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.

It's my anniversary!!

Check out the ticker on the right hand side of the page. It's been one year since my last relaxer! I almost can't believe it. Time sure has gone by fast.

I have to say, the past year hasn't been too bad. Most of last summer my hair was in a sew-in weave, so that made things a lot easier. When I took the weave out last October, I struggled at first figuring out how to do my hair. I spent a lot of money trying out different products. I don't know how many times I threatened that I was going to get a perm next time I went to the salon. With all that being said, I do not regret my decision one bit.

I wish my hair wasn't braided up so I could do a one year comparison, but that will have to wait a month or so. I'll definitely straighten and do a length check once I take these bad boys out.

My regimen while in tree braids

As I have said 1,000 times, I love my braids! Here are the products I am using to keep up my look:

For moisture, African Royale BRX Braid and Extensions Sheen Spray

I found out about this product on Long Hair Care Forum (where else?). A lot of the women suggested this as their favorite braid spray, so I headed to the beauty supply store to get a bottle. I really like this spray. It has a pleasant, light scent, and adds a ton of shine. It also makes my new growth very soft. The new growth in my nape area is also curling up nicely since I started using it. From reading other reviews online, a lot of naturals use this on their hair even if they aren't in braids. Makes sense considering how nice the hair in my nape looks.

For protein/strengthening, Joico K-Pak Liquid Reconstructor

Some people think that naturals don't need protein, but I use products that contain it for three reasons: 1) since I am transitioning and still have relaxed ends I need something that will keep my relaxed hair and line of demarcation strong, 2) I use heat on my hair, and 3) my hair is very fine. I love the Joico line, especially this particular leave-in conditioner. Even though my hair is braided up, it still needs TLC, and I don't want a lot of breakage when I take down my braids, so I hope this product will keep my hair strong.

I alternate with one day of the braid spray, and one day with a mix of the Joico and braid spray. I also oil my cornrow parts with a little coconut oil when I feel it's needed. So far I think it's working well, and I have a little new growth already after two weeks.

Loving my braids

Me getting these tree braids could not come at a better time. As I mentioned before, I am trying to up my workouts, and not having to worry about sweating my style out just makes life so much easier!

Secondly, this week I started studying for the CPA exam (again..lol). During the week, I study in the evenings at home, but today I decided to get out of the house and study because I knew I would get much more accomplished. This morning I was able to shower and get dressed, throw my hair up in a messy bun, and hit it. My hair is just one less thing I have to worry about during this extremely stressful time.

I was thinking I would only keep them in for about 6-8 weeks but I very well might give my hair a short break after taking them out, and then get it braided up again.... rinse and repeat until I have finished my exams!

My tree braids

On Thursday evening I went to Allure Beauty Bar to get my tree braids. What a great experience. Before my appointment I expressed my concerns about getting my hair braided to tight, and they were very accomodating. This was new to me -- braiding salons I have been to in the past were not interested in my opinions or wants. Anyway, I was told they would take about 3-4 hours and she finished up right before the three hour mark. And here is the finished product:

I absolutely love them! I couldn't be happier. I think I will use different hair if I ever get them again. The hair I got was kind of shiny, and although it was supposed to be wavy, some parts were stick straight and aren't really blending in very well. That's what I get for trying to be on a budget! However, as far as the look and the technique of the tree braids, I am thrilled. I can't wait for my coworkers to see them tomorrow.

I'm getting tree braids!

Can you tell I'm excited??

I have been going back and forth about what I want to do with my hair next. First it was braids. Then I was just going to do the big chop. Then I thought about another sew in. Last night I was researching Brazilian Keratin Treatment. Then today one of my besties and I were talking about upping our workout game and I decided I needed a protective style that would get me through the spring and not interfere with my working out in any way. So I decided to go with tree braids!

I'm hoping that I can keep them two months, and get another couple of inches of growth in, then do my big chop once they are out.

But mostly, my lazy butt is just ready to be able to shake and go in the mornings!