Hair

Transitioning Tale: Ashleystyle's Natural Hair Journey

Today's transitioning tale is that of a lovely subscriber who goes by the name of Ashleystyle. If you've ever watched any videos of this fierce, sassy diva, then you know why she is worthy of such a name. Ashleystyle submitted her transitioning tale to Protecting Your Crown & Glory in December of 2009, and although some of the the details may be a little outdated, you can always catch up on her current hair care methods by visiting her YouTube channel at Ashleystyle.
PYCAG: How long were you relaxed?
Ashleystyle: I was relaxed for 18 years.

PYCAG: What inspired you to transition?
Ashleystyle: I always thought women with natural hair were beautiful but didn’t think I could do it. My mom is a hairstylist, so she took care of my hair until I went off to college. Unfortunately, once at school, I had to chop it off up to my ears after it became damaged from braids. Fast forward to today -- I just moved to a new city and was having trouble finding a stylist. Once I did, I got a relaxer but took one look in the mirror and decided I needed a change. My hair was not long or thick like it used to be and it had no style. The next day I decided to go natural. I talked to my mom about it and she agreed it was a good idea. She spoke with another stylist who only does natural hair and gave me some tips. I found you, DPrincess28, and other hair vloggers on YouTube, and the rest is history.

PYCAG: Why did you opt to slowly transition versus do the BC?
Ashleystyle: I have never had short hair in my life and was afraid. I figured transitioning slowly would be the best way for me to learn about my hair while allowing me to retain length (Note: She opted to do the BC after transitioning for four months. Watch her big chop video).

PYCAG: How are you caring for your hair and how do you plan to care for it once it's natural?
Ashleystyle: When I was transitioning, I would co-wash my hair twice a week and shampoo with a sulfate, paraben-free cleanser as needed to remove product build up. I would also do a pre-poo treatment with olive oil and Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioner, and deep conditioned the hair one a week with Organic Root Stimulator’s Replenishing Pak.

Now that I'm natural, I basically do the same thing except I co-wash more often. For moisture, I use Cantu Shea Butter and Elasta QP’s Mango Butter, then seal with either EVOO or Wild Growth Oil.

PYCAG: What products are you currently using?
Ashleystyle: I am currently using:

• Cantu Shea Butter leave-in
• Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Pak
• Elasta QP’s Mango Butter
• Vitamin shampoo and conditioner
• Renpure shampoo and conditioner
• IC Fantasia Olive Oil Gel
• EVOO

PYCAG: What are your hair care goals?
Ashleystyle: Now that my hair is 100% natural, my goal is for my hair to grow to bra strap length and for it to remain healthy.

Thank you, Ashleystyle, for sharing your transitioning tale with PYCAG. We wish you continued success with your hair care journey!