A Story of Transition: Jasmine

Ladies, meet Jasmine! A natural hair transitioner with a pretty awesome story, I hope you all enjoy it!

Please introduce yourself!

My name is Jasmine, I'm 22, I'm originally from West Virginia, but now I'm living in Nashville, TN. I'm currently majoring in Criminal Justice, & I'm an aspiring makeup artist.

When did you decide you wanted to transition to natural?

Well, I started watching YouTube videos about the subject. Eventually I came across this blog, & just started reading. However, I still wasn't 100% sold on the idea yet. I ended up having to stay in the hospital in early February of 2010, my nurse had locs. So I just started asking questions, & she was just happy to tell me everything I wanted to know. It was then and there that I realized that I was gonna go natural.

Do you plan on being a long term transitioner or a short term?

LONG TERM! I have a TON of respect for women who do the big chop. I've worn short hair before, but I didn't want it to be THAT short. So, I knew that I wanted to retain length. I'm currently 15 months in; I plan on cutting the relaxed ends off once I reach 24 months.

How has it been managing 2 textures throughout this journey of transition?

Sometimes it's a HASSLE! There's been times when I've wanted to just give up. One day I actually stopped by Sally's and bought a relaxer! Luckily, I didn't go through with it, lol.

Are there any products that you have been using that you cannot live without?

Safi Avocado Shea Butter, Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo, Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque, Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner, and good ol' fashioned Shea Butter.

Do you have your hair on a “regimen schedule?”

I co-wash & de-tangle with my Nourish Spa Conditioner twice a week (sometimes.) I wash with my Carol's Daughter shampoo twice a month. I DC using my Shea Moisture Masque adding in honey, jojoba oil, and vitamin e oil, under my dryer after every shampoo, I also try to henna once every 3 months.

What’s been your “go to” hairstyle since you’ve decided to go natural?

Twists, braids, and weaves! I don't like to manipulate my hair too much. When I give my hair a break from PT's, I moisturize and put it in a high bun, or in some two strand twists.

What excites you about seeing your natural, kinks, curls and coils?

Because they are MINE! I've had a perm from the age of 8, up until I was 21. I'm breaking free from the "Creamy Crack" and it feels so, so, good.

Where can we find you on the web?

You can find me on Twitter: @JayxChristine, I have a Tumblr: http://vivrant-thang.tumblr.com, and I also have a YouTube channel. I've been slacking on making videos, but you can check it out at:http://www.youtube.com/user/JayxSupreme.

Do you have any advice that you want to share with fellow transitioners? 

All I want say is, hang in there. I know sometimes it will be a challenge, and you'll want to give up, but don't! There are so many resources available to you online. Whether you need to vent your feelings/frustrations, or if you're even having doubts, utilize those resources and others will listen and give you feedback. The natural hair community is like a "sisterhood". You'll always have someone there for you.

Thank you for having me Alex, I really appreciate it :)

A Story of Transition: Candice

Everyone, meet Candice and her beautiful curls! Below is her story of transition, I hope you all enjoy!

 Please introduce yourself!

I am Candice J., (Natural Dancer). I'm the artistic director of the Texas-based dance company, Ordered Steps Productions. OSP specializes in out-the-box, high-octane praise & worship, using various styles of dance to worship God through dance! I am also a writer & facilitator of "The Frizzness!" natural hair blog.

When did you decide you wanted to transition to natural?

A part of me always wanted to go natural - I just didn't understand the dynamics of it! But I'd always swooned over the heads of Cree Summer, Jasmine Guy, Lisa Nicole Carson, Sabra (So You Think You Can Dance), and of course...Tracee Ellis Ross! I never imagined that I could have my own crown of glory to love! I started getting the pull strongly & began researching what all goes into transitioning; I just flat decided one day: I want to know what MY hair looks like. And to think: I used to rock a jheri curl!

 Do you plan on being a long term transitioner or a short term?

I was long term - 17 months. I BC'd 2/18/11

 How has it been managing 2 textures throughout this journey of transition?

I was easy for me. I stuck to co-washing, braid-outs & buns. Many people thought I was already natural, so I figured "Why not?"

    Are there any products that you have been using that you cannot live without?

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie/Moisture Milk, V05 Strawberries & Cream Conditioner, Fantasia IC Gel & castor or olive oil!

   Do you have your hair on a “regimen schedule?” (ex. How often do you wash, detangle, ect.)

Nope, I just rock the way my fro wants to go! She tells me when she needs to be washed & when she's tired & needs to be left alone, ha ha!

What’s been your “go to” hairstyle since you've decided to go natural?

Faux-n-go: damp hair, moisturizer/styler & oil....let the shrinkage begin! I'll either let it fron out, or puff out.

  What excites you about seeing your natural, kinks, curls and coil?

I just love the way my hair coils at the ends! I love twisting my hair & watching them bounce or snap when I pull them. Not having to make a mad dash like I'm Michael Johnson when it rains. And just the actual fun of it all!

    Where can we find you on the web?

The Frizzness: thefrizzness.blogspot.com

You Tube: dancegrl7 - Ordered Steps Productions Dance Company

  Do you have any advice that you want to share with fellow transitioners?

Be patient & kind to your hair. Find out what she likes. Stay away from heat, using braid outs, twist outs & buns. And don't get too far attached to the texture - it WILL be different when you BC. And remember: there's 2 sides to every frizz!

A Story of Transition: Debz

I love how diverse each head of hair is and I am excited to feature another transitioner! Her story is great, check it out below.

1.      Please introduce yourself! Hi my name is "Debz", I am from Panama(the country) and currently reside in Memphis,Tn(for the moment lol)

2.      When did you decide you wanted to transition to natural? I was natural for 4 years (2005-2009) but when I moved back to my native country in late 2009, I had to perm my hair because It wouldn't do ANYTHING in that weather. I'm back in the U.S. and Its been a year now since I've been transitioning back to natural and I don't plan on looking back. I chose to be natural because I like textured hair and I was tired of the chemical damage that perms were giving me.

3.      Do you plan on being a long term transitioner or a short term? I plan on being a long term transitioner, I've never had super short hair and can't imagine rocking a "TWA" with my big ol face and head lol

4.      How has it been managing 2 textures throughout this journey of transition? I tend to find ways to make it work, my go to style is my "Twisted Bantu Knot Out". Everytime I rock it I get tons of compliments. I LOVE that style :-)

5.      Are there any products that you have been using that you cannot live without? I CAN NOT live with out my Kinky Curly Knot Today! My hair is always suuuuper soft and easier to manage when I have it on my hair. There's no way I can be without it *cringing just thinking about it*

6.      Do you have your hair on a “regimen schedule?” (ex. How often do you wash, detangle, etc.) I do have a schedule but really I just do what my hair tells me. I may co-wash 3-4 times a week in the hot months. I make alot of homade deep conditioners and use lots of natural oils. I detangle ONLY in the shower with tons of conditioner in my hair.

7.      What’s been your “go to” hairstyle since you've decided to go natural? Twisted Bantu Knot Out

8.      What excites you about seeing your natural, kinks, curls and coil? When I see naturals I just want to talk to them about hair,products,websites, I just love to see so many different textures :-)

9.      Where can we find you on the web? I have a blog about fashion,food,and my transitioning hair and products. Check me out and follow me @ theMANEtopic.blogspot.com

10.  Do you have any advice that you want to share with fellow transitioners? DON'T GIVE UP! So many times I get frustrated and want to just perm it and say "The hec with this stuff" but then I remember what my ultimate hair goal is...look at some pics of naturals I adore and just keep on my journey. Know that it won't be easy but in the end it will all be worth it :-)

A Story of Transition: Athina Weems

I am pleased to introduced my first Story of Transition feature, the beautiful Athina volunteered to be the first feature and I love her story! She is also a returning Safi customer of mine and is always a pleasure to do business with. Read her great story below. :)

  Please introduce yourself!

 Hi guys! My name is Athina. I am a 22 year old Senior at the University of Cincinnati. I am a full time student, part time employee and a natural hair freak!

   When did you decide you wanted to transition to natural?

I decided to transistion after my friend decided to become natural. She did the big chop, and since I couldn't bare to cut my hair she basically taught me how to transition. My hair was so damaged after getting so many relaxers anyway, so I decided to go for it!

   Do you plan on being a long term transitioner or a short term?

I was long term, I cut my hair into a bob, and just let it grow out from there

How has it been managing 2 textures throughout this journey of transition?

I kept my hair flat ironed during the whole process, it wasn't until last summer when I decided to start wearing my hair curly.

 Are there any products that you have been using that you cannot live without?

 Safi's Natural HairCare Hairsicle Cream & Avocado Shea Butter, Oyin's Burnt Sugar Pomade & Honey Hemp Conditioner, and the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Line

Do you have your hair on a “regimen schedule?” (ex. How often do you wash, detangle, ect.)

 I cowash whever my hair feels dry with a cheapie conditoner like Aussie Moist or Suave, and since Cincinnati has unberable heat at times its ususally once or twice a week. I only shampoo with a sulfate free shampoo (Shea Moisture Brillaint Curl Shampoo) when I feel the need to have a super clean scalp, and thats usually like once a month. Whenever I shampoo I usually deep condition either with something homemade, or Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque. Then style however I want.

What’s been your “go to” hairstyle since you've decided to go natural?

Twist outs, and Puffs!

What excites you about seeing your natural, kinks, curls and coils?

That I could actually grow my hair like this! It's amazing to see how much it has grown in the past year!

Where can we find you on the web?

On twitter! twitter.com/thina_marie =)

Do you have any advice that you want to share with fellow transitioners?

Be confident!