Diary of a Transitioner | The decision to go Au Natural

So here it goes, my first transitioners diary entry. I've been meaning to post this for a while now, but couldn't quite figure out what to write a.k.a major bloggers block!

If you're a frequent reader it'll be no news to you that I am transitioning! Yes that's right i'm joining the natural crew! I decided to transition in November when after my relaxer I was in complete shock at how curly my hair and roots were, it was as if I hadn't relaxed at all! 

My curl pattern and roots

That, however, was not the only reason for my decision to go natural...

1| First and foremost I love both relaxed and natural hair, but having spent a lot of time with my 8 year old sister during the summer holidays and right through to September - I started to notice how 'not' into her hair she is. She would always make comments about wanting to be my age with straight relaxed hair, in fact the way she spoke about it was as if relaxer was her long lost love! Moral of the story, I want her to be able to see how beautiful natural hair is through my hair journey. They say vicarious learning is the bees knees!

2| I think i'm entitled to a change! 11 years with a relaxer has been fantastic, but I want to try something new! You may call me naive but I truly believe that the straight look which most people look for in a relaxer can also be achieved when natural. It may take a good hand and fantastic pair of straighteners, but I don't feel like I'll be missing out on much, except the longevity of straightness of course!

3| Perhaps the most important reason has to the loss of a loved one to the big C. Before you raise your brows, I know good and well that the healthiest vegetarian can get cancer just as quickly as anyone else - but i'm at stage in my life where I've embraced a healthier lifestyle and scrapping another chemical friend from my habits list- just doesn't seem like a bad idea at all. I'm not saying i'm a health guru or advocate of all things cholesterol free, because truth is as a Nigerian that's simply impossible! I just feel like this is an area of my life I want to explore for now, who knows when I'm 40 I may decide to relax again! 

How I plan on transitioning

I will be transitioning for two years because i'm a long hair lover and refuse to big chop. Hair grows on average 6' per year which means after 2 years I should be back at neck/shoulder length with 12' of natural hair before I cut off my relaxed ends. As for other methods I have embraced and plan on continuing to take me through the 2 year transition...

1|Co-washed buns - Following my recent no heat airdrying bun success, I will chose [on some weeks] to co-wash 2-3 times, and simply put my hair into a damp bun. As ever my trusty ORS Edge Control will provide a sleek finish on my edges.

2| Protective styles - I tend to have at least one weave installed on a yearly basis, so there's no doubt I'll get bored and will have another one installed.


3| Braid-outs & Twist-outs - I still have a lot to learn with regards to natural friendly hairstyles. My first 2012 attempt at a twist out wasn't so bad, so I'll be trying my hand at more of these kind of styles. I'll throw in the occasional rollerset too of course!

A few weeks ago I expressed my inner rants and concerns with ex transitioner and new natural Laila from Fusion of Cultures, so look out for that in my second diary entry, till then...


Avec amour...
edF ❥