??? Question of the Day ??? Do you have any suggestions for a short grow out phase??

Question received via email:

Your hair is beautiful. I recently did the big chop and like you I felt like I was under the microscope. I did something awful though and ran out and got a perm. It's in a pixie cut now but the back is still curly. I have 4A/4B hair and I only put a Soft and Beautiful kit in for about 5 minutes but the front came out straight. I don't think I can handle cutting it all off because I'm pretty heavy and I already feel self-conscious. Do you have any suggestions for a short grow out phase? The top is about 2.5 inches and the back is about an inch in a Halle Style...not as straight and kind of nappy. I've just been gelling it and using Shea Butter.

Response from barbaranaturallyspeaking:  Thank you for your complement.    I definitely remembered feeling like I was being watched when I first big chopped.  People asked why did I cut off my hair and gave me some under eye disapproving looks.  I felt quite uncomfortable when I first big chopped and only had 6 inches of hair.  It was tough, so I definitely understand how you went back to what you knew and that was maintenance with a perm.  It sounds like you only left it in for 5 minutes so you got the effects of a texturizer, which is a slight relaxing of the curl pattern, which straightened your front section out.  You will need to grow it out as you mentioned since your hair has been chemically altered.  I will suggest keeping your hair conditioned and try to stay away from heat or additional chemicals while growing your hair out again.  I may not be the best person to ask because I transitioned for 14 months and I didn't learn to master hair at the 2.5 inch length.  I still can give you what I believe I would try.  For example the photo above is a picture of me during my transition (14 months).  I frequently flat twisted the front of my hair and then used perm rod rollers to roll the back of my hair.  Your hair still has a curl pattern in the back, so you may be able to continue to do what you're doing to the back section of your hair.  Cleansing (sulfate free, cowashing, or whatever your hair likes for cleansing).  Add some oil and/ or gel to further enhance the curl pattern in the back and let it air dry.  You can then add small perm rod rollers or use straws to create a similar curl pattern to the longer, straighter front section of your hair.  This style can blend the 2 textures to give all of your hair a curly look.  Gel also sets the hair for roller sets, or you could use a setting lotion.  Sets are low maintenance and you don't have to manipulate the hair much on a daily basis.  You can try creating waves in the top portion of your hair and then letting the back remain curly.  Another option is to form 2 strand twists all over just to experiment with the final result.  Your hair in the front may be too straight to remain twisted but it's worth a try, and if it doesn't work out you'll have gained the experience of practicing twists and can revisit this style once your hair is back to it's natural texture.  Last but not least be encouraged, and tell yourself that you're beautiful daily.  Just remember if you don't believe it, nobody else will.  Does any one else have any suggestions for going through a short grow out phase?  


Just Speaking...