Reflections of a Long Term Transitioner

Hey Guys, I haven't been posting as much as I would like to, my apologies. I've just started my final year of University and I'm trying to get back into a rhythm. I'm currently a year and half post relaxer, still transitioning to natural. There are some things that I have noticed during 'my' journey, that I thought I'd share with you.

I took this photo on my way to French class. How beautiful
is the world? 

When will you chop off your relaxed ends?... the question that seems to preoccupy others. As much as I'd like to give friends/family/associates a definite answer, the answer is simply; 'when I'm ready'. Yes, I'm aiming for between 22months- 26 months post relaxer but, an aim is all it is. Nothing is written in stone. For anyone who is transitioning or on any other type of hair journey, remember that the journey is yours. The suggestions of other's are always welcomed but the final decision is essentially yours. Do what makes you happy!

Through this transition to natural I've had to work on my confidence levels. Going from hair that is 100% straight to hair that is 50% straight 50% natural creates some bad hair days. For a while I went through the stage of 'it's okay for my hair to look like this, I'm transitioning'. When in actual fact, transitioning is not an excuse to relax your appearance. Don't get me wrong I probably still looked decent to the outsider, but there were times when I left the house with a hairstyle I wasn't internally happy with. I now have a go to style that never fails me when another style does. I attempt to experiment a bit more to find what works for me. Instead of comparing my hybrid hair to straight hair, I accept it as it is. It's not going to lay down flat, it will take longer to moisturise and seal, the natural parts of my hair do need more moisture, and that's okay. It's all about adapting to change. I think this is the perfect time for me to slip in the fact that I can't wait to be completely natural :D.

I never realised as much as I do now that people judge you by your hair. To be honest, I think I'm guilty of this as well. I seem to be picking up a few eccentric men, if you catch my drift. I can only put it down to the fact that my hair appears natural. I am not growing out my hair because I'm part of a revolution, I'm not making a political statement, I just wanted to grow my hair naturally because I was no longer comfortable with and no longer saw the need for the use of chemicals.

Can anyone relate to this?

20 Random Facts About Me

Hey Guys, I recently got tagged by Rebecca over at 'A Window of Thoughts' to do a 20 random facts about me tag. This is my first tag on my blog, I never got around to completing a previous one... I know, shame on me! *slaps wrist*. This is a great way for you to find out  more about me. Here goes.

1) I love to write things down. It's a must for me. I love to doodle, keep notes of random thoughts, write diary entries, to do lists, write down my feelings... whatever it may be.
2) I don't like to wear socks, it's just not my thing. I like my toes to be free.
3) I love to travel! I have a infinite list of countries that I wish to go to.
4) I'm flat footed.
5) I dislike being rushed, it's somewhat of a pet peeve.
6) I love good food, which in turn makes me quite the food critic.
7) I love nature... just call me David Attenborough.
8) I'm very observant. Nothing misses my eyes. I'm literally waiting for the day that MI5 beg me to join the team.
9) I find prolonged eye contact rather awkward.
10) I've always wanted to be invisible to see how people act when no one is around.
11) I'm scared of pigeons :(. I got pecked by a pigeon as a child and have never really recovered from the incident.
12) I think I'm hilarious.
13) I write poems. Most of which take me no longer than 5-10 minutes.
14) I'm generally quite a relaxed individual.
15) My favourite animals are elephants but my favourite animal is my cat!
16) When I'm at home I spend the majority of time in/on my bed. I love to be comfortable.
17) I love lipstick. This year, I've added 7 shades to the collection.
18) I appreciate my own company.
19) I'm a very deep thinker which sometimes crosses the line into over thinker.
20) I lived in Amsterdam for a year as part of my law degree.

I hope you enjoyed reading!

I tag:

Damilola @ Food Eater Travel Lover

BeutiNWisdom @ A Little Bit of Beauty and Wisom

Nerline +Chic From Hair 2 Toe 

Review: Shea Moisture Extra-Moisture Transitioning Milk

Promises: An extra moisturizing styling cream for dry, damaged hair. Strengthens as it promotes healthy growth while transitioning chemically treated hair to natural. Smoothes and restores brilliant shine.

Directions: Apply as a no-rinse protective styling cream to damp hair. Use as needed

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Cconut) Oil*, sugar Starch, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Vegetable Glycerinem Essential Oil Blend, Algae Extract, Panthenol, Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis(Sage) Leaf and Equisetum Arvense Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Caprylyl glycol, Tocophesrol (Vitamin E)

Verdict: I love this stuff! It is definitely one of my favourite products of all times. This is the first Shea Moisture product that I have tried and I am definitely won over. Truth be told, it wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting something that resembled more of a 'milk' and less of a 'lotion'. Once I got past the appearance, I quickly fell in love.  I use the transitioning milk to seal and have noticed that my hair has been holding moisture in for longer ever since. When I sealed with various oils I used to have to M&S twice a day now I can get away with sealing every other day. I can't fault the transitioning milk on anything. First off it smells beautiful, reminds me of natural yoghurt and honey. The consistency isn't too runny nor too thick. A little goes a hell of a long way, I reckon this bottle will last me the best part of a year. The ingredients are awesome and the price is affordable. This was purchased for me from Target for $9.99 (it was on offer), rrp $11.99 for 8oz. The price is great and the product is widely available... providing that you live in the US of course .. which I don't *cries*. Hopefully it will be retailing in the U.K soon. I would recommend this to naturals and transitioners. A word of advice for transitioners, focus on the new growth... too much on your relaxed ends will weigh them down. This is better than the Hairveda Whipped Ends Hydration that I loved so much. I guess it comes as no surprise that I will be awarding this a 5/5. 

Have you tried the transitioning milk or any other Shea Moisture product?

Check out my Review on the Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk