A Hair Story: Veronica

I just wanted to share this wonderful hair story with you. I love hearing about other people's transition, big chop, and hair growth. Check out Veronica's story.

Hi I'm Veronica and I'm a 28 year old army brat finally settled in Washington, D.C. In March of 2008, I got my last relaxer and started my journey transitioning to natural hair.. I'd tried to transition 2 times before in 2004 and again in 2006 but it never lasted more than 9 months because I had NO clue as to how to care for the two different textures. I didn't know anything then about a big chop either.

I went on to transition in 2008 for the very last time and I transitioned for a total of 20 months by getting blow outs. What I also didn't know at that time was that getting blow outs so often with such high heat would ruin my curl pattern. Since my ends couldn't curl right after all the straightening, Bantu Knots were my go-to style for transitioning from blow outs to wearing my hair fully natural.

I realized that my curl pattern had been loosened so much that I thought it would be best to just do a big chop even after transitioning for nearly two years..Also, at that time I was suffering from balding edges and temples because of postpartum shedding. I figured while I waited for my hair to grow back in those areas that I might as well cut the hair completely off. And so in February 2010, I did the big chop.

I felt so liberated and scared all at the same time because I didn't know what I was getting into, all I knew is that I was falling in love with my little curlies. It was challenge though trying to figure out what would work for my hair and I also went through a period of frustration with the amount of shrinkage that I would get but as I began to accept my texture for what it was, I fell even more in love with it.

Through all of this, I've learned that natural hair is so much more versatile than relaxed, you can have it curly and kinky, a big afro, twists with no rubberbands (lol) or go sleek and straight if you want the possibilities are endless!

The products that I've found work best for me are Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo, Yes To Carotts Pampering Conditioner, Shea Butter and a modified version of Kimmaytube's leave in. I also really like Shea Moisture products as well to keep my hair moisturized.

For anyone out there that's thinking about going natural, I say TRY it, DO IT, it's a challenge but the end reward is much greater. Learning about how to handle and care for our God given texture is SO empowering! Self love and knowledge is something no one can ever take from you.

If you'd like to keep in touch with me, I can be found at:

www.pretty-girl-rock.com
www.youtube.com/DuchessWright

Much Love!

Vee!

If you would like to be featured, send me an email at fnfup@comcast.net with your hair story and pictures!! Until next time, Tootles!