Wow, everyone's hair looks fantastic! I just started going natural but while it's growing out I am using lace fronts wigs to give me the relaxed look without the commitment. How long exactly did it take your hair to grow and how did you manage it in the beginning? This is a very new transition for me but in the long run, I look forward to healthy, unprocessed hair.

Thanks DD! I'm sticking with it!

Hi MrsNelson! I've been transitioning for about 7 months now. Since April, I've been wearing a protective style (latch weave? - no glue, no thread, nada). I can tell that my hair has grown A LOT under it! I have an appointment on Saturday to get it redone and I'm going to either Big or Little chop then, depending on how much natural length I have. I'm going to continue to wear this protective style for about a year so I have to make sure I have enough hair to braid! I'll let you all know how it goes!

Here's a pic of my protective style.

I love it! I'll post a new one after I get it redone on Saturday.

oh fantastic, your hair is so beautiful! Please keep me posted, I certainly need some guidance.

Go Pwani!!!

I show these as inspiration!

This was after I BC'd on 11/2010

Here I am last week finally letting my hair out! 7/2010

WOW BOC!!!!! That is awesome! Your hair grew super fast and it's gorgeous!

I just wanted to give a long overdue update! On 10.8.2011, the day of my baby's 2nd birthday party (his bday is 10.10 though), I BC'd!!!!!!!!! OMG, can I just say. My first reaction was, I look like a boy. LOL! Not sad, I was smiling but I still felt a little boyish. When we got back to my sister's place, she twisted it for me and put some decorations in it then I put on some makeup to get ready for the party and I felt better! But I LOVE it! Today, I'm 1 month post BC and I love my hair. It has to be the easiest thing ever (since it's still a TA!). I just wake up, spray some water in it, seal it, put an embellishment or two in it, and go! I love it. I feel sooooo free. Here are some pics. I would love to hear where everybody is at now in their journey. Also, share your fave products, hair type, etc!

The cut....

...she got a bit scissors happy....but I was finally free!!!

Later that week....

The back....

A couple of weeks later...

2 days ago!

MORE INFO: You can't really see the progression in the pics very well but I've definitely had some growth and change in thickness in the past month. I've been using Hello Hydration (Herbal Essences) for co-washing, As I Am (since I got a sample pack) shampoo, condish and deep condish on wash days (I wash and deep condish once weekly) [SIDE NOTE: This product doesn't work great for my hair at all. Not sure if I would purchase it.]. But right now, I'm LOVING Karen's Body Beautiful! I just purchased full sized (I had some sample sizes) Sweet Ambrosia (as a leave in), shampoo and condish, and Luscious locks repair cream (for deep conditioning). It smells sooooo yummy! I can't wait to get them. My hair type is somewhere between 4a and 4b (I don't really see 4b in there but I must have it because it's not completely 4a) and with the LOIS typing I am OS daughter. I know it doesn't look it in the pics but I have tons of SUPER defined coils underneath it all! That's why I think I'm 4a/4b and OS daughter. My hair is really thick and so far the KBB line has worked wonders and my hair looks and feels so moisturized with that stuff. I also use coconut oil to seal and moisturize.

I hope my info has helped somebody! Feel free to ask me anything. I've done TONS of research on natural hair care so I feel like I'm somewhat of a novice. ;) I'll try to keep updating with pics as my hair flourishes. I love this journey and I'm so excited to be on it! :)

I have also decided to do the BC. My fave products for my regimen are

• Coconut oik
• Jamaican castor oil (super thick I add it to my DC)
• rosemary oil (only use on my scalp)
• Vo5 conditioners (co wash)
• Dc im buying the cantu shea butter for my leave in which i add the JMCO to.

One thing that worked really well for me when I started going natural was making sure that my transitioned hair was moisturized with coconut oil.  I love using natural oils like jojoba and coconut and also shea and cocoa butter.  

I am so glad to see you ladies go natural!!! Ive been natural most of my life. It feels good to see everyone go for it. I know im late, hopefully everyone is enjoying the natural life! #goteamnatural