NHE Journal
Written by Lorri Dorce Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:00
Permanent Decision to go Natural
11/16/2007 – I decided to never again get a chemical relaxer. These are non-edited photos of me missing my first six week relaxer appointment. I settled for a shampoo and flat-twist set instead. I actually kept the "shampoo and flat-twist set" method up every two weeks in a salon for the next couple of months.
Written by Lorri Dorce Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:00
Make way for New Growth
12/2007 – My new growth is starting to show itself. I’m confident and anxiously awaiting the “real me” to show up. This is almost 3 months without a relaxer. I'm still visiting the salon every two weeks for the flat-twist set. I'm sure these pics were in that 2nd week :) I've NEVER openly gone this long without a relaxer or braids or something.
Written by Lorri Dorce Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:00
Honeymoon period over
01/2008 – Okay, things are getting a little bit out of control. I can’t fake this one. This transition thing is about to get the best of me. Thank God, I was born with a sense of humor because friends, family and spouses can be quite critical during these times. Beware, this is like a metamorphosis…
Written by Lorri Dorce Monday, 09 March 2009 00:00
The Big Chop
Last moments of the relaxer...en route to the salon!
I was done with the whole "transition" thing and was ready to fully commit to the real texture that lived underneath all that relaxed hair. I had also become even more curious about my natural hair since it was elementary school (3rd grade) when we were last acquainted.
I went through this process with a handful of friends that were bold enough to make lifestyle changes that did not coincide with the masses but were more in line with their hearts. So, we were "Big Chopping" within weeks of each other - what a movement!
Written by Lorri Dorce Sunday, 08 March 2009 00:00
The first six months after my Big Chop was a very new experience. Getting used to a new look and a different method of taking care of my hair.
2 mos later...on a family vacation
3 mos later...a friend's wedding
6 mos later...a date with my husband
Written by Lorri Dorce Saturday, 07 March 2009 00:00
As you can see, I've come full circle with the whole experience. I am very confident and comfortable knowing that the "me" that people see is the real "me" inside and out. And I must add that being natural does have its priviledges in being able to rock very versatile hairstyles (ie. afros, flat-twists, twist-outs, cross-textures and even pressed and curled).
Thank you for sharing My Journey with me. I hope my story serves as an inspiration to those considering or experiencing the transition.
With So Much Love,
LD