First impressions of the natural community?

Alice 10 May 2009 at 12:09 pm Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?
Not as rough as it could have been. ^^ I didn’t have to deal with a lot of the backlash that makes transitioning hard. Most of my friends and family just “took it” because they’re used to my shenanigans.

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much or too little information out there?
WAY TOOO MUCH information! You just have to look for it. I don’t think I would have found ANY online natural community if my friend hadn’t directed me to naturallycurly.com where it seems like everyone has a blog, youtube channel, fotki, etc. and everyone is ready to help you with a click on your mouse.

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?
I think it’s pretty divided actually. I’ve met people who think I’m “less” natural because I don’t share the same struggles as them (tight tight TIGHT curl patterns, I didn’t/don’t have to fight reactions that center around GURL YOU GOTTA FIX THAT MESS! and the like), people who think they’re “better” than me because they’ve got “good hair” and people who are CONVINCED that natural hair won’t work on them DESPITE the fact they’ve seen my journey from point a (learning and caring) to point current (playing with styles), etc. It doesn’t seem like there is a lot of interaction between these camps either, which makes them MORE hostile towards each other.There isn’t much of a natural hair community where I live that doesn’t flat iron religiously, so I can’t say much about that.

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural woman as a “community”?
Yes and no. As long as we’re a minority I think we will need a “community” to help use learn about how to care and style natural hair. After we pass that point, and I do believe we will pass that point eventually, I’m not sure if we’ll need it because then it will be EVERYWHERE :)

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iffy 10 May 2009 at 12:53 pm Permalink

do we have to answer in an email or in the comments post?

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Fly Vixen [?] 10 May 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink

1. I transitioned for about 3 months, I just did my BC last Saturday. The transition went pretty smooth, I did my research and that has helped tremendously. I also found that the online community served as almost a mother figure, most were more than willing if not eager to share all they’ve learned. That has made all the difference.

2. There is a wealth of information out there for naturals/transitioners. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all I was reading and learning, then I realized a lot of the information is repetitive. I also have to keep in mind that blogging right now is very in. Some use blogging as a personal scrapbook, whereas others using to share their knowledge.

3. I was quite impressed by the cohesiveness as well as the genuine support being offered. Everyone seems to want the other to succeed and reach their goals. It’s beautiful.

4. As far as what is necessary… I think that there should be more focus on eating/living healthy and not what products you could slap on your hair. Nourishing your body will do so much, and I feel that hair products should be used to supplement, not replace. You know?

Reply

Fly Vixen [?] 10 May 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink

1. I transitioned for about 3 months, I just did my BC last Saturday. The transition went pretty smooth, I did my research and that has helped tremendously. I also found that the online community served as almost a mother figure, most were more than willing if not eager to share all they’ve learned. That has made all the difference.

2. There is a wealth of information out there for naturals/transitioners. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all I was reading and learning, then I realized a lot of the information is repetitive. I also have to keep in mind that blogging right now is very in. Some use blogging as a personal scrapbook, whereas others using to share their knowledge.

3. I was quite impressed by the cohesiveness as well as the genuine support being offered. Everyone seems to want the other to succeed and reach their goals. It’s beautiful.

4. As far as what is necessary… I think that there should be more focus on eating/living healthy and not what products you could slap on your hair. Nourishing your body will do so much, and I feel that hair products should be used to supplement, not replace. You know?

Reply

Fly Vixen [?] 10 May 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink

1. I transitioned for about 3 months, I just did my BC last Saturday. The transition went pretty smooth, I did my research and that has helped tremendously. I also found that the online community served as almost a mother figure, most were more than willing if not eager to share all they’ve learned. That has made all the difference.

2. There is a wealth of information out there for naturals/transitioners. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all I was reading and learning, then I realized a lot of the information is repetitive. I also have to keep in mind that blogging right now is very in. Some use blogging as a personal scrapbook, whereas others using to share their knowledge.

3. I was quite impressed by the cohesiveness as well as the genuine support being offered. Everyone seems to want the other to succeed and reach their goals. It’s beautiful.

4. As far as what is necessary… I think that there should be more focus on eating/living healthy and not what products you could slap on your hair. Nourishing your body will do so much, and I feel that hair products should be used to supplement, not replace. You know?

Reply

Fly Vixen [?] 10 May 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink

1. I transitioned for about 3 months, I just did my BC last Saturday. The transition went pretty smooth, I did my research and that has helped tremendously. I also found that the online community served as almost a mother figure, most were more than willing if not eager to share all they’ve learned. That has made all the difference.

2. There is a wealth of information out there for naturals/transitioners. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all I was reading and learning, then I realized a lot of the information is repetitive. I also have to keep in mind that blogging right now is very in. Some use blogging as a personal scrapbook, whereas others using to share their knowledge.

3. I was quite impressed by the cohesiveness as well as the genuine support being offered. Everyone seems to want the other to succeed and reach their goals. It’s beautiful.

4. As far as what is necessary… I think that there should be more focus on eating/living healthy and not what products you could slap on your hair. Nourishing your body will do so much, and I feel that hair products should be used to supplement, not replace. You know?

Reply

Fly Vixen [?] 10 May 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink

1. I transitioned for about 3 months, I just did my BC last Saturday. The transition went pretty smooth, I did my research and that has helped tremendously. I also found that the online community served as almost a mother figure, most were more than willing if not eager to share all they’ve learned. That has made all the difference.

2. There is a wealth of information out there for naturals/transitioners. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all I was reading and learning, then I realized a lot of the information is repetitive. I also have to keep in mind that blogging right now is very in. Some use blogging as a personal scrapbook, whereas others using to share their knowledge.

3. I was quite impressed by the cohesiveness as well as the genuine support being offered. Everyone seems to want the other to succeed and reach their goals. It’s beautiful.

4. As far as what is necessary… I think that there should be more focus on eating/living healthy and not what products you could slap on your hair. Nourishing your body will do so much, and I feel that hair products should be used to supplement, not replace. You know?

Reply

Fly Vixen [?] 10 May 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink

1. I transitioned for about 3 months, I just did my BC last Saturday. The transition went pretty smooth, I did my research and that has helped tremendously. I also found that the online community served as almost a mother figure, most were more than willing if not eager to share all they’ve learned. That has made all the difference.

2. There is a wealth of information out there for naturals/transitioners. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all I was reading and learning, then I realized a lot of the information is repetitive. I also have to keep in mind that blogging right now is very in. Some use blogging as a personal scrapbook, whereas others using to share their knowledge.

3. I was quite impressed by the cohesiveness as well as the genuine support being offered. Everyone seems to want the other to succeed and reach their goals. It’s beautiful.

4. As far as what is necessary… I think that there should be more focus on eating/living healthy and not what products you could slap on your hair. Nourishing your body will do so much, and I feel that hair products should be used to supplement, not replace. You know?

Reply

Fly Vixen [?] 10 May 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink

1. I transitioned for about 3 months, I just did my BC last Saturday. The transition went pretty smooth, I did my research and that has helped tremendously. I also found that the online community served as almost a mother figure, most were more than willing if not eager to share all they’ve learned. That has made all the difference.

2. There is a wealth of information out there for naturals/transitioners. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all I was reading and learning, then I realized a lot of the information is repetitive. I also have to keep in mind that blogging right now is very in. Some use blogging as a personal scrapbook, whereas others using to share their knowledge.

3. I was quite impressed by the cohesiveness as well as the genuine support being offered. Everyone seems to want the other to succeed and reach their goals. It’s beautiful.

4. As far as what is necessary… I think that there should be more focus on eating/living healthy and not what products you could slap on your hair. Nourishing your body will do so much, and I feel that hair products should be used to supplement, not replace. You know?

Reply

Black girl with long hair 10 May 2009 at 1:57 pm Permalink

@ Iffy… hey girl! You can post it right here!

Reply

ChyeahBella. 10 May 2009 at 2:19 pm Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?
well i’ve always been natural its just i’ve never took care of my hair. the transition of actually washing it with good shampoos, mosturizing,protective styling is something i adapted recently.
2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much or too little information out there
i feel there is a lot.i learn something new everyday it just takes my a lil bit to try it.for instance i asked u about protective stlying and length retention, u told me to keep my braids in for at least 3 weeks. i did and my hair started growing a lil bit
. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?
i think its great, very diverse in culture, hair type, age, etc
4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural woman as a “community”?
yes, because we help each other out by making blogs, and youtube channels, giving tips and helping with regimens, we’re deff. a community

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that one 10 May 2009 at 2:39 pm Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

It’s been pretty good. I transitioned for about 3 months and cut it off March 23rd. The hair dresser who cut it off didn’t do it to my liking (too short in the back and the sides and left relaxed hair on top…*sigh*…) so I eventually ended up cutting off more. I have my official teeny weeny afro, and I like it. I didn’t receive much backlash from family because I have a few natural heads in there. =)

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

WAAAAAY too much. It’s difficult sometimes to discern because everyone has their own regimen (obviously since all our hair is different) but it’s a billion different people all saying different things. I would prefer people discussing things that are more relevant like health and not just which things I should pile in my hair. I think that there is an importance in having a balance between hair beauty tips and hair health tips along with personal health tips.

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

I stopped dabbling too much in the online community. I have a few friends who are natural along with family members, so discussing things with them makes it easier and because they are supportive, it works out amazing. Support and encouragement are definitely necessary factors sometimes so having that readily available is great for me.

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

I feel that everything that can divide a group as a whole into smaller sects is a community. Communities should be people are bring others together for encouragement and support. Also if someone has a question or a concern, their community should be the people that they can talk to about whatever the issue is.

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Sasha 10 May 2009 at 2:57 pm Permalink

@Fly Vixen, amen to the fact that somewhere a focus needs to be put on wholistic living and not just hair…especially for black women… I know too many natural haired women…who are not natural anywhere else. Kind of negates the whole hair thing. Sort of like getting a diet coke with a big mac.

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yours truly 10 May 2009 at 3:02 pm Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?
It’s been pretty good in terms of support from both friends and family, which I couldn’t be more grateful for (it makes me sad to go online and see some of the hurtful things some women have to contend with). That said, the styling and regimen perfecting aspect is perhaps my weakest area. I still have a lot to learn in understanding my own texture and the techniques and products that work for it.

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?
It is a ridiculous set of info out there. When I was relaxed it was really overwhelming because I never knew when, where and how to start you kept learning something new with every click. A couple years into it and focusing more on natural hair now, I’ve learnt to just take my time with everything.

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?
It has definitely taken some great strides in the past few years, both online and in real life. Dreadlocks, curls and coils are a common affair where I live. Though I would be glad if more organic, local (or even international) options were available in my area. But in both realms, I think that there still needs to be a shift in mentality that certain forms of hair are better than others.

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?
Alice said it best IMO. I won’t go so far as to knock relaxed heads but as long as there’s a proliferation that natural = ugliness and backwardness while relaxing at any cost is the only route to real beauty and success, defining naturals as a community is necessary.

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Anonymous 10 May 2009 at 3:29 pm Permalink

LOL. I think the newbie 2.0s are proof that we’re making progress in accepting natural hair as a viable style option. I see a lot of newbies rocking their naturals with supremem confidence.

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Nicole 10 May 2009 at 3:36 pm Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?I guess my transition was about a year and a half in braids (I didn’t know it was a transition at the time). Once I took the braids out it was really rough for about 2 months. Everything I was putting in my hair dried it out and I couldn’t comb or finger comb without blowing it out/straightening. It was really frustrating. Once I started researching, I was able to take others’ regimens and develop a system that worked for me.

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?It took a long time to find, but I think the fact that newbies now are “newbie 2.0′s” is a direct result of the newbies before us that have shared all the knowledge. I don’t think there will ever be too much info. The more people find out, and the more people share their successes and failure; it’s a good thing. Otherwise, I personally would still be struggling.

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?I’m very impressed and grateful for the information, advice and support. I think it’s almost too good to be true sometimes. I LOVE that people are willing to share their experiences so that everyone benefits.

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?
Until the things that we really need to do in order to properly care for our hair are common knowledge, yes.

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Jc 10 May 2009 at 4:50 pm Permalink

1. I didn’t transition, I was a misguided natural :)

2. There is a lot of information both good and bad. There is also alot of hoping on bandwagons – for example doing things to your hair that are not meant for your texture or following bad advice because the person has long hair etc. It is all about being selective and not believing the first thing that you read.

3. Natural hair online is more accepted though it is bordering on extreme in some circles. Natural hair in real life is good as long as it is long. One day we’ll meet in the middle.

4. The natural hair community exists to fulfill the fact that naturals are largely a minority. Yes it is a community with all the expected nuances – the radicals, the free spirits, the outcasts, the cool group, the wannabe’s, the uncool group, the rebels, the nerds, the odd group and the rest who can’t be classified . Is the community necessary? If it wasn’t it wouldn’t exist :)

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Anonymous 11 May 2009 at 12:43 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?
It has been pretty easy because I keep my hair plaited in corn rows or kinky twists.

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?
There is a trailer load of information out there. And you really have to be careful with the info overload.

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?
I have no complaints because I keep my participation to a minimum.

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”? At this point in time, yes. But eventually it’s going to be described as a lifestyle, if it hasn’t already.

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? ? [m a r i . b e e]. ? 11 May 2009 at 1:44 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

pretty good! my last relaxer was august 08…the first couple of months were really hard, however, because i didn’t know about protective styling…plus i didn’t want to do the big chop, sooo, ya lol. now that i’ve found protective styles and my hair is growing like i want it to, everything is fine. my mom didn’t want me to transition before and tempted me with relaxers, but i stuck with it! i plan to cut off my relaxed ends in maybe 1 or 2 years….

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

the “scary” stuff is a little too much! lol i understand that we need to be more careful about our hair now that it is natural, but i sort of feel like the products i use work, so i’m still skeptical about that…otherwise everything i’ve learned about was EXTREMELY helpful! especially from this blog!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

down to earth, real chicks. we’ve all done something to alter ourselves because we thought that that was what society wanted, but now we’re doing things our way and for ourselves…

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

um, there is a community for everything…lol, but i dont think that there should be a “community,” it should just be regular women who want to have our textured/curly hair back…why should we be defined as a “community?”

Reply

? ? [m a r i . b e e]. ? 11 May 2009 at 1:44 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

pretty good! my last relaxer was august 08…the first couple of months were really hard, however, because i didn’t know about protective styling…plus i didn’t want to do the big chop, sooo, ya lol. now that i’ve found protective styles and my hair is growing like i want it to, everything is fine. my mom didn’t want me to transition before and tempted me with relaxers, but i stuck with it! i plan to cut off my relaxed ends in maybe 1 or 2 years….

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

the “scary” stuff is a little too much! lol i understand that we need to be more careful about our hair now that it is natural, but i sort of feel like the products i use work, so i’m still skeptical about that…otherwise everything i’ve learned about was EXTREMELY helpful! especially from this blog!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

down to earth, real chicks. we’ve all done something to alter ourselves because we thought that that was what society wanted, but now we’re doing things our way and for ourselves…

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

um, there is a community for everything…lol, but i dont think that there should be a “community,” it should just be regular women who want to have our textured/curly hair back…why should we be defined as a “community?”

Reply

? ? [m a r i . b e e]. ? 11 May 2009 at 1:44 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

pretty good! my last relaxer was august 08…the first couple of months were really hard, however, because i didn’t know about protective styling…plus i didn’t want to do the big chop, sooo, ya lol. now that i’ve found protective styles and my hair is growing like i want it to, everything is fine. my mom didn’t want me to transition before and tempted me with relaxers, but i stuck with it! i plan to cut off my relaxed ends in maybe 1 or 2 years….

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

the “scary” stuff is a little too much! lol i understand that we need to be more careful about our hair now that it is natural, but i sort of feel like the products i use work, so i’m still skeptical about that…otherwise everything i’ve learned about was EXTREMELY helpful! especially from this blog!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

down to earth, real chicks. we’ve all done something to alter ourselves because we thought that that was what society wanted, but now we’re doing things our way and for ourselves…

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

um, there is a community for everything…lol, but i dont think that there should be a “community,” it should just be regular women who want to have our textured/curly hair back…why should we be defined as a “community?”

Reply

? ? [m a r i . b e e]. ? 11 May 2009 at 1:44 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

pretty good! my last relaxer was august 08…the first couple of months were really hard, however, because i didn’t know about protective styling…plus i didn’t want to do the big chop, sooo, ya lol. now that i’ve found protective styles and my hair is growing like i want it to, everything is fine. my mom didn’t want me to transition before and tempted me with relaxers, but i stuck with it! i plan to cut off my relaxed ends in maybe 1 or 2 years….

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

the “scary” stuff is a little too much! lol i understand that we need to be more careful about our hair now that it is natural, but i sort of feel like the products i use work, so i’m still skeptical about that…otherwise everything i’ve learned about was EXTREMELY helpful! especially from this blog!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

down to earth, real chicks. we’ve all done something to alter ourselves because we thought that that was what society wanted, but now we’re doing things our way and for ourselves…

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

um, there is a community for everything…lol, but i dont think that there should be a “community,” it should just be regular women who want to have our textured/curly hair back…why should we be defined as a “community?”

Reply

? ? [m a r i . b e e]. ? 11 May 2009 at 1:44 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

pretty good! my last relaxer was august 08…the first couple of months were really hard, however, because i didn’t know about protective styling…plus i didn’t want to do the big chop, sooo, ya lol. now that i’ve found protective styles and my hair is growing like i want it to, everything is fine. my mom didn’t want me to transition before and tempted me with relaxers, but i stuck with it! i plan to cut off my relaxed ends in maybe 1 or 2 years….

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

the “scary” stuff is a little too much! lol i understand that we need to be more careful about our hair now that it is natural, but i sort of feel like the products i use work, so i’m still skeptical about that…otherwise everything i’ve learned about was EXTREMELY helpful! especially from this blog!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

down to earth, real chicks. we’ve all done something to alter ourselves because we thought that that was what society wanted, but now we’re doing things our way and for ourselves…

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

um, there is a community for everything…lol, but i dont think that there should be a “community,” it should just be regular women who want to have our textured/curly hair back…why should we be defined as a “community?”

Reply

? ? [m a r i . b e e]. ? 11 May 2009 at 1:44 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

pretty good! my last relaxer was august 08…the first couple of months were really hard, however, because i didn’t know about protective styling…plus i didn’t want to do the big chop, sooo, ya lol. now that i’ve found protective styles and my hair is growing like i want it to, everything is fine. my mom didn’t want me to transition before and tempted me with relaxers, but i stuck with it! i plan to cut off my relaxed ends in maybe 1 or 2 years….

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

the “scary” stuff is a little too much! lol i understand that we need to be more careful about our hair now that it is natural, but i sort of feel like the products i use work, so i’m still skeptical about that…otherwise everything i’ve learned about was EXTREMELY helpful! especially from this blog!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

down to earth, real chicks. we’ve all done something to alter ourselves because we thought that that was what society wanted, but now we’re doing things our way and for ourselves…

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

um, there is a community for everything…lol, but i dont think that there should be a “community,” it should just be regular women who want to have our textured/curly hair back…why should we be defined as a “community?”

Reply

? ? [m a r i . b e e]. ? 11 May 2009 at 1:44 am Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?

pretty good! my last relaxer was august 08…the first couple of months were really hard, however, because i didn’t know about protective styling…plus i didn’t want to do the big chop, sooo, ya lol. now that i’ve found protective styles and my hair is growing like i want it to, everything is fine. my mom didn’t want me to transition before and tempted me with relaxers, but i stuck with it! i plan to cut off my relaxed ends in maybe 1 or 2 years….

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?

the “scary” stuff is a little too much! lol i understand that we need to be more careful about our hair now that it is natural, but i sort of feel like the products i use work, so i’m still skeptical about that…otherwise everything i’ve learned about was EXTREMELY helpful! especially from this blog!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?

down to earth, real chicks. we’ve all done something to alter ourselves because we thought that that was what society wanted, but now we’re doing things our way and for ourselves…

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?

um, there is a community for everything…lol, but i dont think that there should be a “community,” it should just be regular women who want to have our textured/curly hair back…why should we be defined as a “community?”

Reply

Black girl with long hair 11 May 2009 at 3:21 pm Permalink

this feedback is so interesting!!! keep the comments coming!

Reply

HeyU! 11 May 2009 at 3:32 pm Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?
IT HASN’T BEEN THAT BAD- I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED LEARNING ABOUT MY HAIR. I JUST BC’D LAST NIGHT AT 11PM. I TRANSITIONED ABOUT 9 MONTHS. I AM STILL IN SHOCK.

2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?
WAY TOO MUCH INFO. SOMETIMES IT’S CONTRADICTORY WHICH DOESN’T HELP. BUT, FOR THE MOST PART THE REPUTABLE SITES/BLOGS REPEAT THE SAME USEFUL INFO OVER AND OVER. THAT IS USUALLY THE ADVICE I HEED.

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?
EVERYONE HAS BEEN REALLY HELPFUL. SO GLAD FOR BLOGS LIKE THIS ONE.

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?
YES. WE ARE DEFINITEY A COMMUNITY BUT THERE ARE DIFFERENT SUBSECTS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY- LIKE 100% VEGAN/ORGANIC, DRED HEADS, NO-CONES-PETROLEUM-PARABEN, IF IT WORKS I WILL USE IT REGARDLESS OF THE INGREDIENTS CROWD, CONSERVATIVE, NO STRAIGHTENING ETC. WE ARE ALIKE IN SO MANY WAYS AND DIVERSE AT THE SAME TIME.

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Gia 11 May 2009 at 3:50 pm Permalink

1. How has your transition to natural hair been so far?
–transitioning was ok. it was scry and frustrating and yet bery exciting…I learned a lot during the 6 months of transitioning (BC- Jan 2009)
2. When it comes to the online natural hair community (blogs, websites, forums, etc) is there too much information out there or too little?
–definitely a lot. too much? I don’t know if I’d say there is too much. I think because of all of our differences, there has to be a lot so we can help each other out. e.g. after I figured out my texture and hair needs, i realized that although I love reading stories and updates on certain blogs it was not for me, because the needs for her hair was completely different from mine. then of course, there are general information blogs and i like the idea of having many options!

3. What is your impression of the natural hair community (online and in real life) so far?
–so far, its cool. I just got involved (online) about 8 months ago so I’m still lurking in most places…I don’t have an online community in real life..my sister and I are trying to support (more like in sisterly competition) but other than her, my cousin is my only other community.

4. And, do you think it’s still necessary to define natural women as a “community”?
–I think its fine. there are some down sides, as there is with everything, but I know its a blessing to come some place and not only *see* hair that looks like mine but also hear the complaints, succeses and failures. it instills hope. hope helps me get through when I’m like…”what the hec am I trying to do/prove?”. I’m sure I’m not the only one…its up to us who are a part of the community to not let this be our sole defining factor because each woman holds so much more than ‘natural’ or ‘transitioning’ or even ‘relaxed’. Oh! I also like the wealth of knowledge…I’m a nerd and when I have a new hobby, I love being truly educated about it! my hair (natural) is definitely my new hobby/obsession.

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iffy 11 May 2009 at 7:46 pm Permalink

1. it has been okish. din’t really know what to expect so i didn’t get disappointed.

and yeah to blackgirllonghair, i finally cut off my last inchof relaxed hair in my eighth month of transitioning(2 weeks ago) yay me.

2. there’s a LOT of info but like some other naturals said, some of them are contradictory but i’ve tried what i can. i know i’ve learned so much.

3. although i think the natural hair community is great and i like all the info i get, i think that some people take it to the extreme.

4. technicallly we are a community(at least until natural hair becomes common among black women), but it’s not necessary because there’s no relaxed hair commmunities or weaved up communities or vegetarian communities or darked skinned ladies communities… u get my point right?

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Anonymous 15 May 2009 at 9:15 pm Permalink

1. I am having an ok time with the transition. Due to color breakage I have had to cut my hair to 3″ long with 1 1/2″ of new growth. I have been wearing cornrowed styles and now have box braids. Not brave enough for big chop.

2. I have found a lot of online support. Product suggestions, hairstyles, what to expect, what not to expect and how to love and care for what grows out of YOUR head.

3. I find the community to be like any other, diversified in opinion and full of its own bias and code of honor. I appreciate the entire spectrum.

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