Dannielle Is Naturally Glam!

Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I transitioned for seven months before doing my big chop. My aim was to grow my natural hair to a length that would allow me to create a ponytail, but as you can well imagine, 7 months of transitioning hair was not long enough for my desired up-do.

When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I big chopped on Dec 31, 2014. After I big chopped I was not sure what to make of my hair since I had never really handled it in its natural state. I had no idea what my true hair texture was like and what it needed to thrive. Nevertheless, I was excited to learn about my hair.

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How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Both friends and family were very supportive of my decision. Many of my friends were already natural and encouraged me on my journey.

What was your transition routine (products included)?
My routine was simple. I realised that my transitioning tresses were susceptible to breakage and so I resorted to low manipulation hairstyles.  I washed with Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo, conditioned with Aussie Moist and deep conditioned with Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment. I styled using perm rods or flexi-rods. I did this routine at the end of each week.

What was your staple hair style during the transition?
For everyday wear I would let my curls hang loose and separate them for fullness throughout the week. On the weekends, I would tease my curls and pin the sides for my signature Mohawk look.

How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Manipulating my hair as little as possible definitely helped to prevent breakage. I also deep conditioned weekly and used Creme of Nature’s strength and shine leave-in conditioner. I separated my curls with coconut oil which helped to lock in moisture until my wash day at the end of each week.

Why did you choose to go natural?
I was tired of being dependent on a hairstylist for the health of my hair and realised that my relaxed hair required going to the salon every week. Follow that, my hair would begin to break even when I tried to tend to it myself. I also began to experience severe itching in the middle of my head and was diagnosed with eczema. Getting relaxers only made the itching worse! I have been natural now for over 6 months and can honestly say that I have experienced no itching outside of the norm!
Going natural has been one of the best decisions I have made and I would encourage anyone who has doubts to take the leap of faith whether by transitioning or just doing the great big chop! It is indeed a journey that I am enjoying to the fullest!