The Transition Experience

of Tawanda Robbins

 
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“I will NEVER; that’s right NEVER, will I go natural…”

I’ve had relaxed hair since the 3rd grade; I’ve never experienced the common talked about problems associated with relaxed hair, no breakage, no split ends, no knots, and no tangles. NEVER! 

December 2016 Shassity came highly recommended as I was seeking a hair care professional in close proximity to my home. My previous hair stylist recently switched me from a relaxer to a keratin treatment; as it was to be a healthier alternative.  I recall my first scheduled appointment with Shassity, we talked about my hair goals, her services and then somehow the conversation concluded with these words “You do not need a relaxer”. WHAT?! She then asked me to trust her and promised that I would love my hair. 

 Trust?!

 WAIT! NO big chop for me! How would I transition?  I already had short hair (by choice) I wasn’t ready for this. Shassity held my hand every step of the way and constantly reassured me of a great outcome.  I had regular trims, to remove the relaxer and each time after my shampoo or blow out I would look in the mirror and say NO, Absolutely NOT! Give me a relaxer! During this dreaded process I had a laundry list of nicknames for myself, including but not limited to,

  • Kevin Hart’s lil sister

  • Samuel L. Jackson’s character Carl Lee Hailey from the movie A Time to Kill. 

And to add insult to injury, my teen daughters called me:

  • Dej Loaf (urban rapper)

  • Freda (character from the television show Empire)

  •  “baby James Brown”.

Natural hair was not for me, and this transition wasn’t what I wanted! Somehow after each appointment, I would leave Shassity’s chair with a cute style and management instructions. The struggle was REAL and I wanted to return to the familiar.

Today I’m learning my hair, what works, what doesn’t, styling tips etc. And just like I said before, I will NEVER; that’s right NEVER, will I get a RELAXER or a Keratin.

My hair! I can’t believe this is my hair, and Shassity is right, I LOVE IT!