Bye Bye Natural....

[KiSseS03]

It's been nearly two years since I've put any chemicals in my hair, and I'm a little sad to say that I think I'm going back.

Although I love the health and thickness of my hair, I think at this point in my life I don't have the time or patience to do what it takes to make it look nice.

My hair is THICK and dense and coily beautifulness to me, but everything from combing to twisting to braiding takes soooo long, and with my schedule (full time student/working/various activities) I just can't commit that much time to it. Plus, I wish that I had half the styling abilities of some of you ladies!

With that said, I feel lost as far as relaxers go. I think I want to texturize because I'd still like to have my big hair, but I'd also like to be able to press it.

Any comments/suggestions are welcome!

 

[aloof one]

Wow you grew all that beautiful hair in 2 years!? . Maybe you could just texturize it a little enough to make detangling/combing easier?

 

[KiSseS03]

Aww thanks al00fone, and actually my avatar is pretty old, my hair is close, if not APL now, being natural has truly done wonders.

That was my plan, just to texturize a little so that it will be easier to comb/style, and wear straight once in awhile... I just really don't want to mess my hair up though.

 

[sweetkita4]

I just used the JFM texture softener tonight and I think that it did pretty well. No straight pieces or anything, just my natural texture with WAYYYYY less shrinkage. Haven't taken pictures yet but I give it a thumbs up

 

[BrownSkin2]

I totally feel what you are saying. Do what you think you need to do. I've been thinking about it lately as well.

 

[meaganita]

Good luck with your decision!
I hope it turns out exactly how you want it.
Please post pics of your results!

 

[KiSseS03]

@sweetkita4: I was thinking about that product too, but isn't it No-Lye? I don't think my hair agrees with that... I wanna see pics!!

@BrownSkin2: We had our last relaxer around the same time

@meaganita: Thanks, I still haven't made up my mind 100%, but I'll be sure to take pics if I get up the nerve to do it.

 

[yodie]

I can soo relate.
I was natural for four years and all the pressin' and trying to work out left me wanting more.

I'm texturized now and I love it. It was the perfect answer for my hair.

I love my relaxer and it's no lye. Very gentle and NEVER burns.

 

[DDTexlaxed]

JFM softner is what I used to texlax. I loved it because it made styling a lot easier. I'd love to remain natural, but if not, the JFM softner would be the way I'd go. I won't make that decision until I reach my nappiversary. You will stll have to take care if your hair or it will not thrive.

 

[curlcomplexity]

Have you tried a henna treatment? Maybe you should try a natural "relaxer" first, henna is supposed to loosen the curl. I say either texturize or relax, but I don't want you to do it and then regret it later. Keep us posted!

 

[gradygirl]

Good luck to you and I know whatever you decide your hair will look great.

 

[sareca]

Have you tried a henna treatment? Maybe you should try a natural "relaxer" first, henna is supposed to loosen the curl. I say either texturize or relax, but I don't want you to do it and then regret it later. Keep us posted!

ITA. Oil rinses will help too. But really I can't discourage you from texturizing because I stinkin' LovE mine.

 

[blue_flower]

I was natural twice and decided last year to transition to natural again. But I remembered how hard it was to manage my hair when I was natural, so I decided to touch up my new growth with that S&B Texture Softner. I still have my waves, but my hair is less frizzy and doesn't stick up. I'm really glad with my decison. Do what's best for you and your hair.

 

[lana]

I enjoyed my natural hair for sic years. But I have to say that texlaxing was the best thing I've done for my hair - EVER! I thought going natural was the best but I was wrong, my hair loves a texlax. I use Mizani and conditioner for a literal 5 minutes and then reconstruct, nuetralize, deep condition and style. Girl my hair is really retaining length and moisture. It loves me and I love it.

I hope you go with what you know! Let us know how it turns out please.

Lana

 

[KiSseS03]

UPDATE:

I went in to what was supposed to be one of the best salons in my area for a TEXTURIZER... and came out relaxed. I'm too sad to even write anymore, sigh.

 

[sareca]

Your hair will curl up a bit more after a week or so.

 

[blazingthru]

Oh I am so sorry to hear that, I was worried about you, I knew it would be a hard decision to make. I am so sorry that they relaxed your hair. were still with you. I hope everything works out for you.

 

[dillard]

how long did they leave it in your hair?? give it a while, it will prob revert soon...

 

[honeybadgirl]

it will go back a little. what kind did you use or did i miss that...
i'm thinking about texlaxing soon. i'm not sure yet

 

[DDTexlaxed]

see, that's why i do my own. Nobody is gonna screw up my hair but me!

 

[Twisties]

UPDATE:

I went in to what was supposed to be one of the best salons in my area for a TEXTURIZER... and came out relaxed. I'm too sad to even write anymore, sigh.

Darn that sucks, especially when you get good references. I hope it does turn out like you want to eventually. Sorry this happened to you. Maybe some of the texlaxed ladies can come to your rescue with advice.

 

[prospurr4]

I am so sorry that you're not happy with your result. I'm hoping that it will revert some after your first wash and with the passage of time.

 

[Ms Lala]

Oh no I"m so sorry. Did they use heat on it? If so maybe once you wash it, it will curl some.

 

[hopeful]

Ohhh sweetie, I feel so sorry for you. Just breathe, okay? Several ladies have said they think it may revert a bit too, so maybe give it a week or two. But no matter what, know that you are not alone, many of us have been down this path. Maybe you will go natural again, maybe you will find the just perfect texturizer technique, have faith, remember this is just part of the journey. It will all work out .

UPDATE:

I went in to what was supposed to be one of the best salons in my area for a TEXTURIZER... and came out relaxed. I'm too sad to even write anymore, sigh.

 

[BrownSkin2]

Oh, I'm very sorry this happened to you. It should revert some once you wash it... How long did they leave it in? What kind of perm did they use?

 

[KiSseS03]

Thank you so much ladies, you're all so sweet.

I really hope it does revert, I'm too scared to wash it to see lol, but I will in the next day or so.

Anyway, I've calmed down a bit now, and I have to admit it does look pretty nice, they did do a nice job with the trim (even though I think it was a bit excessive) and the styling. I haven't had swangin' hair for two years so it's a little fun

 

[bluebearfanatic]

I've been feeling the same way. It's been two and 1/2 years since my last relaxer and I'm to the point that I just don't have the time or the patience to braid, bun, or pony it everyday. I have very thick hair and it takes forever for me to get it to look right. I'm debating whether or not I want to texturize or not. I'm undecided, afraid that I will regret because I've come such a long way. I've managed to become fully natural without b'cing. And I feel like will all of my hard work go to waste? Should I try it, what if my hair is not easier to manage..will I have to start again?...*sigh* decisions decisions.