about how I personally felt about natural hair.  I realized that my natural hair journey was not only a physical transformation but also an emotional one.  I realized I had negative emotions connected to my natural hair.  I didn't believe it was pretty...I didn't think I would be attractive without relaxed hair.  I had to reassess why I believed that way.  I asked myself several questions:  Why was I so adamant that my mom give me a relaxer before I was a teenager?  Why I was so fearful of what my hair would look like when the relaxer ends was cut off?  What were my personal defininitions of beauty?  I answered these questions for myself.  I continued to follow other's journey online.  I was so inspired and encouraged.  Other friends who were going natural were also encouraging me.  Finally, I looked to my Father to see what He said about me.  I determined to make a positive confession about God's creation:  Psalm 139:14; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.  (NIV)

I scheduled my big chop.

Below are pictures of my transitional phase:

June 2010 - Notice how thin my hair is in the nape of my head.



July 2010 - damaged ends, thin hair



July 2010 - Newly installed Virgin Indian Hair

July 2010 Side view of same install

September 2010 - 2nd hair install (Note: This hair was less quality than the first and pushed me closer to the BC - HATED IT!!! LOLOL!)

November 2010 - Faux Afro with Human Kinky Hair (getting myself adjusted to the natural "look")