Hair

Transitioning Tale: Tommi's Story

A beautiful diva by the name of Tommi was the first to inquire about being featured as one of the transitioning stories on my blog. Tommi took a bold move in going from relaxed to natural, as she opted to do the big chop. Here are her before and after photos:

Before

After

Protecting your crown and glory (PYCAG) asked Tommi a few questions, and here's what she had to say about her transition:

PYCAG: How long were you relaxed?
Tommi: I was relaxed for about 20 years and I went through the Jheri Curl phase for about 4 or 5 years. I have done the big chop 3 times, but the first time I did go back to a perm. The second time I did not; I just cut my hair with a number 1 clippers. Now I have cut it off again (June 16, 2009). I cut it off because of split ends and frizziness.

PYCAG: What inspired you to go natural?
Tommi: What inspired me to do the big chop was seeing other natural sisters and to be honest, I was totally tired of the chemical burns and sores from the chemicals. I was also tired of the thinning edges, hair breakage, heat damage, etc. The prices of relaxers were ridiculous. It just got really old.

PYCAG: What products are you currently using?
Tommi: The products I currently use are V05 for a cowash and a spritz of vegetable glycerin, distilled water, and rosemary oil. I use Giovanni leave-in conditioner. I currently do not deep condition, which I did not know I should be doing. So I am going to start a regimen. I just need to figure one out. I am basically in need of help in this area of hair care, for I've just been doing some research to see what may work for me. I also use Jane Carter Nourish and Shine and Kinky Curly Curling Custard off and on.

PYCAG: What was your hair like before, and how do you plan to care for it now?
Tommi: Well recently, my hair was in shambles, which is why I cut it all off again. I just wanted to start all over again. If you mean what was my hair like when it was relaxed, it shed all the time and I got chemical burns really, really bad. And my head would bleed.

I plan to get on track with my hair by getting on a morning and night regimen of moisturizing and caring for it, but I have to figure it out. I still do not know what I am doing. I would also like to get on an exercise and diet program. But for some reason I am afraid. I sleep on a satin pillowcase and I just purchased a satin bonnet.

PYCAG: What are your hair goals?
Tommi: My hair goals are to have healthy, natural hair. I would like for it to grow so I can do a puff and twists sometimes. Lengthwise, I would like it to be about 10 inches long, stretched. I guess, I don't know, I think I would like it pretty long. Neck length maybe.

Thank you so much Tommi for sharing your story! We'll have to check back in with her in a few months to see the progress she's made :-).