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?