For the Long Haul: Juceefroot!

For the Long Haul: Juceefroot

A divalicious lady graces our humble blog this article! She shares how she stumbled across the natural world and  fell in love! Check out her below and on her blog (Spoiled!).

Are you natural or transitioning?
 Transitioning from relaxed.

What is your hair type?
 4 a/b

What made you decide to transition and why long-term?
First off, I am a college student who wasn't always able to go home for my next relaxer. I've always toyed around with the idea of going natural but never actually had the courage to do it. I had began to talk to some of my relaxed friends about it. They all looked at me like I was crazy except one who said that her stylist told her that she'd have to cut all her hair off to go natural. I was like, "no. that is not me." I asked her if it would work if i just stopped getting relaxers and got a texturizer instead. No matter who I asked, they all said the same thing.

So I gave up on the idea. I went home that weekend... but my grandpa was sick and I truly didn't have the time to get a relaxer. So I kept washing and straightening my hair... but I was so CURIOUS about the little "bumps" of hair that i felt growing out of my scalp, i decided to do some research on natural hair. That's when i discovered curly nikki. lol! I was in awe. I decided then and there that I was through with relaxers.

Day after she decided to go natural

Click  "Read More" to see more pics and learn more about her transition!

How long are you planning to transition for?
At first I was really uncomfortable with the idea of short hair. So I had originally planned on transitioning for 2 yrs... So BC in March 2012. But I'm really eager to get to know and play with my texture. So I changed the date to August 2011. My natural hair should be about 8.5 inches by then. I'm comfortable with that.

Any naturals who inspired you during your transition?
Of course! Kimmaytube, br0nzeqt, african export, kinky curly queen (of naturally obsessed blog), curly nikki, and many more.

Current style: crochet braids

What was your signature transitioning style?
Ha. I wore a wet bun forever. For like 5 months of my transition. since my own hair was so short after the cut (No matter HOW big of a broke college student you are, DO NOT get your hair cut at Wal-mart. I should have went home. that lady cut like ALL of my hair off!). 


Then I began to straighten my hair every two weeks (Did that for one month)... but mostly putting it away in wet buns, straightened buns, and braids. Right now, it is crochet braids... and I think I'm gonna keep this one for a while. When my hair is out of the braids (like right right now)... I condition condition condition, then straighten and bun. I'm doing another install tomorrow. 

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The Infamous Wet Bun!

What are your top three hair products and why?
My top three hair products are Aussie Moist Conditioner, pure coconut oil, and hair serums (Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, Beyond the Zone Anti-Frizz Serum, and Chi's Silk Infusion Serum).

Aussie Moist Conditioner is a BEAST at getting the tangles out of my transitioning hair. I've tried others (HETT,Palmer's Olive Oil Formula, ect.) but nothing beats the size, the price and the pump.

Coconut oil is a great prepoo. It keeps the protein inside of your hair and prevents hydral fatigue. Plus I put it in my hair when i condition it because it makes it feel so soft and strong. LOVE COCONUT OIL!

The serums.... lol. I only use those when I straighten my hair. They keep the water out to keep my hair sleeker longer. While keeping it pliable.

Any techniques you’ve found invaluable during your transition? Do share!
I've learned a few techniques during this transition but nothing that others don't know. This last wash day, I detangled BEFORE stepping into the shower, a technique I learned from watching glamazini's 2010 conditioning and detangling video. I made my mix, warmed it, and got to work.

I did read something the other day (don't remember where) that said that conditioning your hair with heat for 15 minutes prior detangling makes the detangling process easier. i haven't tried that for myself yet but will DEFINITELY be trying it soon.

How did/are your family/friends reacting to your transitioning?
At first they thought that I was having emotional problems. They kept asking me what was wrong. But as time has went on (and they've seen other naturals on youtube and on blogs), then they're fine with it, "as long as you keep it neat!"

Any words or wisdom for ladies, who are currently transitioning or thinking of taking that step?
Have fun with your hair... and remember... Hair always grows back.
Visit me and track my transition at juceefroot.onsugar.com!

There you have it, ladies! One to watch for transitioning with style! Now for more pictures......

Relaxed hair from high school

honey curl braids: my first true transition style