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| MIzani Sensitive Scalp Butter Blends Relaxer done by Stylist |
Exactly 3 months shy of my 1 year natural anniversary, I relaxed for many reasons that should be obvious if you've been following my natural hair journey. I wrote an "I'm going to relax soon" blog about 5 times over the past couple of months, but have been fighting and debating with myself. But, once I made up my mind it was going to happen, I decided not to post so that you guys won't try to talk me out of it. LOL
The main reason I decided to relax has to do with maintenance and my preference to wear my hair showing length. I've spent a lot of time and money this past year simply trying to hide my hair to retain length. While I liked most of my styles, I simply prefer to wear my own hair.
While I prefer to go without a relaxer, I'm not hell-bent on being relaxer-free. It's always been about hair style to me. I didn't have any problem with relaxers, I just had a bad relaxer.
Regrets?I don't have any regrets. This was a great experience and I have a lot of learned lessons.
Will I ever be natural again? Absolutely. I would just DEFINITELY be a long-term transitioner. I won't go through the hair anorexia I experienced which was the main motivation for all of these extension styles I've gone through.
Best Part of My Experience...
Is that I'm not longer intimidated by my natural hair. I no longer feel like I need a relaxer. I had extreme versatility with my hair just in the beginning stages of my journey. I guess you can say that I got the kinks out of my mind.
I'm definitely going to miss my coils. I loved playing in my hair! But, I just need to start from scratch, learn from my mistakes and move forward with whatever it is I plan to do. This has been slightly stressful - and it shouldn't be. So, that's why I know I made the right choice for me.
What's next?
I'm going back to my relaxed regimen and will be using my salon quality products and my tried and true staples. I had a solid regimen down so I'll just be returning to that.
Thanks to everyone for following my natural hair journey! I'm still going to be stalking your blogs and being jealous of your hair and I hope you'll stay with me!
<3
23 comments:
Your hair is beautiful it looks healthy! How often will you relax? How will you maintain your hair at night? Will you still use natural hair products on your hair? Can you update to give scalp and hair texture updates?
what type of relaxer did you use? did you do a protein treatment before hand? did you do it yourself or go to a professional? i plan on relaxing in june after a 12 month stretch. i usually do it myself but i am scared now because its soooo much ng!
@dt - Thank you! I'm going to relax when I get about an inch of growth - so around 9/10 weeks. I will wrap or pincurl at night. I will only add product if I need it. I am using salon quality products. Natural ingredients didn't play well with my hair when I was previously relaxed. I will continue to do hair updates!
@toya - My stylist did my relaxer with Mizani Butter Blends sensitive scalp. I was DC'd with moisture and protein mixed together under the dryer for 20 minutes after neutralizing. I didn't do anything to my hair prior to going. It was still straightened from the week before. With that much growth, I would go to a stylist or at least work in 4 sections separately. It'll take forever but you may get more consistent processing.
I love your hair either way. I'm glad that you base your decisions on how you feel and your needs. I really appreciate your hair journey and the thinks that you've taught us both natural and relaxed.
I love your hair. It looks great. I know you'll be back to APL in a month or so!
@toya- If I may add, the longest I've stretched was 26weeks. I would suggest you have someone else do it. I did it myself and like you I was apprehensive. I ended up underprocessed. Congrats on your stretch. I would love to see all of your ng. Are you on H2T?
Awww, well, to each is their own. Your hair looks great relaxed too! =D
thanks eryn and laqt. i will probably get some one else to do it because the last couple of times i did it myself i did underprocess (which wasn't a big deal to me). and yes i am on h2t under the same name. idk how to add a pic up here.
Your hair looks so healthy and beautiful and I have enjoyed following your relaxed and natural journey!!! Keep up the great work :-)
Thanks for the support ladies!
Your relaxed hair looks so great and healthy!
Your hair is really gorgeous! I completely understand because I am in the same boat. I won't relax until my hair gets longer, though. I want to stretch my relaxers for as long as I can.
Your hair is beautiful :)
After two years of being natural, I got a relaxer one month ago so I completely understand how you feel. My stylist was wonderful and put my mind at ease! Your hair looks great and I will definetly continue to follow your journey.
Whuuut aint nobody told me nothing!! LOL!! No seriously, you know you are supported in whatever you decide to do. And regardless...your hair is beautiful. The key to beautiful hair IMO is health. You've mastered the art of how to take care of your own hair and thats what matters most! Good luck to you chica!
I was just on the forum and saw your siggy, I had to look at the date, I feel so out of the loop!
Your hair looks great, I remember your relaxed hair from back in the day and how gorgeous it was. I will continue to follow to see where your journey takes you next.
Awwww. Well hey, it is up to you, and if you like your hair relaxed, then you liked your hair relaxed! It looks cute.
healthy, shiny and strong! what's not to love? don't ever worry! i'm a fan forever!
I'm late but wanted to tell you that your hair looks gorgeous! I'm not just into natural hair, I'm just into healthy hair so of course I'm still with you chica. :)
Looking GOOD MISS! I look forward to following this journey.
Hey Eryn! I've been MIA for a while & just caught up with your posts. Your hair looks great. The great thing about hair in general is that its versatile. Did you relax it yourself? Which relaxer did you decide on? - sorry for all the questions.
Erny please disregard my questions, they were answered in your newer posts. ;-)
Are you still doing the brazillian keratin treatment? Where can I purchase the one you used? Did it help your hair to grow? Was it Marcia Teixteira? Do you have any other advice for me using the product?
Anonymous - I haven't used BKT in a year. It doesn't help with hair growth, it's a strengthening treatment that helps with retention. I used QOD Max and if you Google it, I'm sure you'll find places to buy it. I've shared all I know about my experience in the Brazilian Keratin Treatment page at the top of the blog. There is a FAQ that supplements the YouTube video there.
I did not realize you chose to relax...I had not been by your fotki for awhile, I guess...it looks very shiny and thick....you've had healthy relaxed hair before so I am sure you will thrive. I like your candid and open approach to hair. Happy 4th!
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