In January 2011 I decided to begin my journey going natural. "Going natural" means simply transitioning from chemically straightened hair to your natural texture. This is done by permanently stopping the application of relaxers/perms. This then allows the perm hair to grow out and to be completely free from chemicals.
I transitioned for fifth-teen months, while transitioning I wore a lot of protective hair styles. The styles varied from full sew-ins, box braids, as well as senegalese twist. To be totally honest with you guys I was NOT comfortable wearing my hair out during the beginning stages. I applaud and give all women who rock their Teenie Weenie Afro's (T.W.A) a standing ovation for your confidence and courage during what, some may consider the hardest or awkward stage of the process. There are so many emotions that go into the process on rediscovery yourself and becoming comfortable in your skin with your new look. Now I am not saying, for the record, women who relax/perm their hair are not comfortable in their skin, but being a person who's experience both sides of the fence I felt out of place in the very beginning stages. It's as if you are learning to walk for the first time, but as an adult.
During my transitioning stage I took biotin the first fifth-teen months religiously. Biotin is said to help stimulate hair and nail growth with the hope of thickening hair in areas of thinning. Since I was a child I have always had very thin edges, but I have seen results from taking biotin.
I wore my transitioning hair styles for about two months, but between hair styles I would get my hair trimmed. Once I hit a year and a half I decided to get the remaining relaxed hair cut completely off. At this point I still was not comfortable wearing my hair out. I then decided once I retained a certain length I would make the leap. I then began taking HairFinity. This stuff is like hair crack lol... In addition to taking hair vitamins I began drinking MORE WATER, adding more dark green vegetables to my diet, and doing plenty of research. I strongly suggest you do your own research. Everyone's body is different and what works for me may not give you the same results.
I didn't do a very good job documenting my hair journey in the beginning stages, but here are a few pictures from my transitioning stages to being totally, 100% natural! I am currently giving protective styles a break to learn about my hair what products work for me, styling, and everyday maintenance. One thing I am surely struggling with is SHRINKAGE!!! I am hoping once I learn what my hair loves and get it trained I won't experience as much, but if not I will embrace it lol.. It's not an easy task, but the result make it well worth it!
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Transitioning: Relaxed hair still removed
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2011
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100% Natural :-) May 2012
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Sepember 2013
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November 2013
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December 2013
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My 1st two-strand twist
January 2014
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| HIGHLY RECOMMEND |
I am not in no way, shape, or form a specialist of any kind. This solely is based upon my opinion and personal testimony of these products and the results I saw on MY hair. Please do your own research or consult with your doctor.
