Tomorrow is a very special day for the blog as it marks one whole year since I last used a relaxer which in turn sparked my decision to document my hair journey. I’ve been wrestling with how best to present today’s post as I wanted to break down my hair history, but as I’ve seen that done so many times, I thought I might try something different (although I’ll probably share my hair history at some point). Instead, I wanted to try an interview-style post (thank you CurlyNikki for giving me the idea), where you’ll learn a bit more about my journey so far – and a little bit about me. Also, the pictures in today’s post are all from this past year. It’s so crazy seeing the transformation my hair has been through.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Alice (you guys already know that) and I was born and raised in London. My hair journey is fairly straightforward. I’ve been on this journey for a year and I’ve been sharing it on this blog with you guys (something else you already know).
 |
| (23/10/15) The start of the journey: I had just cut some dead ends off |
How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I’ve been natural for a year tomorrow (!!!). To be honest I don’t think I really noticed my curls until I went natural and started noticing them. before I relaxed my hair though, I didn’t really like my hair because it was sooooo thick that whenever my mum combed my hair, I hated my life because it hurt so much. Having such thick hair as a child made hair-day very difficult (bordering traumatic), so when I first got my hair relaxed it was like the heavens had finally opened! These days I definitely embrace them!
 |
| (04/01/16) Most of my hair was still relaxed) |
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper and why?
I hadn’t relaxed my hair in a few months but then I suddenly relaxed it for an event because I didn’t want my undergrowth to show so much/ I also wanted to wear my extensions that had a relaxed texture, so naturally, I wanted everything to match. After that, I thought about stopping relaxing my hair, but it wasn’t until I noticed A LOT of breakage, that I finally decided to stop relaxing my hair for good. I was/am a transitioner. All my hair was relaxed and there was no way I was going to shave my hair off so…
 |
| (05/04/16) The back went back to being natural faster than the front |
How would you describe your hair?
Oooh, this is a tough one. I always joke that my hair is about four different textures. It’s definitely kinky, but I’ve also got some loose/wavy curls and some relaxed bits here and there.
 |
| (24/06/16) The back had started growing out |
What do you love most about your hair?
I really love how thick my hair is, which is funny because I used to really hate my hair for the same reason. I also love that my hair has continued to grow despite the hell I’ve put it through over the last decade.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?
I think the most memorable part has to be when I first started noticing my curls. I was so shocked at how springy and cute they were because I had never experienced my hair like that. When I was younger, my hair wasn’t out enough for me to feel my curls, and my curls were always brushed out into an afro to prepare for cornrowing. I’ve been lucky in the fact that my journey hasn’t been difficult at all – although at times it was a bit annoying. I’d probably give my journey 7.5/10.
What are (or were) some of your favourite transitioning hairstyles or current dos?
At this point, I think I’m known for my two massive plaits and my top knot.
 |
|
|
What have your experiences been as a “natural”? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I haven’t experienced anything out of the ordinary. My mum has been impressed by my hair growth, as have my sisters. It wasn’t a big deal at all. The only reason my family even know I’ve gone natural is because I can’t stop talking about it and my journey.
What is your hair regimen (including favourite products)?
I co-wash once a fortnight and shampoo once a month. I do an oil treatment before every wash and do a deep condition after every co-wash. I read that deep conditioning is important because it helps strengthen the demarcation line where your new growth and relaxed hair meet (which also happens to be the weakest point of the hair). I also try to moisturise my hair with either spray or leave-in conditioner every day. My all-time favourite deep conditioner is my Vitale Olive Oil Mayonnaise.
 |
|
|
What are some of your favourite natural hair websites, Youtubers, or blogs?
Definitely CurlyNikki. I’m not too sure about others because I go in and out of natural hair forums. But there are loads of women who have inspired me.
Anything you want readers to know? Inspirational words?
When I was first starting out, I kept reading other naturalista’s say it’s a journey, not about the destination. While I rolled my eyes at the time – it’s such a cliché thing everyone says – I now know that it’s true. This really is a journey, and some days it’ll be good, others not so much.
How do you deal with the backlash from those who do not “like” your hair?
I haven’t had to.
Where can people find you for more information?
 |
| (30/08/16) The most recent picture of my hair |
I look forward to continuing to share my journey here for many more years to come. I love that I have you, my lovely readers, along for the ride.
alice
xo
