New *2009* Transitioners Support Thread!

[trey21]

OK ladies, I need some help...I'm at a crossroads. I am 28 weeks post relaxer, the longest I made it the last time I tried to transition was 24 weeks, so I've made a milestone. I don't want to relax but I'm finding it to be more difficult to handle my hair. I am thinking about cutting it off but I'm afraid of what I might end up looking like...also, what would I do if I'm just having a bad hair day. I thought about cutting it off and having a braid appt scheduled right after just in case. I've been in swim class, so I've been doing a lot of wash/bunning. I blow dired/flat ironed yesterday and I still had a hard time getting through it...this stuff is super thick! What are your thoughts and suggestions...

 

[jetbeauty09]

OK ladies, I need some help...I'm at a crossroads. I am 28 weeks post relaxer, the longest I made it the last time I tried to transition was 24 weeks, so I've made a milestone. I don't want to relax but I'm finding it to be more difficult to handle my hair. I am thinking about cutting it off but I'm afraid of what I might end up looking like...also, what would I do if I'm just having a bad hair day. I thought about cutting it off and having a braid appt scheduled right after just in case. I've been in swim class, so I've been doing a lot of wash/bunning. I blow dired/flat ironed yesterday and I still had a hard time getting through it...this stuff is super thick! What are your thoughts and suggestions...

Stay strong! It really depends on how much you can see of your newgrowth. I am 5 months post and I just don't see enough to cut off relaxed ends. I am finding it difficult to work with my thick hair as well. But I'm hiding it under a wig for now and will soon get cornrows. Maybe that would work for you, hiding your hair until you either BC or just taking a break. Sometimes taking a break from the styling part can make you miss your hair and renew your excitement to play in your own hair!

I'm hoping I don't cut until at least a year post so that its easier to style this thick 4B hair

 

[Whimsy]

OK ladies, I need some help...I'm at a crossroads. I am 28 weeks post relaxer, the longest I made it the last time I tried to transition was 24 weeks, so I've made a milestone. I don't want to relax but I'm finding it to be more difficult to handle my hair. I am thinking about cutting it off but I'm afraid of what I might end up looking like...also, what would I do if I'm just having a bad hair day. I thought about cutting it off and having a braid appt scheduled right after just in case. I've been in swim class, so I've been doing a lot of wash/bunning. I blow dired/flat ironed yesterday and I still had a hard time getting through it...this stuff is super thick! What are your thoughts and suggestions...

Don't let it stress you. Congrats on reaching the milestone. I'd say go for it and BC but it's a big decision.
It seems smart to have the backup braid appointment just in case.

If you do BC it will be a lot easier to handle swim class, that's for sure!!
GOOD LUCK!!!


PS - Yeah, I BC'd but I'm still gunna be popping in here to chat about all of your transitions!!

 

[trey21]

Thanks jetbeauty...I'm going to hit the BSS today to look for some nice wigs and see how that works out. I just took some cornrolls out and they helped a lot...I'll probably try some single braids and keep them in longer.

 

[trey21]

Don't let it stress you. Congrats on reaching the milestone. I'd say go for it and BC but it's a big decision.
It seems smart to have the backup braid appointment just in case.

If you do BC it will be a lot easier to handle swim class, that's for sure!!
GOOD LUCK!!!


PS - Yeah, I BC'd but I'm still gunna be popping in here to chat about all of your transitions!!

Thanks Whimsy...your hair is beautiful and you held out with the transition for a long time.

 

[PeanutButterandHoney]

Trey.. do you co-wash?

Normally, what does your regimine include?

Do you bun? What is the length of your hair?

Tell us more about your hair and what you usually do to it.

 

[PeanutButterandHoney]

Has anybody tried the Mane n Tail detangler?

 

[jetbeauty09]

Hi everyone,

I'm just over 5 months post relaxer and currently have my hair in twists under a wig. When I washed after taking out my braids, I was so frustrated with my hair! While detangling, it seemed like I lost alot of hair. But after starting these 2 strand twists, I saw my hair has definitely grown and gotten thicker. I hope these summer months pass fast and the scissors stay far away. I'm so anxious to have all natural hair again. I didn't appreciate it when I had it!

Stay strong everyone!

 

[trey21]

Hi ZeeOL. I wash about 5 days a week since I'm in a swim class. When I'm not swimming I still cowash at least 3 days a week (if I didn't I'd never get a comb through my head). My hair is just at shoulder length and I typically just part it in the middle, brush it back and put in a ponytail...everyday. I took a short break with cornrolls and that helped a lot.
I do all my detangling with lots of conditioner under the running shower...I use herbal essence hello hydartion, suave coconut, aubrys GPD...anything with good slip
I do protein treatments every other week because of the swimming
I always use a leave in...giovanni direct or cantu shea butter
I use shea butter, vitika coconut oil and gel for my ponytails

 

[trey21]

Hi everyone,

I'm just over 5 months post relaxer and currently have my hair in twists under a wig. When I washed after taking out my braids, I was so frustrated with my hair! While detangling, it seemed like I lost alot of hair. But after starting these 2 strand twists, I saw my hair has definitely grown and gotten thicker. I hope these summer months pass fast and the scissors stay far away. I'm so anxious to have all natural hair again. I didn't appreciate it when I had it!

Stay strong everyone!

Jet beauty, where do you buy your wigs...do you purchase online? I always have a hard time trying to find one to fit my face.

 

[sky_blu]

Trey 21, I'm having some of the same frustrations you are and decided to do something about it myself this weekend...lol boy oh boy BAD MOVE and they make it look so easy. Got fed up, started snipping, and now I have about 1 to2 inches of uneven hair lol. I'm going for the big chop on Thursday *crosses fingers* and hope all is well. I wish I would've just went to a pro from the beginning. Right now I don't care if she shaves it off I'm ready to start fresh again. In the meantime, I've been wearing wigs and will continue to do so until I actually get comfortable with my hair. Woo Hoo! BC IN 2009! I thank God my new friend is cool with natural hair and not stuck on relaxed since the main thing that attracted him to me was my dang hair lol...men.

 

[trey21]

Trey 21, I'm having some of the same frustrations you are and decided to do something about it myself this weekend...lol boy oh boy BAD MOVE and they make it look so easy. Got fed up, started snipping, and now I have about 1 to2 inches of uneven hair lol. I'm going for the big chop on Thursday *crosses fingers* and hope all is well. I wish I would've just went to a pro from the beginning. Right now I don't care if she shaves it off I'm ready to start fresh again. In the meantime, I've been wearing wigs and will continue to do so until I actually get comfortable with my hair. Woo Hoo! BC IN 2009! I thank God my new friend is cool with natural hair and not stuck on relaxed since the main thing that attracted him to me was my dang hair lol...men.

Please post some pics once you get it done and congratulations. How long did you end up transitioning?

 

[Ltown]

Don't let it stress you. Congrats on reaching the milestone. I'd say go for it and BC but it's a big decision.
It seems smart to have the backup braid appointment just in case.

If you do BC it will be a lot easier to handle swim class, that's for sure!!
GOOD LUCK!!!


PS - Yeah, I BC'd but I'm still gunna be popping in here to chat about all of your transitions!!

Whimsy I'm glad to hear that you will be around to support us, you are one of the long term transitioners that influence me!

 

[cocoaluv]

Well ladies I am back again .....I have been going back and forth about the whole transitioning thing but now I am fully on board. I am no longer interested in straight hair at all. My mom just started getting dreads and I have been going with her when she gets them re-tightened in Brooklyn and girls I fell in looooooooooooooooooooooooooove. At that hair salon I saw so many beautiful natural heads with such beautiful natural styles and locks. I felt like such an ugly duckling with my hair omg it was embarrassing lol.


I am honest with myself and know I cant do a BC. But I will be wearing wigs/braids and braidouts. Wish me luck ladies and good luck to all of you as well....HHG!!!!

 

[MummysGirl]

I'm 25 weeks post... yay! I'm going to a wedding next week, I plan to do a rollerset...

How's everyone doing?

 

[Garner]

OHHHH...Whimsy!!!
ITA, it's great for you to remain to help your sister's out. I have a question about BCing. Although I am not ready to BC, do you cut above the line of demarcation or slightly above it? I noticed that area seems to be the very area of the most challenge.

 

[♦K.O♦]

I purchased a relaxer today. =(

I am like 7 months post. My hair isnt difficult, it just takes longer, and my time is precious because I am in the middle of studying for the bar.

Oh well. Hair grows. I'll be back.

 

[Allandra]

I'm still hanging in there at 85 weeks post.

 

[♦K.O♦]

I'm still hanging in there at 85 weeks post.

Way to make me feel like a punk for throwing in the towel. j/k

 

[Platinum]

I decided to transition to natural. I'm seven weeks post but I would have been 7 months post by now if I hadn't relaxed back in April. I don't want to BC anytime soon so I'm going to try keeping my hair in braids until the end of the year.

Subscribing...

 

[DDTexlaxed]

Has anyone successfully transitioned with a bun style for a year? I'm wondering if it is possible to do this for a year without damaging the hair too much.

 

[Ltown]

I'm 36 weeks and everything is going well no breakage!

 

[AnotherLevel]

Hello all!

This thread is amazing and so inspirational!! I just subscribed (my first thread subscription... yeah!). I am 6 months into my transition. I plan to go for at least 18 months, BC'ing next summer.

I wish everyone well! Thank you for sharing your journey =).

 

[CurlyCoilycourt]

I'm 36 weeks and everything is going well no breakage!

Hey we are exactly one week apart!!! My last relaxer was october 1st!!! How long do you plan to go?

 

[Aggie]

Wow you ladies can hang! Congrats to those who have completed their transition and good luck to those that are still hanging in there.

 

[Vonnieluvs08]

So I've decided that I'm going to BC on July 3rd. That will make me 68 weeks post relaxer. Then I'll be able to show it off for the 4th of July. I'm tired of the 2 textures and the thin relaxed ends. Don't get me wrong I'm scared . I've never had hair this short before and natural. The shortest I've been is ear length back in high school. I want to be natural and rock my curls with pride. Unfortunately I have some heat damaged areas (mostly left side since I'm right handed) that I'll hold onto in order to have an even cut and a little length. I need to go to the store (Walmart, Claires, etc) to find some cute head bands and other hair accessories so I can rock a Wash n Go and hide my damaged areas. My hair loves the summer and I hope to gain a couple inches so I can cut off the damaged areas in Sept.
I'm going to keep rocking braid-outs and buns until then. I can't wait to see the new me in July.

 

[Pandora1975]

I need opinions. My hair is a HAM. I can make it look good, I'm just not thrilled with the condition. It started when I I couldn't get my hair moisterized. Ok, well, I've done that. Now, It won't stay that way. I live near Chicago, so I'm thinking that after correcting the moisture, protein, and porosity issues, all that is left is maybe hard water. I want to try a chelating shampoo, before I spend the money, I want to know if I am on the right track. I've used the ORS Olive Shampoo in the past and gave it away cause it dried my hair beyond all recognition. Any suggestions? TIA

 

[sky_blu]

Just BCed but came in to say hang in there yall! I just couldnt take it anymore and BCed, which has made working with my hair much easier. Thank you Lord! Its just too bad I have different textures all over.

 

[Ltown]

Hey we are exactly one week apart!!! My last relaxer was october 1st!!! How long do you plan to go?

I am going for the long haul, with veterans like Allandra and others I can do it. How about you?

 

[jaded_faerie]

7 months-3 weeks since my last relaxer! I have decided to rock my wigs until the end of the summer.