When I started this journey, it wasn’t about growing my hair to the longest lengths, it was about having the healthiest hair possible on my head.
BC day- Nov 2011
I was suffering from Traction Alopecia, severe breakage, spot balding and more- all from stress, and years of mistreatment. I needed a change.
First time wearing my natural hair to work…
Immediately after I ‘Big Chopped,’ my hair was invigorated- it became thicker and stronger. I barely enjoyed the TWA (teeny weeny afro) stage, because I was learning so much about natural hair care, and trying styles all the time (which is why I created this blog- to keep track of everything!)
I tried EVERY style
In all that styling, and product trying I never took the time to enjoy each stage of the journey, and before I knew it, my Nappiversary (1 year natural) had arrived.
Nappiversary-Nov 2012
And now, with this weave protective style in my hair
I am strangely aware of the fact that I ‘know how to take care of my hair.’ I might make mistakes, or get lazy, but overall- I know what I’m doing. And that means that someday, with continued good habits, my hair could resemble the weave I wear now- I could have this length.
And I started missing my TWA.
I miss detangling in the shower with conditioner, I miss always wearing my hair out, I miss not worrying about if my hair was brushing my shoulders, etc….
I am proud of my growth, and look forward to continuing my journey- but wish I’d allowed myself to celebrate the entire journey, including the beginning.
For those of you newbie naturals, that have just stumbled across NapturalNicole.com, welcome- and remember, before long- you won’t be a newbie anymore.
Enjoy the journey.
-N.
How many of you have BC’ed more than once? Miss your TWA?
I can relate to this post. TWA meant getting my hair ready for bed took 2 minutes. Now I get my hair up and prep’d when I come home from work so I don’t have to worry about it when I’m tired and ready to sleep. Ooh the good old days. But I’m also at the point where I can see that my hair has flourished in the year since I Big Chopped and it’s satisfying to see that yes: I do know how to take care of my hair! Your curls look great
Thanks so much, your hair looks great too! 17 days until the Nappiversary!!! Good work!
I soooo miss the days of ‘get up and go!’ Whenever I get to that place (serious TWA missing)- I put my hair in a protective style and forget about it. 4-6 weeks later, I’m happy to see my curls again! Thanks for visiting the blog, and can’t wait to see your next update!
Unfortunately I never really got to enjoy this stage. I basically jumped from transitioning to shoulder length hair! I can relate in the sense that as my hair gets longer it definitely takes a longer time to detangle, wash, and style. Great post!