BC Anxiety

I am new to this site and looking for a bit of encouragement and advice. I have not had a relaxer since April 1 so that makes about 8 1/2 months. My hair is like half natural and curly and half relaxed. I know that the two different textures are not good neither healthy for your hair and can cause serious breakage. I'm thinking of bc'ing on Friday of this week, but I'm having lots of anxiety. Well I'm most definitely going to do the big chop but I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with Afro or get braids. If i really like the afro then I want to dye it a auburn color if i don't like it, i think I'm going to get kinky twist. my biggest worry is that the afro won't fit me and issues of self esteem and self image. Does anyone have any advice or any encouragement. I'm desperate... HELP

Don't stress it ... do what you feel best and what would work for you. I would suggesting taking one step at a time. The BC in itself is stressful and also a new journey to healthy hair. Do your research on color - some people are successful with it while others aren't. You would really have to take care of color treated natural hair. If not, your efforts would go to waste.

Research is your best friend - also the Ladies on this forum can lend a lot advice and help you through your journey.

Good Luck and welcome.

Hi Tgrant..I know this must be a scary time for you..Like Blonde says, its what you are comfortable with that matters most. Taking baby steps will allow you to enjoy the experience of naturality while avoiding the hang-ups that society puts on you..But your mind frame must be that "I will be ok, no matter what". Take time, visits sites that encourage, and give great tips and advice such as this one..and then Enjoy the journey...Welcome and Blessings

thanks blonde and jeanlouis..... feeling better already. i think that i will take it in baby steps. Probably will cut while on friday and give myself my whole winter break to embrace that change and go from there. again thanks a lot

Hello

I was the same way not knowing how i would feel about my hair after i BC. so there are people that have been in the same boat. My suggestion to you is to just take one thing at a time. I think that you might want to let your hair get a little longer and cut little by little if you are not truely ready. maybe get braids, kinky twist or maybe a weave if you want to give you some more time to think about it. you have to be the ultimate person that has to like it. Once you are truely satisfied know one will be able to tell you nothing. hope this helps a little. have you tried any natural styles protective ones? these will also help perserve your hair between the in between stages

thank you so much. i have tried micro braids and box braids and it has grown out pretty well but there is alot of permed hair on the tips. its really bothering me. so im gonna cut and probably get some simple box braids at the beginning of the year. thank you thank you so much priceless.

Having anxiety is totally normal! Ask any one of us and we can tell you it was very personal decision and most of us, including me, agonized on whether to go for it or wait it out. You will definitely know when the time is right. It's no rush and no pressure. If you are able to maintain your transition go as little or as long as you like. Protective styling my ease your anxiety until you are ready. Check out the transitioners thread for a little encouragement. You will definitely know when it time to go for it!

You have gotten some great advice!! Take you time, but when you do your BC you are going to wonder what took you so long to do it.

Keep use posted!!!

thanks for all the support everyone... i did it today and it feels great

pics pics pics please see you worried a little and it turned out great

priceless wrote:pics pics pics please see you worried a little and it turned out great

Yes! Where are the pics?