Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
My name is Nicole. I’m a married mother of 3, who is quiet by nature, friendly, observant, loyal and an easy-going person.

What prompted your decision to go natural?
About 10 months after I had my first child, I experienced a lot of shedding. Then came the breakage along the left side of my nape area where it broke off completely. It felt like my hair was thinning and it was confirmed when I had to loop my the band around my hair 3 times when I put it in a pony tail. It was bothering me, because I had long hair for as long as I could remember. My hair is my crown and glory and I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong. I incurred so much damage that my stylist had to cut my hair into a bob (first cut was chin length and the second cut was at the cheek) within an 8 month period. I didn’t know what caused the problem with my hair. I asked myself was it my diet or stress? So, in the meantime, my friend Tiffany was transitioning and I was contemplating with myself saying, maybe I need a fresh start, but I was still unsure. I told myself I would give it 1 year and then I’ll decide to either go natural or return back to relaxing my hair.

How long did you transition before you big chopped?
1 year.

When and how did you big chop?
June 1, 2012 is when I did my big chop and I did it myself.

How did you feel immediately before and immediately after your big chop?
A mix of fear and excitement. My heart was pounding!

How do you feel now?
In AWE. I never saw myself with a TWA. I’m glad that I never have to duck the rain or worry about limp, lifeless hair. This is the most spontaneous things I’ve done thus far.

What is your current regimen? Go to products?
I’m still developing a hair care regimen and still testing different hair products, so I don’t have any staple products yet. So far, I DC once a week with my current DC, which is Sof’nfree Nothing But Intense Hair Mask. I co-wash twice a week with Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner, then use a leave-in conditioner, either Cream of Nature Organic Lemongrass & Rosemary leave-in or Cantu Shea Butter Leave -In.

What are your hair plans/goals?
To retain length, learn how to style my own hair and find what products my hair likes.

Do you have a hair crush? If so, who and why?
Rachel True from the TV Show Half & Half. Her auburn coils are shaped so perfectly. Also, Tia and Tamera Mowry in their Sister, Sister TV show days. I always admired their hair. And Elle Varner; she has envious ringlets and volume.

Who is your favorite natural blogger, youtuber and/or fotkier and why?
I watch Jazzybee445, she makes a great natural moisturizing spray. Naptural 85, excellent DIY hairstyles and tips. And Fgrogan. Although she’s not natural, she does long relaxer stretches. She’s quiet informative and has an inspiring hair journey. Also Curlynikki, and now Hairscapades, are my go-tos for information.

Anything else that you would like to add?
Yes. I’m looking forward to a new beginning with my hair and also doing the same with my daughters’ hair. I hope to achieve my ultimate hair goal to be BSL. Also, I met you at the Meet-up at Pooka Boutique with one of my besties, Tiffany Millican. She’s been encouraging me to take better care of my hair and ditch the chemicals.

Tiffany (left); Nicole pre-BC (right)