GETTING STARTED

     While abandoning the little jars of chemical environed relaxers has come easy to many black women (most who have been natural all their lives), this task can have its pros and cons for others.  Since there are different ways to taking the leap towards the "natural you", I figured we would start the first discussion assessing the positive and negative aspects of the BIG CHOP (BC) and Transitioning.
    
     THE BIG CHOP
     This term is self explanatory.  Chop it all off and start all over.  When individuals choose the BC it usually symbolizes a fresh start.  Though the BC looks like it may leave little room for creativity and individuality, many have embraced their short hair with edgy hair cuts and funky accessories!

     THE TRANSITION

     This path to naturality is one I have walked a couple of times.  Here one just simply stops relaxing her hair until the relaxed hair can eventually be cut out without the individual losing length.  Transitioners may face a couple of challenges such as handling the two contrasting hair textures and the long span of time it takes to grow ones hair to a comfortable length before cutting the perm.  However, these speed bumps can be driven over smoothly with innovative approaches.

So readers, I and other inquiring minds would like to know: 

Which path did you take to your natural hair and what all did the curvy road entail?