14 years ago today, I transitioned using extensions… Now they call it “Protective Style”, my, how
times have changed. I made the decision
to return to my natural hair texture because I simply go tired of having my
hair relaxed besides my scalp being irritated by the chemical burns over the
years.
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My Last Relaxer |
The last time I got my hair relaxed, wasn’t a good
experience (my hair looked nice and the cut was sharp) but my scalp was sore to
the touch and lasted for a few days. Not
sure if the relaxer batch was bad or what, but it made me say “This Is It” like
Michael Jackson (LOL).
Because I had worn braids over the years, it was natural for
me to use that process to make the transition.
You see back then, the term “Big Chop” wasn’t known (to my knowledge at
least) like it is now, but I’m sure some women probably did cut their hair or
used some other method to make the switch back to their natural hair texture.
Making the Transition:
I transitioned while I was in the military, so my hair
styles had to be within regulations and I also had to wear my cover which was
part of my military uniform… So, you
know what that meant, I couldn’t do too much with my hair because it could possibly be seen
as “Faddish” according to military standards.
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Some of My "Protective Styles" Over the Years |
Unfortunately, this always seemed to be the case, because many of my superiors
were Caucasian males who really didn’t understand our hair less known what
was fashionable with black hair. Therefore, if my hair didn’t look “normal” to
them, then there would be an issue.
Did I say, I pushed the envelope too sometimes?
But, within the boundaries of course and I made sure I knew the policy and
could quote it if need be. (LOL) So, me toeing the line of being within regulations, being
creative and trying different styles was a task to say the least.
Maintenance In Style:
During my transition, I made sure that I properly cared for
my hair and here are a couple of things I did:
- I “shampooed
and conditioned” my hair regularly (Keeping my scalped clean; I used Cream
of Nature then)
- I had my ends
trimmed often (Roughly every 6 to 8 weeks)
- I made sure that I oiled my scalp and moisturized my hair (Back then I used braid spray
and a light hair grease)
- I also tied my hair down with a silk or satin scarf
or wore a satin bonnet to bed.
I didn’t experience much shedding or much breakage during this
time 1) because I had a regular maintenance schedule for getting my hair done every
6 -12 weeks, depending on the style worn.
The other reason I believe this didn’t happen much was due to trimming my
hair before I received my new braid style.
I was in essence cutting away the relaxer as my hair was growing.
Within a year’s time, I had grown all of the relaxer out… It was truly a process in and of itself, but
it was more so a self awakening journey; One that has continued ‘til this
day. As I advance in age and evolve spiritually,
so shall my relationship with my hair. I
don’t regret my decision and I proudly “Celebrate Our Black Hair”.
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"Lov'in My Natural Hair" |
How did you transition? Did you use Extensions/Protective
Styles? Big Chop? Flat Iron/Blow Out? Wear Wigs? Natural Hair Styles (I.e. Braid Out/Twist
Out)? Other?