Castor Oil Challenge Week 8 Check In

Samantha Sheppard

I originally never planned on being natural when I first went to YouTube in search of videos. I was trying to figure out how to keep my hair healthy on its own without the help of my hairdresser. But after buying the science of black hair book and continuing to see videos like kimmaytube I was enthralled with the idea of removing the relaxer from my life period.

I was definitely surprised by my texture because as silly as it sounds I never expected to find curls under all those chemicals. My hair had always caused my mother pain during my youth so I imagined I would find something unmanageable. But I love my hair and I love my curls! This other natural at work said to me yesterday “how do you get your hair to coil like that?” And I said proudly “it’s the way it grows out of my head!”

I’m planning on trying some hot oil treatments this weekend and on using the castor oil more at my ends this week. In a month I’m getting twists put in and I want to make sure my hair is in its best state!

newtonaturalhair

I debated for months but was scared of the big chop. Transitioning was my option, I just knew I was going to transition for at least 6 months. Well that sister last long. I big chop after 3 months of transitioning in June 2012. At first I was so confident, I went to my stylist and was like cut all the relaxer ends off. I was so excited to see the results which wasn’t bad but the thought of not having length freaked me out Lol. But I learn to love my hair and enjoy being beautiful without being justify by my hair. My reaction to me being natural felt like a weight lift off my shoulders. I haven’t set any goals for last week. I’m just enjoying the growth and healthy hair at the moment. I can’t wait til I’m one year natural. Yay for more growth abdominal healthy hair!!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1674532644 Arvetta LordtouchRenee’ Moore

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I didn’t even have to contemplate because I was already natural, but didn’t know that it was a term for it… I just knew my hair was a mess and I called myself giving my hair a break from perms… Then I realized after consulting with a friend that I was going natural…

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Very surprised at the texture and the m a n y textures I ended up having. lol

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did very well— up do was down, deep conditioned, back on my castor oil grind:)

Denise Gadson

Same here girl! I was like natural? That’s what this is? =)

Vernell Lewis

It took me a while to finally become natural… I wanted to stop relaxing my hair for 2 years before I actually stopped relaxing it. I was afraid of how I would look and what people would think and say.

I was very surpised when I went fully natural! My hair texture was so curly. I loved how my hair looked when I applied water to it… my hair was able to look ways I would have never imagined it to look.

Last week was fine. I sprayed my hair with castor oil daily and had no difficulties.

http://www.facebook.com/brendaskid Kay-Megan Washington

I’ve gone natural a couple of times. The first time, I was in grad school and I wore it in a TWA for about four years, then went back to a relaxer. Went back again about 10 years ago, let it grow out to about chin length and wore it in twists all the time. Got bored, got blonde highlights (which was great, but too much upkeep), and eventually started getting press-n-curls. Gave up, went back to the relaxer, got inspired by my (now) four-year-old niece’s spirally pen-spring coils and decided to REALLY do it this time.

Because I had gone natural before, I wasn’t surprised by my texture, but this is the first time I’ve just decided to work with it instead of trying to make it something else. It’s fine and wavy and frizzes up and gets dry on a whim…and that’s just who my hair is.

Last week was great. I think I’ve really got this down to a routine, and my hair was moisturized and soft all week.

http://www.facebook.com/trelle35 Tammy Bryant Thomas

Hi,

I didn’t big chop to become Natural, I let my natural hair grow out so it took a while for me to become Natural.

I was very surprised when I became fully natural. I didn’t expect for my hair to be really curly.

I am still sticking to my Castor oil regimen-apply to edges and hot oil treatments.

Thanks

http://www.facebook.com/michelle.bellevilla Michelle Belle-Villa

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? This has been such a journey. This is actually my 4th time returning to natural hair. THIS TIME? Maybe 3 months. Looking back I wish I’d never put a relaxer in my hair. All of those years, (even while in college) I would thermal relax with a straightening comb if I chose to wear it straight. the last time I big chopped. I transitioned out of the relaxer this time. I just stopped putting chemicals in my hair, kept my hair moisturized, conditioned, wore protective styles and regularly trimmed the relaxer off.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Ummm, yeah because I guess you can call my hair “multi-textured” ~ (is that a word?) LOL! At any rate, it’s MY hair. The versatility is amazing. I’ve been receiving so many compliments from people (of all cultures) on my styles. How great is that? It just amazes me that some of the styles I think to be simple are thought to be extravagant my others. Healthier hair, healthier me!

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did fine. I’m continuing with my JBCO regimen. My hair is continuing to grow. Happy Hair Journey!

Denise Gadson

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
**I actually never even knew what ‘natural’ meant. One day, I was just tired of getting a relaxer and when I was in the shower, I just cut all of the straight pieces out. Needless to say, my hair looked a hot mess for the next month until one of my co-workers (a hairstylist) cut all of it out and evened up my hair. I wasn’t until about 6-9 months later that I actually KNEW I was natural. Wasn’t a hard decision at all =).

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
**I wasn’t surprised by my texture because my mom always told me that I had thick hair. So when I became natural, I understood what she meant. My hair is super thick!

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any
challenges thus far? Last week was no better or worse. Just the same. I have been having my hair in a protective style since I started and I re-do it every two weeks. Since then, my hair has grown and I am really close to putting my hair in a ponytail holder! I know that seems silly, but it’s one of my short term goals with my hair.

Ebony Smith

There is nothing wrong with your short term goal. After so many short term goals it will add up to your long term goal. Congrats on the almost pig tail.

http://www.facebook.com/melanie.robinson.7311 Melanie Robinson

It took a year for me from thought to action. But seriously once I decided it was what I was going to do it was about 2 months. I had my last perm the middle of November 2010 I bc’d December 31,2010. I wasn’t surprised by my texture simply because I have a little girl and mommy told me our hair was the same. And it was. This week I’ve done better than any of the following weeks thanks to the ladies and there thus far pics. Lol so I’ve done great apply my oil mix up for 6 days straight.

Katrina Merkerson

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? I was in my 20′s. I had seen some ladies talking about going natural and they did. When I saw how pretty, shiny and healthy looking their hair was I knew I needed to do it.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I really wasn’t surprised. I get my hair texture from my dads side which is soft and tight curls.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I focused on both my scalp and my hair so I put castor oil all over instead of in one place. The only challenge I had was finding the energy to do it because I have a cold this week.

Ella hicks

1.
How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? After
my senior graduating year in college I went natural because I was tired of the
creamy crack scalp burns. Plus living in South Florida I saw many women of
color with natural which inspired me.

2.
When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? YES!!
My hair is really thick and more healthy. Plus I had minimum breakage.

3.
How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any
challenges thus far? I’ve been maintaining my routine. I also was able to keep
my daughter’s hair up. When I felt lazy I would just read some posting which
would motivate me to my daily routine.

http://www.facebook.com/SabrinaBoissiere Sabrina Boissiere

1. I always appreciated a funky stylish natural do but I had never like big hair for myself and honestly I liked the ‘lyed, fried and layed to the side hair’ LOL… But over the last. Years (2010-11) my scalp was in true diress. My hair was fly but my scalp couldn’t last 2-3 days without extreme flakes and hair SMELLED. My now 9yr smelled my pillow and said my hair smelled like poop . So I literally went into the bathroom a few days before 1/1/12 and startinf cutting off hair. I punked out and did it again everyday until on 1/1/12 I said 6 this and baled that bad boy! Was free
2. I wasn’t really surprised to my bald texture. It was exactly like my dads… What I was surprised about was when it started growing how it was 2-3 different textures, so I kept on balding it cause I figured it must be natural and that it was the 20+yrs of relaxer seeped into my scalp doing this. Finally finding KCCM site and watching YT and educating myself let brace my ‘Garden of Bri’ be.
3. My goal was to find product that worked and let my hair be. So I wasn’t in my hair every other day. I used the JBCO to seal on wash/DC day. And to rub into my hair line and the center of my scalp more so for my scalp; growth is a side benefit! One challenge is not getting sucked into product overload. Your not helping with your fab hair with As I Am products. LOL

Banika

I’ve been natural b4 bt last year was whn i really became serious about it. I had a minor set back bt nw im fully natural……5 months in

No. I’ve always had curly hair even whn i was relaxed.

Same as month 7. No goals or challenges.

Krystal Ferguson

1. The first time I went natural it took me a couple of months to make the decision. I am originally from Louisiana. I went to DC to go to school and the Afrocentrism engulfed me. So, I jumped head first into growing out my relaxer. I grew it out for a year, contemplated the big chop for a couple of months until one night I went into the bathroom of my dorm at school, put heavy cream on my hair so I could see the curls, and proceeded to chop. My hair looked a mess because it wasn’t even, but I wore it in braids, and eventually it grew out nicely.
2. No, I wasn’t surprised. I use to get relaxers only twice a year, so I always had a lot of new growth in between.
3. Last week I only massaged my scalp twice, but I worked four nights in a row. I was exhausted and I did what I could. I’m not frustrated, and I am really enjoying how my scalp has been less itchy since starting this challenge.

Ebony Smith

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?

It actually took me about 2 years because I started going natural in 2010 and had almost made it a year and then decided I wanted tracks and permed it. After doing the tracks for about 3 months I decided to go back natural and it will be a year natural this November.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

I don’t consider myself fully natural because I still have about 4 inches of permed ends but I am very excited to see what my texture will look like without the permed ends.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

I feel I did great I continued to put the JBCO on my edges and throughout my scalp and ends. No challenges at all.

http://www.facebook.com/trinice.johnson Trinice Trueblackbeauty Johnso

It took me about a year to finally go natural….when i fully became natural i was surprised to see my texture because i thought it was gonna be real nappy but it actually was curly and soft boy did my hair fool me lol…last week i did pretty good I stayed true to my goals and i havent had any challenges thus far

http://www.facebook.com/althearocks Althea Robinson

1. It took me about 2 or 3 months after I saw how much damage my hair obtained from my last relaxer 1-1-12.

2. When I became natural I actually wasnt suprised by my texture until I started using the CG method and all natural products. My coils / curls became allot loser as my hair obtained more moisture.

I did good last week and followed through with my goals.

C. H.

1. It probably took me 2yrs to finally wear my hair naturally (I wore braids and flat ironed my hair for the first year).
2. Yes, I was totally surprised about my hair textures. More so because because of the 3 different texture.
3. I wore a wash-n-go last week. I follow through with my goals by applying JBCO to my hair and scalp at night. No challenges thus far.

http://profiles.google.com/ebayaholic2 Alisha Lampley

I feel ya on the 3 textures! My sides are my least favorite since they refuse to cooperate…LOL

http://www.facebook.com/afton.oneal1 Afton H Oneal

1. Ok I have a bit of trama that goes along with going natural, so it took me going bald after giving birth to my son to see the beauty in both my Childrens hair, to begin my journey.
2. I’m still in my twa phase and now im finally after a month of transitioning hell, I BC’d about 2 months ago. My curls are slowly starting to show. Dont really,know my texture, but im loving what im seeing.
3. Last week was tough with mid terms all week, so I decided to put my castor oil in my spray bottle and my hair seemed to stay more moisturized. My hair is growing like a weed.

http://www.facebook.com/Celei Celeste ItsbyGod’sGrace A-Pier

1) It took me 2 years. I started twice.The last time I went a whole year through transitioning but I broke down and got a perm and my hair was literally paper thin.
2) When I became fully natural I wasn’t surprised because I remembered have natural curly hair when I washed my hair. I didn’t get a perm until 10 yrs ago I was already in my mid 20′s I just wore my hair pressed.
3)I used the jbcco jamaican black coconut castor hair food again this week. I like it it’s the oil except not in liquid form.

NatashaP

1. It didn’t take me long to decide to go natural at all – I was wearing a short relaxed cut and decided I was tired of getting halos and touch ups, so when it was about 6 weeks after my last relaxer I went to the barber shop and chopped it all off
2. I’ve always had really thick hair, but I was still surprised at just HOW dense the kinks and coils really are.
3. I did well last week, really loving up on my scalp, edges and ends.

http://www.facebook.com/SheDel92 SheRea DelSol

1. The three years of my life when I had a relaxer. I finally realized the creamy crack wasn’t for me.
2. Yup.. didn’t know I had curly hair.
3. Barely used it, I was sick like a dog and my hair was the least of my concern.

Laetitia Lukanda

1. When I first stopped getting relaxers, I truly thought it would be temporary. I didn’t think I would look good with natural hair. But with time I realized that natural hair was healthier. That process took about 5 months.

2. When I became fully natural I was surprised to find that I had 2 different textures. I thought I was 4C all around, but turns out that my hair is curlier in the middle.

3. Last week I followed throught with my goals, but I was pretty disappintment at the lack of progress and the fact that it seems like I’m going behind. I will start using another type of castor oil (Not the Jamaican Black oil) and hopefully that doesn’t hurt me…

Cassandra Burrows

It took me about two months after my last relaxer to finally get fed up enough to go natural and big chop. Since my hair is in a protective style and has been since a few weeks after I big chopped I can’t really say much about my texture because honestly I still don’t know what it is. I’ll find out when I take my braids out! I have been doing well with the castor oil thus far but I did miss a few days cause I ran out and the store I get it from was out of stock so I had to order it online. So that’s been my only challenge.

lori924

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
My friend introduced me to the idea of going natural and I agreed, because relaxers would not last the full 6 weeks in my hair and i hated that burning feeling of the perm. I transitioned for about 6 months and then I big chopped
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was not surprised by my hair texture because I knew it would not be super soft or curly lol. I am content with my hair texture though
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did great last week I used my castor oil everyday. twice a day. No challenges so far, I make sure to put more castor oil on my edges

http://www.facebook.com/sharon.smith.3511041 Sharon Smith

1. It took me two years to finally just do it! I had always wanted to go natural for years, but I really didn’t know where to start and my hair was just so unruly. Thank God for the natural beauties that encouraged me to start and gave awesome tips and suggestions.
2.I was surprised how soft and manageable my natural hair could be. In the past it seemed uncontrollable. With my 4 hair type, I have learned to love whatever it does for the day.
3. I did well last week with applying the castor oil. I mixed it in my shea butter mix and applied it to my hair three times per week. I do see growth in length since I started this journey and I am excited about the health of my hair.

http://www.facebook.com/jotavia.faulk Jotavia Faulk

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? It took me 7 months to finally do the bc. I had been transitioning at that time and got tired of the breakage.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I was a little surprised because I had tight curls in the back and loose ones on the top of my head. I thought naturals only have one curl pattern but now I know some have more than one or even two!!

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I used castor oil in a hot oil treatment, along with coconut, olive and jojoba oils. I then used the same oil mixture throughout the week when I did a co-wash. I think I will try to do hot oil treatments more often because I liked the way it made my hair feel!

Kinky Kurly Kat

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? I attempted to go natural a few years ago and actually did a big chop I kept my hair in protective styles and it grew quite long I believe I got scared and had my hair relaxed and had the nerve to cut it SUPER SHORT!! The second time around (2 yrs ago) I did my research and learned how I would have to take care of my hair and what options were out there for me.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Yes I was quite surprised by my hair texture. I guess we get so caught up with calling our hair “Nappy” when actually what we think are “naps” are really “curls”!!!
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges
thus far? I followed through with my goals and I can see the results which is a big incentive.My only challenge is I have my hair in a protective style but I will definitely work that out!!!

Shudiara

1) It didn’t take me long my hair was a mess/overprocessed.

2) Yes I was very surprised. The majority of my hair is 4c tight and a bit of 4b. The nape and up a little ways is a 3c very curly and wavy at the root. I was like what in the world is this lol. It looks like I have about two rows of Malayasian curly weave sewn into the back of my head LOL and the rest is more of and afro texture it’s weird. LOL.

3) I stopped using the oil on my scalp and edges it was fine on my scalp but my edges look like they are thinning instead of growing. I now just mix the oil in my deep conditioner.

KimberlyD

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? Had been thinking about it for a few years. But after I got so tired of over-priced salons and thinning hair, plus when I decided to make fitness and my health my #1 priority, hair was not going to get in the way of that. So I just decided not to go back to relaxers.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? transitioning right now,10 or 11 months in. and yes I was surprised. Why/why not? My mom scared me about my natural hair. She said it was so nappy and unruly she couldn’t handle it. I had my first relaxer at 3. Now I am 29 and literally seeing my beautiful coils for the very first time, and I LOVE IT!
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? I did really good. Used castor oil on scalp and edges. Did you follow through with your goals?yes! Any challenges thus far? Just making sure I remember to do it.

http://profiles.google.com/ebayaholic2 Alisha Lampley

Wow! a relaxer at 3! So glad you are loving your hair and so much support on ways to handles our beautiful coils.
- Richelle Thomas
  
  Agreed!
  - Adria Williams
    
    My first relaxer was when i was 4. I had long thick 4c hair and very tender headed. So my mom said forget this and put a relaxer in.
    - KimberlyD
      
      Yep, my mom was young and couldn’t manage my hair, plus she said I screamed like a banshee any time she came near me with a comb. lol.
    - http://www.facebook.com/helen.henton.58 Helen Henton
      
      hey what does she say now about your curls? I bet she loves them!
    - KimberlyD
      
      Girl! My mom was like, this don’t look like the same hair you had when you were little. But I told her that hair texture changes throughout your life. Now she’s actually asking me questions starting off with “If I go natural…..” lol.
- KimberlyD
  
  Yes! Loving them all day!
Lovey

Can’t wait to tell my daughter that you got a relaxer at 3. She thought I was cruel for giving her her 1st one at age 6. Unlike me, she has really thick hair & had the nerve to be tender headed.
- KimberlyD
  
  My mom couldn’t wait another year, lol. She had that stylist slap that kiddie perm in my hair so quick, lol.
- Shekeya
  
  With me being a young mom I relax my daughter hair at age 5, well texturizer then relaxer later, didn’t exceed 2x year. That is the biggest thing I regret. My mom was the main force behind my decision to do so b/c my daughter hair was extremely thick and mid-back length; I thought that was the “thing” to do. I look back at her post relax pics and shake my head at myself b/c if I only knew what I know now. She is currently 8 1/2 yrs old and we are doing a long term transition back to natural hair. She is 1 1/2 yr post last relaxer.
- http://www.facebook.com/helen.henton.58 Helen Henton
  
  my daughters both have THICK hair to thier waist and I used Henna to try and keep it under control.. but hey i dont judge anyone ,.,3 hours on 2 heads every week.. child makes me want to slap one on them too…lol
Gail-Marie Stewart

I too had my 1st relaxer really early….unfortunately when I was 4 my older brother passed away and my mom just couldn’t fathom fighting with my 4xyz hair anymore so she had a lady in the church slap a perm in it…smh…i’m not mad @ her though cause who knows I would have done had I been in the same predicament…
- KimberlyD
  
  Yea, definitely not mad at her. There was a lot she just didn’t know about our natural hair. So now I’ll get to school her
Shekeya

I too was extremely young when I got a relaxer. I can not remember not having a “perm”. It seemed like in all the elementary school pics of me I had a relaxer.
Ella hicks

Has your hair started to become thick again?
- KimberlyD
  
  Yes! My hair technically had always been thick, but in the last few years I noticed alot more shedding than usual and it would never grow past a certain length.
http://www.facebook.com/helen.henton.58 Helen Henton

“shut the door” girl 3.. lawd.. girl… but hey to be honest in the past many people didnt know what or how to take care of our hair.. so relaxer was the solver to all problems.. I cant even imagine that..oh well.. glad you are natural and loving your natural hair!!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Wow three is so early. I had to beg for a relaxer at about 8 or so because I was tired of getting burned with the straightening comb, then the relaxers started burning me worse. So not worth the pain.

http://profiles.google.com/ebayaholic2 Alisha Lampley

1. Didn’t really take me much time to make my decision. I was natural about 12 years ago for almost 2 years so it wasn’t such a big deal to me. What’s nice this time around is all the extra support and styles that I didn’t even think of doing then.
2. I think I was more surprised by my 3 different textures. I knew it would be hard to manage since I was natural before. But since I had kept it so short I didn’t realize I would be dealing with different textures, which is why I named my hair Sybil! LOL
3. No challenges last week. It’s been cornrowed in a cute style so I’ve just been rubbing it in my scalp and along my temples.

http://www.facebook.com/karlene.joseph Karlene James Joseph

1. The seed was planted when I went to Taaliah Waajid’s salon in Atlanta to get tree braids – she strongly suggested that I sign a form stating that I would NEVER again put chemicals in my hair (after she explained what it does). It was amazing how, because I am a person of my word, I never again relaxed my hair. I did wear weaves and wigs for a couple more years though. Then one day, I was tired – felt like a fraud – big chopped. The folks in my office did not even recognize me. That was back in 2001.

2. I loved and hated my hair. I loved it short – washed it everyday (I guess now I know that it loves water). It looked cute. But I would get bored – I loved constant change. But, when it grew I did not know how to care for it, so it would get dry and break and ….blah…blah…blah. It was only about two months ago that I discovered all the educational videos on youtube. I love my hair now. Discovering how on one hear textures vary from front to middle, to side, to back – I am amazing!

3. Happier than a tornado in a trailer park.

http://www.facebook.com/deccie.turk Deccie Canady Turk

It took me one week… As I stated before I was natural for 10 years before I relaxer my hair in 2010… It only too a week because my hair starting breaking off…I went from having below the shoulders length hair to above the ear, and on top of that the relaxer did not take, so I straight ends and I had all natural roots…. It was an absolute mess!!!! But now things are back to normal and my hair is growing really fast…As far as the texture of my hair, I already knew mine, I have 3 different textures LOL… But I love them all….I used the JBCO the same way I have been throughout this challenge. I wore mini twists and a twist-out all week, but I still oiled and massaged my scalp and my edges. I used it when I took the twists down and when I re-twisted at night. I am still not having any difficulties and I am enjoying this challenge….For my daughter who is 3, she has been natural since birth and will remain that way…. She has curly hair with tons of shrinkage…. I use the JBCO the same on hair as I do on myself…We are loving this challenge!!!!

F_Mlicious

1. I was in college, and I realized I was tired of all the texturizers, braids, and weaves. At one point, I spent over $200 in a week to travel for a weave that came out horrible. Then I visited my younger sister, who had become natural, so I said why not. Before the leap, I researched how to grow and maintain the hair, and watched youtube videos and vlogs to prepare. I am so glad that I’ve never looked back.
2. I was surprised by the texture, because I barely had any chances to embrace it growing up. During my childhood in Nigeria, my hair was always permed then braided in. It was almost second nature to believe that my hair would never grow. Even after my mom used an expired perm that took out 75% of my hair, I felt ugly with my hair. I attribute my current state to taking an African-American class where we talked about black hair politics. Now I fully embrace my hair, and I have to stop myself from playing with it.
3. I did great. My edges are basically filled in; I’ve been doing the LOC method everyday, even after I was my hair. I’ve been using the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie for the “C” part, but it’s changing the texture too much, so I may just create a leave-in with my suave natural coconut conditioner

Sheri Morris

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

It took me about 2 years to finally go natural. I originally tried to go natural in 2006 but was unsuccessful and went back to the white cream. I believe where I failed was because I kept my hair braided for over a year and half my hair had lost its elasticity and was too much for me to handle my virgin hair in that state. I remember one day going to the salon getting my hair washed and deep conditioned under the steamer and then blow dried and flat ironed (hard press) to go home and it was a hot day and my hair reverted in 90 minutes I bout cried. $125 dollars down the drain. So I succumbed to relaxing again. Then in 2008 I decided to give it another try this time I transitioned out of the relaxer. Success!!! Yay, transitioning made my journey much more pleasant and I got a chance to learn what my natural hair was like after being in bondage of relaxing since I was 7 years old.

Yes, When I went natural I was certainly surprised by my hair texture. I was under the impression that my hair was difficult to manage being thick and kinky. But low and behold, it was soft and a tight spiral curl pattern. I was pleasantly surprised and love my hair texture and have been learning what products work and which ones do not work for my hair.

Thus far in the challenge I have made castor oil a regular hair treatment and do not think I will stop using castor oil, I love how my hair responds to it especially my ends. I have not come across any challenges with using castor oil yet.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=573805453 Antoinette Andrews

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
It took me several years! I had a cousin go natural a while back and I loved her hair but then she relaxed it maybe a couple of years ago so I changed my mind again but a friend of mine with APL relaxed healthy thick hair decided to cut hers off and go natural and her hair was beautiful! I decided to take the plunge then which was January 2010.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was actually. I was surprised by all of the coils everywhere! I love them! Now, they are a monster to detangle but they are beautiful.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did ok. I decided to stop putting castor oil on my scalp to help with the itchy scalp and just use it as a sealer every day. So far, it’s working great! I did trim a bit this week also because it’s been a few months since my last trim but the castor oil adds amazing shine that continues throughout the day for me!

http://twitter.com/kdh0522 Kimberly Holston

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? I kept my hair braided for years and I’d take out my braids and then perm my hair and get is rebraided. I did that for about 5 years and then finally decided that I wasn’t going to perm my hair anymore. I saw a lot of ppl with healthy natural hair and during that time I just wanted my hair to be healthier. I decided that I would try it and then I started transitioning. I transitioned for about a year and a half and then cut the rest of my perm off and got my hair braided a couple more times. Then I skipped my graduation to take out my braids and I’ve been in the mix ever since. All that to say- not very long after I decided it’s what I wanted to do.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Honestly, at first I was disappointed because I didn’t really think in advance how my hair would look or what I would do with it. My hair was dry and I didn’t think it would have been as thick as it was. Then I started playing with my hair more and watching videos on YouTube and it’s been a much better journey so far.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week was a really good week. Kept up with moisturizing and styling my hair with the JBCO. I didn’t use it to seal in a leave-in; I just co washed and then applied the JBCO to my hair when it was wet, let it dry a little bit, and then twisted it. It’s been a good week.

http://twitter.com/NotTheSeaWitch October’s very own❤

1. two years ago, I watched Chris Rock’s “Good Hair”. when I saw the soda can melt from the relaxer, I knew I was going to be natural. as a chemistry major, I know how horrible these chemicals are and how they can be lethal. however it still took me until April of this year to stop perming my hair. the salon charges too much anyway. I was paying someone to kill the glory God gave me! never again.
2. I’m not fully natural yet, coming on seven months in and my hair is wavy and very happy. not sure what it is going to finally look like but I’m excited anyway!

http://www.facebook.com/MoCheri36 Monique Bezear

Well it took me 2 years to make the decision and stick to it. I wasn’t surprised by my texture because I remember the my hair when I was a child. I slacked off a bit last week because for some reason my scalp was itching a lot but I still used it on my edges.

chakkia gayle

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? Ive been thinking about for a while but before I decided to, i did some research and watched tons of youtube videos and read blogs so that when I did decide I would have a good idea on the process. Took about a month for me to finally say “no more perms”

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?I wasnt really surprised, I just didnt know it was going to be so curly…I guess I had a curl pattern in mind that I seen on other people and thought it would be that way…Im still unsure of my hair type…i know its a 4..but idk if its A,B, or C. but I love my curly and the shrinkage is crazy!!!

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did well last week, im following through with oiling 3-5x a week….no challenges really

FireMama_x3

1. i toyed around with the idea for a couple years. i was actually still on the fence about it when i got my last touch-up. but 6wks later when it was time for the next one, i had already decided not to do it. i continued to think about it every week, but i wasn’t looking back.
2. i wasn’t really surprised by my texture because i have a pretty good memory of what my hair was before i got my 1st perm. plus i have pictures from that time and two of my daughters have a similar texture to what i had when i was a kid. my hair is currently not exactly the same but it’s in the same vane.
3. i did well last week. i fell in luv again with a product i haven’t used in a while. i’m really enjoying my experience with the castor oil. i switched up and used it was a sealant as well as a hot oil treatment…my hair is in heaven!

http://www.facebook.com/SassyTXGal Ashley Rose

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
It took me 3 years to finally make my mind up and follow through completely.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
When I finally became fully natural I was VERY SURPRISED!! I had no clue or idea what my hair texture was gonna be like. I was expecting it to be very very course and nappy, when as a matter of fact it was the complete opposite. When I had a relaxer on my hair it was so rough and course when it was time for a touch up, so I figured that was how my hair was going to be.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
This past week I only used castor oil 6 times..I used it in the a.m. before I applied my protective style and then at night when I got ready to go to bed. My hair seems to be soaking up the oil now that it is getting a little cooler outside. But at least the itchy scalp has reduced tremendously. So far so good and the results are showing.

amtate

1. It did not take me long to make the decision to go natural! I starting running and working out and i just couldn’t keep having to fool with this hair. I had big chopped in the past when i was in college – before it was even called that – LOL! I was already comfortable with what i looked like with a boy’s cut, my husband’s a barber so when i had enough new growth from my last relaxer we went to the shop and CUT IT OFF!!!!!!!! My original intent was to keep it short – even shorter that TWA length but I started to become intrigued by my hair and all the different things i could do with it so here we are 2 years later with crazy hair growth!

2. I wasn’t surprised by my texture so much as I was surprised at home manageable it actually was. I had bought into the lies that my hair was too “bad” to wear natural that i HAD to have a relaxer which is the other reason that i originally wanted to keep my hair super short.

3. I am still going strong in the challenge – using castor oil in some way everyday of the week. I am still using on my edges, my scalp and my roots when I take my hair down. I am continuing to wear various updos as protective styles. Looking forward to the next length check. OAN – i FINALLY found a wash day style that doesn’t take me forever and that i can wear out for a couple of days before i am ready to style my hair for the week. Thanks to You Tube and Simplyounique!

Heiress

I decided to become natural after I separated from my husband. I was a “:Waiting to Exhale Moment”. I did the complete chop in my bathroom with some scissors.

After becoming natural I was able to see the complete texture of my hair without the damaging chemicals. I realize I have two different textures, it is is a little coarse in the crown and soft every where else.

I use the JBCO and the pure Coconut Oil mix a minimum of 5 days. My hair is growing back very quickly. I went to get a lining and would up having some of my hair cut off. I am not the TWA but it is not as long as it was. I am going to have a big Jackson Five Fro, that’s what I’m striving for.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001620724381 Kandis Richardson

1. I decided to get Senegalese Twists and made the snap decision not to get another relaxer when I took them out. I transitioned for about 5 months then lost patience and BC’d. 2. Not really. All but one of my sisters are natural and have been for YEARS, so…I had somewhat of an idea what my hair would look like. 3. I did fine and met my goals. I have A LOT of shrinkage to my tightly coiled hair. I was told last nigh at a natural hair even that it looks like spring on an ink pen, lol. That being said, I have little to no ‘hang time’ at this point in my journey, but, I’m learning to accept and embrace it.

Shanice.D

Check In Questions:
1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? It did not take me too long to finally make the decision to become natural. Just last year at 15 years old, I decided it was about time I’d see my natural hair.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I’m still not “fully” natural. I’m still a transitioner, I’ve been transitioning for a year and some months now. I plan on cutting all relaxed ends by the beginning of December. Which I’m soooo exicted ahhh! Then I can truly see my natural texture.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Yes, I still followed through with my goals. There were no challenges thus far as, far as this week and last week went.

http://www.facebook.com/helen.henton.58 Helen Henton

Good for you!! Good luck!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I did not have the patience to transition for more that six months even though I was devastated without my long hair.
Truladi

A fellow transitioner I’m only 7 months post relaxer and I have done two mini chops but I still have a lot of permed ends…I’m not planning to cut all the permed ends off until my one year anniversary which is may 2013

Alyssa

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
– I was one of the lucky ones. My mom got a relaxer, but she FORBID me to ever get one & she took such great care of my hair that it was mid-back length for years. That is until I went to the WORST stylist that damaged my hair beyond recognition and after I grew my hair to shoulder length the following year I decided to color my hair purple…on my own. Talk about huge mistake. My hair became ear length! The shortest it’s ever been since i was a newborn! Literally, i was one of the babies with a head full of hair upon entering the world, LOL.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
– When I found out that I didn’t have to blowdry my hair in order to handle it i was excited! I was so happy to see my texture again, not to mention I began to appreciate my kinks, curls,AND coils! I know many people don’t like having all 3 textures, but I LOVE IT!!! So I was surprised to find out I had different textures, but at the same time I was happy to see my texture again.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
– I actually don’t have any goals, I just thought it would be interesting to see where this challenge will take me. On the upside, the castor oil detoxed my scalp and now it’s nice and clear 24/7! I’m totally loving this challenge!

Kina

It took me about 1 year to make the decision to go natural.

When I fully went natural I don’t know if suprised is a good word by texture. I was like Lord is this hair????

This week I stuck with the three times a week. My challenge has been major frizz. I don’t think it’s the castor oil just my hair. Lol

petrina pryor

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? I’ve gone natural a couple of times. 1st in 2002 and it was easier to just perm it even though I loved my curl pattern. The 2nd time in 2008 my permed and color treated shoulder length hair broke off so bad due to stress and chemicals I figured the best thing to do was go natural AGAIN. but then I put a light (JUST FOR ME …haha) perm in it and was still able to maintain my curls but when it came time for a touch-up the perm straightened all my curls completely to the point where I didnt need a perm again even. So in 2011 after missing my curls, I BC’ed and here I am again loving my curls but with a better understanding on how to maintain them. This is it!! no more perms for me..

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? I always knew I had fine textured hair but I never knew the extent of my curl pattern. It is beautiful and I even asked my older sister why in the world she permed me when I was little. Asian and Dominican women would ask if my hair was real and what was my nationality. Like Black women couldn’t have Curly hair..lol. but when I look at my parents hair and my siblings we all have fine curly or wavy hair. Unfortunately we fell into the trap thinking straight hair was better. Now I know better and slowly but surely my siblings and Mother are going Natural Yay!!!
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? I’ve been using the shea butter/castor oil mix for my scalp and edges and the Castor oil/conditioner and water leave in conditioner almost everyday and that’s been working wonderfully. I see the growth/strength and health of my hair improving. Castor oil will definitely be a staple in my hair regimen from here on out. So far the only challange is that I’m still battling shedding but Ive done the black tea rinse and plan to use it regularly to help stop the shedding.

LoclessinBmore

Hello Ladies!!
My decision to be natural started with choosing not to get another “fresh perm” after attending my Senior Prom. Over the summer of 1996, I also decided to stop consuming all meats. When I became fully natural I decided to lock my hair. I knew that my hair was “special” on the sides and in the rear, but on the top and directly in the middle of my head my hair was a bit curlier than it was coily. I wasn’t surprised because since I was young, many people have made it known my hair was not the easiest to handle. Since dismembering my locks 2 years ago, I see my hair is still the same texture. what I have noticed is my hair is more MANAGEABLE than I thought it to be. Week seven was cool , however I did not meet my goal which was to do some sort of mid week sealing with JBCO. I will do better this week. LOL.

http://www.facebook.com/keisha.tysonjohnson Keisha Tyson-Johnson

It took me about 7yrs to go natural, because of my hair texture.
Since goin natural, nothing has changed my hair is still very coarse no curls or the 4c stuff. I have just learned to embrace what God has given me…but it has been hard. Last week I washed comditioned and hot oiled w castor oil.

lajuana1

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?not long
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?no, I knew that I would have waves
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?great,yes,none

Richelle Thomas

1. For me there was never a debate or a going back and forth as to if it was what i should do. My hair was obviously unhappy with the relaxer (very dry, brittle) . I never got relaxers all that often so I just never went back for my next one.

2. Not really. I was used to doing my hair myself and never really knew how a relaxer affected my curls so whatever grew out of my head is what I was expecting lol.

3. Last week was really good! I mixed up a new hair creme concoction that I think is even better than my normal mix! My hair is smooth, shiny and moisturized..yippie!

http://www.facebook.com/aryka.griffin Aryka Griffin

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
In 2010, I started my hair journey while relaxed and I wore my hair curly a lot, I suddenly decided that I was tired of the thin relaxed texture of my hair and started transitioning from there! I don’t plan things out when it comes to my hair lol I live in the spur of the moment
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Yes and No. No because I’ve been “natural” before. I lived for years without a perm so I know what my hair texture felt and looked like. And Yes because while I know what my hair looked and felt like before, I am now actually taking care of it and moisturizing it and giving it everything that It needs so It is better than I imagined!
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
Everything is going well still! No challenges for me thanfully

http://www.facebook.com/gharry1 Gail Harry

I have been natural for about 2 years now but worn weaves and braids the whole time. I stopped wearing weaves in 6/2012 and started taking care of my natural hair since then. I made that decision to reconnect with my natural hair because I was getting tired waring weaves and my hair was being damaged from waring waves and braids without a break.
I was not surprised by my hair texture but surprised that it is thriving after all the stress that i have put my hair through. So far I am on the right track with y hair goals. If I face a challenge I chug right through because it took years for me to mess my hair up and i know with time, care, love and patience my hair will bounce back

Cheryl D

1. I had been noticing several ladies w/natural styles over the past year and decided last summer not to re-new my perm. The decision was easy – I was ready for a new look. 2. I was not surprised by the texture of my hair. I kinda believe that my natural hair is thick and curly but I still have straight ends in some places. 3. I am maintaining my routine and committed to the natural lifestyle but I must admit that I am frustrated by the limitations that come with short hair.

ladynappy

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
The first time I transitioned for two yrs then relaxed again but this time my last relaxer was in April and I am not turning back
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Not fully natural yet but I do like the texture I am seeing in my new growth with the exception of one piece that wants to be sticking out from the side of my head wavy

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I was able to follow through with my goals of massaging, JBCO, and olive oil this week. I think I’m getting better at it and noticing growth

Rashidah

1. I took me too long to finally make the decision to become natural. I’ve only been natural for 2 years and I’m 32 years old. Before being natural I did everything imaginable to my hair. Perm, color perm & color at the same time, braids, weave, I’ve tried it all.
2.When I became fully natural I wasn’t surprised at all by my hair. If anything accepted it for what it was and kept moving. My main concern was learning about how to keep it in a healthy state because my hair had been through so many damaging processes.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Last week I pretty much did my same three days of oiling of my edges and scalp, spraying the aloe vera juice on my hair and sealing with the castor oil or shea butter. I don’t really have any challenges so far except for some minor itching still but I’ve learn that it’s not the castor oil. My scalp seems to get really dry although the my hair can be super moisturized. I may have to see a dermatologist if this keeps up but for now I’m chalking it up to the change in the weather because it’s starting to get cold here.

mrskt20

1. How long did it
take you to finally make the decision to become natura? It took me about 2 and
a half years to decide to go natural. I didn’t get relaxers as often as most
people so one day I decided I wanted to try to grow out my relaxer. I went a
whole year and when I got to the salon to do my BC, I got a relaxer and a hair
cut instead. Well 8 months after that I actually went through with my BC and
have all natural since…

2. When you became
fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Yes I was
very surprised by my hair textures because I didn’t expect to have more than 1.
I have like 3 different hair textures and they all respond to products
differently.

3. How did you do last
week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did well with the Castrol oil challenge last week. I am still using it 3-5x a
week on roots and ends.

Jennifer

Hello there!
1. What made me decide to go natural was a real bad chemical burn on my forehead in the summer of 1999. I havent looked back. At the time my hair was already very short so my transition was pretty easy it was just a matter of letting in grown back.
2. I have been fully natural for a very long time now and Im still very amazed at all of the different textures that I have. I also notice that as I am getting older my textures are changing. I believe that the meds that I take are changing my textures also.
3. I havent really experienced any challenges other than remembering to apply it!!

http://twitter.com/FeistyFirstLady Feisty First Lady

It took me about 5 months to fully decide.

Was not surprised by my texture. I was surprised by my patience!!!

My only issue is time. Since starting cosmetology school, being a wife and mother, I can’t seem to find the time….

Noni_P

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? It took me approximately 1- 1 1/2 years before I decided to go natural. My hair dresser constantly mentioned it to me but it wasn’t until my niece went natural did I finally make the decision.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I wasn’t surprised at my texture at all. When my perms grew out (and I usually had to get touch ups every 4 weeks) I could tell the texture of my hair. I also wear a lot of braids, for months at a time, so I could see a substantial amount of new growth when I got my hair redone.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week I did much better with my edges but because of the style couldn’t get to all of my roots.

http://www.facebook.com/ty.pen.3 Ty Pen

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? I went natural when I graduated undergrad in 2001…permed again in 2002 b/c I didn’t know what to do with my hair. Transitioned again in 2007 been perm free ever since.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Yes, my hair is curlier than I thought it would be. I’m still a 4b though.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I oiled my scalp 2 times last week…which was a big improvement from laslt week. Taking down my mini twist today so it’ll be easier to follow routine.

http://www.facebook.com/teegaskin Tuesdai Lenore Castro

It’s funny I never made a conscious decision to go natural…. Just got tired of the creamy crack! I wasn’t really surprised by my texture because I only began perking my hair after high school. I did ok last week following my goals. So far no major challenges

Anne

Good evening, it to me a very very long time to make this decision, but when I did it I hate I didn’t do it sooner. I love it it’d a lot of work, but the results you get from your hair is amazing to me. Yes I was surprise because I ready didn’t think my hair will have this type of texture. As a little girl it was nappy as hell lol. This past week I did great with my hair it had grown about a half of inch. I was like wow this castor really works, I also follow all the way through my goal and I am please with my results.

http://www.facebook.com/Natacha.kitoti.orsot Natacha L Abricot

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
a few months because i did know if i could handle the way to big chop my hair as i did not wanted to loose my length. but being natural was the best decision for me as i see myself differently.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

i was yes because i thought my hair will be like newborns and will changed after that and now i am still not sure if i am 4b or 4c cause sometimes it is quite confusing for me. but when i do the wash and go i am so happy to see my beautiful curls.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

the same as last week but this week i used it everyday in my spray with water and conditioner.
my goal is for my hair to grow longer and longer lol. i just hope it will grow the way i want it.

Nish Wallace

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? It wasn’t really a time period for me. I didn’t even look at people who were already natural and say that I wanted to go natural. I just love being different and so one day I got senegalese twist and said i’m not getting perms after this. And I followed through and transitioned for 2.5 years.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I was surprised at my texture, I thought it would be extremely no curl pattern, but I have a coily type of hair texture. I was suprised how much it was dry and then I learned how to battle that. (moisture & Seal, Deep Condition, Deep condition and did I mention Deep Condition). LOL
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week I did great with my JBCO applications and followed through with massaging my edges and scalp. I started to seal my ends with JBCO today. NO challenges

Deanna H.

1. It took me about a year from the first thought to actually following through with it.
2. I wasn’t surprised at my texture because I always observed my new growth when I was relaxed. I was surprised at the actual softness and how it can be achieved through the right techniques.
3. I followed the same regimen. I actually have kept it in a protective style for the majority of the week so I made sure to moisturize and seal before doing the style.

http://www.facebook.com/toniwill.melvin ToniWill Melvin

I made the decision to go natural because I always wanted to experience my hair in its natural state without chemicals; especially when I saw that my hair was thinning out so much! When I felt the texture of my hair I was surprised that it was soo coarse! I am working on “training” my hair & getting used to not having a constant protective style in. I did bad with my goals this past week; because of a rough work week.

Lovey

Take time (even if it’s just a couple/few minutes) to love your hair & it will love you back. Good luck with sticking to your goal next week.

http://twitter.com/afroballerina The AfroBallerina

1. I don’t remember because it was 12 years ago this month (Happy Nappiversary to me). I was a broke college student & tired of paying so much for relaxers so I decided to stop getting them. The rest is history!
2. At first I didn’t notice much of a difference from my relaxer new growth. Just thickness. I really didn’t know how to take care of it properly. I remember breaking MANY combs. Smh. Once I got the hang of it & figured out the proper way to manage my hair, I was amazed at how soft it really was & that I actually had curls!
3. I did well again last week. I think I’m really determined to get good results. I stuck to 5 or 6 days of edges, ends, & scalp application of JBCO & a hot oil treatment too. My only challenge is getting bored with my hairstyles. I need some inspiration!

Lovey

Happy Nappiversary
- Adria Williams
  
  Happy Nappiversity
- http://twitter.com/afroballerina The AfroBallerina
  
  Thank you!!!

ann

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
One year. Moved from the AR to OH and was not satisfied with way hair was looking. Someone told me about a stylist that enjoyed working with natural hair. Then decided this was something I wanted to do.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture?No Why/why not? Knew it would be coily.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Good Did you follow through with your goals?
Sure did. Any challenges thus far? None.

http://www.facebook.com/darealmrs.michaelmagee Deyannie Still Standing Magee

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? It took me over a year to go natural and the big chop so happy that i did it

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?I wasn’t surprised by texture because my mother and father are both natural curly hair and when straighten it silky so i knew that i had to have their texture once i got all the relaxer out of my head

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?i had a protective style done for both two weeks now so i could do anything but my edges no goals for this week

Lovey

-Decision to become natural – My daughter went natural first. I watched & asked questions for several months before I stopped relaxing. Then I wore braids & twists for 1 year, until I couldn’t stand them anymore. I knew I didn’t want to go back to relaxing so I let my daughter cut my relaxed ends. A couple weeks later, she took me to a natural hair salon for a professional cut & style. I wasn’t ready to sport my natural hair so my fella took me hat shopping hoping to inspire me not to go back to braids/twists. I wore hats for 3 weeks before sporting a twist out. It took lots of experimentation before deciding on a “go to” style. I am definitely a WNG naturalista.
-Reaction to texture – I was very surprised because I was unfamiliar with what God had blessed me with. It took some time to grow to appreciate it, but now I love, love, LOVE it.
-Progress – My regimen is habit now so I have no problem sticking to my goals, and I am very much enjoying my progress.

http://www.facebook.com/brandi.richardson.54 Brandi Richardson

1. It took me awhile. When I got a fresh perm, I always hated how thin my hair seemed and lifeless. I would always get a wrap and my hair would be shiny and soft, but I always wanted it to look thick. I actually decided to become natural because I was BROKE! It was a nice little minute after my last perm – I desperately needed one, but never had the mula. What I did notice was that my bald spots in the back of my head were starting to grow in and I knew it was because of the lack of chemicals. So, from then on, I decided to go the natural route with my friend and see how it would play out. Sure enough, by bald spots grew in when I started to transition for 8 months before I bc’d in June 2012.
2. When I finally cut all the perm off my head, I really enjoyed my curls and the way my hair texture was. I never noticed it. I would be in the mirror after washing my hair and just playing with my hair in awe. I love the pattern when it’s wet..now when it’s dry is another story!
3. I didn’t do as much as I should have last week – I think I used it 3 times only when I usually use it every other day. I need to get some more actually….

Marissa D

1. My motivation for becoming natural was because I was tired of keeping up with perms and such. Putting all the bad stuff on my scalp (perms) and the heat. One year when I went to Africa…I just said this will be the last time I decide to perm my hair. So not much thinking about going natural as much as tired and dealing with perms. 2. Yeah in my head my hair was way fuller and curlier. 3. Wk 7 was standard. I did not get my 3 full days in but not sure if its in my head…but I might be seeing a little more fullness. More time is needed to know for sure.

Darlene

1. It took me about 6 months to a year. A friend and co-worker was telling me to stop getting perms and go natural. I’m so happy I listen to her because I love my cottony soft hair.
2. I was surprised by my texture because I never knew I had all these curls. My first perm was when I was in my twenties. But as a child my mom always washed, blow dryed and pressed my hair never ever saw curls in my childhood pics.
3. I followed through with my goals. I had one challenge last week and it was lack of patience. I want my hair long yesterday and I know it takes time. Other than that I’m still in this challenge til the end and beyond. I love what it is doing to my hair.

Adria Williams

I am that way. I want to see more length like now. Since I started this challenge this has happen. Every week I can see some difference in my hair.

Adria Williams

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
It took me about 3 months of watching Youtube videos, and reading natural hair boards to start transitioning. I didn’t look back after that.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Yes I was very surprised of my texture after i was totally natural. I didn’t realized that I could do a roller set and my hair would look like I had a relaxer. That was a huge surprised to me.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did well last week. I did follow through with my goal. I did a hot oil treatment and sealed my ends. No challenges at all.

NikkiB

I had been natural for about 2yrs but still was pressing my hair. I stopped relaxing because i became pregnant (2008); no one could truly tell me if relaxing was safe so I stopped all together. I decided to stop pressing because I couldn’t dedicate the time at the salon that I used to with a newborn. So October 2010 I began my journey. Yes i was very surprised by my texture being that I’ve always always had a relaxer. Since about 4. So this was a whole new world for me. I knew I had a soft, cotton candy texture…and that was it. So just being that I had never dealt with my natural hair was surprising in itself; and rewarding. I did well last week; there’s NO going back!! LOL CO is a staple for me now. My husband likes it too…lol. I put mine in an applicator bottle mixed with tea tree oil. When he gets out of the shower with wet hair he asks….babes is this your oil stuff…LOL. He’s uses it quite regularly and is a great supporter of natural hair!

Tyrena

1. It did not take me long to decide I want to become natural I just stop putting perms in my hair and I started twisting my hair i tried locs 2x put I never went back to the perm.
2. My mother would not let me put a perm into my hair until I turned 12 she pressed my hair until that time so I remembered my texture.
3. I did an henna treatment Tuesday and mixed it with castor oil and green tea and I put my hair in mini twist. That was my goal to cover up my gray hair and put my hair in a protective style that will last for while.

Gail-Marie Stewart

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? It took me about four months to finally say…YES! I’m gonna do this…so May 23, 2012 was my last relaxer
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Well I can’t say that I’m fully natural yet because I’m still transitioning…but I wasn’t at all surprised by my texture…I’ve done stints where i wouldn’t perm for months so I knew what my looked and felt like without a perm. What I was surprised about was how discouraging my mom was…I guess she remembered having to do my hair when I was younger and figured it just wouldn’t look right without a perm. Unfortunately for her and fortunately for me…I didn’t listen…I’m on my journey along with 4 of my cousins and we’re doing the damn thang…
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Well I must admit last week was a challenge…I have in a protective twist extension up do style that I have been wearing for the past month and I’ve only taken it down and re-twisted the front once…which means I’ve only washed my hair once in the past 4 weeks…when I’m used to washing it every week….so with that being said my normal pre-poo regimen where I would saturate my hair with JBCO hasn’t been happening…AANDD I ran out of JBCO last week so I haven’t even been able to use it around my edges like I like to….:-( On top of all of that my face has been buried in my nursing school books so I can’t even run out and go get another bottle…just a hot mess right now….but hopefully by next week I should be on the ball…I’ll be taking out the twists and going back to my regimen.

Cherlyn

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
out of fear of Mom about 3yrs lol

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
yes and no. I knew my hair was dense but WOW

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
OH YEAH. Love doing a hot oil treatment with it also.

http://www.facebook.com/primab Prima Burney

1. I never spent a lot of time thinking about it I made my mind up and cut it all off!
2. No my texture growing up was very curly.
3. I have struggled this week only applied twice to my scalp but I have been using JBCO as a sealant.

Danielle Thibeadeaux

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?

It took me about 2 months to realize my hair was not healthy in the state I was keeping it in and I needed to change and make my hair healthy again

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

I was very surprised because when it was unhealthy it just looked like a matted mess and I thought it would look the same if I go natural but to me surprise my hair was beautifully curly

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I no longer use the pharmacy castor oil I’ve just been using JBCO but besides that I have been doing my hot oil treatments and continuing using the oil as a sealant so I’m very excited for the next few weeks and to see how much more my hair has grown!!

Ivory Brown

1. I had decided to go natural in 2009 and stopped relaxing my hair. Then when I decided on my wedding hair style I realized my unrelaxed hair would not lay smoothly so I relaxed my hair in march 2010 a week before my wedding. Then again a few months later that July. And that was my last relaxer.
2. I was surprised by my texture. I thought my hair would more of the type 4 texture all over but it’s not. And I love my texture.
3. This week I used my castor oil for 4 days instead of three and my only challenge is remembering to use the oil and this week I did awesome

hbrighth

1. It took me about a year to get the guts to go natural. I transitioned for 8 months and then BC.

2. I was very suprised about my out my textures. I got a relaxer in 3rd grade and did not remember what my natural hair looked like so it was all a surprise to me.

3. Week 7 was hard. I had my hair in a protective updo style for a little over a week. It was hard to put the castor oil in without destroying the style. I

Onikki Johnson

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? It didn’t take me long at all because i got tired of my hair breaking off looking bad.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?No i was not surprised at all because i knew i had some hard nappy hair lol!!

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?yes i followed through with my goals.

Shekeya

1. Even though I BC’ed 10 months post relaxer I didn’t know anything about being natural or what natural meant. With that said I didn’t have a healthy transition b/c I didn’t know anything about the “transition to natural hair” process. I just knew I didn’t want to get relaxers anymore b/c I hated how my hair looked afterwards, FLAT. I wanted “body” so instead I flat ironed weekly after every shampoo. I was “frying” my hair not realizing that there was a better way. About 7mo post relaxer I was graduating from college so I decided to get my first sew-in and I was in LOVE. I told myself that I was just gonna do this look for now on. During the second month of my sew-in it was time to dye my “leave-out” and doing so I really notice the “curly hair” and was amazed and wondering will the rest of my hair do that when wet. Soooo I started googling natural hair which lead my to YouTube and I was in aww at what natural hair was, what it looked liked, and what it could do. So a week after I dyed my leave-out I decided to take the weave out. Tried a twist out and bantu knot out but after a day both styles was a fail; I did NOT like the 2 textures. So one night after work my boyfriend watched my cut all my relaxed ends off (with the help of YT). Nobody else had a clue that I was going natural or even contemplating cutting my hair. They learning the next morning on Facebook when I updated my status: “Cut my hair and now I’m FREE”. My mom called immediately, LOL. So to answer the question, I guess it took my about 2 weeks to decide to go natural and BC.

2. I was amazed at my hair textured b/c I had NEVER seen my hair like this. Looking back at pics of me at very young age all I seen was relaxed hair. That was what all the women in my family knew, RELAXED HAIR. SMH!!

3. This last week I met my goal and picked up’ed some momentum that I lost during the last cpl weeks.

Pics from left to right: The short evolution to me going natural
1. My 1st sew-in
2. The “curly hair” when dying my leave-out (which made me curious of natural hair)
3. Failed bantu knot out w/ relaxed ends
4. 1st day of BEING FREE “au natural” and never going back!!!

http://august-bloom.blogspot.com/ August Bloom

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I toyed with the idea for almost a year. I hadn’t seen my natural hair in almost 17 years- I’m 23. So i wanted to see. A few of friends take the plunge, so it was good to see the versatility. Plus, YouTube, Black Girl With Long Hair and Curly Nikki provided visuals and information that was useful.
I was still deciding to transition or BC last April before cutting it all off.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

A bit. I knew my hair would be kinky but I was surprised about how manageable it could be with conditioner and treating it well! I was most surprised that it wasn’t “uniform” all over. My sides are kinky and have almost no curl/coil. My nape is curly and the crown needs the MOISTURE and is coily.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

My biggest challenge has been my scalp. ITCHY. I’m not sure if its the weather change or maybe it was the hair i used for my crotchet braids almost two weeks ago.
Last week was good. My twistouts are fuller. My bf commented on my softness. My hair seems to be growing along nicely- I think I will do the challenge again!!

kimmykw

1. It took me a few months to decide and get over the fear of what others might say.
2. We I became all natural I was more worried about the length more than texture and since my hair is shorter I don’t know what my texture maybe as it grows out.
3. I did good last week I’m having good results the only challenge I would say I have had is. I have this one spot at the top of my head that itches like crazy that I can’t see to get rid of no matter how much I oil, wash, or condition any suggestions?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000806676164 Kimberly Renee

I had what I thought was healthy relaxed hair. I received a perm and bad color job that resulted in a plug missing in the back of my head plus the hair on top of my head never grew more than 3 inches. It took me all of 3 days to do the big chop! I was surprised by my texture. I thought it would be more of a relaxed curl, but I have grown fond of my coilsi. This week I used castor oil as a sealant and on my edges. I didn’t face any challenges this week. I achieved my goals this week.

http://www.facebook.com/IamYolanda Yolanda R. Arrington

I’ve always wanted to know what my real texture was like. I knew my texture had changed over the years. I finally decided to cut my relaxer off in August 2010 after wearing weaves for a few months. I had no hesitation about doing the big chop.

I am surprised by how soft and frizzy my texture is. As a kid, before I ever had my hair relaxed, it was very thick and styling it became an issue for my Mother since I was so “tender-headed.” Now, the slightest bit of moisture in the air can change the shape and length of my hair in an instant.

I’m still using the castor oil on my edges and eyebrows. I think I’m getting some growth. I’ve taken some pictures along the way…will post them eventually so I can record my journey in this challenge. Good luck, everybody!

http://www.facebook.com/KimGodsChild Kim Hooks-Hooper

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become naturaL?
About 10 years, lol.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture?
A little bit, because my hair is super coarse, I NEVER wanted to go natural. But while using the JBCO, I am noticing less kink and more of a “natural curl” pattern.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)?
I did fine. I feel as though I have reached a sort of “plateau” as you do with dieting. I am not noticing much difference the last two weeks as I did my first two weeks.

Did you follow through with your
goals?

Yes, I am staying on track with my goals, I may have missed a couple of days of my daily regimen because my baby boy (22 years old military guy with a military wife) got married last week … Yayyyyy!!

Any challenges thus far?
The same old same old challenge with transitioning. It is horrible for me. I don’t want to “big chop” and I don’t want to straighten with the hot comb so I am in a horrible stage right now. I am wearing cute wigs with either braids or corn rows underneath.

http://www.facebook.com/tracee.thomas.16 Tracee Thomas

I decided to go natural after my 22 year old daughter told me a story that got me to thinking about all the chemicals I was putting in my hair. It didn’t take me long after hearing that story. I’ll tell you about it sometime! =)

I’m not fully natural. I am transitioning and cut a small amount of perm off my ends every three months. I can see my texture and I wasn’t surprised by it. I remember it from when I was a kid, it only now that I can appreciate and admire it. Every time I wet my hair, I enjoy looking at my texture. I inspect it, run my fingers through, and stare at it in the mirror.

I did well last week. I moisturized, added my castor oil as well as my other oils and kept my hair wrap up. I had business out of town so I kept it in a protective style.

MyraElise

1. It took me my senior year in 2011 in 2010 and I was about 17 however; when I put a relaxer in my hair I literally lost half my hair it was about bra length then ended to the end of my neck and from then on I was done using relaxer and went natural. My hair has grown so much right back to the original length it was before and it grew fast.
2. I wasn’t suprised because as a child my hair was alway thick and curly so I was just readjusting myself to the hair texture once again but nothing suprising.
3. Been doing ok being a full time college student I feel I don’t give my hair that much alone time that it needs but I constanly do put castor oil in my hair and massage in my scalp before styling after a wash and etc. I slowly do see some growth to my edges and some length

http://kinkycoils76.blogspot.com/ Fredia Quick

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? I didn’t give it much of a thought I just grabbed the clippers and shave all my hair off my head. I have a tendency to do that at a moments notice.

Shakir

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
Whn I first went natural over 10 years ago I just big chopped. I was sitting in my living room one day playing with my new growth and just started to cut and before I knew it I had chopped off all the relaxed hair on my head. However, during the time in which I first went natural there weren’t very many resources for me to turn to for help with my natural hair and after about 3 years of being natural I went back to the relaxing routine. This go around I thought about it for awhile. My driving force this go round was remembeing how I felt when I was natural before and now knowing that I know a lot more about caring for my natural hair than I knew then.
2. When you became fully natural were you suprised at all by your texture? Why/Why not?
I wasn’t suprised by my texture when I became fully natrual as I had been natural before and this time my hair is very similar to how it was last time.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges? Last week I followed throught with my goals. But I a coming to a point now where I am not noticing anymore changes as far as length and thickness. Which is becoming a bite discouraging. I am trying to maintain and continue through with the challenge to reap the benefits of castor oil but I am wondering is castor oil like any medicine that you can take the more you take it the less likely your body is to respond to it’s benefits?

http://www.facebook.com/andria.clausell Andria Clausell

1. It took me a while. My dad actually had my first perm put on me when I was 7, which, of course, made my long beautiful hair fall out. It wasn’t until last December (New Year’s Eve to be exact) that I decided to stop getting perms. I was just ready for a change. This past August I did my BC because I wanted to find out what my natural hair texture was. It was much easier for me to BC then because the year before I had cut my hair really short, but I was still getting perms. Once I saw that I looked good with short hair, it wasn’t hard to make the decision to BC.
2. When I BC’d, I was in total shock by my natural hair. I could not believe that it was my hair! I was just like, “Wait…is this really the hair that grows out of my head??? I have been missing out for soooooo long!” I know this was a bit much, but I literally almost started crying because I was so happy! I used to ALWAYS envy the girls with naturally curly hair. I always wanted to be “that girl”. And now I am her. I love my hair and I love how beautiful I feel. I love the fact that I do my own hair. I used to hate hair and now I love it!
3. I have continued with using my castor oil in my pre-poo mix and mixing it with my conditioner for my daily co-washes. I haven’t set any new goals (I need more ideas on what else to do with my castor oil). My only challenge is that right at the crown of my head, my hair grows rapidly like I’m putting super grow in it or something, and the rest of my hair grows at a normal rate. So I have longer lengths at the crown which puts me in this awkward stage of my hair growth. I mean, I’m making it work, but it’s frustrating. If only all my hair grew at that super grow rate lol.

Alma

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? From the time I first hade the initial thought to go natural was about 4 months.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? I was and I was very pleased with it then. Why/why not? I had the best twist in the world, they were so defined.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)?Great!!! Did you follow through with your goals?All my goals were met. Any challenges thus far? The challenge lies with the texture of my hair.

angela cobb

It has taken me all of my life to become natural. I am 45, I started perming my hair at 17. I was a hair snob, & loved for my hair to be long & silky. As I got older my hair began to thin, When I was 36, in 2003 I had cancer and loss all of my hair, I probably should have gone natural after that ordeal, but I didnt have the knowledge & products that I have now.
2. Yes I was, when my stylist cut my hair in Jan, she said your haor is very curly. Why so you perm your hair? I have discovered I had beautiful curly hair, I am learning to manage my curls and find with each month it is becoming more & more easier as I find out what my hair likes!!
3.No challenges at all, its getting colder here in Detroit, so I did a deep moisturing treatment, twisted my hair up. sealed my ends with JBCO. I also treated my scalp. I basicallly left my hair alone, and wore a protective style of twist w/ cute hats & scarfs I focused on my edges which are really growing!! I am able to twist the new hair into the longer hair. Used JBCO 3x, NEED to Desparately put in another order…LOL!! I have gone through a 4oz & 10oz bottle!!.

Curls and Mo

1. How long did it take you to
finally make the decision to become natural? About a month. I watched the movie
“Good Hair” and decided it was something I needed to at least try, I haven’t
looked back since..

2. When you became fully natural
were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? At first I expected a
looser curl pattern because I watched a lot of YouTubers with very different
textures than mine. But, eventually during my transition I found YouTubers with
similar hair to mine and I was able to get great suggestions from them.
Fortunately, there wasn’t too much surprise after I discovered them.

3. How did you do last week (week
7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week
went okay. Yes, I followed through with my goals. One challenge I had was that
I tried a new curl cream for my hair and it left my hair much dryer than I’m
accustomed to or prefer. I had to add more moisture to my hair throughout the
week. Needless to say, I won’t be using that product again.

Jcb3wg

11. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? It took me 30+years I can not remember not being relaxed.i am now 43 an I have been transitioning for 21 months now with braids and twist.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? When I fully became natural….. Well I am stil holding on to my relaxed ends lol but no I wasn’t surprised I was fully aware of what my texture was like I can remember being very discouraged as a child to find out my hair didn’t swing or I could whip my hair back and forth I have 4c type hair so no surprises.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? I did pretty good last week.
Did you follow through with your goals? I had the goal of applying the JBCO to my scalp and edges everyday but it itched sooo bad that I failed I may have gotten 4 times in.

Any challenges thus far? The itching is a challenge it died down the first couple of weeks but it is back with AVENGENCE!

Natosha Hardy

1. I had been contemplating going natural after I had my daughter in 2009 but didnt start the process of transitioning until the end of 2010 so about a year it to me to finally make that decision.
2. Once I was completely natural which was until august of this year when I finally cut off the ends that were still relaxed I was AMAZED by my natural hair. I am not mixed with anything (just good ole fashioned black) and so when my hair came out all curly and bouncy I was like maybe I need to look at my family tree again (sike)..lol..but I really am happy with my hair now..more like in love with it!
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far
3. I did great last week not forgetting about my nightly regimen incorporating my JBCO into my hair in some way at least 5 times this week.No challenges this week and I followed through with my goals!

http://twitter.com/IamNads Nadine Stewart

1. My decision to go natural wasn’t a conscious one. It didn’t happen on purpose. Originally I was using weaves to just to have a short break from relaxers, next thing you know, I got addicted to weaves and my hair was transitioning underneath (I didn’t even know of the term ‘transitioning’ at that point!). After watching the movie ‘Good Hair’, I decided I wasn’t going to relax again but I still continued wearing weaves. I wore weaves for 1.5yrs before deciding to try and embrace my natural hair.

2. I’m surprised at my texture when it’s wet/soaked with conditioner. I didn’t know I possessed such cute small curls. Unfortunately they disappear when my hair is dry. When my hair is dry, there isn’t much texture. It’s like dry, very dark brown candy floss. No curl definition and not very easy to manipulate. I’m struggling to like my hair to be honest.

3. I continued to follow through with my goals using JBCO on my scalp x2, sealing moisture in and on my edges. My main challenge is that I still haven’t found easy ways to style my hair and make it look ‘pretty’. I look to Youtuber’s like Jenell for hairstyle inspiration but find it hard because my hair ‘texture’ is nothing at all like any of the Youtubers! Does anyone know Youtubers with thin/fine dry/coarse hair? Cuz my hair sure doesn’t act/react/look like anyone in the limelight.

http://www.facebook.com/cdbmj Courtney D James

1. I’ve never relaxed my hair, but it took me approximately 1 year after writing my thesis on this “phenomenon” to learn that my natural hair couldn’t just live off of Dax and sulfate shampoos. Seriously, I know I’ve been natural all my life but there was STILL a problem with how I was treating my hair. So the time it took me to learn about my hair is what I refer to as “MY transition” and it lasted for about 1 year. I KNEW I’d treat my tresses better from then on.

2. I was surprised because this whole time, I was depending on a comb/hair pick/brush to “show me my true texture”…sad huh?? I didn’t realize that true texture was the state of your hair before it was manipulated and let’s not even talk about manipulation. Before I even put that word in my “natural hair” vocab, I thought it was a MUST that as a black woman, I use a comb. So once I cooled it down on the manipulation, I realized i had so many different textures and lengths to my hair. And now I’d be able to treat those textures accordingly…

3. Last week was wash week! So I did my usual application! I applied my CO to my edges, nape, scalp, ends, and strands. However I only applied it maybe twice for the week. My hair is presently in a protective style. It’s only been 2 days since I braided it up, but it feels like a WEEK! UGH!! lol…. So challenges would definitely include me keeping my hands out of my hair!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I love how you consider your transition period as your accumulation of knowledge on how to care for your hair.
- http://www.facebook.com/cdbmj Courtney D James
  
  Thank you, hun! Yeah, it was certainly a struggle when I realized Dax wasn’t the only product on the shelves >__> LOL…
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams
    
    Lol

Zeek R

1. I can’t really say how long it took to make the decision to be natural, it wasnt something I had planned or contemplated. My coworker had discussed how she hadn’t permed her hair in years, but really her hair usually looked a mess (Lack of style, not natural state being the cause) and one day she came in wearing a curly ‘fro. It was so cute and carefree, i wanted to try it. Unfortunately, my hair was still permed, so it didint turn out as well, but I’ve been slowly trimming away all summer. I’m still not totally natural (Some perm remains in the front, longer section, but the back was shaved and has grown in nicely). I am surprised by how soft my hair is, and how thick! when it was permed, my stylist always said it was soft, but really thin. No challenges this week, stuck to my usual routine and oiled/conditioned as planned. I would really like to find a product that really “curls” my hair with out me having to rod set it. Have tried twisting it, but that just creates loose crinkles, lol

Yolanda Wells

It took me about a month to make my decision. When it came to a point where I had to decide between a perm or some groceries, I was able to make up my ind that I needed to go natural.

I was extremely shocked at my texture when I saw it. I was not prepared for the tightness that my hair has. It look like none of the girls on YouTube so I was really thrown for a loop. It was just nappy!

Last week I did ok. I did the bare minimum of three times a week.

http://www.facebook.com/helen.henton.58 Helen Henton

lol!!ok!! perm or groceries.. and both have gone up!! lol I needed that laugh… But I totally feel you

http://www.facebook.com/brenda.m.coleman Brenda Marshall Coleman

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? 2 weeks after taking out braids i decided to do the BC and not get another perm since it had already been 6 months since my last one.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? No. Why/why not? I knew my hair would be very kinky and coily. The surprise was that I loved the look and so did not Husband.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? I got a little off track due to issues beyond my control but now back on track. Any challenges thus far? no real challenges.

michele liburd

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? Not long. I needed my daughter to see me wearing my hair natural and embracing my naturalness.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? No I was not. I had done a lot of research, read a lot of books on our hair so I was well educated about our hair and some of the things to expect on my journey.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did great, I followed through with my goals. No challenges.

Chiquita

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? I wanted to go natural about 4 years ago and I did the BC, but since I was not “natural hair educated,” I got fed up and went and had a relaxer. June 2011 was my last relaxer bc I started to loc my hair, eight months into it I wanted to have more options (not that you can’t with loc’d hair) and wanted to see my actual hair texture. I had my first curly perm when I was 11 and there after I started getting perms. May 2012 I decided to finally cut the locs off and ride this “natural thang” all the way to the end!
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? I was surprised by my texture bc I learned that I have more than one. I am learning to embrace them all!
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Last week I did not co-wash at all, but I am not experiencing any challenges for this week!

http://www.facebook.com/coretta.campbell Coretta Lovingme Campbell

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? It took me about 4 months to finally decide to embrace my natural beauty!!

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? Yes I was because it was so curly, soft and cute!!!

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did good with my challenge last week!

Tawnee001

1. It took me way too long. I had been wrestling with it since I was 18 years old. When I went to college, I had very long relaxed hair. However, I couldn’t afford to take care of it. Although my mother was a cosmetologist, with my busy school schedule, I couldn’t go home every other weekend just to get my hair done. Also, I began working out daily (I worked at the campus gym) and I was frustrated with having my hair sweat out constantly. I didn’t work myself up to do it though because although this is the worst excuse ever, I was dating a football player (who now is my husband) and I did feel a lot of pressure to keep my hair looking a certain way. Also, I didn’t know anything about “natural hair.” My mother is from that “relaxed or press n curl only” group. She said things like, “why would you want nappy hair?” And the funny thing about it was that my mom has totally different hair than mine. She doesn’t relax hers (she has more of a 3b). But since the age of 5, she always insisted on relaxing mine–claiming that I was “cursed with my father’s grain of hair.” At the time, my boyfriend loved my long hair (it was bsl/mid back most of college) but he actually encouraged me to BC and I didn’t have the guts. In my 20s, I tried many times and always ended up relaxing (despite my hair thinning and progressively getting shorter). When I turned 28, I had enough. I was trying to combat hormone problems and I knew that I needed to make drastic changes all around. So I asked my husband to shave my head bald. I wish I would have done it earlier, but when you know better you do better. Two years, 6 months later, I am so elated with my results.
2. I wasn’t surprised with my texture. I knew that I would have different textures and that the front part of my hair would be the most course and dry. It was like that with a relaxer. The nape of my hair has really loose 3b/3c curls (like my mom), the middle is 4a/4b, and the front is 4ZZZ. When relaxed, I would go all year without relaxing the back of my hair, while only relaxing the front and some parts of the middle. So I was not surprised when my natural hair grew out.
3. Proud of myself. Followed through with all of my goals with the castor oil. Moving right along and loving the challenge. My new bottles just came in yesterday too (ran out).

http://www.facebook.com/helen.henton.58 Helen Henton

lol 4ZZZ girl I would pay you for that hair! im 0A in the front.. thin.. but I feel you my mom is 3A and my dad 4C.. so im a mixture of a hot mess!
Jewel Berry

I love your story. I’m soooo feeling your husband shaving your head. We have the exact same texture in all the same places. I’m curious to know what type of styles worked best for your hair.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I agree with @google-20a0d5b59d9de319f07c56e901523cfd:disqus that it is such a blessing to have such a supportive husband that he would shave your head for you.

Happiness!!

I was always natural. I was surprised by my texture when I used a moisturizer. I did not do too well, my boyfriend visited me and then kept messing with my hair by playing with it No challenges really.

http://www.facebook.com/fireseducer Kimberly Bernard

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I’ve been natural for 12+ yrs, but I always hid my hair under wigs and braids, mostly because I didn’t know what to do with it and didn’t know how to take care of it. Last year I decided to stop covering my hair, esp. with wigs and just rock my own hair (with some braided styles (esp crochet braids) once in a while)

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I was definitely surprised. I always thought my hair was tough and hard to manage, until I learned how to take care of it and what products to use
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Goals met, no challenges so far

kinkykw

How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
It took me a few months to fully decide to become natural I knew I wanted to do it but care to much about others opinions.

2.When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
When I became fully natural I wasn’t so much concerned with my texture but the length. I wasn’t surprised because I didn’t get a perm until I was in highschool so I kind of knew what it was like.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
Last week was good I didn’t have any challenges however there is a itchy spot in my head that won’t seem to go away no matter how much I condition or oil. Any suggestions?

Gwenda King

Check In Questions:
1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
It didn’t take me long at all to become natural. I got a color application done after I got a perm and it ended up damaging my roots. I had to either BC or let my hair fall out.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was surprised because I never realized my hair was so lush and curly. I love my hair.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did good! I did a castor oil/coconut oil hot oil treatment, and then oiled my scalp with it! My hair is doing well with it!

Brittany

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural
It didn’t take me long I went natural because relaxers took my hair out

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I actually just recently started paying attention to my texture. I never really paid too much attention to it because i wore weaves most of the time.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did great last week and I did follow through with my goals

Kam

1. It took me about 6 months to finally make the decision to become natural. I remember I complimented a friend of mine about how nice her hair looked, which is natural. She thanked me and said I can be natural, too. I told her I couldn’t, lol. Two months later (June 2010) I got Senegalese/rope twists installed in my hair. After I removed them in August 2010, I discovered I really liked my new growth and decided to go natural. I transitioned for a total of 9 months (last relaxer was May 2010) and did the big chop on February 17, 2011.

2. When I became fully natural I was not surprised by my texture. My hair is very kinky coily and shrinks a great deal. I actually figured my hair would be kinky curly because not only did my new growth grow quickly, but it was very thick. Plus, I’ve always had thick hair.

3. Last week I continued to use Jamaican black castor oil on my hair and scalp 3 times. That’s been my goal and I’ve stuck with it thus far. So far, I have had no challenges.

http://youtube.com/jambeauty098280 Lorre

I didn’t really make an intentional decision to go natural. I kinda went to school and had no one to care for it. So I slowly cut it to make it look healthier and then I just decided to get rid of all the relaxer. I was relaxed since 8th grade to my first year of college. So it wasn’t long. I wasn’t much surprised by my texture because I didn’t know much about it. I knew it was hard to comb my hair before I relaxed it, but I didn’t know much about texture. And when I first went natural I kinda treated my hair the same. Combed it with small combs everyday. The more I learned, the better I could talk about my hair. I now realize my hair is a lot more course and textured than it was before I relaxed. Although it makes taking care of it a little more difficult, it’s well worth it and I love my hair! Last week was another good week. I’m using it on my edges and scalp and it’s continuing to do well. Within the last 2 weeks I also paid more attention to the sides of my hair and I noticed I have small patches of hair that seem a little thinner. I’m giving them extra castor oil love to see if I can get them to thicken up a bit. I guess that can be my challenge. I can’t assess how it’s working yet though. So I’m waiting to see how it looks at the end.

http://twitter.com/CurlyCourtCourt Courtney

1. I became natural after I graduated high school. I just got tired of dealing with my processed hair and my natural hair. I was natural until I was 12, and after dealing with the stress of being straight, I was just over it. That plus the hairdresser chopped off my hair when I was a sophomore in H.S. I definitely regret relaxing my hair since it was so long, but it was a lesson learned.

2. I was always told that I had such a nice texture as a kid, but since I was so wrapped with straight hair, I ignored those comments. Once I went fully natural, I realized how awesome my true texture really is.

3. I’m still going strong. The only thing is trying to fit in applying the oil with my busy schedule…that’s just getting busier. Lol

http://www.facebook.com/aoyewole2586 Alwina Oyewoleturner

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? Not long. Third time around and I was thinking I need to stop relaxing. I thought I’d figure the rest out along the way. *Kanye Shrug*
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I wasn’t surprised because I had seen it before the second time I went natural and I would stretch my relaxers to 2 1/2 months. So I knew my hair was thick and I would have an Afro.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I followed thru with my goals and continued to massage my scalp and edges with JBCO. Then run the remaining oil on my ends. I think I am starting to see progress with my hair: minimal breakage during the detangling and mini-twisting process. My hair feels softer and it feels like my hair is progressing thus far.

http://www.facebook.com/helen.henton.58 Helen Henton

For me going natural was just a made up mind. Once I decided to do so I just went in the mirror and chopped but all in all about a good week to finally just do it! 11/2008 and I have chopped 3 times.truth be told I waited about 6 months when the thought first came to mind because everyone around me said I would look crazy and that nappy hair wasnt cute! huh… imagine that!..
I wasnt too suprised but I did think my hair would be thicker but it wasnt.. now that I have been using castor oil it is getting much thicker!! yay!
week 7 was pretty cool.. added the Growth oil Pamento to my castor oil hot oil treatment.. Also I added Lavender to the Black castor oil.. just because.. the only challenge im having is im bored with it and once it gets to this legnth I like to cut it…but im trying not to:)

Reishal

1. I tried to go natural during college but didn’t have too much knowledge on products and styling options. So once I made the decision; it only took me a few weeks to get started.
2. After I was completely natural I was a little surprised with my texture; but it was in a good way. I have always known that my hair curly under all of the chemicals; but i didn’t know how to manage it.
3. I decided this week to commit to the LOC method and I have been sticking to it and have found that my hair really likes it.

Kandy O.

My hair LOVES the LOC Method too. I just discovered it a couple of months ago and wished I knew about it sooner (we live we learn) b/c my hair is thriving and more predictable than at the beginning of my journey. I’m a firm believer now it technique being just as important as the products used.

http://www.facebook.com/kandi.cowan Kandi Cowan

1. I was transitioning for like about 2mths, was wearing braids and all that. my mind was no where close to going natural tho…at the time i was just fed up of relaxers and how it had my scalp all flaky, dry and what not. Then one day i woke up and went to the salon to cut it all off started with 1 inch of hair.
2. When i finally did the chop, it too me couple mths to actually embrace my texture even tho its 3c/4a it was just wild and it took me a wile to actually understand my texture and how it moves.
3. Before i started this challenge i rarely used castor oil..(if i used it atall) but now its become so routined. Everyday i apply lol

http://www.pearlsinpursuit.com/ InPursuit

1. I am not yet fully natural but the decision to do it was made about a year ago, but it was not until this year that I made the decision to follow-through with the decision. My daughters were a big part of my decision. They are 13 and 7 and both wear their hair in its natural state and while they have very different textures of hair, its fine “as is”. My youngest daughter has hair that I do not understand, its fine, coily, dry and thick all at the same time and I have two choices – learn how to manage it and keep it healthy OR chemically process it and risk damage. I chose to learn about it and decided to discover mine in the process.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I am not fully natural yet, but I am surprised by the growth rate so far.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? This week I was very challenged because my “go to” style did not work on a day when I had to train a group of people. It was very frustrating because my hair is not long enough to just pull back and too many textures to try to wear out and not curly. I made it work, but it was not one of my best days . Thank God for YouTube. I came home and learned some new tricks that will surely get me through the next time. I get my cornrows this week. YAY!

http://www.facebook.com/ashley.n.robinson.71 Ashley Nicole Robinson

It took me a day to go natural after I decided. I had braids in as the time so I couldn’t get another relaxer anyway, lol. I wasn’t really surprised by my texture because I had seen it when when I would go too long without a relaxer. I knew that my hair was very tightly coiled. After a few months of taking care of my hair I discovered that my hair wasn’t as dry, tightly-coiled or unmanageable as I thought, it just was neglected. Week 7 went as well as the first 6. I have braid extensions in my hair as a protective style for the next couple months and I have been oiling my scalp and edges.

http://www.facebook.com/jjarrett1018 Jennifer Robinson Jarrett

1. It took about two years before I finally decided to go natural. I was definitely suprised by my hair texture because for so long I thought it was mostly wavy with a loose curl but when I arrived to my full natural texture not only is it wavy but very curly. I did very well for week 7 of the challenge. I have followed through will all of my goals with no challenges so far. I hope the challenge is going well for everyone else too.

nasimiyumakali

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?

i accidentally stumbled into the natural hair world while browsing a fashion blog in September 2012. what i found amazed me, i soaked up information like a sponge and could not get enough of it. this was timely as i had my last relaxer in July 2012 for my graduation, my hair was weak, i had it in weaves which cost loads of cash. armed with this information i did the big chop 2 months later in December 2012.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? no.
Why/why not? as a child people would comment how kinky and coarse my hair was so it was no shocker that my texture was 4C. I have fully embraced it shrinkage and all and i’m loving it completely.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? ok. oiled my scalp 2 times.

http://twitter.com/NaturalKissy NaturalisticDiva

Check In Questions:
1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
I’ve always had permed hair ever since I was 8 years old. I watched videos and saw beautiful textures and really wanted that for myself. I also saw that I was taking care of my daughter’s hair and it was growing like a weed. I wanted the same thing to happen to mine.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
YES!! I wasn’t expecting the curls! I love my curls and I never knew that I had them. I guess because I was taught that once you start showing root, you needed to relax your hair. I was covering up my curls the entire time. I will never do that to my daughter’s hair.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I’ve lightened up a bit on the Castor Oil only because I had a protective style. This week, I plan on doing a twist out using water and castor oil.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I too was so surprised about the fact that we have beautiful curls. Why anyone would want to get rid of that is beyond me.

http://www.facebook.com/mwareskinner Michelle Ware Skinner

1. I decided on the spur of the moment that I would not get another perm. That was in June 2007. I let my hair transition for 9 months. I did another big chop in July 2012 because long hair was taking too much time to care for. I love my twa and its low maintenance regime.
2. I was a little surprised by my texture when I initially big chopped. My hair did not curl like I thought it was. I guess I was basing my hair on my mom’s hair that is very curly. She’s been natural all my life and wore her hair in a twa. After about 3 months of being fully natural my curl pattern started showing up. It still is no where near as curly as my mom but I love my kinky texture.
3. I did okay last week. I finally did a hot oil treatment with pharmacy castor oil. I really liked how soft it made my hair. I am going to incorporate that into my routine on a regular basis. I also went out of town and didn’t bring castor oil with me. So I only was able to moisturize my hair with the castor oil once last week, as opposed to my usual 3 times.

Quanda Moss

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? Well, I was wearing weave from Feb- July and decide to take a break from the weave by that time it had been 7 months since I had permed so I decided I would try this natural thing! I was going to try to do the two texture but after two weeks, I decided to BC.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Yes, I was. Why/why not? Because I never imagine that I would have these coils when I had the perm I just called them nappy hair but it is actually beautiful!!
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Still the same application a little more attention to the center of my head bc I have a short spot there. Don’t know if it came from me having HIH syndrome or if residual breakage. Did you follow through with your goals? Yes Any challenges thus far? No.

Monica Hicks

1. It was more like a lack of what going or being natural was. I have had people tell me forever that I did not need to put a relaxer in my hair but nobody told me what my other options were. I ended up going natural/transitioning 4yrs ago just to see what would happen but I wore wigs and did not properly care for my hair.

2. I was surprised because I always thought the hair in my crown area was damaged but in reality it was just a different texture.

3. I began using the JBCO with the Nubian Temple Taffy, so I am looking forward to getting better results. I was very happy when my husband noticed my edges were growing back in.

http://www.facebook.com/krystina.johnson.31 Krystina Johnson

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
To be perfectly honest I never thought about becoming natural until I accidentally transitioned for seven months then I got my relaxer cut off I became a natural that did the press and curl only. I started thinking about not pressing my hair and just having curly-coily hair a year ago but of course my family bullied me out of it. My mom said “who would hire you with your hair looking nappy?” So in order to stay gainfully employed I straightened my hair. After a month of that I said “screw it” and I went and got the big chop done one weekend before anyone could talk me out of it. The big chop was liberating and I am mad at myself for not getting it done sooner. I simply love my hair and I can’t wait until I learn how to do some cool styles.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was extremely by my texture surprised consider that I had never taken care of my own hair before. I never knew that my hair was sensitive and temperamental because if I make the slighted mistake, Scarlett gets ticked off and starts acting a fool by tangling up, matting up and breaking like crazy. So when I am trying a new product I keep a large amount of the holy grail product around just in case I need to do some damage control and soothe Scarlett’s ruffled feathers. I also had to learn that my hair, which is 4b/4a, is not like other 4bs and 4as because my hair can’t stand things like coconut oil and shea butter so I had to learn what works for my hair. It’s been a learning process but so far I am doing alright.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
Week 7 was fine no new challenges so I am doing great! I kept up with sealing and putting the JBCO on my fine/thin areas so the week went well for me.

Jewel Berry

Krystina it’s good you are getting to know your hair. I can’t do coconut oil either. It weighs my hair down terribly. I love me some shea, though. You call your hair “Scarlett”? Love it!
- http://www.facebook.com/krystina.johnson.31 Krystina Johnson
  
  Thanks! I thought well my hair has a personality, likes and dislikes so why doesn’t she have a name? The first thing that came to mind was “Gone with the Wind” and boom Scarlett found a name.

Valerie Smith

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
It took me about 4 years to become natural, I would stop relaxing and starting relaxing again.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Not really, because I only started to relax my hair when I was 18, so I do remember it.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I was very pleased, from the last three weeks, I idd a coconut treatment, henna/cassia treatment and I coloured my hair and my hair is still very soft, because I am doing my nightly castor oil and aloe vera. I have no challenges so far.

Shunda Stanley

One day I decided to go natural and bam it did it. No remorse, no looking back. I big chopped and barely had hair to form a curl. I was told by my beautician that I would make it 3 months. Hahahahaaaaaa I’ve been going strong since 2010. She was my motivation because I wanted to prove to her she was wrong.
When I became natural, I was so surprised and exciting about seeing my own textures. It was like having my own fingerprints, no one texture looked like mine. If that makes sense., last week I followed through with my regimen: applying to my edges 3x a week and massages my scalp. All in All a good week

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1637301206 Jeanette Perry

1. It took me too long. I had wanted to go natural for the past 5-6 years and something always came up. But i can say that March 23, 2012 was the best hair day of my life!!! 2. I was surprised with the texture of my hair. I had a relaxer for 32 years and my hair was always thin and fine. Now my hair is curly and thick. Love it!!!! 3. Followed through with my goals. Used every other day along with grape seed oil. Hair is growing.

Truladi

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
About ten years ago I became natural, I just big chopped my hair but at that time I was not aware of how to take care of my natural hair and got frustrated and went back on the creamy crack. About six months ago after watching video after video about transitioning and how to take care of transitioning hair as well as natural hair, I felt like I could do it effectively this time and I decided not to get anymore perms. So I’m six months post relaxer.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Well I’m not fully natural yet I’m transitioning and from what I read you can’t tell what your natural texture is until you big chop because the permed hair weighs on the natural hair and give you a false curl pattern.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
Last week I did ok, I was concentrating on my edges because I desperately want them to grow back but I also started back oiling my scalp which is helping my new growth come in soft and thick. The challenges that I face are that I’m in the awkward stage of transitioning and every couple of weeks I clip some of my ends and the last cut I did was a big one and now I have mostly natural hair in the back and little permed ends in the middle and front because when I decided not to get any more relaxers I had a short bob cut and the only style I do is cold wave rod set and I don’t want to big chop until I get some more new growth in the front of my hair. So those are the challenges that I face.

http://www.facebook.com/toddandelsie Elsie Feairheller

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I was so tired of my hair breaking so much and not growing and how it was unhealthy that it made my decision easy, the only thing is i transitioned i didn’t want to just chop it all off and after 5 months i decided to big chop.
.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was surprised because i expected a 4cand some other texture hair but i have a 4b and some 4c and i didn’t know it will be as thick as it was.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
i did good no challenges so far….i’m planing to take down my kinky twist so now I’ll be able to see how much growth i have and how thick my hair has become…i’m excited.

Tiffany Hines

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
Once I decided to go natural, I transitioned for 6months before wearing my fro out. I had my colored my hair and after 6 weeks I went to my stylist and as I was talking in the chair I felt something COLD, she was putting a relaxer on my hair WITHOUT us even disussing what I wanted. So my hair started to fall out in her hands and she said in two weeks I need to come in for “treatment.” So, I went back and got her to put a weave in my hair, I didn’t know this wasn’t a style she was good at and the other stylists laughed. Of course I didn’t return and thus began my journey to being natural.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Ugh I can’t say I was surprised or not because, I had never seen my hair in it’s natural state so I didn’t know what to expect. I was nice and soft and I didn’t wear it out until a family member validated my beauty.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
Last week was not so good. I did do protective styles BUT, I really lacked on my JBCO application. This week I’m going to wash my hair and get back on track.

Jewel Berry

OMG! Girl, me and that stylist would’ve been tussling on the floor! I’m glad you recovered, though.
- Tiffany Hines
  
  Right! I was embarrassed after the bad weave. She was an older lady and she was good at “treating and taking care of my hair” as well as simple styles like rod sets but she could have been honest that she didn’t do weave. PLUS, I was living in another state and traveling 3 hours roundtrip to see her.
  - Jewel Berry
    
    Yeah, she could’ve told you. How you gonna take somebody’s money AND waste their precious time when you KNOW you can’t sew in a weave right!
    - Tiffany Hines
      
      On top of that she sent me somewhere to have my hair braided, THAT should have been a sign!!!
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams
    
    Yeah she would not have been happy, just like me. She could have paid for you to get a better stylist to fix her mistake and refunded you.
    - Tiffany Hines
      
      Tiffany it wasn’t even worth it. Plus, I was not as strong and vocal as I am now and my pride was really hurt. So, she’s not getting any more of my $$$!!!
- Tiffany Hines
  
  I was so hurt and to think I was a dedicated and loyal customer who had been there for like 3 years, just be honest and I probably would have stayed around. I would have gotten a weave for somewhere else AND then came back for whatever style.
  
  I was too embarrassed to get upset. Then to drive back 1 1/2 and pay someone else to fix my weave.
http://twitter.com/CurlyCourtCourt Courtney

That’s what happened to me when I wanted my hair straightened. The stylist ended up relaxing my hair instead of pressing it. Of course, I was 12, and I just wanted bone-straight hair. I’m glad that you never went back.
- Tiffany Hines
  
  Yep, no more creamy crack and I’m never going back! Being natural you can be so versatile. You can wear it curly, straight, wavy, whatever!
  - http://twitter.com/CurlyCourtCourt Courtney
    
    Yuppers!!
Kandy O.

I had the same problem with staying on top of my JBCO while protective styling. At least we know our weakness and can re-group for this week’s challenge!
- Tiffany Hines
  
  We sure can re-group. I’ve just had to get creative with the application when I do twists or roll and pins.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Since I have mini twists, I find that it is easier to apply the JBCO rather than if I didn’t have a natural style. Interesting.
- Tiffany Hines
  
  When I wear my fro, I put it on my edges, around my neck, and mix it with EVOO and disburse it throughout my whole head. But, when I do the twists and pin them together I usually hit the edges and seal the ends. I guess I need to stop being lazy. :-/
- Tiffany Hines
  
  After I wash my hair I usually twist it up with Afroveda’s PUR whipped jelly and evoo and then seal it with the JBCO. Then take then out the next day to add a moisturizer and more JBCO, then re-twist. I’m trying to find ways to use it when I have a protective style.

http://twitter.com/Takesha1 I am the #47percent

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
It was a split second decision that I made after my last perm on 10/30/10.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was very surprised at my natural coils. If I knew my hair was like this I would have gone natural a long time ago.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I followed my goals and did not have any challenges.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

If agree too that if I had known my hair was so beautiful, I would have done this so long ago.

Jewel Berry

1. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I have flip-flopped between relaxers and a natural a few times. This time around was very special to me. I met my husband while I was relaxed and he wasn’t into natural sistas (poor misguided brotha!). The first 3 years of our marriage, I fought for his acceptance of a natural wife. I failed to convince him, though. So, I did the unthinkable…..cut off ALL my hair while he was at work. LOL He had to accept it. So to answer the question, it took a little over 3 years to decide to BC this time.
2. I was surprised that my hair texture has multiple personalities. The back and sides are a 3c. The middle is a 4a, and the front is a 4c ALL DAY! In the past when I wore a natural, I kept a twa so, I couldn’t really verify all the textures.
3. My goals were to keep my hair in a protective style, which I did. No hands in my hair at all. I used an oil blend on my scalp and around the edges. My hair seems to be stalling a bit on moisture. I think it may be the change in the weather. I’m going to switch my routine up a bit and do just castor oil (unblended with other oils). I’m also going to try co-washing twice this week instead of once.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

That’s a way to get him to accept it. LOL.

Jameil Nganga

How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I made the decision fairly quickly. I met a friend work and her hair was gorgeous!!! It didnt take long for me to become team natural
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was very surprised actually. I always thought I was “too African” to go without a perm. However, I have been pleasantly suprised
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did horrible last week. I just got Senegalese twists but I have decided that I hate them. I will be taking them out very shortly!

phil467sam

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? I just decided to become natural / without locs right before we began this challenge. I am looking forward my full transition.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? I’m not there yet.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week I did great. Although, I wore a ponytail protective style and felt it difficult to follow my nightly regimen. My pillow cases are really suffering with all of the oil,

Jewel Berry

I can’t bear the thought of putting oil in my hair before bed. Try using it in the morning. It gives my hair a more polished look all day.
- phil467sam
  
  Thanks for responding. I am obviously using too much at night for sealing. I will have to do most of my moisturizing in the am. Its just that I’m transitioning and the moisturizer makes the two textures really noticeable.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams
    
    Yes, definitely try to oil in the morning. I find that it is better that way.

Chiley Holder

1. I believe it has taken me about 20 years to go natural. I have gone thru about 4 cycles of perm, hair too damaged, grow out permed hair with braids then perm again. 2. Although I don’t think I am fully natural, there are definitely some surprises I’ve found in texture, no one in my family is natural expect for my mom but I only have half of her genes so it’s definitely been an experience and shock because my hair was always ruff, now its soft and moisturized. 3. Can’t believe there’s only 5 weeks left, its definitely been an experience and although I don’t think I’ve acheived muck length, my edges are slowly creeping in and my hair is definitely softer.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I’m sure your length check will prove you wrong. I’m sure your hair is growing nicely.

http://www.facebook.com/erica.floyd.58 Erica Floyd

1) it didn’t take me long at all because it kind of a spur of the moment decision. i knew i wanted to cut my hair because it was damaged and unhealthy looking so I literally went to my stylist at the time and had her chop it off, had only a couple of inches of hair plus my curls were “super tight” so it was pretty dramatic.
2) yes. at the time i was in the military so the day before i had hair and the next day i showed up with no hair. people were coming down to look at my hair because people were talking about my cut, lol.
3) i’ll admit i’ve slacked of a bit last week. my hairline has been breaking out for a while and i knew it started witht the use of edge control but since i’ve stopped using it my hairline is still breaking out so i’m thinking it may be the excessive oils that i use to i really didn’t use throughout the week at all.

catherine1990

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
i became natural kinda by accident i just stop getting a realxer during my freshman year college because i was just sick in tired of spending all that money at the salon for a perm, and also beacuse i always hated getting a perm i couldn’t stand the smell. well before i knew it was a year since my last perm then i stumble on the youtube long story short i decided to become fully natural and transition for another year and was able to cut all the rest of the perm off.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
no i was not all that suprise by hair texture because i knew what it was like before the perm. my mom decided to perm my hair at a early age 10 years old to be exact by the time i was 11 years old all my hair was breaking like there was no tomorrow because i was not taking care of my hair the way i should have had, so my mom cut my hair so i was left with a fro. after i started growing my hair back my mom would hot comb my hair. right before i entered high school i begged my mom to let me get a perm again(worst mistakes of my life) she agreed.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
i did pretty good during week 7 .

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Your story is so similar to a lot of others.

ladiejai

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? the second time it took no time at all because perms always broke my hair off so i knew natural was best for me for the rest of my life.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture?No Why/why not? I wasn’t surprised because I knew my texture because I had been natural before. Most of my life I was natural so i knew my texture.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week was another hard one because of life. But I did still oil at least 2 times during the week. The only challenge has been keeping my oil next to my bed so that i can massage right before i go to sleep

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I usually can’t oil before bed because the oil will just ruin my sheets. I like to oil in the morning time to get my hair and scalp to absord the oil. I still end up ruining my sheets though. :O

Kaila P

I’ve been natural all my life, but I’ve only begun taking care of it this past summer and it has been quite the journey.

Well I guess the question doesn really apply to me but I for years growing up I wished for ‘coolie’ (3c hair , it’s a caribbean term lol) or wondered why my mother wouldnt relax it and I vowed to relax when I got older. But, I’ve learned to love everything about my hair, my texture, my colour, my length everything !

I’ve been very dedicated and I have had no challenges I can see some growth already so I’m really happy about that

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

“coolie” lol. I’m glad that you embraced your curls and didn’t perm your hair.
- Tiffany Hines
  
  Yep, I have! My now Fiance’ was the motivation behind it. He cut off the color in my hair when I first started transitioning.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams
    
    I’m so happy that many of us naturals have a wonderful support system.
    - Tiffany Hines
      
      Yep. If it wasn’t for his compliments and encouragement I would not have stuck with it. I would not have went back to relaxers but I would still be wearing wigs.

Nathalie Valentin

1. It took me about 2 years to finally decide to go natural. I have been wanting to do this for sometime on and off since I graduated from high school and finally within the past 2 years I had friends encouraging me to just go on and make the change.
2. I wasn’t too surprised about my texture. I just took it in strides and the texture is growing on me.
3. I am still following through with my weekly goals of applying JBCO to my scalp at least 3 times a week.

http://www.facebook.com/mecredi.cruder Mecredi Cruder

1. I decided to go natural after leaving Korea and moving to Hawaii. The women there in my opinion weren’t very good with black hair and I was frustrated. Plus I didn’t know anyone in Hawaii and was getting ready to deploy to opted to have someone in atlanta braid my hair, thus started the whole process .
2) I feel like my hair is thicker and a lot healthier than when it was relaxed
3) I’m still followingmy goals but a bit frustrated cause my the hair in my temple area is thinning.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Oh how I would love to go to the places you have been.

Samantha D

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
It took me a few months because once I knew my mind was made up.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I as only surprised by my patch of 3c hair in the back.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? My biggest challenge is i don’t get to incorporate the castor oil into everything like I want to.

Trell

1.)It was a split decision for me. I was rocking a short n sassy cut for about a year and decided to let it grow back, and I usually do that by doing the micros for about 4-6 months. During my 2nd set of micros (I never get relaxers until the end of the micro months) I was over my besties house, who is also natural and she was helping me take out my braids.She said you should go natural. I said Ok…and lets just say we “hoodriched butchered the big chopped”!!! Ulimately I ended up at my stylist to get the rest of the relaxer out but from that point on Ive been rocking my curlies…
2.)I wasnt surprised at my curls because I was the girl that did not get a relaxer until Junior High, so I knew what I had up under it all. HOWEVER COMMA, I can say in the beginning I wanted to give up and put a relaxer on, but I had my girl, and although we are miles apart she was able to coach me thru the rough times and recommend products and DIYs. I know for me in this process I had to find the confidence in myself to rock the curls I now love, and its important to have friends and fam to support you. Thats why I love this group you have here and these challenges, because we are binded by the kink!
3.) I did my first hot oil treatment with the castor. It was nice my hair is super soft and fluffy..I guess fluffy is the word Im looking for. I also used it as to message into my scalp and sides 3-4 times a week.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Lol at the “hoodriched butchered”

http://www.facebook.com/kara.whittington.92 Kara Whittington

It didn’t take me long to make the decision to become natural. I made the decision without actually making it. My hair was already short when I went in for a finger-length haircut. I had gone all Summer without a relaxer and after my hair was cut, all of the relaxed ends were gone.

My texture always surprises me. It seems to change dependent upon the way that I cut my hair (with the grain vs against the grain) and with the products that I use.

I didn’t do too well last week. I’m not liking the way that my hair is responding to the castor oil. My hair i already thick, and it’s making my hair thicker. As a result, it’s harder to predict the way that my staples will react with my hair. My hair is receiving too much moisture. On top of that, I ended up cutting my hair before my big race (as is my race tradition). I do not believe that I am ready to grow my hair out. I am quite happy with my super short style.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Never thought that too much moisture was an issue. Different strokes I guess. My hair is super thick as well, but I don’t think that my hair is thickening too much more witht the castor.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
It took me about a year and a half of watching my best friends hair become so beautiful. I was stuck in my creamy crack state of mind and I thought that my hair of all would not look good in its natural state.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
When I first became natural I was not surprised by my texture because it was something terrible. I was even very frustrated about the maintenance. It was tough to comb or manipulate. As my hair grew and I began to educate myself, my texture changed for the better I must admit. I love my curls now.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I did follow through with my goals last week. I applied castor to my hair 4 times last week. Better than the week before. There are no challenges. I have been really lazy with my hair though. I have had in my mini twists going on three weeks now. Very little manipulation and easy to maintain. I did start remoisturizing my hair with water and sealing with JBCO. Just to give my hair some extra moisture.

Kandy O.

1. It took me a while (a couple of years) to decide to go natural. I always felt that it was something I couldn’t do and always had a reason (or excuse). But the bottom line was that I was simply uninformed and fear of the unknown kept me from really embracing the decision to go natural. It wasn’t until I really educated myself that I took the leap so to speak.

2. YES! I tried not to have any expectations that way I wouldn’t be disappointed. But, when I was transitioning and really starting to see my “new growth” I assumed my hair would be curly. But in reality, I have a mixture of some curls, but mostly z shaped kinks and I LOVE THEM!!!!!:o) I didn’t even know my hair could do that! It still amazes me that I used to wish for something I already had!

3. Last week was a real challenge. I only applied JBCO 2xs. I’ve been trying to do more protective styles, but finding the balance between that and applying the JBCO has been a little difficult. My schedule was a lot different too, but I’m ready for this week’s challenge.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I had to do a lot of research in the beginning to get me to take that leap. Misinformation can be a hinderance.

onyinyechi uwakwemdike

1. I don’t quite remember how long it took to make the decision. The 1st time i went natural i just stopped relaxing my hair, a few months later i bc’ed. The 2nd time, i had kinky twists for about 2 months after my relaxer, the day i took out the kinky twists i bc’ed again.lol

2. I was a little bit surprised with my texture. You see the 1st time i went natural I knew nothing about my hair, my hair confused me so i gave into the relaxer. the 2nd time around I had 2 months to do all the research I could about natural hair care and i came across texture and curl pattern and i was eager to know what mine was. I did not know I had such beautiful tight coily hair.The way the hair strands coiled after my first ever cowash, I called my friend up to share my excitement. I know better and I love my4c hair.

3. Last week was a breeze, using castor oil is like 2nd nature now. it has taken the place of shea butter as sealant in my regimen. I have breakouts due to its use though, to prevent this to an extent i use the oil before my shower. 5 more weeks!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

If your breakouts are extreme you could try blending it with another oil so that it is not in its raw state.

patty barnes

For me I didn’t decide to become natural it just happened that way. I wore sew-ins a lot and in between I would get kinky twists or braids and then back to the sew-ins. I will say that the hubby was always asking me to wear my natural hair out so I finally gave in. But I started out gradually with flats twists and mini twistouts done by a professional of course. But after about 3 months I got the nerve to start doing my own hair with a little hesitation because I had no clue as to WHAT I was doing, but I’m all in now and I can truly say that I am enjoying it.
2.When I became fully natural I wasn’t surprised by my texture. I have kinky tightly coiled hair and I can remember when I was younger before my mom started relaxing my hair how kinky it used to be. So there were no surprises there.
3.I am still on point. I applied to my scalp 3x/wk and sealed with the oil on wash day. I’ve now started applying to my edges and nape area only 3x/wk instead of daily because I’ve noticed that those areas are still pretty oily. Also I waited 2 wks to wash my hair because it was soooo moist and I loved it. Y’all I started using the Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab line and I used the curl enhancing smoothie and the curling soufflé gel with it and I mean my hair stayed moist for about 5 days without having to reapply. I think I’ve found my staple products. Love it!!!! Still no challenges thus far.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Oh how I would love to have a professional to do my natural hair but I am so picky
- patty barnes
  
  Tiffany in the beginning I went to the salon but I now style my hair myself. I will go to the salon for my trims because Im not confident enough to trim my hair.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams
    
    I too refuse to trim my own hair.

http://twitter.com/Netta__love92 Netta

1. I’ve been natural all my life, so there wasn’t really a decision to be made. I did, however, make the decision to wear my hair in more natural styles last December.
2. I’ve always known about my “Chaka Khan” hair since I was little lol. It did surprise me that I had grown to accept and love it a lot more.
3. I used it as both a prepoo and moisturizer/sealer. Since I’ve used it, I’ve noticed that my scalp barely ever itches anymore, almost to the point where it’s a foreign thing. That’s how I know I’m due for a quick scalp massage and my hair is due for a little more moisture. Even though I’ve never had sparse or damaged edges, I’m noticing they’re thickening up alot.

http://twitter.com/Afro_Geisha Danielle

Q1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
A. 2 minutes
Q2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
A. I was shocked at first,because my hair and scalp were in need of repair from years of relaxers. After a few months, my curl pattern came back and I was surprised at how curly/coily my strands were naturally.
Q3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
A. I had to lessen my scalp massages. I was only able to do it 4x last week, but I still oil between my braids.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

2 minutes…lol

http://www.mayagatewood.com/ Maya Gatewood

1. I was toying with the idea and researching youtube (hehehe) for probably a year before I made the decision to “transition”. After transitioning for 7 months, I didn’t know I was going to cut my hair on the day I did…it was really a spontaneous kind of thing…I had intended to transition for longer than that. But I’m glad I decide to just “get on with it” LOL.

2. Yes and no. I think overall I had a very different idead of what to expect. Then when I had a full head of 4abc hair, I was like “oooook?!” I thought my texture would be a little looser but it was thick and tightly coiled. I am still learning but I feel much more confident now then 3 months ago. (btw today is my 3 month BC anniversary! Can you say length check?! lol)

3. I have continued to mix Castor Oil into my deep conditioners. And I found that I DO like to include it in my hot oil treatment as well. My hair is SOOOOO super soft afterwards. Yes, I met my goals last week.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

My big chop was a surprise as well. I went to the salon with the intent on getting a trim and ending up getting it all chopped off.
- http://www.mayagatewood.com/ Maya Gatewood
  
  Lol too funny. How did u feel right afterward?

http://www.facebook.com/markeeta.price Markeeta Price

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? it took me like 5 1/2 yrs…………..2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? no i was happy cuz i wanted to go back natural and i wanted my hair to get back a lil thicker cuz its thin…………..How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? i oiled my scalp with jbco 3x a week and i m&s daily, i pre-pooed and co-washed my hair….i added castor oil in everything i airdry my hair too and i use wayyyyyyyy less heat

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Over five years. Wow. Do you benefit from the pre-pooing?

http://www.facebook.com/FayeV6g Faye Venable

1. It took me too long really, but when my hair started thinning I knew right away i had to leave perms alone.
2. No because I’ve been natural off and on through out my life, so I totally knew what to expect when I went natural this time around.
3. Everything went very well this week, met my goals and had no challenges. Now i can truly say that using my castor is a part my life from now on, it’s a no brainer

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

This challenge is definitely an eye opener.

http://www.facebook.com/aviann.ferdinandcaterson Aviann Ferdinand-Caterson

well so far i’ve been using the normal castor oil so i decided to order me some of the one in your picture……. so excited to receive it by the end of the wk….one thing tho it is super expensive so plz give me some tips in using it. ca i dilute it? can i use the both of them together? can i mix them together? thanks

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I believe you should be able to mix it with other oils to make it last longer.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

You can probably just use it sparingly. Like use the new oil for certain purposes and your usual castor for everything else.

http://www.facebook.com/aviann.ferdinandcaterson Aviann Ferdinand-Caterson

1. it didnt take long for me to decide to go natural because i was between relaxers probably for abt 4 mths and wen i got into contact with my best friends cuz who was making these amazing natural products i say ok wat the hay lets do it, i bc’d like 1 yr this mth.
2. when my hair actually began to show i was surprised and frustrated by the diff textures, some of my hair wasnt curling an i thought well maybe there is still relaxer in my hair, lol finally i jus said ok fine this is wats up and as i continued to deep condition it has gotten to a point where it looks uniform enuff
3. i have been adding the castor oil to my hair through a mixture of other oils as well, this wk i actually applied it to my hair line, and i have am excited to see what happens in the nex 6 mths, my younger sister while she isnt a natural also started using the castor oil on her hair line and is very happy at the thickness of her hair so castor oil is gonna be around for a long time to come lol

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I am amazed a lot at the different uses for castor

http://www.facebook.com/deccie.turk Deccie Canady Turk

Hope everyone is having a great week….

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

My week will be better when it’s the weekend
- http://www.facebook.com/deccie.turk Deccie Canady Turk
  
  LOL, well I know it is good now!!!!!
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams
    
    Yes and now it starts all over again.

MsFabulous13

My decision to become natural was forced! I had just come out of sew ins for a few years…my hair was a nice length and thickness. After the second relaxer, and wearing a hat with wool, it began breaking off around the back and then going higher toward my ears. I decided that it needed to be cut and no more relaxers! However, it took me almost a year and a half to wear my hair in its natural state out in public. I started with an Afro puff extension on the weekends. Then I began a raw food detox, and the urge was so great, that I said, that’s it!!! No more wigs!

I didn’t really know what to expect when I wore my own hair in its natural state. I was very surprised how much shrinkage I had. It may have been because of the wigs holding it down,, but it must say that it grew very fast.

Last week was awesome! I’ve started increasing the castor oil around my temples to help thicken them. I did oil my scalp 3-4 times last week, keeping up with my goal! So happy with my decision!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I love your enthusiasm.

Robin Thomas

1. I went natural “by accident” when I was 19/20. I stopped putting relaxers in my hair because it was breaking off and also because i was on a college budget. I had no intentions of going natural, just wanted to give my hair some time to repair (and my wallet). But i started to like how my new growth looked so i started researching and about a year after my last perm, i did my first twist out.
2.I was surprised by my texture but i also fell in love with it. I didn’t realize how curly my hair was/could be but it was exciting and frustrating at first.
3. I followed through with most of my goals and also incorporated coconut oil into my regimen along with the castor oil. I have not been able to apply it the way i wanted to due to work.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I know all too well about that intial excitement and frustration. Excited about natural, but frustrated with handling your new texture.

http://twitter.com/Cleopatra_Sloan Erica Sloan

1. I am still currently relaxing my however I am trying to stretch my relaxer. I usually relax every 12 to 14 weeks. I am currently at 13 weeks posts and trying to stretch till 22 to 24 weeks.
2. I would love to see what my natural texture looks like. I always love playing with my new growth. The only reason I havent gone natural is because I have trouble detangling.
3. I still have trouble doing my routine. I try to at least put castor oil on my edges and ends and sometimes I do the scalp. However, Im still seeing breakage which upsets me.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Detangling could be a breeze with the proper tools.

Tameka

1. Because I had been natural for 6yrs with my locks it took me about 2months to decide to cut them off due to how heavy they were plus I missed actually combing my hair.
2. Well I knew tath I had a few different textures as I remember when I was little my mum a/ways commented on it. I am a 4a/b at the top and 4b at the back.
3. OMG so lastweek I thought it was a great idea to get box braids (obviously not one of my best ideas) and my edges suffered ..needless to say to took them out within a couple of days…..so it feels like I made a step back with the progress of my edges, but the rest of the hair is flourishing on the castor oil.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

You know I have heard of many people who have picked their locks out. I think locks are nice, especially on men who keep them up, but not for me.

http://www.facebook.com/kathleen.grayson.9 Kathleen Grayson

1.Honestly I did a.big chop over 6 years ago but I decided to go back to a perm. So this time it took 3 months the length of time my braids stayed in my head.
2. I wasn’t surprise at my texture, I just always wondered would I have hair like my father and mother this time. Wavy and curly with no products.
3. I have stuck to my regimen so far I am going to add a hot oil treatment with jbco this week once I look. At the video.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

I think the big chop is usually the way that people tend to go and it is very shocking at first. You have done it twice. Pretty cool.

Jean

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
Wanted the thickness of my hair back Relaxer damaged my hair and it was getting very thin.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was surprised at the texture of my hair. I never realized my hair waved up like that. I kept a relaxer in my hair or just put an hot comb in it
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?last week went great, I’m loving the castor oil challenge. I will continue using after the challenge. love the softness, thickness I’ve gotten after using the castor oil. .

.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

My stepmom has the thinnest hair and when she went natural following my lead, her hair has thickened and really nice curl pattern.

Tishana Trainor

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I decided to become natural when my daughter was seven in 2001. Neo soul was out, folks were rocking their naturals, and I wanted to help my daughter maintain a healthy self image. My last perm was Sept 12, 2001, and I chopped in October 2001.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Back in 2001, I wasn’t surprised for some reason, I loved my texture, This was way before the 4a 3l typing nonsense… I loc’d my hair after a few months, and wore those locs for 10 years. I chopped again Jan 2012. ALL of it… As it grew out, and I was watching my sister’s growth, and youtube I had developed this expectation of what it would be. Its totally NOT what I thought, and I had to accept it. I love it now.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I used a leave in mixed with castor oil twice last week on my 3 week old crochet kinky twists. That’s not my original goal, but neither were the crochet twists, and it works… Next week they come down, then its a DC and back in they go, with another style.:)

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

It’s very beautiful that you are instilling confidence in your daughter.

Charmin Smart

I went natural without really realising I was. I stopped relaxing my hair and wore braids or weaves. My hair has been completley natural for the last 10 years but it’s only been 6 months since I’ve embraced my natural hair and decided to look after it.
I was surprised at how hard it was at first to look after my hair. Leaving the house for work was an interesting experience. The texture was dry and had shrunk to almost nothing by the time I’d left the house, but I was determined to see it through knowing I was on a journey and my dry shrunken hair was just a part of the journey
Last week was an okay week. I still have the braids in, but it was nice to wash my hair and use a soft toothbrush on my scalp to get rid of the buildup.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=46211978 Tiffany Williams

Wow ten years. That’s impressive. Glad that you are showing off your hair now.

http://www.facebook.com/briquelle Briquelle Backeberg

1. Im not sure.

2. Yes, my natural curl was not as dry and coarse as my post perm “new growth”.

3. i didnt do well last week.

ronnie

1.
How long did it take you to finally make the
decision to become natural?

A month! I have been natural on
& off for years, but once I saw all the damage; I had done with chemicals.

2.
When you became fully natural were you surprised
at all by your texture? Why/why not?

No, I wasn’t surprised because I know my hair
texture.

3.
How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you
follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

Yes, I followed through with my goals no
changes and I oiled my scalp with castor oil and sealed with it. My hair feels
soft and supple. lol

http://www.facebook.com/shelrocksgirl Sophie Naturalista Briscoe

1.
How long did it take you to finally make the decision
to become natural?

Not long at all.
I decided I wanted to go natural and I did.

2.
When you became fully natural were you surprised at all
by your texture? Why/why not?

No because I would go a long time between perms. What I was surprised with is that it was
actually manageable with proper care.

3.
How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow
through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

Not as I wanted to because I have a protective
style in that didn’t allow me to penetrate my hair the way I wanted to. I was only able to do the scalp and I like to
put it all over my hair.

Zekia Brunson

1. It took me about a year to decide I wanted to go natural, that’s when I decided to skip my touch-up and start transitioning.
2. When my hair was fully natural, the texture did surprise me, because I thought my hair would be rough like the new growth between relaxers. However that wasn’t the case. I found that my texture is soft and tightly curled, rather than rough and brittle.
3. No, I didn’t follow through with my goal, which was to wear a protective style for one more week. I was missing my hair, so it’s been braidouts for me I will try to wear my hair in a protective style for the last two weeks of the challenge. I did the minimum oiling last week though, just edges and ends. I only oiled my scalp once, which was not enough and I could tell in how my scalp AND hair felt at the end of the week. I’ll be keeping up from now on though.

Oddy

1.How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
It didn’t take me long at all to become natural and my sis in law is the one that told me about becoming all natural and I love it.
2.When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Just a lil bit because I really didn’t do anything with my hair besides put in in ponytails all the time to even know what my texture was for my hair so now that i know I’m excited about my texture in my hair.
3.How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
Last week on week 7 I did good on my goals and I was happy with the results.

http://www.facebook.com/tracie.h.young Tracie Henson Young

It took me a little over 4 years before I made the final decision to make that day my last relaxer. Primarily because I really liked my beautician and she was not feeling the time it would take to do my hair nor did she want anyone else to consider the thought. Once I got married and moved searching for a new stylist was challenging thus it made transitioning easier to do.
I wasn’t fully surprised. I recall photos of me as a child and I knew my hair was much like my mom’s lineage who all pretty much have short natural hair styles.
Life got to me last week. I didn’t do much to my hair at all. I did try the conditioner mix that I saw posted on here a few weeks ago (warm water, conditioner & JBCO) – that was awesome. I continue to use JBCO on my edges. Since switching up the way I use it, my hair doesn’t feel brilloy soft.

Mikeal C

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? — i’ve always been natural but i just recently made the decision to start wearing natural hairstyles bc i was having major heat damage

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? — i was surprised when i cut off my straight ends bc i didnt think i would ever ger my super curly hair back. i thought it might’ve changed into a more wavy texture.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? ;ast week a wore flat twist and oiled my scalp every other day with castor oil. NO CHALLENGES !

Keisha M

Hello everybody!! Hope all is well. I want to say it took me about the amount of time I transitioned (about 8 months) to finally go ahead and stop being chicken and just cut my hair…lol…but I haven’t looked back since!! Once I became fully naturally I was really intrigued by my texture because I hadn’t really dealt with it before. I did not wear my TWA out, instead I kept weaves, braids and twists in my hair. But in between those, I would be so excited about my curl pattern after I washed it, and frustrated once it dried by the morning, being dry, matted and shrunken. But after it grew out, I did some YouTube and internet research and found the proper way to moisturize my hair. Last week, I did not do as well as I wanted, mainly because I procrastinated in washing my hair and that threw off my whole routine. But there’s always next time. Hope everyone is happy and pleased with their results!!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/chaneal.monique Chaneal Monique

I made the decision to go natural quickly. One day my cousin was telling me about her experience and 3 weeks later I was supposed to get a perm and I never went back.I transitioned with weave for about 6 months and when I first took down my weave and did the big chop I was overwhelmed by my thick hair and debated on getting a relaxer but my bff who is also natural talked me out of it. I wore weave a little while longer until it grew a bit and once I started wearing it out I quickly embraced it and never turned back.

I was somewhat surprised at my texture when my hair was super short, but as it grows its is exactly what I expected it to be (being that the last time my hair was natural I was about 7 years old lol).

I am still going strong with the challenge and Im loving the results.

karemel

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?

I honestly didn’t plan on going natural. As finances tumbled, I kept putting off getting a touch up. My hair was in a corn row pony tail for the longest.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

I was extremely surprised! Who knew all these kinks and coils were going on in my head. When I encourage others to go natural, I hear things like “if I had hair like yours” – mine? (If I have hair like mine, you most certainly have it.)

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week was so much better. I definitely used the castor oil in my scalp and on my edges.

http://kinkycoils76.blogspot.com/ Fredia Quick

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura? Didn’t give it much thought at all just got the clippers and shaved my hair off.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not? No, I knew I had a pretty good grade of hair. I was just hooked on the chemicals, but nit anymore I love my curls, coils, and kinkiness.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did good just having to find the time to do everything I wanted to do with my hair when I first started the challenge. Working longer hours now so I have to do my hair on the go. But I’m loving my hair and the growth. Yes

http://www.facebook.com/nikisvictory Niki Davis

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I don’t recall that it took me too long at all. (Maybe a month?) I found a stylist who truly took good care of my hair and at the time I really wasn’t happy with the relaxer. I finally came to terms that it was never good for my hair, and she pointed out the fact that many of her clients were natural. I was sold after that! I never really gave it a thought before then. However, the biggest decision for me came when I decided not to get my hair straightened with the flat iron, anymore. I made that decision because I began to get into shape and I was sweating too much. I was wasting my money and time getting it flat-ironed.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Yes and no. Yes because I never realized that my hair is not all one texture. No, because I remember what it was like before.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did okay last week. My challenge is always sweating from working out 6-7 days a week. I keep my hair twisted in mini-twists because of this. I do wash them but only once, because I don’t want them to get matted together.

http://www.NuBeinCreations.com/ Shakazi Poole

It took me over 8 years, I know I should have done it sooner I just didnot have the kowledge and know how and I did not want dreads.
No I kew I have a very coily texture.
I have done great I used it just as promied.

Katrina

It took me about a few months to decide to go natural. It was soon after both my older sisters became natural that i became envious (lol). I was not really surprised by my texture, because whenever it was time for my sis to put in my perm, she would always say “Girl, u don’t need a relaxer! I can’t even tell where ur new growth is!” lol I still didn’t do so well last week but I’m going to do better this week coming up. It’s still difficult to keep to my routine. But I’m going to get back on track!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=770144060 Keesha Kai Hampton

1.) It took about 6-7 months. Although I loved my hair when it was relaxed, it was killing my scalp! I kind of started this journey just to see how long and far I could go without a relaxer. I’m proud to say that was 4 years ago:-) and I’m not looking back!
2.) I already knew that I wouldn’t have loose curl texture. My hair has always been very thick and dense. What did surprise me was the amount of different textures I had.
3.) I only used the JBCO castor oil twice this week. It’s been hectic! I still notice how soft my hair has been and how along with shea butter it works much better with the change of weather. This has been a wonderful experience. Thanks Jenell!

Taisha

1) It took me a month to make up my mind and go natural. I transitioned for a month and just decided to big chop. It’s been 3 months since.

2) I’d be lying to say I wasn’t surprised my my texture. I’m still not sure what my actual texture is because I’m told you can’t really tell before 6 months. I was excited to see corkscrew curls. I hadn’t ha natural hair since I was 11.

3) I haven’t had much of a challenge except for the tangling. I’m still pushing along.

AngieYuuup

1. It wasn’t a planned decision. I just did it because I had been natural two times before in my life, and have actually been natural the majority of my life and I’m 30. I dont even know my natural hair anniversary day or month because that’s just how spur of the moment it was.

2. I wasn’t surprised because I’d been natural before.

3. I did well. I used it as planned. I met all my goals. Did my weekly deep condition and oil treatment. I made sure to oil my scalp regularly.

Hillary Huyghue

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
I hadn’t thought of becoming natural before. I started working out teaching fitness classes and since I’m a head sweater, I couldn’t keep up the relaxed look. I also was stretching my relaxer for financial reasons and because I didn’t have time to spend all not in the shop. Two months became three and so on and I started researching becoming natural. I transitioned for 5 months and my husband actually big chopped me one night!

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

Yes, I was surprised at my texture and length. When you transition your hair is somewhat stretched about because of the relaxed ends. It appeared to have a “looser” curl pattern and the first few weeks I couldn’t define my curl pattern b/c it was so dry. I also struggled because I have multiple curl patterns on my head ranging from a 3c in the crown to 4b/c on the left side. I’m still learning how to work with what I got.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I’m still applying CO 3x’s a week and I can see that my hair is longer. I haven’t done a length check b/c I plan on blowing it out in a couple of weeks to see my progress 1 year post relaxer.

http://www.facebook.com/Kira0313 Shakira O’Garro

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
Well the first time I went natural it took me at least 3-6 months to decide. I was wearing weaves and extensions during that period and when I had took out my braids one day I loved the length and texture of my hair. The second time it took me about 4 months. After the wave noveau my hair was shedding badly. I even had a bald spot in the back of my head(which I didn’t know about until I stopped getting it done, how embarrassing). It was terrible. Lol I decided to stop getting it re done in Jan and big chopped in May 2011.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
During the 2nd time I was surprised. I paid more attention to it because I was watching Youtube videos thinking I would have their texture (especially deminpixie’s texture which is absolutely beautiful). But I love my texture now, it’s beautiful. ^.~

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
A lot has been going on. I randomly put castor oil on my ends once, and used a DC with castor oil add to it. It wasn’t a good week at all.

Mrz. Garnett!!!

It took me many years before making the decision to become natural. I wore relaxed hair for about 15 years. I have been natural for about 5 years. I made the decision to go natural because my hair would get so thin after relaxing my hair but I did it anyway thinking I needed to so my hair would be more “manageable”. Since becoming natural it was a surprise to to find that my was still manageable especially after learning how to wash and style my hair. Last week I had no obstacles.

Sandra

It took me a long time to go natural because I really did not know if I really wanted to do it. The first time I tried I gave up too early and went back to perming my hair. Three years ago I just decided to do it and I love it and should have stuck with it the first time. I really was not surprised at my texture when I went natural because when I was a young girl coming up my hair was naturally kinky curly. Now that I see my texture it reminds me of way back then but I am surprised that I still have that same texture after perming for so long. I am still following thru on putting the castor oil on my scalp and edges three times a week and I am still pleased with the way it’s keeping my hair oiled and not dry.

Melissa N. Houseal

I got my first relaxer at 12 and I went natural at 33. I thought about it for a few years before I finally decided to stop getting relaxers. I think I was afraid of the work and of looking like Celie and nem with plaits in my head. I remembered how hard it was to comb through my hair when I was little and I really did like straight hair. But then I remembered that hair down my back at 7 and the fact that my hair was thinning and breaking so badly, a strong wind could wreck it. So I started to transition because I didn’t feel as if I had any other choice if I wanted to have hair. It helped that a few friends were already transitioning and I could ask for advice.

Up until the month before I got my relaxed ends cut off, I thought I’d be flat ironing every week. But I started watching YouTube and seeing how other girls dealt with their texture and decided I was going to work with mine. The only surprise I had about my texture is that it wasn’t as difficult to deal with as I remembered. Especially now that I knew how to really take care of it. I get so many comments like “If my hair was like yours, I could go natural” and I have to tell them that it is product and technique, and that I put a lot of time into my hair so that it looks how I want it to look.
I skipped my wash this week because I was out of town. But I did use JBCO on my edges. No issues so far.

http://www.facebook.com/kimberly.palmer2 Kimberly Palmer

1. It has taken me about 6 years to make the decision to begin transitioning to natural hair.
2. I am transitioning, so I only have about 2 inches of natural hair. I am somewhat surprised at the dryness of the hair. I am learning how to moisturize more and pay greater attention to the needs of my hair.
3. I continued with my same regiment of adding oil to the edges and a small amount to the scalp 3x per week. I clean my face with gentle cleanser after adding the oil to reduce breakouts. This was the initial challenge I faced.

http://www.facebook.com/dcabana Donny N’didi During

How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?

Ive always wanted to go completely natural but never had to guts to just do it and get away from relaxers. July 9th 2010, i then decided that it was time to just let it go and do it and ive been happy with my decision thus far.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

I was, as even though ivw been completely natural for 2 years now im still overcoming certain breakthroughs. my hair tend to do its own thing and im still trying to figure it out.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

Last week my goals were to make sure I’m doing my moisturizing properly and be consistent. However this week I’ve been battling with brittle and dry ends even though ive been moisturizing and also ddid my hot oil treatment and deep conditioning over the past week. Ill been doing another hot oil treatment today and see of it makes any difference. Also I don’t seem to see any breakage while detangling or even my hair falling out but when i look at it i feel like it is breaking and i’m not retaining length. I even sleep with certain caps.

http://www.facebook.com/marie.forbin.9 Marie Forbin

1. I was natural throughout h.s. and majority of my freshman year of college, until I “broke” and confromed to he “creamy crack”…lol, but that was waaaay before all the informative blogs and vlogs about managing and maintaining my very thick course hair. After extensive research and clocking plenty of youtube hours, I decided to go natural maybe approximately a month or two after I thought about doing it.

2. I was not surprised by my texture at all b/c I have been natural before and I knew what kind of beast i was going to have to tame…lol, what I am surprised bout is how soft it can be when I put the effort and love into it!

3. My goal for last week was to do a protective stlye so I wuldn’t have to style my hair every night before bed, and I accomplished that by doing small twist. This was after my wash and pampering regimen. I had no real challanges, b/c thanks to my yrim I did a few weeks ago, I was able to detangle w/o any issues.

dori

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?I am not natural, I have a relaxer in my hair.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?I have a relaxer,I have yet to transition.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?I followed through my regular regime; I haven’t had any challenges

http://naturallystellar.wordpress.com/ NaturallyStellar

1. No time at all. I transitioned on a whim one day by braiding my hair and just never looked back.

2. No, but I did think “Oh Yeah, I remember when my hair used to look like this!” It just brought back memories of childhood and wearing my daily Afro Puff.

3. I did well. I followed through on my goals to start deep conditioning more often and pay attention to moisture. The only challenges I’m facing are the change in the weather & dryness creeping in, but I have a plan to take care of that.

Una

1) It didn’t take me long at all to decide. However, I do go back and forth. Couples years permed, then a few years natural. It’s only hair.
2) I was not surprised at my texture since I did not get a perm until I was a senior in high school.
3) During week 7 I did a little more than I had initially set out to in week 1. I also re-did the edges since I have Havana Twists and I did see a bit of difference. I can’t wait to see my whole head.

http://www.facebook.com/amera.m.burks Amera M Burks

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? It took me a long time I would try not to relax my hair so often I would wear it curly anyways so in 2010 I did not put anymore relaxers in my hair and went on youtube for some french braided styles.I found a whole community of people going natural.
2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Yes I was so surprised. I knew I had a curl pattern I was mad it took me that long to stop relaxing my hair I even had a curl and all along I had my own unique kinkycurlycoily pattern better late then never.
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? I did very good last week. Yes i followed through with my goals I ran out of castor oil by the end of the week gotta get more real soon.

http://www.facebook.com/vmaghaven Veggie Maghaven

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natura?
it kinda just happened overnight

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?

im not fully natural yet, but i can still now see my texture. i was surprise at how rough it can be at times
3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far
as always, school’s been taking most of my time. but i always make sure to oil my edges atleast once a day

MsPerfect513

Hey Curlies,

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural?
When I made the decision to go natural it was a spur of the moment thing. My relaxed hair had become unruly so I decided to get my hair styled in braids (with added hair) every three weeks. After a few months I grew tired of the braids and decided to have my beautician straighten it. I loved the idea of not having to depend on chemicals.

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
I was definitely surprised about my hair texture. I was not sure what it would be like since I had no experience with natural hair. No one in my family nor any of my friends were natural. I was so surprised to see my curls. I spent time focusing on the differences in textures on my head and fell in love with every one of them. I feel blessed to have this head of hair and I love that it is unique to me.

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

Week 7 was great. I am still applying Castor Oil on my scalp at least four times a week and sealing my ends daily. It is really working wonders with my hair. I will be making this a staple product.

Nicola

Hello ladies (playing catch up……)

1. How long did it take you to finally make the decision to become natural? I made the decision within 1 day, I lost a significant amount of hair (due to a mixture of relaxer and low iron levels) and was left with a big bald spot at the front of my head. The hairdresser gave me 2 options, buy a wig or shave it off – for me wearing a wig was never an option, I didn’t hesitate and have never looked back since that was nearly 3yrs ago

2. When you became fully natural were you surprised at all by your texture? Why/why not?
Yes, I was very surprised by the texture, it took a while to see the true texture due to scab hair, but my hair in its natural state is much easier to manage than I could’ve imagined and also much ‘softer’ than I remembered it to be It took some time to find a regime and products that work and I have since noticed a change since the start of the challenge. These days my hair is shiny, someone stopped me recently and commented how ‘luscious’ my hair looked – that put a big smile on my face

3. How did you do last week (week 7)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far? Last week, I used the castor oil every other day instead of daily this week. I used it on my edges, ends and my scalp