When I was younger, my mom would press my hair with a hot comb on the stove! My hair was long and beautiful but thin. At some point my mother grew tired of pressing my hair every other day, so she decided to put a Kitty Kit Relaxer, which was supposed to be a “gentle” relaxer for kids, in my hair. I was so excited because there was a cute little chocolate girl on the box and her hair was beautiful! I never thought I was beautiful so here was my chance to transform! BIG MISTAKE, but at this time (I’m a 70s baby), that’s what you did to manage a little girl’s hair!
My “naturalhood” journey began in 2002. When I say natural, I am referring to a relaxer free head of hair, not necessarily free of all chemicals. My stylist of over 20 years, Karen Gary, owner of Synergi Salon here in Columbus, Ohio encouraged me to leave the relaxers alone. (Please visit her site at synergisalon.com)
Initially I thought it was absurd! After a mere 8 months, I gave up! At the time, I didn’t view it as a lifestyle change, I was simply doing it so that my hair would grow. I was simply not ready.
In 2004, after more encouragement from Karen, I decided to give up the relaxer again! This time, I stuck with it. I started to embrace the look of the natural and only straighten it on special occasions. For whatever reason, I still didn’t think I could look “dressed up” unless my hair was straight! I would tell my friends “I’m going to a wedding so I want to look nice”. As if I couldn’t look nice with my hair in its natural curly state!
Within the last 2 1/2 years I have started to understand that my hair is beautiful either way! I have thrown away the Motions products and adopted a completely new hair care regimen for myself and my two children (daughter – age 16, son – age 17 months)! I realize that had I been more educated about natural hair, my hair would be all the way down to my butt by now! I am loving my hair and it is loving me back!
I am going to be donating a kidney to my father next week and will be on restrictions for 4-6 weeks and I am looking for a hairstyle that will last at least 3 weeks! Suggestions anyone? Wish me luck!
My current regimen:
Shampoo – Trader Joe’s shampoo/Giovanni Moisture Shampoo
Conditioner - Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner/Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner
Styling - Kinky Curly Knot Today & Custard with Shea Butter on the ends - Wash & Go /Twist Outs
Styling Refreshers - Eco Styler/Aloe Vera Gel
Spritzer – Mix of Glycerin, Jojoba Oil, conditioner & H20
I am still learning and I have only been using these products for a month now but I am becoming a PJ. I am getting to know my hair all over again. I am confident that I will start to see some significant growth!
My latest purchases: Coconut Oil, Aubrey’s Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner
My next purchases: Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade (it is sold out) and the Ouidad Double Detangler.
Curly Chic
2 comments:
WOWWW!! Donating a kidney? What a brave woman you are. Your father must be proud of you. I see that your post was in 2010 so I pray that you and your father's health is in it's most optimal state. I am new to your site and I must say, I am loving it! I will be visiting on a regular.....Good Luck To You!
@Rhonda-thank you so much!It was a rough time but thankfully both my father and I are in excellent health.I so appreciate the love and hope you continue to enjoy the blog.Feel free to let me know if there is content you would like to see.
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