Featured Transitioner now Curlie - Kyra Cox

Hometown:

Toronto, Ont.

Length of transition (start to finish):

1 year

Why I went curlie:

I didn't actually go curlie purposefully. Quite a few years ago I gave myself a really nasty burn when perming my hair at home. The side effects were the onset of migraine headaches, and a very sensitive scalp. It took a few months of increasingly painful headaches for me to see a specialist, which is where I was told that a severe chemical burn could have caused my migraines to begin. After making the connection, I tried to perm my hair less often (and definitely stopped doing it at home), but my sensitivity to almost all hair oils, shampoos, hairsprays, gels and other styling products, resulted in me doing less and less to my processed hair. As it grew out, I found new ways of 'coping', never really consciously committed to going natural, but knowing that I could not go back to processing my hair all the time, and that I had to discover a healthy - and practical - way of living with my hair.

Since my hair was cut into a short style to begin with, before I knew it I had a head full of natural hair that I 'chiney bumped' and twisted; promising myself I would braid it as soon as the back was long enough, and then toying with the idea of locking my hair after that. I never did do any of the above, which I am happy about because it caused me to reach out and ask questions, pay attention to different creative hairstyles I saw other ladies wearing, and to think of and treat my hair as a healthy and beautiful extension of myself, rather than a burden to be dealt with.

Transitioning products and current products:

As a result of my sensitivity (which persists), I use olive oil and shea butter currently to moisturize. I have been told by another Canadian Curlie that shampoo is not something I should be using in my hair, so I will be looking into more natural products for caring for and styling my hair - I am always open to suggestions. I recently tried Olive Oil Eco Styler hair gel (courtesy of my dearest cousin), and I love the definition it gives and the fact that it does not irritate my scalp.

Since I was continually experimenting with products while my hair was processed, the products that I was not allergic to was the line of Elasta QP hair care & styling products, Dove Shampoo (only), as well as the Aphogee line.

The best part of now being curlie:

Aside from the health benefits, which are extremely important to me - my migraines have drastically reduced (if not disappeared) and my scalp, while still sensitive, is much healthier - I love my hair in a way that I never did before! I am a very low maintenance kind of girl and the focus of my hairstyles has always been practicality.

Being a realtor, always on the go - quick and practical styles were a necessity. I always thought that low maintenance natural hair was an oxymoron, only to discover that not only can it be extremely low maintenance (disclaimers needed here lol), my hair's potential is only bound by the limits of my imagination. The best part about being curlie for me is expanding my imagination. I have fallen in love with the versatility of my natural locks and I must admit that I feel a sort of connection to all the sisters out there that I see, wearing their hair like mine. My husband loves my hair, my friends do, and most importantly - I do! I am so glad to have been introduced to Canadian Curlie - I am looking forward to expanding my imagination =0)

My Hair Journey ... so far

So I’ve finally gotten my act together and gathered a few pics of my transition to present day living in happy curly land to show you guys.

Looking at these pics really made me see how far I’ve really come and it makes me feel proud that I stuck it out. Tell me what you think.

A Pledge to Health

So I have decided to come out of my fitness hiatus. I should say that I do have a gym membership and I’m not afraid of the gym, my motivation is what sometimes gets in the way of me actually reaching my personal goals. My goals are like many of yours out there, to lose about 10 pounds or so and tighten up in those areas that make your skinny jeans look sexier and let me not forget the return of the bikini body. Which means lots of cardio, weight training and my dear favourite crunches and sit-ups.

So part of the reason for this post is selfish. I know if I put myself on blast out here on the WORLD WIDE WEB, I will make a better effort to stay on track.

The other reason is that through a little research I’ve found out that exercising, drinking lots of water, eating properly and taking a multivitamin are not only good for your health and longevity, but it’s also good for your HAIR. What a concept! When you think of it, it makes so much sense right.

So here is my plan of action:

Go to the gym at least three times a week, maybe four if I’m lucky and can hang.

Eat a healthy balanced diet, which includes three days of the week meat-free (not including fish and seafood). Hey I’m from the East Coast, I can’t give up my fish and seafood, so don’t ask me to.

Lastly drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin. I’m taking the vitamin to leave nothing to chance. I want to make sure I’m getting all the nutrients I need. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

I know many people may decide to wait to get back on track after the holidays, but I prefer to get rid of any access I have beforehand so I won’t feel as guilt about eating a little bit of stuffing, gravy and having a glass of wine. Then continuing my workouts afterward the season of joy, love and eating, won’t be such a chore. This is just my personal philosophy. What is yours?

Is there anyone out there sweating it out at the gym? What are you doing that works for you? Do you have any tips for those of us with motivation issues or need help getting started?

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

The Truth about Transitioning

Those of you who follow my blog, know that my curls appeared as a result of transitioning for nine months. I was not ready to just break out with a huge big chop. I wanted time to get to know my growing curls. But, I wanted to talk about a few things you may go through if this is the journey you’ve chosen for your curls.

What is transitioning?
It’s when women decide to grow out their processed hair and cut it off at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Transitioning regime?
Use your favourite deep conditioner and if time allows do so with every wash. Be sure to apply a detangling leave-in conditioner, water-based moisturizer and a natural oil for sealing.

What styles can be worn while transitioning?

How long should you transition?
This is a very personal decision. You and only you will know how much of dealing with two textures of hair you can take. Your new growth will be stronger and healthier than your processed ends, but transitioning is about taking care of both at the same time. Some people last one week, while others can go on for two years. Make up your mind and the best part about it is you can always shorten or lengthen the journey at any time. It’s your hair not anyone else’s. So take control of it!

What should you expect while transitioning?
It’s not easy, and it’s definitely a labour of love and it needs to be, otherwise you will end up relaxing or processing your hair again. Another thing people should remember is that patience is necessary as your curls will not just pop up overnight, especially if you plan to do a long transition.

During your transition you will have moments of triumph and frustration, but all of these experiences will make you appreciate the true beauty and strength of your hair and will as a women with afro-textured hair. Embrace it!

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Faux Hawk Tutorial

I have to say, I’m really happy with the way my hair turned out today. So much so that I had to write about it.

I was rocking a tired six day twist-out that I was refreshing everyday with water, apricot oil and Eco Styler Gel- Argan Oil when needed. It was looking OK, but I was getting bored. Not to mention I like to try new things with my hair the day before wash day, so I’m not committed to the style, incase I don’t like it.

So I woke up with a smooshed fro that was tied down with a silk scarf at night (sorry no pics - it was a hot mess) … lol. Only hair I could love and husband could tolerate in the morning!

I started to tackle it with water that is sometimes mixed with a little bit of oil (whatever natural oil you have on hand is fine). I then seal in my moisture as I start to work my fingers through my hair to get the volume back.

I then took put a generous amount of gel and put it on the front of my hair. Once the curls started to pop I gathered one side (no farther back than my ear) of my hair and secured it with two bobby pins. I repeated this on the other side. When my sides were pinned, it played with the bangs and finger styled them. On a side note: I was so excited to have bangs to play with. My hair is starting to grow Curlies!! yay)

I then continued to finger style the rest of my hair to get the look I was happy with. All that in 5-10 minutes.

Try it and little me know what happens. Or share your favourite lazy style, canadiancurlie2010@gmail.com

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie