I started getting relaxers in September 2002
when I completed senior secondary school. And it has been one setback
after the other. I have experienced all the hair damages that you can imagine;
that is dry hair, burnt scalp, over processed hair and tight braids
resulting in severe breakage.
During my University days, my hair remained
neck length for four years. I tried different products just to grow my hair. I
actually had no idea on how to take care of my hair. The hairdressers were not
helping either. I did not have my own hair products and relied mostly on
shampoos and conditioners from salons I patronised.
One of the many
setbacks I experienced was when I fixed a weave using the
bonding glue method. When I finally took down my weave, I was
left with matted hair and the hairdresser was impatient and pulled
out my hair. This resulted in severe breakage and thinning of my hair at the
back of my head. I could not bear it and I went ahead to get a
short bob cut. I cut my hair really short with the hope of starting all over
again.
From April 2010 to September 2011, I
had still not seen any improvement in my hair. All these while, I
knew nothing about hair journeys. I discovered on my own at that time
that whenever I relaxed my hair after twelve weeks my hair looked fuller
and had more body.
Now to what actually broke the camel's hump
(Lol). In September 2011, I took the decision not to relax my hair until
February 2012 which I now know is termed as stretching just
to gain some body and length. I gained a lot of new growth but
when I relaxed my hair in February 2012 my hair remained at neck
length. I was very frustrated and upset. I knew I was
doing something wrong but I could not figure what it was.
Then I decided to do some research on
black hair via the internet. I came across so many hair blogs such as www.justgrowalready.com (My
Hair Inspiration), www.harliciousinc.com, www.phrophro.com, thesizzlingmommy.com and
africanhairblog.com. These are my favourite hair blogs and I have learnt a
lot from them.
Now, I have so much information and I have
started building my own hair regimen. I am currently trying out a number of
products which is not an easy task. One of the challenges I face is
the unavailability of most of the quality hair products in our local beauty
supply shops.
I officially started my hair journey on
January 1, 2013. One of my New Year's resolutions is to have healthy relaxed
hair in 2013. And I know with health comes length. I am still at Neck
Length. My goal length is to reach Armpit Length by the end of the year. My
overall hair goal length is Tailbone length which I know will take me five to
six years.
Wish me luck!
Nitty
- Friday, April 19, 2013
- 2 Comments
