Anyone else notice how the products are an indicator of age?
Looking back, I realize that my Mom was very knowledgeable about my hair. Rarely did anyone else do my hair. Pre-relaxer, she shampooed and conditioned it every Saturday. I remember her using Royal Crown, green DAX, or blue Bergamot grease, on my scalp and hair. She kept my hair in two braided ponytails for daily wear because she said that was easiest. She used a large bobble (which I believe were a new product at the time) for each pony, braided all the way to the tips, turned under the last inch or so and placed a barrette on the end. Sounds pretty protective to me! For special occasions she would form Shirley Temple Curls using only grease and a comb on my damp, freshly shampooed hair, allowing the curls to air-dry. I remember trying to sleep pretty so that I could wear my curls for a second day, but alas, it was never to be.
By morning, I had fallen victim to bed head, and she had to give me my pair of ponytails once again. When I was about 8 she would press my hair, which I hated, but I loved the results.
I was 12 when she gave me my first relaxer (Ultra Sheen, in Mild). She was very gentle and it didn't burn or irritate my scalp at all. My hair was so straight and I couldn't wait to show it off. By then, I was washing my hair myself, once a week, using Flex shampoo and conditioner. They smelled so good and you could smell it in your hair for days afterwards. Mom would trim my ends as needed. I never suffered hair breakage or any other problems, and I remember her telling me that leaving my hair loose was asking for split ends. Sorry this is so long, I kinda got carried away by the fond memories.