One week natural

So last night I went to my first social event since doing my big chop - a house party for one of my bestie's birthday. It was the first time most of my friends had seen my hair, and the first time my parents had seen my hair.

Earlier in the week I texted a picture to my mom and she called me back and said carefully, "I guess it's cute." I was more worried about what my dad would say. He is so old school and thinks anything that is not permed bone straight is unprofessional. Surprise, surprise, he loved it (or he was a really good actor)! My mom asked me "Can't you at least touch up your edges?" She makes me laugh.

My friends loved it. It's funny, I was telling one of my friends last night, I feel like I have a whole new found swagger in life and she said she feels the same way (she is natural too). Even though more and more women are going natural, here in Dallas it is still rare, and it's kind of fun to be unique.

Being a natural Day 3

This picture was so cute (if I do say so myself) that I figured I might as well come out of hiding and post it. This is day three of the two strand twist out that I had done after my big chop.

Last night I used Kinky Curly products on my hair, and after a couple more weeks use I will definitely be posting a review. So far so good, but I want to see how it holds up over a few days, etc.

So far I have to say that I love being natural! I was telling my friend today that I can't keep my hands out of my hair! At work I sit at my desk, playing with my curls. I am so silly!

Most of my coworkers went crazy over my hair, and of course there were a few that looked at me crazy yesterday. They didn't even try and hide it either. I think it's hilarious when someone with a busted head of hair wants to look at me funny, but hey, what can you do? I know I'm fly!

Stick straight hair vs. a buff body

I saw this article on Naturally Curly and thought it was cute. I can definitely relate since a fresh press would keep me from hitting the gym. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about this anymore. I am going to be super fine!

Big Chop

This morning, April 17 2010, I officially became natural!

All week I had been itching to do my big chop, but I couldn't decide if I should. I had a hair appointment, but the plan was to get my usual wash and press/flat iron. I was so tired of paying for a press when it would revert sometimes almost immediately after I left the salon. At best, it would last until the next time I worked out. What a waste of money!

So Friday afternoon I called my stylist and talked it over with her. I almost felt like she was discouraging me (but I later found out it was because she thought I had less new growth than I actually had). Her final words to me were "If you think you can rock it confidently, do it." I told her I would think it over and let her know my decision when I came to the salon.

This morning, I walked in and she asked my decision and I told her "Let's do it!" I had already taken out my braids and combed out all the shed hairs, so I was ready. She washed and deep conditioned it, sat me down in the chair, and asked if I was ready. Next thing I heard was snip, snip, snip! She was surprised at how little she had to cut. I had about 5-6 inches of natural hair. Here I was after the cut.



I decided that I wanted a little color, so I got a burgundy rinse put on. She then did my hair in two-strand twists, and set me under the dryer. And here is the final result.



I absolutely love it! I think it turned out so cute! I thought I would be sad cutting my hair, but I didn't feel sad at all. I tell you what though, shrinkage is something else. I think that is the part that was most shocking to me, but I'll live.

Here is another pic that I took once I got home.



All in all, I have NO regrets about my big chop and I am ready to really get my healthy hair journey started!

Time for the braids to come out

My hair is looking a little ratty lately. Ok, a lot ratty! The lady who braided my hair said the tree braids would last six to eight weeks, but I have so much new growth I don't see how that is going to be possible.

I guess that's a good thing (my hair is growing fast), but d*&% it sucks to pay a lot for some braids and you can only keep them in a month. Anyway, I have an appointment for Saturday to get my hair done. She is going to take the braids out and I will get a press/flat iron. I'll make sure to take some pics for a length check.