“First and foremost, I love this site. I check it out everyday, everyone featured is absolutely beautiful but unfortunately, I haven’t gone natural just yet. I would love to but the one thing stopping me is my insecurity about my large forehead. I’ve been teased about it since I was a little girl and now I wear bangs to cover it up. Are there any styles I could try when I do transition or ways I can detract from what’s up top?”

Awww, lol. Have any of you had this concern? What kind of transitional styling would you recommend?

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Krianne submitted this question:

“So I have just done the BC (big chop) and I was wondering if girls that have done it could give some general advice on how to take care of the scalp and not damage the hair growing out…..cause to be honest with you I just wanna make sure I do this the right way this time!!!!!!”

Alright ladies, any advice for Krianne?

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Which did you do when you transitioned?

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Lately I’ve been getting a lot of emails from transitioners… so I’m curious to hear how our transitioners are doing! Why did you decide to take the plunge and go natural? And how is it going so far? Do you plan to transition gradually or do a big chop?

And for the ladies who are already natural, here’s a question from Erika, a member of the BGLH Facebook Fan Page…

What are your tips for long-term transitioners?

Alright transitioners and naturals, spill it

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Ok, so as some of you who have been following the blog for a while know, I am transitioning and it hasn’t been the easiest process for me (http://bglhonline.com/2009/07/questions-from-a-newbie-the-transitioner-edition/). And I recently asked about wigs: http://bglhonline.com/2009/11/question-of-the-day-the-emergency-wig/…well, I broke down and got a sew-in weave. And it has been an interesting experience to say the least. I opted to get a long straight weave instead of one that is more like my natural texture in part, because I miss my straightened hair sometimes. Not enough to relax or use heat to achieve that effect anymore, but I was feeling a little nostalgic.

Pre-weave

Weave

Well, once I got the weave in, I realized that I completely miss my own hair. Even the fussing and frustration of it all. It was mine and that made it special. But interestingly enough, I’m finding that I’m being treated differently by almost everyone. I have been met with confusion from the people who know me well (i.e. Why did you get a weave??? You’re not a weave kinda girl. Your had your own hair anyway!!! Wait…that’s not your hair? No comment.), compliments from people who kinda know me (i.e. I love your new hairstyle! Your hair is getting so long! It’s so shiny!) and gushing from strangers (You look so pretty!!! You look like that one actress!)

Please forgive me if that was long winded I guess what I’m trying to get at is, I feel like me no matter what’s on my head, but this weave just makes me feel…well…different. And I’m being treated differently. So, ladies: Do you think of hair as an extension of yourself or do you view it more as an accessory…or a combo of both? Also, what impact (if any) do the comments of others have on how you feel about your own hair?

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I am from Bessemer, Alabama and I’m a senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in graphic design. I am an artist and I never limit myself to one thing. I like to explore different areas from music to modeling to painting, anything that’s expressive.

On going natural…
I began my natural journey for the second time in March of 2008. I transitioned with twistouts, braids, weaves, a jar of jam, and a prayer. =)

A one word description of her transformation…
Euphoric… Since becoming natural I am more confident and comfortable in my skin.

For more of Jana check out her blog www.ponytells.wordpress.com

***
BGLH now has a forum! Check it out HERE.

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Bhoranie

Shayna

Freda

Nicollette

Ivy

Romney

Shala

Adwoa

Jana

Joy

Britnee

Robin

Michelle

Dorinae

Brandiss

Latisha

Cyrelle

Nev

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BGLH now has a forum! Check it out HERE.

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The instructions are simple:
Submit a photo of your hair (Note: Hair must be healthy. Hair texture must be evident in photo)
Describe your texture
List your top 5 products (feel free to elaborate!)
Say where you’re from

We need to have our product game on lock as we head into the winter so I will be posting entries as I receive them throughout the day. Submit them to blackgirllonghair@gmail.com with “Top 5″ as the subject! Alright ladies, get to work!
Repeat offenders are welcome! Submit even if you’ve been profiled before

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First entry is in! I will be organizing them by hair type so it’s easier to compare and contrast

MEDIUM CURLS
Alicia from New York

Texture description: “My hair is very curly and wavy around the front/top, sides, and back/nape area of my head, but the middle has a much tighter curl pattern. In the front of my hair the left side has a looser curl pattern than the right side. The middle likes to dry out and do its own thing (I call it my ‘nappy patch’) and I really have to baby it and keep it moisturized in order to minimize breakage.”

Top Products:
1. Coconut Confidence by Peace, Love and Sunshine Products: This is an awesome mix of coconut oil and shea butter that my hair loves! I use it for wash-and-go’s, twist-outs and braid-outs, and also to seal my ends. Its the bomb!
2. Herbal Essence Hello Hydration: I use this as a wash-out conditioner and also as a leave-in conditioner to define and moisturize my curls. Its great for wash-and-go’s and works well with my Coconut Confidence.
3. Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Cream: I love this stuff! It smells great and really helps to define and stretch my curls. It has great hold and also works well with my Coconut Confidence.
4. Pantene Relaxed and Natural Breakage Defense Mask: This is the best deep conditioner I’ve ever used (and I’ve been natural my entire life)! I leave it on for about an hour or so and when I wash it out the tangles just melt away.
5. Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Gel: Nothing lays my edges down and makes my hair shine like this wonderful gel. I only use it when my hair is in a ponytail/puff and never on the length or ends of my hair; just on the outside/perimeter/edges. I have used this gel for years and it has yet to do me wrong. I want to try some “natural” type gels, but Fantasia has just been so good to me!

Gisele from Canada

Texture description: “I’d describe my hair as combination hair (waves, coils, curls) and I guess afro/curly fits.”

Top Products:
1. Giovanni Direct Leave-In: A little goes a long way
2. Joico- K-Pak Reconstruct Liquid Reconstructor: A foaming/mousse-like thing that is amazing for fine/fragile hair. I use it for roller setting.
3. IC Fantasia Gel: Saves me daily when I don’t have time to wash my hair before work when I’ve just frizzed things up at the gym and my hair isn’t long enough yet to brush back smoothly without some help.
4. Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship (even though my hair is short): Extreme slip and moisture.
5. Mixed Chicks Leave In

TIGHT CURLS
Tia from Raleigh, North Carolina

Texture description: “It’s a mix of all the types. My nape is very loose, soft, and grows fast-I have to cut in inch every month so it doesn’t look like I have a rattail. My right side is way curlier than my left side. The sides are the same length when straight but look lopsided when curly. The middle of my head is super dry, kinky, and tightly coiled and grows very very slow. This area get more attention when moisturizing.”

Top products:
1. Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner: Does a great job when co-washing, I also leave a little in for wash-n-gos and my hair stays soft all day
2. Dudu Osum Black Soap: I use it to clean my scalp. I get the clean feeling without the dry feeling
3. Shea Butter (raw)/Olive Oil: My favorite cold weather combo. It’s like my protective shield from the harsh winter air.
4. Coconut Oil: I just tried this and everything I heard about it was true, it has moved itself into a regular spot in my favorite product list
5. LeKair Cholesterol Plus: When I use this I mix in some peppermint oil, olive oil and whatever else my hair is craving at the time. I never use this product without “making it my own.”

T from Chicago

Texture descrption: “I have several different textures (primarily 3c/4a), so if I had to sum my hair up, I’d say afro curly.”

Top Products:
1. Black castor oil: My hair LOVES castor oil. Whenever I put in on the ends of my hair, they curl up and my hair is extra moisturized!
2. Hairveda whipped cream: My hair loves this stuff and guess what’s one of the top ingredients? Castor oil! I use this as one of the products when I twist my hair wet.
3. Hairveda whipped gelly: Another fav of my hair. I use this after I apply the whipped cream. My hair is really soft and needs a product that can provide hold, but not make my hair hard.
4. Oyin handmade burnt sugar pomade: Another one with castor oil among the top ingredients. This stuff is awesome when used to lay may edges down. I wet my hairline, apply the pomade, tie a scarf around the it, and viola!
5. Anita grant’s cafe latte: This stuff works wonders. I bought it when my hair was shorter and couldn’t quite get the hang of it, so I gave one jar away. When my hair got longer, I decided to use it to re-twist my dry hair at night. What a discovery! When I took my hair down the next day (mind you, I got rained on the prior day) I had the most defined and supple curls ever. This product is a must for me!

Aisha from New York

Texture description: “I would describe my hair as Afro-Curly. The back section tends to be drier than the front. I also have a lot of shrinkage.”

Top Products:
1. Hairveda Amala Cream Rinse: This is the only product I’ve found that cleanses my hair without stripping it. It’s similar to a co-wash.
2. Praital Silk Worm Conditioner: This is a rich, thick Dominican conditioner. I love Dominican conditioners in general.
3. Hairveda Whipped Cream: A rich, thick lotion that adds moisture and softness. It is very reasonably priced.
4. Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil: This softens and nourishes my hair. It is not greasy and absorbs into the hair very easily.
5. Kinky Curly Curling Custard: I love this! It defines my curls and has a great hold to it.

Nina from New Jersey

Texture description: “Super tight ringlets.”

Top Products:
1. Carol’s Daughter Tui Leave In Conditioner: Light, leave in conditioner that I use after the shower. It leaves me smelling like Mother Earth. (Which is my favorite scent.)
2. Carol’s Daughter Lisa’s Hair Elixir: I use this when I am going to detangle my mane. I put a dab on my hands and work it into my dry hair and then go about the arduous task of combing my hair. I also use this after washing and conditioning my hair as a way to replenish some of the oils that I have just washed away.
3. TreSemme Flawless Curls Extra Hold Mousse: Inexpensive mousse that is perfect for defining curls. It is quick drying and it does not contain alcohol. It does leave curls a little on the crunchy side, but the definition it gives curls in impeccable.
4. Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt: One of my all time favorites. It kind of has a slimy consistency. It is just the right amount of thickness and the results are amazing. It holds, defines, and doesn’t leave curls crunchy. It is also PERFECT for achieving that slicked back, chignon look.
5. Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam: Another great foam that holds, defines, and leaves curls soft. I use this one and the other mousse primarily in the winter months. Both Paul Mitchell products can be used on wet or dry hair.

LOOSE COILS
Tamika in St. Lucia (originally from Jamaica)

Texture description: “My hair texture is schizophrenic, but don’t we all have that challenge. Looser curls at the front and back and straight, but coarser in the middle. The middle usually just stands up regardless of what I do, it feels like a bad relaxer in the middle if I do not moisturize enough.”

Top Products:
1. Castor oil without a doubt: Refer to Jenteel’s post. Ditto on all she said. I am super excited a bottle cost less than $2 US here in St. Lucia. I’ll be stocking up before I leave. I use it to deep condition, as grease, to seal the ends of my twist and mixed with water for a spritz. I’ve been spending a lot more time at the beach and castor oil helps after the sun, sand and salt!
2. Coconut oil (cold pressed & unprocessed): Also fairly inexpensive in the islands. I use it to grease my scalp and mixed with water for a refresher/spritz. Also for my skin.
3. Suave conditioner in coconut or the one on sale: I use this to wash my hair.
4: Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercrème: This works for me right out of the shower to keep my ‘fro tamed. It is pricey and gets mixed reviews but it works for me. I especially like the look and feel when I am in an hurry and rub a little through my wet air and go.
5: Honey: I use honey to deep condition with castor oil or as a ‘gel’ for a little hold. And no…I do not get eaten by ants.

TIGHT COILS
Marsha from Brooklyn, NY

Texture description: “My hair is comprised of two textures. I have 4a in the back (gets curly with product) and then middle and front is a tight 4b (no visible curls, well maybe if I work at it with some gel…lol). So I would describe it as beautifully kinked!”

Top products:
1. Aubrey Organics: I love most of the line, but I would have to go with the Island Naturals Conditioner and GPB Protein Conditioner.
2. Oyin’s Honey Hemp conditioner: I would not be able to detangle my hair without it. I use it as a leave-in.
3. Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Mask: the best daggone deep conditioner on earth. It costs a pretty penny but lasts a really long time
4. Smooth & Shine Activator Gel: This is a new favorite of mine. I’m trying to stay away from certain chemicals and this one was the only activator gel I found without them. This thing makes my hair so SOFT!!!!
5. Oyin’s Juices & Berry Spray: I cannot even begin to tell you how much I live for this stuff. It’s a moisturizing spray with the best scent. I spray it in mostly every day on my twists and braids and when I unravel them…WALAAA!
**An honorable mention goes out to Taliah Waajid’s Herbal Conditioner and Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream. Oh, my hair loves anything with glycerin and sulfur in it!

Bridgette from Tennessee

Texture description: “Kinky, and very very tight coils. Every now and again I might see a very curly strand but it’s very very very rare. My hair is definitely a z pattern but it has very little wave when wet. When well moisturized, it feels like a little cotton ball. When dry it feels like straw. Although my hair looks thick and durable…it is very prone to breakage. Too much heat, too much styling, too much combing will cause my hair to snap.”

1. Coconut Oil: This stuff is the bizness!!! I use this primarily for hot oil treatments (mixed with a little Castor oil and Vitamin E oil and a few drops of basil essential oil), in my homemade spritz (which is mostly water, coconut oil, and veggie glycerin-summer and spring or conditioner-winter and fall), and as a sealant. Its the best thing since sliced bread….for me at least.
2. L’Oreal Pro Vive for Dry Hair: Thanks to those top Ten Conditioners by Rachael, this has become a staple. One day I was in the grocery store and as all PJ’s do, I decided to look on the shampoo aisle and saw that this stuff was on sale. I bought two bottles and since then it’s been a wrap. It smells great and helps out ALOT with detangling. It also makes my hair very soft.
3. Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier: Next to my own spritz, this is my fave. I use it all the time for 2, 3, 4, and etc day hair. It’s great for a refresher for twists, twist outs, cornrows, wash and go’s, etc. According to the bottle it is mainly used for those who are transitioning for those who need to soften the two textures of relaxed and natural. But whatever works, right? It gives my hair great sheen. *sidenote* If you want to use this as on an “out” style (i.e. twist outs) It’s better to spray on first then take it down. If u spray after taking hair down, it may mess up the pattern of the twist out.
4. Shea Butter: This stuff is great as a sealant. I use this when I do twist or braids.
5. Castor Oil: I love this stuff!! As stated before, I use this as a hot oil treatment with coconut oil. I pour this mixture of the two all over my hair and scalp, detangle hair with a wide tooth comb, put a plastic baggie on my head, wrap with a hot towel fresh out the dryer over the plastic cap (because I don’t own a hair dryer this is the next best thing), and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Voila’, Nice supple like hair. It also makes the texture of my hair POP, too. I am convinced that the knockout combo of these 2 products have made my hair stronger and longer.
**Honorable Mention goes to Veggie Glycerin, which makes my hair soft and attracts moisture to my hair which is much needed in the south in the summer time; Oyin Shine and Define, which is also a back up for twists, bantu knots, braids, etc; Olive Oil, which is used in replacement of the coconut and/or castor oil; and Organics Root Stimulator Olive Oil Conditioner-also a great detangling conditioner.

Courtney from Brooklyn

Texture description: “I have yet to see hair that is nappy as mine on naturals I see walking about. And I have pretty good nap-dar.”

Top Products:
1. COCONUT OIL: I love it. I get the Spectrum brand at Whole Foods–virgin, unrefined. I use it every single day–probably about a teaspoon. Before I wash I melt about a tablespoon in a bowl, mix it with olive oil and rub it into my hair all over in sections. After a few hours, I wash it out.
2. Carol’s Daughter Some of Marguerite’s Hair Magic: It smells delicious…nice and sweet and soft. It leaves my hair really moist and soft.
3. Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner: Stuff is bomb. I use it for my weekly co-wash and leave it in while I comb out. I never rinse it out (I know this doesn’t work for some people, but it works just fine for me). The next day my hair is super soft ) Throughout the week I don’t use conditioner as a moisturizer; I use the above mentioned products.
4. Lustrasilk Olive Oil Cholesterol: (No Heat cap Necessary). This stuff is good for nappies on a budget…and super nappies who just want a really good hair moisturizer. This stuff is my crack. And I don’t feel bad using a lot of because it costs $2.89 for 20 oz. It leaves my hair really soft and touchable.
5. Just For Me Detangler: Don’t laugh.

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Let’s keep this going! Send your top 5 products in!

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To say I love what I do is an understatement, I regularly bore people with it all and I have a passionate dislike for anything that requires reading of an instruction manual. I’m actively involved in my professional community running events and things as well as doing small projects on the side for friends. If I have one criticism of my field, its that there isn’t yet enough diversity. As an IT specialist, its unique in the sense that although male dominated, women probably make up a larger proportion than is usual (up to 40% I’d say), but we are missing the black and asian presence. I recently went to a conference in America and of about 350 attendees, I was one of only 3 black people.

When did you go natural? Why?
L: I’d had my hair in a relaxed short style for about 7 years and I didn’t plan going natural as a big life decision. It came about when I was planning to go traveling for 6 months and I was worrying about how I was going to maintain my hair. My hairdresser Michael was the only person allowed to bring relaxer anywhere near it and I knew there was no way I was going to allow a random in some far off country to do the same.

Although I’ve never been overly keen on extensions (I get really itchy scalp) I put my hair in kinky twists and braids and figured that when I came back, if I didn’t feel like relaxing my hair I wouldn’t. I didn’t put any pressure on myself though, I wanted it to feel right, not like some kind of punishment or black woman call of duty.

When I got back and took my extensions out, I had about an inch and a half of supreme kink, with another 4 inches of under-nourished relaxed hair above it. The first thing I did after washing it was go to a barber shop, I wanted all the relaxed bits off asap and then I was going to make an appointment to have some more twists put in. The barbers looked at me like I was crazy, but I told him to go ahead! When he’d finished, I realised I actually really liked it so I never got the twists and the rest is history.

Since then, I’ve enjoyed getting to know my hair texture, I had my first relaxer at age 7 so I had no idea what the character of my hair is. It’s been a fun learning experience!

What style do you love to rock?
L: I like doing the twist out, it’s dynamic and once I’ve got that I can pin my hair up, wear it in a full fro, do a fro-hawk, all sorts. I’m a low-maintenance hair person so my current ethos is that I wear my hair as it wants to be worn. When I take the twists out each morning, they naturally fall a certain way and if my hair is taking longer than 3 minutes, then I’m trying to put it in the wrong style for that day! I avoid packing it up too much or doing any styles that put too much stress on my roots, so my favourite hair accessory would have to be the good old black bobby pins.

What do you use in your hair?
L: I don’t use too many products in my hair, I really dislike build up and I subscribe to the notion that hair needs moisture and air, not product clumps. I wash it once every 7-8 days alternating with a conditioner and shampoo wash. I use Organics Olive Oil Shampoo and Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise with an extra egg. Whenever I wash, I always deep condition for about an hour. I use Parnevu t-tree Herbal Grow hair moisturiser because I find it’s not clumpy. I moisturise my scalp every other day, again to avoid too much build up and occasionally, in the mornings, I will add a bit more of it to the ends of my hair. I do want to move towards chemical free products but I have a lack of natural hair shops around me, any recommendations of places to try in London would be most welcome!

We’ve discussed before on BGLH how natural hair is not particularly embraced in Nigeria. How has your experience been as a Nigerian/English woman?
L: My experience is that Nigerians have a real problem with natural hair. When I first had my big chop, people were asking me if I did it because my hair was damaged, one uncle asked me why would I do such a thing to myself! As far as they were concerned, I had really good relaxed hair so why revert?! Even my mother had some mild issues with me wanting to keep it natural after a while, it was ok for a bit but didn’t I want some extentions? Or how about a weave?! Thankfully she has gotten over it now.

Personally, I think Nigerian women are truly in crisis with their hair issues. I would rather a woman wear her hair short and natural than continously put relaxer in it so she ends up with the thinnest, dryest pony tails a person has ever seen. I also can’t stand that many Nigerians would rather wear a horrific weave and let it get old but would never just wear their own hair out. When I was in Nigeria last year, I got some funny looks and comments but I paid little attention. I’m quite thick skinned and ultimately, because I was ‘Oyinbo’ (meaning white, due to my accent) it was obviously a symptom of living in England so I was given much sympathy.

When I’m in England, if someone looks at me odd because of my hair, I can ignore them, especially when they have half a horse tail oddly perched on their own head. I sound flippant, but I have gotten quite defensive about it. My community needs to find its own identity again, and as far as our hair identity goes, Nigerian women don’t really have a clue at the moment.

The biggest issue is not knowing what looks good, or how to handle their own hair. We should detach the hair and the hair style, rediscover your own textures and play with it to see what styles you can achieve. Don’t look at another person’s hair and say ‘I want that’, because in my experience, it doesn’t work. You have to be willing to go on a journey with your own hair. If we all took this approach now, it would make life a lot simpler and make natural hair much less of an issue for our children.

For more on Lola, check out her blog; http://afrogeekchic.wordpress.com/

UK naturals have started a thread in the BGLH forum. Check it out!

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I am from Toronto by way of Nigerian parents. Currently I am a full time student and part-time counselor for children.

On going natural…
I transitioned for a few months and finally did the big chop in Summer of 2007. To be honest, it was kind of an “accident” that I went natural lol. Initially, my plan was to start taking care of my hair since I was experiencing a lot of breakage when it was relaxed.

I was browsing hair care on the web and happened to read about stretching the time in between relaxers so that was my original plan. I figured I would just let the relaxer grow out for a little while and take really good care of my hair. Eventually the whole process just became so tedious with all the experimenting I was doing and having to deal with the two textures. I was so frustrated with the tangling at the demarcation line that I decided to just get it cut. After I walked out of the barber shop, I never turned back…that was it for me and Hawaiian Silky relaxer.

A one word description of her transformation…
Liberating… There’s something about walking into a room with a sensational fro… feeling eyes appraising you…yet feeling not an ounce of insecurity because what is on your head is as natural as breathing- now why would I want to interrupt that?

You can find more of Busayo at http://www.youtube.com/user/MissAfrobella

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