It is a great honor of mine to introduce one of my favorite bloggers who recently went natural! Toni Carey of Blackgirlsrun.com !

When did you start transitioning?

October 23, 2010 (my last relaxer). I big chopped on Jan. 15, 2011. 

What inspired you to transition?

My mom is a hair stylist in Nashville, my hometown. After getting married and moving to Virginia I was at a complete loss. After several visit to a local salon and being over processed and losing lots of hair, I decided it was time to do it. 

What are your staple products?

Since I’m just starting out, I don’t have many staple products. I love Queen Helene’s Cholesterol and protein for deep conditioning treatments. JoJoba oil for moisture and a “no poo” shampoo. 

What’s your regimen?   

I run and swim, so it varies. However I try not to shampoo my hair more than once a week. In between shampoos I co-wash (wash my hair with conditioner only). I’m also trying an Auyervedic regimen which uses a lot of herbs from Southwest Asia.   

What’s the hardest thing about transitioning?

The hardest thing about transitioning is my lack of patience. I know this is going to be a relatively long process, but I would love for it to be over with! 

Have you received any negative towards your decision to transition?

Everyone has been really supportive! Even my white co-workers are excited about it. My mom, however, is having a bit of trouble with it. She’s taken care of my hair all my life and thinks that this is just a phase everyone is going through. However, she’s been in the hair care business for years. She even remembers when getting relaxer was too expensive for her. She wore lots of wigs during her day. You have to remember the negative connotations afros and natural hair had in the 60s. 

Do you plan on big chopping or cutting the hair off gradually? 

I big chopped a few weeks ago. It was the best thing I could have done. I love it! 

What do you hope to achieve with you natural hair that you cannot achieve with your hair in its current state? 

I honestly don’t have any expectations. A lot of people think that going natural will require less maintenance, but whether your hair is natural or relaxed, your hair requires a lot of TLC.