Naturally Chic...Transition Talk

Kashonda is attempting to transition to natural hair for the third time, and as the saying goes "third time's a charm!" Her personal natural hair journey is very inspiring, and should encourage anyone who is considering making the transition. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview!

How long have you been transitioning to natural hair? Almost ten (10) months, and I can't believe I've lasted this long!!

What has your journey been like so far? Like any other journey, it has it's ups and downs. I have a great support system. My husband has been very encouraging, probably because both his sister and daughter have natural hair. Most of my friends are either already natural or transitioning like me. Sometimes my hair looks great and sometimes not. My mom could be a little more supportive, but that's ok mom, you're the greatest!! It has taken these ten months for me to get to know my hair and what does and does not work for it.

What made you decide to go natural? Actually, this is my third attempt at going natural. The first time, I gave up after about 2 months, the second time after 3 months. Now, I'm just determined and it also helps that so many of my friends are sharing this journey with me or guiding me along the way. However, I decided to go natural because I actually like having hair in the back, I actually like the thickness of my hair and with the relaxer, both of these were becoming nearly impossible. The relaxer was breaking and thinning my hair. I have hair just like my mom, who is in her 50s with thick beautiful hair. So, I know that thin hair is no where in my blood. Plus, even when my hair was long, it was impossible for me to wear a ponytail because of the breakage in the back. I've always wanted to sport my natural hair and last October, I'd finally had enough of relaxers. And hopefully, there's no turning back now.


What hairstyles have helped make your transition easier? I started out flat ironing my roots. I've also worn sew-ins, buns, and now I'm "rocking" a braid out! Lol

Have you found any products you like? I love Creme of Nature products (conditioner, deep conditioner, and leave-in). They do great with my 4a/4b hair. I also use my own mixture of shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e oil, castor oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and peppermint oil. Curls products work well with my hair also.

What words of advice, if any, would you give to others who are currently transitioning? 1. This process is not for the weak. Some days your hair will look great, some days not. Working with two textures is very difficult and you have to be willing to put in the time required to take care of your hair and be willing to become knowledgeable of natural hair and all that it requires. In other words, this is high maintenance! 2. Be confident, not everyone will like your natural hair, it may take some time for you to get accustomed to how you look with natural hair. You have to be sure of yourself and the decision that you've made to be a natural chic. Know that the natural you is beautiful. 3. What works for others may not work for you. 4. Run from the phrase "good hair". I can't believe that people still use it. Stay away from anyone who does! Lol 5. Moisturize, wash with conditioner, deep condition often, shampoo less, wash in sections to avoid knots, stay away from heat, find someone to share the journey with, and enjoy it!

Do you have any natural hair inspirations/ idols? Who? My best friend Vernadette from grade school. She has been natural since our first year in college when natural wasn't such the trend that it is today, and she hasn't turned back, her hair is awesome. Jill Scott's afro is bad. My sister-in-law Brittany is so confident with her hair and we have similar hair textures. My line sister Khira visited me last October and I saw how healthy her natural hair was. She was one of my inspirations for going natural.

What problems are you currently facing with your transition? Just working with the two different textures is difficult. I also had one horrible experience with knots. Now, I wash my hair in sections and haven't had any knots since. I wore a sew-in twice for about three months each. I had my natural part so that the hair would look like mine. I had to flat iron the part that was left out so that it would blend. I'd heard horror stories about how too much flat ironing could lead to permanently straightened hair. I just knew that this was impossible with my very coarse hair. But guess what, that little part that was left out of my sew-in is now permanently straightened. No more flat ironing for me. Transitioning and natural hair require a lot of time too. So for me, it's sometimes difficult to find the time to work with my hair. I'm now wearing a braid out and I love it!!

Do you think you will BC or Let it Grow Before You Let it Go? Let it grow before I let it go definitely. I plan on transitioning until either January 2011 or July 2011.

Protective Styling - Tree Braids

Hi Ladies!  This weekend, I got tree braids. What are tree braids? I thought you might ask. This is a braiding technique where the stylist cornrows your own hair, and leaves the extensions out.  Once the style is complete, all of your hair will be in cornrows, and the extensions will hang out. I know I just horribly explained that...but here's what the people at From Grandma's Kitchen have to say about it:

Tree braiding is similar to micro-braids but distinguishes itself from this traditional style by allowing a smooth transition from the braided section to the loose hair. The idea is as you braid your way down the hair, you remove small portions of the hair to be braided from your revolutions. The removal of this hair camouflages or covers the braid allowing for a more natural look to the braided hair.

Here are a few pictures of tree braids I found online:

You can use straight or curly hair.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This style typically lasts 6 - 8 weeks. I will let you gals know how long I keep mine. What are your thoughts????