Thinking back to my decision in March of 2012, I’ve realized I was an idiot! Just kidding 😉 Seriously, I assumed that going natural would be inexpensive, especially since I didn’t have to give up $50+ every 6-8 weeks (depending upon the season) for a relaxer retouch. I must say, it hasn’t been quite that expensive, but all of the product sampling has tired me out 😉
Now, as for the “easy” part… Well, I hoped it would be easy. All I had to do was keep getting my hair straightened/flat ironed during the winter and wear my hair curly during the summer (lots of heat just like a relaxer without the chemical) and everything would be okay right? WRONG! Who knew that continuously applying direct heat would ruin my curl pattern slightly, especially on the ends? Yeah, everyone’s experience with “direct heat” is different, but it definitely didn’t work in my favor. So, eight months later and two rounds of braids, I can finally see some natural curling, but I know I have a long way to go.
So, this is what I’ve learned so far:
- Everyone’s hair is different. What works for someone else probably won’t work for me.
- Read product labels carefully! I prefer the ingredients in products that I use to be primarily organic as to not damage my hair (chemical free, no relaxer, remember). When in doubt, shop Whole Foods or another grocer who specializes in organic goods (doesn’t mean you have to purchase from there, but at least you know the product doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals).
- 3b, 3c, 4a, 25z… None of that hair coding stuff fully classifies my hair (I think I’m between a 3c and 4a; rephrase – I was told I was between a 3c and 4a).
- Direct heat is not my hair’s friend. The two just didn’t get along, and probably never will. In fact, if I want straight hair, I’m buying a wig.
- Know your primary reason for going natural. I wanted to wear my hair curly. If I wanted to wear permanently straight hair, I would’ve kept my hair relaxed.
- through 10. Did I mention everyone’s hair is different?
That reminds me. Don’t expect a lot of product reviews of hair products on this blog. The product either works really well, or it doesn’t work at all (yep, no grey area).
That being said, it’s late, and I have to go to work tomorrow. Hope you found my first post interesting enough to return and read more. This concludes my first post. Hello world!
