For many women who are looking to stop chemical straightening; transitioning to natural hair could be an exciting, liberating, and even traumatic experience. Angela was kind enough to share her inspiring story, and how she came to this conclusion: “I am learning that my hair doesn’t define who I am. I am still beautiful.”
What made you decide to go natural?
This is actually my third attempt at going natural. The first two times, I wasn’t as informed about transitioning and becoming natural. I pressed my hair and flat ironed it to blend the textures before I relaxed again. I currently live in Arizona, which can be problematic for natural and relaxed hair. I have been researching methods on maintaining healthy hair and decided that becoming natural was the best route for me to take. It has been something that I desired to do. I love the versatility that natural styles can bring about. My relaxed hair was long and boring. My comfort was a ponytail. I wanted a new challenge and I wanted to increase the health of my hair. I wanted my hair to be full, thick, and relaxer free.
Were you at all nervous about your decision to cut your hair off? If so, what were some of your concerns?
I was a little nervous about cutting my hair off. I never had short hair so I was uncertain about how short hair would fit my face. I was nervous about how others would view me and my natural hair. I didn’t know if I would receive a negative or positive response. I was tired of transitioning as I went into my fifth month. My last relaxer was in June and I big chopped 12/04/2011. My desire to embrace my natural hair overshadowed my anxiety about cutting it all off.
How do you like your new look?
I love my new look. It took me a few weeks to get used to it initially. I didn’t know what to do with my hair and I struggled to find styles that I was comfortable with. My hair started to come out of shock a few weeks after I BC’d. I got my hair comb twisted which I loved and started wearing my hair in a fro or twisted out. I am always playing in my hair. I thought about getting braids immediately after I BC’d but those thoughts have faded away.
What is your current routine?
I moisturize my hair daily with shea butter mixed with EVOO. Each night I sleep with a satin scarf on my head. I wash my hair with shampoo once a month and I co-wash two to three times a week. I use oil on my scalp every other night to maintain its health. When I wear my fro out I lay the front down with eco style gel. I add pudding to my fro for extra moisture.
Some women describe feeling free once they cut off their processed ends, was that your experience?
I had a mix of emotions. I was relieved that I didn’t have to transition, at the same time, I was nervous about what I would do next. It has been about a month since I BC’d and I feel so free. I love running my hands through my hair, playing with my curls, and being able to wash my hair and go. My routine is pretty simple at the moment and I like that.
Do you notice a difference in the amount of attention that your hair gets from the general public now as compared to when you were processing your hair?
I have been getting more comments lately about my hair. My co-workers love it and my family has given me some really good feedback about my transition. I went home this past week for Christmas and I was really expecting for my brothers/cousins to crack jokes about my hair but to my surprise they didn’t. My natural hair really does fit my personality and my character.
What advice would you give to someone looking to transition and contemplating the Big Chop?
I would tell them to educate themselves as much as possible about their hair before they decide to transition and Big Chop. I would suggest having a transitioning buddy or a support system that will keep you strong when you have a desire to relax your hair. Transitioning from relaxed to natural is a process: physically, emotionally, and mentally. You have to feel good about yourself and your decision to go natural. I had a big support system during my transition but I also had those who discouraged me from doing the big chop. I would recommend big chopping as soon as you are ready. Big chopping, has allowed me to get to know my natural hair better. I have been able to determine what works for me and what doesn’t. It was the final step in my transformation. Hair can become a big part of who we are; I am learning that my hair doesn’t define who I am. I am still beautiful.
Thank you for the interview Angela!
Beija-Flor Naturals
