Getting Serious About My Hair

Hello there!

I woke up this morning with hair on my mind. Not breakfast (I love food) but hair. I've been transitioning now for a few months from chemically texturized hair to my natural kinky curly hair. So far so good, but as I experience hair growth what worked for me a few months ago is falling short of gratification. Working with two textures is proving to be a challenge. I decided that I needed to commit to continue my transition or just strap up and do "the big chop".

My plan is to retain my length and transition for two years. At that time, the processed hair that remains on the ends will be cut off. For those of you who do not know what transitioning is, it is when you grow out your chemically processed hair and as new growth comes in you clip the ends. This is repeated until you have cut off all of the processed hair and you are left with a full head of 100% natural curly kinky hair. Sounds easy, right?

The challenge is caring for two different hair textures. Different textures need different care and different products. Finding a product that works for both textures poses one challenge. The other challenge is trying to prevent breakage. The point between the natural texture and the chemically treated texture is very fragile. This area requires low manipulation and has to be moisturized at all times. I understand why its easier to chop off the relaxed hair "the big chop" rather than transition out of it. Arrgg!

No need for frustration though. I'm enjoying learning about my hair and I've decided to follow through with my transition. I've completed a strand test and it looks like I'm going to have a mix of 4a and 4b hair. I may certainly need some more length to see my true curl pattern because I've read that the pattern may change as it grows out. To complete my strand test, I pulled out a few strands of hair growing in different areas of my head; the front, middle, sides and back, washed the strands with shampoo and used conditioner. After allowing the strands to dry, I was in the 4a/4b range with some 3c possibly. Its only natural to be curious about my hair type in this phase and I guess I'll figure it all out soon enough. Until then, I'll just love my hair.

I'll be sure to post a link to an article about hair types soon or you can go to YouTube and type in "natural hair types". I remain passionate, excited, and proud of my transition and I'm looking forward to documenting my progress.

See ya lata'!