Denie ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?


I always admired women that I saw with natural hair. I never knew that I could be natural as well. I thought once I got a relaxer there was no turning back. I never hated my natural hair I just thought it was very unmanageable.Then one day accidentally I discovered the youtube natural hair community and I spent alot of time watching natural hair journey videos. I was so amazed. So I started doing research on going natural and then I made up my mind to do it. And it has been the best decision that I have made for my hair.



Was your transition a long or short one?


My transition was a long one. It lasted for eight months ,although I had planned to go a year. It became very difficult dealing with the two textures and after my friend made me realize how busted my hair was looking I just knew that I had to do the big chop sooner than I planned.



We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?


During my transition I would co-wash often and keep my hair moisturized with shea butter and coconut oil.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


My staple hairstyle was definitely a ponytail I wore my hair in a ponytail for about 98% of the time. The only time I wore any other style was when I went to Jamaica for spring break I got my hair braided and early in my transition I flat-ironed twice.



When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?


After I did the big chop my initial reaction was ultimate shock. My hair looked dry and like I had a big matted fro. I immediately told my friend that did my big chop to braid my hair. So we went to the store and got the braid hair and I felt like all eyes were on me. I wore the braids for two days because I became allergic to the hair. After I took the braids down and washed my hair I saw my beautiful natural hair come alive and I have been in love with my hair ever since. I got some negativity from others but I did not let it bother me and now I have longer hair than all the people that told me I was a fool for cutting my "pretty" long hair.


Did you have any regrets?


The only regrets that I have is that I did not go natural sooner or if I could have known then what I know now I would never had relaxed my hair.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My long term goals for my hair journey is to keep my hair healthy and achieve my goal of waist length hair.

Jaee Jae ~ Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?


I was thinking about going natural from May 2008 I believe. I left home to come to college and I noticed that everyone had curly, natural, pretty hair. I felt like I should not have permed my hair at 13. I thought I was a woman.. yes at 13 lol :) Furthermore, I just got to my breaking point with perms, I was tired of perming my hair every 3 to 6 months and only had one option, straight hair. I mean if I wanted my hair curly then I will have to use the curling iron or sit under the dryer with curlers. I was tired of putting my hair through that and plus if my hair was natural then I can have the option of straight or curly hair :).


Was your transition a long or short one?


My transition was a long one, 1 year and 1 month.



We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?


I used Soft Sheen Optimum Oil Therapy. Its a 3-in-1 creme oil moisturizer. It restores essential oils, prevents breakage and protects against heat. I also used Bronner Brothers hair grease for my scalp mostly but I would distribute it throughout my hair.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


At first I use to wash my hair and leave it out or half up half down but towards the end, the last month or so I brushed it in one and flipped it into a bun.


When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?


I decided to do the Big Chop when I didn't want to deal with the two different textures anymore. I did my Big Chop Jan. 2010. At first I liked it but then I started to hate it because I never had short hair before and couldn't come up with any short hairstyles. With long hair you can brush it in one and go but with short hair I had to leave it out or half up half down in a clip. After a while I liked it again and thought it was cute. Everyone liked it, especially my best friend. At first she was against it and when she saw it she liked it. It also helped with my career in modeling, everyone who I work with now loves it.


Did you have any regrets?


At first I did because I never had short hair but now I don't, I love it.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

My long term goals for my hair journey is to have healthy hair, longer hair and full hair. I feel like I am on the right path because I have 2 out of 3 so far and now I am waiting for the longer hair.

Carla ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?


I thought about going natural for about 2 yrs before I actually did it. I've loved naturally curly hair for years, but it never occurred to me that I could have it! (weird right?)...until one day I ended up on YouTube and saw all the versatility that natural hair offered! I was instantly obsessed with it! And because I was impatient, I didn't really transition. I got all my hair cut off after 3 mos. without a relaxer.


Was your transition a long or short one?

very short...like non-existent.


We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?


I didn't really transition. The way I keep my hair moisturized now is by co-washing with Aussie Moist or Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture conditioner twice a week. I also use extra virgin coconut oil on my hair for shine and softness daily. I deep condition once a week with olive oil, my favorite conditioner, and honey. I use Castor oil in the winter time on my twists and also as a pre-poo treatment.


When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?


I had really mentally prepared myself for the BC, so after it happened I felt great! I felt free and a little "naked." I could no longer hide behind my hair, and I liked that feeling. I felt more confident and unique. Everyone was shocked when they saw that I really did it. No one really believed I would. But 99% of people's reactions were positive!


Did you have any regrets?

I have literally not had ONE second of regret for this whole first year being natural! I love my new-found hair!


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My ultimate goal is for healthy hair. But along with that, I am expecting my hair to continue to grow down my back. Will I be okay if it doesn't? Definitely. I also am trying to educate everyone who will listen about natural hair and how it is not this scary monster that we are taught to believe. I applaud Angie for her wonderful site! I also have a site: Fyecurls@blogspot.com. "Each one...Teach one!" (I stole that from the Precious movie... :-))

Chamille ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

I considered it for a while. In 2005 I went an entire year with no relaxer, but I kept it either pressed or in kinky twists. I went back to relaxers, and then during the beginning of 2009, I was approaching graduation,I was considering moving out of state, so I wanted to know how to take care of my hair in general because it was getting really thin. After my last relaxer in April, I "found" youtube as a resource. After that I was determined to have healthy, natural hair and truly know how to care for it. I also felt empowered to show others that black hair is beautiful in its natural state, and we can have hair as long as we care to grow it.


Was your transition a long or short one?


May last relaxer was at the end of April 2009 and my big chop was November 30, 2009. So 7 months.


We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?


I wasn't using the best products during my transition, because I was still learning. During that time, I was more focused on styles than health. I used "Jam" on my edges, Optimum hair lotion, and Pantene Relaxed and Natural Hair Lotion, sometimes Blue Magic. My hair typically was more greasy than moisturized.



What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


Braid-outs for most of the time. I got braids for a few months, then Kinky Twists, and then I did my BC.


When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?


I felt relieved because I made that "big step" and I knew I wouldn't go back, but I truly hated it and that probably had a lot to do with people's reactions. My sister told me it was ugly..after that my boyfriend (who I refused to show my hair and hid under a hood) felt it and told me I was bald-headed, my grandma (whom I live with) frowned her face and always had negative things to say (even to this day, but she's getting better). Overtime, once it grew out a bit more, and I started trying styles, my boyfriend and friends liked it, and now the rest of my family likes it and I get compliments all the time. But it was really rough for a while.


Did you have any regrets?


I think cutting my hair without talking to my friends and family first. If I could go back, I would have either transitioned longer, or really sat down with the people closest to me about my reasons for going natural, and how important it was to me. I think if I had done that and gave them more facts that I knew, they wouldn't have been AS negative. My little sister is just rude so she still would've reacted like that. But it's important to get a few people on your side because it is a VERY emotional process, even to this day. My grandmother hurts my feelings a lot, and its sad that people can only look to one standard of beauty. But having friends who support you (even on the Internet) helps a lot.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I would like to find some products that my hair REALLY loves, learn how to part (I am horrible at parting my own hair) and eventually have healthy, strong, bra strap length hair (hopefully by the end of 2012).

Nate ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?


I had thought about going natural off and on for a few years before making the final decision. While I was relaxed, I experienced breakage, dry scalp, severe dandruff, shedding, and thinning hair. I loved color, but my relaxed hair wasn't strong enough to withstand it. However, things weren't always bad. My hair would go through phases. When I experienced the aforementioned problems, that's when I always thought about cutting it all off and going natural.


Was your transition a long or short one?


I had originally planned to do a complete and gradual transition to natural hair. In other words, I had planned to gradually cut as my natural hair grew out. After transitioning for a few months, and after watching a plethora of Big Chop videos on YouTube, I decided that I would transition for a set amount of time and BC afterwards. I transitioned for 9 mos and BC'd on my birthday - December 3rd. The whole process was symbolic for me. It symbolized rebirth.



We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair while in transition, what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?


Even before I started transitioning, I used alot of water and did alot of no-heat styles like twist-outs and braidouts. I started co-washing after learning about its benefits (from YouTube vids of course *lol*) I'll admit, however, that I need to step up my moisturizing regimen. I used and still use shea butter and olive oil. I didn't really get into the moisturizing thing until I BC'd. I have been paying alot of attention to product ingredients so that I don't purchase items that have a tendency to dry the hair out.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

My staple styles were twist-outs, braid-outs and roller sets.


When you decided to Big Chop, how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

I honestly didn't like it as much as I did two weeks after my BC. I felt very self-conscious and I was not used to the new length. In the beginning, I would wear it out at work, but for some reason, I would cover my head with a bandana when I went to the gym. I didn't know how people would react to it. My mother was shocked at the new length. My brother didn't care for it. My sis felt like it might have been too short. I think overall that it was shocking for everyone that was close to me.



Did you have any regrets?


I have absolutely no regrets. Well, actually I do. My only regret is that I didn't go natural sooner! lol


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My long term goal is to grow my hair out long, healthy and strong. There are YouTubers that inspire me with their long, beautiful tresses. I'm inspired by RusticBeauty, LexiWithTheCurls, MopTopMaven, BeautifulBrwnBabyDol, AyannaNaeela, and soooooo many more! I want to achieve big, chunky twist-outs and gorgeous diva hair! lol

Natelege (Brownshuga24)

Courtney~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

I thought about going natural for about a year or so, but had no idea where to start. It wasn't until later that I found natural hair blogs and youtube. Retaining length was never a problem for me but my hair began to thin tremendously from relaxers, so I decided to take the journey.

Was your transition a long or short one?

My transition was shorter than I had planned ,initially I wanted to transition for 1 year but I big chopped two months earlier because I was so anxious to see my progress.


We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?

When I was transitioning I really didn't know what I was doing .It wasn't until I cut it all off that I really started taking care of my hair. I seal the moisture in my hair often with water, Carol's Daughters Tui Leave in Conditioner, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Cantu Shea Butter.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?

I did a lot of sew in weaves with my transition because I got tired of fighting with both textures.


When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

I was actually surprised at how well I handled it, I felt great letting those relaxed ends go. My husband loved it and his opinion mattered a lot so as long as he loved it, I was okay.


Did you have any regrets?


Absolutely not, not once do I say I shouldn't have gone natural. I think I made the best decision I could of made for my hair and I can never see myself going back.


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?

I plan on eating healthy and drinking lots of water because its also important what you put in your body. My goals are to maintain healthy hair and retain length.

Dexlyn ~Before and After

How long were you thinking of going natural? What's the story ?

I decided to go natural in October 2009. 2 months before hand I had gotten a relaxer. It was weird how I came about going natural. I seen a lady with curly hair and I was like I want mines like that too. I went home that same day learning about natural hair, well I did find out we all can have different hair types which was a shock to me. I transitioned for 7 months, I recently did the BC on March 19Th 2010.


Was your transition a long or short one?

I guess long. I did it for 7 months.


We all know how important it is to moisturize our hair
while in transition,what products did you use to keep
your hair moisturized?


I kept my hair moisturized by putting water in it almost everyday. I used coconut oil and cantu shea butter leave in.


What was your staple hairstyle while in transition?


Ponytails and I did that for a couple months straight. Any other styles just didn't come out right.



When you decided to Big Chop,how did you feel about your cut? And how did people react to it?

When I BC'd I felt good. But a day after I felt like I should of waited a bit longer. But as of today I don't care, hair grows I am happy with my decision.
Everyone that I know loved it. My boyfriend just wishes it was longer.


Did you have any regrets?

No regrets.I just wish I had longer hair


What are your long term goals for your hair journey?


My goals are to continue loving my hair, taking care of it and watch it grow.


Me before the relaxer.


Curly fro transitioning style,