Transition Pictures

Transition Pictures

Transitioning from my perm to natural hair was a growing experience. When I first started, it was easy because the new growth was minimal. As my natural hair grows out, I have learned it takes a lot of patience to transition. I have chosen to do this instead of doing the Big Chop. So my journey begins......

This was the first time I tried doing my own cornrow braids. I did them without adding extension hair. I took the top and side view pictures myself so they are not the best. To keep from using rubber bands to close off braids, I used perm rod rollers to curl the ends with a little Aloe Styling Gel. Feb 2003

This is my experimental hair style. I made little individual braids/plaits down to my new growth, then rolled the permed end with blue perm rod rollers. Pics on left taken Feb 27, 2003. Pics on right taken March 6, 2003 one week later. The curls actually look better. (What a smile. I can't believe I used this picture). I wanted to show how the style help up.

You can see the two textures. This is how I dry my hair. I plait it up and let it dry naturally.

I plan to transition for a year. The following pictures show my journey starting in April 2003. Six months transitioning and counting. My natural hair continues to grow and I am learning that that determination is needed with that patience.

This is one of my favorite styles. This style was made by making about 10 individual plaits on damp hair and rolling the ends with rod rollers. Taken in April 2003.

My first attempt at a headwrap. I bought 1 yard pieces of fabric from Wal Mart. I thought I did a good job at tying. I wore heap wrapf for a week.

April - June 2003

Cornrow Braids

Two Textures

Plaits & Curls

Braidout

Head Wrap

Cornrow W/ Braidout

I put cornrow braids in front and a braid out in the back. I took the ends of the cornrow braids and braided them together. Of all the styles I've worn, I got the most compliments from this one. The braid out lasted longer than the all over braid out because I don't sleep on my back. Keeps it from getting flat. I've been practicing on making my parts straight and actually succeeded. Pictures taken in late April 2003.

Plaits & Curls Revisited

Place the mouse over pictures to compare look of the same style done in Feb. Both are pictures of the style one week later. The style is fuller looking due to more natural hair. Amazing months later and I still manage one mean look and one silly grin.The black and white photo shows my length. This style looks shorter beacause of the tight spiral curl and the shrinkage of my natural hair. Late May 2003. This is my last transition style. I sweated the curls out helping someone move and braided the individual braids into two french braids. Wore that for a week and revisited my braided wig. "Big Chop" followed the wig. Read about it here. See the natural me .

Braided Wig

I've always wanted micro braids, but I am afraid on the damage they can do the hairline. I'm scared of many things when it comes to my hair. I won't press it or color it either; although I've always wanted to try color. I have always looked at these braided wigs and thought they were cute. I bought it and loved the way it looks. I've got the look of braids and color without the possibility of damage. My hair is in cornrow braids. I moisturized my hair with my leave in conditioner, put on my satin wig cap, and then the wig.