When I first went natural in 2009 I did things all wrong and I'm happy to say that in 2012(sheesh time flies) I finally learned from my mistakes. If I knew then what I know now I would have waist length hair but instead I chose the hard route! Let me explain, after my (first) BC I was highly unrealistic about my hair and what it was capable of (length, texture, etc). I also was not interested in really learning about my kinks and coils until a year or 2 down the line. Those who have followed the blog for a while have witnessed my ever changing mane first hand. I was always "in my hair," never really protective styling, not very confident with my TWA and I was constantly coloring it. When I would get a good amount of length I would mess in it (out of excitement and impatience) and my hair would literally fall out. I was not careful or gentle with my fragile strands; that was lesson one, be GENTLE.
Photo taken today, 2/4/2014, all of my glory.
I am thrilled to report that after years of ups and downs with my hair, I have finally learned something: leave it the hell alone. Flowers do not bloom when rushed or poorly taken care of, neither will hair. Rewind to March of 2012: I got my 2nd BC and was determined to do things right. For almost the entire first half of the year I wore twists, let my color grow out and tried to find ways to allow my hair to flourish. I was introduced to HeatFreeHair that Winter and got my first weave install from them not too long after. Ngozi, the owner, wanted to embark on a journey with me--a one year protective style journey, with her new brand, that changed my life. I honestly did not think I was patient (there's that word again) enough but I did it. During 2013 I wore my hair twisted or weaved up. Practicing that patience was worth it. Every 8-12 weeks I would re-install my PS's even when I did not want to. Today I am reaping the benefits of my hard work and endurance. In between wearing my HeatFreeHair installs I would wear my twists. Nothing was going to keep my from my goal and protective styling was a Godsend.
(You can see a growth comparison pic HERE)
From last week's trim 1/30/14 (It did NOT last long.)
Last week I took out my last install and was greeted with thick healthy hair! My hair had been in PS's for 56 weeks. Words can't describe how pumped I was! After washing and DC'ing it was clear that I needed a little trim. (Side Note: technically he dusted my ends. I didn't really have many splits because I trimmed my own hair 12 weeks prior). I was terrified to go back to a hair salon after countless bad experiences but it needed to be done. Plus, I really wanted to see what my hair looked like straightened.
Luckily, I found a stylist who not only took care of my hair nicely, but listened to my concerns before touching it. He got the talk from me: "Please, no heat damage or no chopping my hair off and calling it a trim, etc..." Thankfully, when he was done flat ironing and trimming, I was in awe. He gently and carefully turned my kinky mane into what felt like satin. I could not believe that my hair had grown from a little 2 inch bush to this! AND I was able to retain most of length (between 8 and 10 inches). Through all of the mistakes I made prior to this I came to the realization that, like with anything, if we want good results we have to invest good energy, time and patience into whatever it is.
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