My Hair.....Is Me: Follower Friday: CY♥

Welcome to Follower Friday, where I will showcase the hair stories submitted by my wonderful followers, if I don't have a hair story, I will showcase a blog from my blog roll that I deem follow worthy!

If you would like to have your hair story showcased, please visit the Hair Story Submissions tab or simply email your hair story to MyHairIsMe@gmail.com.

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Follower CY♥, who just HAPPENS to be a DOVELY lady of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (Z-Phiiii) shares with us how her natural hair transitioning journey has been. She also has a blog that she kept while she was studying overseas! Check her out at: http://international-baby.blogspot.com/
I hope since she's back in the states, she will continue on her natural hair journey :o)

MHIM: How are you currently wearing your hair? If you are relaxed, are you planning to transition or do you plan to stay relaxed?

CY♥: I'm transitioning - my last relaxer was November 25, 2009. I've been wearing my hair in flexi rods, bantu knot outs, buns, roller sets, and flat twists. I've straightened (flat ironed) my hair twice since I decided to transition in January. I'm so in love with my new growth that even when it frustrates me I can't imagine relaxing it again.

MHIM: What is your hair routine? How often do you wash/style your hair? What products do you use the most? What do you do to your hair at night when it’s time for bed?

CY♥: Getting into a set routine has been kind of difficult for me, but basically I shampoo once or twice a month and I co-wash two or three times a week, depending on if I am shampooing that week or not. I deep condition (moisture or protein) every week and do a hot oil treatment every other week. I've also been trying pre-pooing... but I haven't been consistent with it.

I style my hair after I shampoo/co-wash so sometimes two or three times a week. I'm trying to get that down, though, to decrease manipulation.

The products I use the most would have to be water, avocado oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, my leave-in conditioner, and moisturizer (hair milk) from Curl Harmony (UK Based - but I will need to find a replacement when I leave London as the product/int'l shipping is expensive!) and HEHH - I love this!

For bed I either wear a scarf or satin cap depending on my style.

MHIM: Have you established hair goals or do you just go with the flow? If yes, what are some of your hair goals?

CY♥: Right now my goal is to transition for 18 months (so I have about 12 more to go!) because I don't want to BC & I would like my hair to be at least CL/NL before I cut all my relaxed ends off. However, I can get impatient and I've told myself that any time after my birthday (end of August) this year, I can BC... but I don't think that's likely . During my transition I just want to minimize breakage and encourage my natural hair to grow grow grow! I'm also trying to focus on growing my thin edges. In general, I just want my hair to be healthy, thick, and big! I'm not obsessed with length... any more.

MHIM: Is your hair color-treated? If so, did you do it yourself or did you have it professionally done? Any advice for other naturals considering color?

CY♥: I got my hair color treated (highlights) when I was relaxed about two years ago so that's still growing out. I had it professionally done. I'm interested in growing out and keeping my dark brown natural hair color, though I wouldn't shy away from color in the future.

MHIM: How has your natural experience been? Was it what you expected? Do you have a support system?

CY♥: So far, in telling people that I want to grow out my relaxer and embrace my natural hair people have been very supportive. My friends especially are "down with the movement" even if they're still with the creamy crack LOL. They've been great. My mother is kind of on the fence about it. She's been relaxing my hair since I was 11 about 3 or 4 times a year so she's a little surprised, but I guess I just have to show her that I can still take care of my hair & natural hair can be "neat" and "professional." I expected some backlash, especially from my family but I'm pretty strong willed so once I decide to do something, I stick to it regardless.

The YouTube & Blog community has really been my support system - I get so much great advice and interact with wonderful ladies who encourage me to love my hair and give me advice on how to take very good care of it.

MHIM: Have you had any negative encounters? If so, how did you handle them?

CY♥: I haven't had any really negative encounters so far. My mom's initial reaction was to ask if I wanted her to relax my hair when she came to visit me! LOL (she didn't make it over because of the volcano though ) Most people just say my hair is "cute" which is cool with me LOL. Some of my friends think (correctly) that I'm now obsessed with hair, but what can I say, I want healthy hair so I see it as a healthy obsession.