Choking by the hair

[FemmedeJoi]

Oh woe is me! Where do I begin? I am in hair dilemma. I feel that I should just make a decision and get on with it but I can't seem to make up my mind.
I have mild psoriasis, which means I need to shampoo twice a week. I also try to exercise/walk at least four days a week so I am avoiding elaborate hairstyles. I work in an office environment, so I need to look "polished". I live in Southern California, so dryness is an issue. After six years of natural-only hair, I gave into pressure last year and got a relaxer. It didn't cause any problems but its now been six months or so since my last retouch. I'm trying to decide what to do with it

at this point.
Should I

:
1) Go ahead and relax the new growth so the whole thing will
be easier to manage. (But it dosen't seem to hold a style well...)

2) Cut it short and wear a twa with or without color to enhance the glow (My secret wish -- but with these full cheeks will I look like a chipmunk ? ) (Also, I know my husband will hate it, although he sweetly insists that he won't mind a bit.)

2b) Cut the relaxer and work the natural hair as it grows out again. (But its a bit hard to control this way.)

3) Cut it short and wear it relaxed and layered. (Oh, but I
do hate going to the salon more than once a month.)

4) Wear wigs/head wraps until ....whenever. (But won't I just perspire to death in the California sun under a wig? What do I know about wearing one. Also, my husband really hates them.)

5) Get braids until I figure out what's next (But, they frizz so quickly when they're shampooed often.)

Help! S.O.S!

 

[karezone]

Need more information. I don't believe that anyone here would advise you to do something that you or your hubby might not like. Why did you relax? If you liked your natural hair go back to that, and if you like relaxed hair get a touch up. It is all about personal preference.

 

[sweetcocoa]

That's a lot of if's and but's...
I think you first need to elimnate the options that you feel the less enthusiastic about till you are down to 2-3 and then do your research and take your time. If you decide to stay natural...prepare for it(because if you relax and then decide you want natural...you'll have to start those 6 months over again). On the other hand if you try natural and you decide you want relaxed...then you just have to relax...no time loss. If you are really leaning towards
relaxed then do the homework and research then find the safest and healthiest way to do it. I don't feel(in my opinion) you need to do a twa....there are other styles you can use to transition. But you need to decide the basic question....relax or natural....once you do that then you can take the next step and decide how to go about it. Do not rush...whatever you decide...it is ultimately up to you...your hair...your decision...

 

[FemmedeJoi]

karezone:

I went natural because I don't like the chemicals. Also, my daughter was an infant at the time and I wanted her to have a positive role-model for styling her hair natural. (You wouldn't believe the number of people who suggested that I put a perm on her hair. My baby !

)

I got frustrated with natural once my hair grew below the shoulders. It tangled so easily and I just didn't have the time. Also, my natural hair stylist left and I couldn't find another without all the attitude. (It seems to be a requirement among stylists in my area).

I really do prefer it natural. I guess I just need to learn how to cope with it both natural and long. I don't like the frizzy look. I love the pics I've seen online with natural hair that looks neat and well-conditioned. Maybe I just didn't have the right products. There are a lot more natural hairstyle websites now, so maybe I'll try it again.

 

[PrettyBrownEyes]

Hi FemmedeJoi,

I think that you should get a touch-up and search the board for the wealth of information on how to maintain it. The layers are a good idea, to have cut into your relaxed hair, but, they are somewhat of a commitment, as your hair grows, it will still be layered, and if you get tired of them you will have to wait until the shortest layer is at a length you wouldn't mind having all of your hair even with.

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

I personally think that if you like your hair natural, you should keep it natural...It is alot about having products that agree with your hair. Maybe you just didn't have the ones that did agree with your hair to eliminate tangles when you had shoulder length natural hair.

 

[pebbles]

Hi FemmedeJoi,

Welcome!

I think you should stay natural if that is your personal preference. There are many naturals here on the forum that can give you tips on how to care for your hair in it's natural state. Do what pleases you the most.

 

[FemmedeJoi]

Thanks for the response ladies!

I still can't make up my mind: natural or relaxed, and my hair is showing that I am of two opinions but I think with the help of the board I can be successful no matter what I choose. Oh, I do love options.