Re: Going natural after having relaxed means a hai
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Poster: SShanique
Subject: Re: Going natural after having relaxed means a haircut
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I was reading some posts of people who went natural after being relaxed, and they said that their hair tended to break easily. I was thinking of going natural. I've been using a relaxer since I was 10. Now, I'm 23. My hair is pretty thick, 4a, and grows pretty rapidly. It's past my shoulders, and I wanted to keep it that way as well as growing the rest of my hair out natural. Would you think that's freasible?
Also, if I were to go natural, I wouldn't want that nappy look. Do you know how to obtain a look that wouldn't make my hair look upkept but just with small curls and not afro-like?
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Hello Shanique and welcome to the board!
Shanique, I think transitioning with minimal drama is feasible. I transitioned before discovering the hair boards and had plenty of drama. In hindsight, I would have moisturized the heck out of my hair, worn stress-free hairstyles and been mentally prepared for the inevitable haircut to remove the relaxed ends. Perhaps others who’ve transitioned with minimal difficulties will also respond.
Concerning “nappy”, I prefer casting a positive light on the word nappy. I like to sometimes pick out my hair to see how big and fluffy it is. My hair is healthier these days and my nappy afro is one reminder of that. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif
There are different methods (braiding, twisting, scrunching, etc.) and products (gels, oils, styling creams, conditioners, etc.) that can enhance the natural pattern of your hair. If you decide to go natural, be prepared though. Your natural pattern might not be curls. It could be waves, zig zags, coils, corkscrews or some some combination of all of them on one strand or on different areas of your head.
I’m curious, Shanique. In one thread you wrote this…
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Re: Relaxer Didn't Take
#18209 - 01/11/03 06:13 PM
Hey y'all. What the heck is lye? I thought it was bad since all the perms I've ever had said no lye. I was like thank God it has no lye.
I use Optimum relaxers, too. I get my hair relaxed about every 4 to 5 weeks. If I go any longer than that I can't put a comb through it! I never thought anything was wrong with that until I saw the replies to her that she should wait couple more weeks.
Is there something I'm missing here? I know almost nothing about hair. My mom still does my hair, and I'm 23. I only wash it.
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and another thread…
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Re: Are some hairdressers undercover HATERS
#18205 - 01/11/03 05:58 PM
Thank God that whenever I go to a hairdresser it's my aunt, and she absolutely adores me! I'd never want to have to go through a hating stylist! I've never even heard of it until I read this post!
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Most people I know who wear their hair natural also maintain it themselves because hairdressers who are knowledgeable about natural hair are few and far between. Does you mom or your aunt know how to care for natural hair? I ask because you are currently dependent on them for your hair care needs. If you decide to go natural, who will care for your hair? Are you considering doing it yourself?
One more quote...
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Re: To grease or not to grease?
#18265 - 01/11/03 08:29 PM
Thanks for the reply! Gosh, this board is so rich with information. I feel like my hair "regimen" is so simple compared to everyone else's. I must say that I get a perm about every 4 to 5 weeks because my hair grows so fast, and it takes longer than the advised time to put it in. Then I wash it every week and grease the scalp every 3 days. That's all I ever do, and my hair is fine.
Then I come here and see vitamins and lots of other stuff. This is overwhelming! I'm just taking it all in!
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Right now you're used to a simple routine: grease every three days. If you decide to transition, maintaining natural hair and relaxed hair on the same head might not be as easy.
I'm not trying to discourage you, but rather I want you to be aware of some challenges (no natural haircare stylist, increased maintenance while transitioning, different hair pattern than expected) you will face if you decide to transition.
Edited because I quoted you twice.