Check out the HairStory of Rece, one of our Hairscapades GOCers, who just recently big chopped!

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Describe yourself in 20 words or less.
My name is Sherece, Rece for short. I’m a Registered Nurse by day and natural hair junkie by night.

What prompted your decision to go natural?
I was the girl who said I would never go natural. I was addicted to the creamy crack. Even before my hair was relaxed, I loved straight hair. I would always beg my mother to blow dry my hair straight as I was growing up. Ultimately, I decided to go natural because the relaxer was killing my hair. It had gotten so thin, it was unrecognizable to me. Yeah, my strands of hair looked healthy, but there were just so few of them.

I originally didn’t decide to go natural. I just said I was taking an extended break from relaxing. After about 6 months without a relaxer, I decided (in my mind) to go natural. I didn’t tell anyone, just in case I decided to go back on my word.

I’m super happy with my decision to go natural and now I still have the option to straighten my hair or wear it curly. The versatility is everything to me!

How long did you transition before you big chopped?
16.5 loooonnnnggg months.

When and how did you big chop?
I just big chopped on July 22, 2011. I did it myself, in my bathroom with a pair of scissors. My natural hair and relaxed hair were so defined and completely different that it was easy to see exactly where to cut. I consider it a big chop because I cut off almost half of my hair. I know many people only consider it a big chop if you’re left with a caesar when the cutting is done, but let’s be real… it wasn’t a trim.

How did you feel immediately before and immediately after your big chop?
Immediately before my big chop, I kept trying to imagine myself with short hair. I tried to imagine the styles I would have. I’ve never had short hair before, so not only would I be adjusting to my natural texture, but I’d be adjusting to a new length. Once I made up my mind to big chop, I was ready for it.

I expected to miss the length of my hair after I cut it, but I can honestly say that I don’t miss it. I absolutely love long hair and I’m not planning to keep my hair short, but I’d rather have short hair for a period of time so that I can have long, HEALTHY hair. As soon as I put the scissors down, I thought it looked great. It was standing up and it was wild.

How do you feel now?
No regrets! I feel fabulous. I’m still working on short, natural hairstyles. I’ve always been a big hair person, so it’s only a matter of time before I come up with a style that’s cute.

What is your current regimen? Go to products?
I wash my hair with a sulfate free shampoo. I’ve been using DevaCurl/DevaCare No Poo or Kinky Curly Come Clean. I condition my hair with either DevaCurl/DevaCare One Conditioner or Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap Balancing Conditioner. I rinse the conditioner out completely under cold water. I apply Kinky Curly Knot Today as a leave-in (if you haven’t tried this product yet, what are you waiting for?). I seal my hair with extra virgin olive oil or castor oil. I always sleep with my satin bonnet. I’ve learned that for my hair, less is more. My hair doesn’t need a ton of products and oils. When I start to do too much, my hair reacts. When I keep it simple, my hair feels its best.

What are your hair plans/goals?
Now that I’ve rid myself of the relaxed ends, my goal is “Waist length or bust!” like you! I can’t wait to have long, full, healthy hair. My short-term goal is shoulder length hair all around.

Do you have a hair crush? If so, who and why?
I have so many hair crushes, it’s hard to name just one! My celebrity hair crush is definitely Jill Scott. Her hair is amazing! Do you see how BIG it is?!

Who is your favorite natural blogger, youtuber and/or fotkier and why?
My favorite natural blogger is you Shelli! I love that you update daily. I feel like a stalker because we’re both up early and I usually comment right after you post. LOL.

My favorite YouTuber is TiaShauntee. She creates unique styles and has beautiful hair.

My favorite Fotkier is ForeverCurlyCatrina.  After I saw pics of her hair, I was inspired to cut off my relaxed ends. Her hair is just gorgeous no matter what she does with it.

Where can we find you online?
http://ahairstory.wordpress.com/

Anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks for the opportunity to share my stories and pics. Also, thanks for the encouragement and support over the past few months.

Transitioning isn’t easy, but it’s sooooo worth it.