Hair

Transitioning Tale: Woman of Beauty's Story

Today's transitioning tale is that of a beautiful diva appropriately named, Woman of Beauty. Woman of Beauty was one of my "Take Back Your Hair" Challenge participants, and is a great testament to how healthy one's hair can be with a little TLC. After battling damage caused by lye and dye, Woman of Beauty decided to transition to natural, and hasn't looked back! Below is her story, as told to Protecting Your Crown & Glory:

PYCAG: How long were you relaxed?
Woman of Beauty: 4 1/2 years.

PYCAG: What inspired you to transition?
Woman of Beauty: I was 18 years old when I got my first perm. I decided to get a relaxer because I was starting college in August 2004, and thought it would make my college life easier, as I wouldn't have to press it as often. However, the effects of the perm took a toll on my hair my sophomore year after I experimented with highlights. My hair then started to break and I had to cut off the damage into a bob haircut, which helped, and my hair grew back, but not to its fullest length. I decided to transition when I saw a picture of my hair when I was natural (See photo to the right). Seeing how healthy my hair had been inspired me to go natural again. Watching your YouTube Channel and following this blog also inspired me to transition.

PYCAG: Why did you opt to slowly transition versus do the BC?
Woman of Beauty: I love my hair!!!! I'd rather grow it out than do the BC because to me "patience is a virtue."

PYCAG: How are you caring for your hair and or how do you plan to care for it once it's natural?
Woman of Beauty: Currently, I shampoo and condition my hair once a week and co-wash 3 times a week. I also alternate between deep conditioning and protein treatments. I constantly wet my hair because that is the best moisturizer. I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise and take vitamins. I do mostly braid outs, twists, bun outs and rods to refrain from heat. I usually use Vigorol Olive Oil setting mousse and Organics Extra Olive Oil Moisturizing Growth Lotion. Lastly, seal it with 100% pure coconut oil and Vitalize Virgin Olive Hair Oil that is a mixture of vitamin E and other essential oils. I used to straighten my hair often, but now only straighten my hair once a month versus everyday. Once I'm natural I plan to stay on this path that I'm on to maintain healthy hair.

PYCAG: What products are you currently using?
Woman of Beauty: I've been experimenting with a lot of products and I've found some I like:

• Silk Elements Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
• Tresemme Thermal Recovery Replenishing Conditioner (for co-washes)
• Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner by Organix
• Smooth Shine Silk Fusion Critical Repair (deep conditioning)
• Cantu Shea Butter and Smooth Shine Silk Fusion Repair Oil (leave-ins)
• Organics Hair Mayonaise and Aphogee Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor (protein treatments)
• Silk Elements Olive Heat Protection (for straight styles)
• SE Revive and Restore Hair Olive Moisturizing Lotion (This is also for straight styles. This comes in little packets at Sally's for $0.50 cents because it's being discontinued; but it's very similar to ORS Olive Moisturizing Lotion)
• Optimum Oil Therapy Shine Booster (for straight styles)
• Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade (for my edges).

PYCAG: What are your hair care goals?
Woman of Beauty: I want long, healthy hair. I intend to get my hair back to the length it was prior to receiving a perm, which is to the middle of my back. I also want to maintain a healthy head of hair from here on out.

Thank you, Woman of Beauty, for sharing your transitioning story. For more information, check out her blog at Woman of Beauty.