1 Month Post Relaxer

omg sweetie were on the same page i transitioned for 10 months and relaxed too...sigh this is my 4th transition though

One month today! Already seeing new growth; I can tell that it's going to be a very tight curl and I am excited that this is the case (I'm already fantasizing about the new hairstyles I'll be able to rock once it all grows out). Had to have a trim today and man, a LOT of hair came off! The damaged ends were really extensive, so much so that my shoulder-length hair is now in a borderline mushroom cut. The length isn't an issue, but this first "big chop" really showed me the amount of damage my hair has sustained over the years. After this, I am definitely motivated to see the journey through. Right now, I'm on the hunt for braided styles, as braid-outs start at the end of month two!

Hello everyone! So, after being voyeuristic, I've finally decided to join in. This is my 1st time joining a support group of sorts (I'm SO happy to be here) and my 2d time transitioning.

The first time was 2005 - I was pregnant with my youngest child & just decided I didn't want to relax my hair anymore. Somehow gorgeous curls sprouted from my head & I was in love ... Then, *dramatic music* I moved to San Antonio & relaxed ... my hair. So, I went from having shoulder length, double-textured, curly hair to a chin-length relaxed bob, then an earlobe-length bob, to what I now call my "boy cut" - tapered & faded from the crown of my head down to the nape of my neck with the front cheekbone-length (aka the "Rihanna cut"). I've done my boy cut for about 4 years now & I'm SO over it. I'm ready to make a change. I haven't relaxed my hair in about a month, but I really don't know the exact date ... I just know I'm officially on this journey & I'm all in & will CERTAINLY need the support of you all.

My status update: The back of my head is about 1/4" grown out & I'm giddy! Sad, I know. Progress is progress. I'm struggling to find a way to style my VERY noticeable transitioning hair as the flat & curling irons aren't cuttin' it! I look forward to any tips & suggestions. Eventually, I hope to be able to return the favor.

~NeeC

I've made the firm decision to go natural yay me! I haven't had a relaxer since Nov. but I just started with a transition hair regimen and protective styles. I have very little new growth, so the BC isn't an option for me as of yet. But the idea of a cute wavy/curly fro is cute....later dwn the line lol. I got my hair cut to get rid of the dead ends so I'm rocking short waves/curls. but since i wore a lot of pony tails my edges/kitchen(nape of neck) is so rough no matter how much i moisturize and conditioner. The lady who cut my hair said its from brush damage. My ? is what can I make those two spots soft and not greasy or rough...thanx gurls.

I am new to this whole process. Growing up, I was natural until i turned 11 I believe. I have had a perm ever since. My hair is ALWAYS curly at the roots, even after I recieve a relaxer. I have been thinking about the transition stage for awhile. I think I'm ready to get the ball rolling. I recieved a relaxer 3 weeks ago, which means I have a long road ahead of me. Currently my hair is a little pass my shoulders. I know I am not ready for the BC. Does anyone have suggestions on how to get through the beginning of the transitional phase? Any good moisturizers, etc? I need all of the help I can get!! LOL.... Thanks ladies

My mom and I have decided today to go natural. No more perms. My last one was 12/30/10 (fresh for NYE lol).

I'm so curious to know what my natural hair looks like. I can't recall what it looked like as a child, but I remember begging my mom in preschool for a perm (I thought long and straight was the definition of beauty) and she gave me one. Only took a couple of scalp burns for me to regret it, but now its all I know. I'm excited about all the styles and tricks to try with natural hair.

My transition is gonna be interesting and probably short. I have short hair (like Regina King or Mary J. Blige. Anyone else in the same boat???) so my ng is coming in strong in the back-- what I'd refer to as a kitchen previously lol. When I get frustrated with my hair, I either relax it or cut it. I've never gone more than 10 weeks (or 8 weeks with a short do) w/o one.I DO NOT do weaves/wigs and braids have broken my hair out. I'm going to a natural hair specialist this afternoon for consultation, but I can see myself doing the BC in 4-5 months. I'm definitely not afraid of the scissors, and I think it might look cute on me

Between this site, YouTube, and friends I look to learn a lot to help get me through this journey. The natural community is very supportive. Goodnight, ladies

This is the style I'm currently growing out. Sorry, I can't figure out how to attach the pic to this post...
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.everyjoe.com/files/2008/02/mary-j-thumb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://everyjoe.com/entertainment/mary-j-blige-on-jimmy-kimmel-live-february-26-2008/&usg=__hzOVywyEDaiABe35xsK0riHYj9Q=&h=510&w=375&sz=47&hl=en&start=23&zoom=1&tbnid=0GA58MN2VKx_SM:&tbnh=160&tbnw=112&ei=3tVQTcSrOIO5tge3_pyhCQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmary%2Bj%2Bblige%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1C1SKPH_enUS390%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D667%26tbs%3Disch:10,735&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=271&vpy=77&dur=4537&hovh=262&hovw=192&tx=60&ty=137&oei=rdVQTZ-FC9TogAfF5f2eCA&esq=5&page=2&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:23&biw=1366&bih=667

Hey Ladies!
Congrats to us all for deciding to go for it! I'm so proud. I know it's hard, but keeping the end goal in sight will help us all get through. We can do it!! :p

@brooksa: OMG! We're starting from a similiar point - very short cut with no way to hide the new growth. My last trim (and tappering) and relaxer was about 8 January (or so). Since my hair grows quite fast, I have about 1/4" of new growth. I washed my hair with Suave's Almond & Shea Butter shampoo and conditioner this past weekend and girllll ... talk about some soft hair (I haven't converted over to 100% natural hair products just yet, since 98% of my hair is still relaxed, but I may keep that one on hand even when I do switch over). BUT, last night I made the mistake of co-washing my hair with Mane & Tail ('cause my hair was feeling dry and brittle) -- OOPS! When I unwrapped my hair this morning my hair felt like a doggone scarecrow's!! I'm dead serious! Imagine trying to work with straw ... I had to style my hair for work via flat iron and I tell you, if I had some clippers right now ... I'd be in the bathroom doing work! We do have a barbershop in my building. The ONLY thing preventing me from going down there is they only know how to do military cuts. No thanks.

I'm getting my hair cut this weekend (thank goodness!!) - I plan on getting a pixie-esque cut, so my hair can be tappered up pretty high to let my soul glow a little something, but I'm going to leave a bit of th length on top and get it roller set. At least, that's what I plan on doing. So, I'm doing an MC. I'm excited no less.

Once I figure out this picture thing, I'll see about posting pics. Also, I've been put on to the Shea Moisture products (found at Target), so I'll be taking them with me so my stylist can apply them to my hair and I can walk out with my look complete. There's nothing worse than getting your hair done only to go home and "fix" it. I don't roll like that ... . Wish me luck!

~NeeC1

@NeeC1: Someone that can understand me!! The majority of folks I've seen online going transitioning to natural had a good length to them...We're definitely on the same track. I haven't converted over to natural products yet either. My KeraCare products have been working fine for me. I used the Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and the Hu*** (I don't have the bottle on hand now) Conditioner, and Silk and Seal. I washed it Sunday, applied foam lotion, tied it down, and sat under the dryer. It tamed the back of my head. I also use the Essential Oils from the same line.

The only thing I've changed about my routine is moisturizing my hair (something I should've been doing probably). I tried a Wave&Design Define&Shine 2-1 last night. Its okay....Mane and Tail isn't kind to me either although my sister swears by it (long-term transitioned and nature about a year now).

Eventually I want to try a rod set...Good luck w/ the Shea Moisture products. A co-worker LOVES it!

Hey ladies:
I've pretty much posted this comment under "Products", but I wanted to share it here as well.
So, as a pretty new transitioner like you all are I'm still trying to learn the ins and outs, the dos and don'ts of products and whatnot. The one thing I know for sure, regardless of how long you're transitioning, is that moisture is the KEY. So ... I went ahead and purchased a few products from Target, Sally's and Walmart last night (thank goodness they're in close proximity to each other), please the the picture below. The Eco Styler and Shea Butter Leave-in are products I'll share with my girls, but the SM and Curls are mine 'o mine.
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Now, I also decided that I could wait no longer than this morning to try a few things so I applied a dab of Curl Enhancing Smoothie and spritzed a little Hold & Shine Moisture Mist to the back of my head (where my hair is doing it's own natural thing), below are my results. Mind you, I didn't wash or wet my hair at all, it's just product and I'm actually quite thrilled with the results. Wait 'til I really apply myself! Ladies, we have curls ... not sure which type though (4 A, B, C, D, E, F ... I don't know). Do you?
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

So, with that ... tomorrow, Saturday, 12 February 2011, is my Big Day (well, my semi-BC). I'm SO excited and beyond ready. BUT, I will admit, I won't be 100% natural since my bangs will be pulling double duty. I'm not quite ready for the whole shebang. But, I'm going to take it down quite a bit ... I'll share what comes of it as soon as I can. Until then ... GO GIRLS!

~NeeC1

Ebbz wrote:I am currently six weeks post and the "fun" has already begun for me. lol I usually relax my hair every four weeks so these last two have been a struggle. I tried to transition before and I made it to 8 weeks and punked out but not this time. I am so motivated and I even went out and bought a new deep conditioner that I read so good reviews on to help strenghten my hair and calm the urge to relax it. I've tried twisted bantu knot outs and I liked them alot when I was relaxed so I think that, along with a slicked back bun will be my staple transition style.

Hi I am 6 or 7 weeks post and I just decided to transition. I'm 30 and have been relaxing since middle school. I was just reading your post and saw that you mentioned a new deep conditioner. What is it? Lucky for me my stylist does specialize in Natural hair care but I am still lost and would love to hear what is working for others.

Thank You

Hello Ladies!!!

Today marks my 1 month of transitioning!!! Yay Me! I'm planning on a long term transition although I've had short hair for as long as I can remember I didn't want to do a BC. So far I have only purchased the HE Hello Hydration Conditioner. No reggie just yet more of a layout than anything else. I'm likely to wear braids the bulk of this first year... I'm excited!

I must say that I won't be satisfied until I tell the world about my transitioning story, LOL! Well Its been about a month and a half since my last relaxer and a close to month since I decided to go natural. I officially decided to go natural on March 1st. of this year and I feel great about it, very confident, very happy. I can't remember the last time I felt so free about my hair. Free from the stronghold of running from my naps. Free from the expensive "creamy crack", that burns. Free to scratch my head as much as I want, I mean... shall I go on. Most of all , free to be me, the way I was always meant to be...

No pics at the moment,,,coming soon though.
P.s, At the moment I am transitioning without the BC, I've always had long hair so the BC is extreme for me right now , but at the moment I'll be trimming every 2months about an inch. Hair is currently in a protective style, Micro braids! Live Love Laugh

Hello Ladies!

I recently decided to let my soul glow too! I am so excited about my natural hair journey and wanted to share and get tips from fellow transitioners/newbies and naturals. Its been about a month since my last relaxer on the sides/back of my hair and about 3 weeks since a relaxer on the crown and edges (I have a short haircut like NeeC1 and brooksa2003) and I am already discovering some lovely curls around the back and sides and can't stop touching them!