So I did it. Took that first step towards transitioning my hair.

It started with a little trip to a health store to purchase some products hailed as essential in hair care routines and regimes. These products were heralded for their extra special restorative properties and so this pilgrimage to Baldwin's on the Walworth Road was as  hopeful as it was necessary.

I was armed with my list. Avocado oil and Sweet Almond oil for moisture. Jojoba oil for healing damaged and broken hair. Castor oil for conditioning. And some vegetable glycerin as a good moisture retentive measure. I was also sure to stop by the local beauty supply shop for a new satin bonnet (supposedly laced with hair growing properties), a versatile “magic” scarf for alternative protective styling, and a spray bottle.

I returned home- excited to begin my hair journey at last. I stepped into chemist mode and began concocting my new hair recipes. At the end of 20 minutes, I had not only a hair oil, but also a leave-in conditioning spray.

Now to tackle the hair. I enlisted my mum's help to unravel the weave I had been wearing for the past six weeks, and braced myself for the horror that I assumed awaited me. Hmmn... not too bad. A little dry, and thick at the roots (signs of new growth I assume) and in great need of moisture. I coated my hair in conditioner and covered in a shower cap for half an hour to allow my strands to soften, since I had learnt that combing already dry hair with a comb is often a recipe for disaster. I doused my hair with water, then proceeded to run a wide tooth comb through my needy locks. Then I shampooed my locks with a diluted moisturizing shampoo. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to reassure you, a diluted shampoo is just as effective as an undiluted shampoo. Furthermore, it’s less harsh on your hair, since it strips less of the oils your hair needs to retain health and moisture. Anyway, shampoo was followed by a second dose of conditioner, a rinse, and a spray of  my homemade leave-in conditioner.

I blow-dried my hair until it was semi-damp, and began the process of sectioning off my hair into about 12 medium sized sections. I coated each one with the oil mixture, twisted each, then created bantu knots which were secured with an wlastic. Once done, each knot got a spritz of the leave-in conditioner, and my hair was allowed to dry overnight. The satin bonnet was used to ensure smooth non-frizzy strands.

The next morning, I released the knots. I was quite surprised at what I found. I had some kind of mini-curly fro thing. Quite curly in-fact. I ran some coconut oil through to separate the curls and to add more moisture , and went about my day.

Time to begin fluff week.