On Sunday, June 17, I made it to 4 months post relaxer. Time is flying by quickly. My hair has made a lot of progress over the past 4 months. As I was reflecting over the weekend, I became aware of how comfortable I am with my hair in a 'curly' state. I also remember the days, when I would wake up with horrific looking braid/twist outs. Now that's a thing of the past! I rarely have a bad hair day. I have to admit, when I first started transitioning, I went through an 'akward stage'. My hair was very damaged during this time. This damage was caused from the years of abusive relaxers. I during my 2nd month of transitioning, I made a commitment to discontinue the usage of heat on my hair. From 2 months post, I began following the Curly Girl Method. I also purchased the book. A month later, and fell in love! I liked the idea of not using sulfates and silicone on my hair. Once I began following the 'CG' method, I decided to cut out all other products with ingredients that were 'deemed' harmful for the body. Products with 95%-100% natural ingredients became my staples.
Even though I am officially 4 months post, I honestly did not think I would make it this far. The Natural Hair Movement first peaked my interest back in 2009. I was learning new terminology, concepts, and reasons why women were growing out or cutting off the 'creamy crack'. I tried to transition about 3 times before I actually decided to make the official change. I am completely unattached from my 'creamy crack' days. From time to time, I do 'crave' having my hair straightened, but I do not want to risk the chances of damaging my natural hair growing in. I'm a retired VIP product junkie. When I was still relaxing, I would try every product under the sun. Now, I ONLY purchase products, which I have considered my staples. I save more money on hair care products than I did in the past. I only repurchase items I need, every 3-4 months.
My transitioning styles currently consist of braid/twist outs and buns. I am not a fan of braided or twisted styles close to the scalp. My hair/scalp is very sensitive. I only had extensions with braids once in my life. I never had a weave or wig ever. I just prefer my own hair. My goal is to cut my remaining permed ends off at 8-10 months post relaxer. However, the longest amount of time I will transition is at 12 months (1 year post). I would say, I have about 2 inches of new growth, close to 3 inches. My strands of new growth are springy small curls/coils towards the back of my ears. The top of my hair has slightly larger curls. I can roughly say, I may have a 3c/4a mix of curls/coils. The middle of my hair has about the same texture has the top of my hair. My nap area, has a mix of loose and coily curls (I say 4a but the texture is not as silky the rest of my hair). I began snipping off relaxed hair since day one of my transitioning. I literally, cut off locks of hair where the two textures are visible. I started with behind my ear, to see what my natural hair would look like. Then I cut off relaxed ends where I had damaged hair and pieces towards my hairline. I have a lot of hair, so I really didn't look crazy by doing this. This helped me become one with my hair and accept what my natural hair is to be in the future.
My summer hair care goals consist of keeping a balance between moisture/protein, less trimming (I would like to have my hair a little past shoulder length), and keeping my hair care routine simple. Personally, in the past I have been one for doing 'too' much with my hair. Lately, I have been keeping my regimen pretty basic. I wash my hair weekly, condition, set my hair in braids/twist nightly, for curly style in the morning. On my lazy days, I wear a bun or a curly pony puff. I also try do a pre-treatment or protein treatment monthly. When I first started transitioning, I use to co wash my hair at least 2-3 times week. It became too much. I learned to use less product and incorporate drinking and using more water on my hair to keep my scalp clean, and my hair refreshed. One thing I do not do daily is detangling. I do not detangle my hair daily. My hair has grown in volume. I find that I lose more hair by doing this. If I want to get tangles out I use water or a moisturizer. On wash day, I do DO NOT detangle my hair before washing. I run my hair over luke warm water and finger detangle my hair.
I can not wait until I am at 5 months post I am looking forward to seeing more curls/coils sprouting up from my scalp. I think during my 5th month post, I am cutting at least 2 inches of hair off. I may or may not straighten my hair for this. I may use a blow dryer on cool or warm to do a blow out and trim. I know heat is not the enemy but my hair has picked up in health by eliminating it from styling my hair. One day though, I will return to using heat occasionally. But for now, I am #teamnoheat! Once your past the 3rd month mark, it's a wonderful experience in knowing your almost at the finish line. Take care everyone!
Last edited June 25, 2012
