Is Anyone Else Stuck Between Two Loves? Help Me Decide! My Progress Pics
- Thread starter kiesha8185
- Start date
blueberryd
Well-Known Member
Sorry off topic but HOW DID YOU DO THOSE BUNS/STYLES (in both the pics where you are at the computer). THEY ARE GORGEOUS!!! I think imma need a tutorial or something!! I LUV IT!!
keepithealthy
Well-Known Member
Your hair looks beautiful! Why don't you just long term transition and then see if you still feel the same way after a few months. Either way HHG 
What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
I was just tired of relaxing....
Were you satisfied with your decision?
Yes but I do wish my hair was longer
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I loove wearing my hair in it's curly state and I love two strand twists. I also like that whenever I get aggravated or bored with my natural hair I can just straighten it.
Would you ever relax again? I
I doubt I ever would
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
Yeah it's been a journey for me honestly because when I was relaxed I basically just pony-tailed 90% of the time...So I am really learning to be more creative with styling.
What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
I was just tired of relaxing....
Were you satisfied with your decision?
Yes but I do wish my hair was longer
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I loove wearing my hair in it's curly state and I love two strand twists. I also like that whenever I get aggravated or bored with my natural hair I can just straighten it.
Would you ever relax again? I
I doubt I ever would
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
Yeah it's been a journey for me honestly because when I was relaxed I basically just pony-tailed 90% of the time...So I am really learning to be more creative with styling.
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Curlybeauty
New Member
What's your regimen?
But seriously though...
But when I was natural...just a year ago actually. I went natural because I loved to color my hair and felt that doing both relaxers and color was too much. So I went natural. Fast forward 6 years, and I have to be more conservative for school reasons and i'm actually loving my natural hair color. So I started relaxing. My convenience trumps most things, and natural hair just took up too much of my time.
But seriously though...
But when I was natural...just a year ago actually. I went natural because I loved to color my hair and felt that doing both relaxers and color was too much. So I went natural. Fast forward 6 years, and I have to be more conservative for school reasons and i'm actually loving my natural hair color. So I started relaxing. My convenience trumps most things, and natural hair just took up too much of my time.
Oasis
grabbing life by the pussy
So I'm asking you natural ladies who were previously relaxed:
* What influenced your decision to bc/transition? i came upon Nappturality randomly and decided to do it.
* Were you satisfied with your decision? most definitely.
* What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair? my hair grew to be the longest it's ever been.
* Would you ever relax again? i'm relaxed now and i'm trying to decide what i should do.
* What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)? yes. when i was relaxed the first time around i did everything wrong that you could possibly do wrong.
* What influenced your decision to bc/transition? i came upon Nappturality randomly and decided to do it.
* Were you satisfied with your decision? most definitely.
* What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair? my hair grew to be the longest it's ever been.
* Would you ever relax again? i'm relaxed now and i'm trying to decide what i should do.
* What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)? yes. when i was relaxed the first time around i did everything wrong that you could possibly do wrong.
Jetblackhair
Well-Known Member
What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
My temples were thinning and I never saw any hair growth. I transitioned without a bc by wearing half wigs. Most of this was done before I found LHCF.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
Yes, and even though this was before I found the forum, I saw growth/retention.
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I was introduced to a texture of hair that I never knew I had! I have fine hair and the relaxer just made my hair limp and lifeless. Even though I originally did not know what to do with my hair, I enjoyed seeing a full, huge head of hair! My hair had been short and now I was seeing length. (I do have to mention that I did not have knowledge of healthy hair practices while I had a relaxer).
I never knew I could style my hair without having it relaxed or straightened.
Would you ever relax again?
No, I don't have a desire to do so.
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
What I had to learn was healthy hair practices not just relaxer care versus natural care. I never took care of my relaxed hair, so taking care of my natural hair was a first. Really it's all about getting to know your hair.
Your hair is beautiful and it looks like you've taken good care of it. If you're not sure about going natural, I would suggest transitioning instead of a bc. This will give you time to get acquainted with your new growth/natural hair.
My temples were thinning and I never saw any hair growth. I transitioned without a bc by wearing half wigs. Most of this was done before I found LHCF.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
Yes, and even though this was before I found the forum, I saw growth/retention.
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I was introduced to a texture of hair that I never knew I had! I have fine hair and the relaxer just made my hair limp and lifeless. Even though I originally did not know what to do with my hair, I enjoyed seeing a full, huge head of hair! My hair had been short and now I was seeing length. (I do have to mention that I did not have knowledge of healthy hair practices while I had a relaxer).
I never knew I could style my hair without having it relaxed or straightened.
Would you ever relax again?
No, I don't have a desire to do so.
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
What I had to learn was healthy hair practices not just relaxer care versus natural care. I never took care of my relaxed hair, so taking care of my natural hair was a first. Really it's all about getting to know your hair.
Your hair is beautiful and it looks like you've taken good care of it. If you're not sure about going natural, I would suggest transitioning instead of a bc. This will give you time to get acquainted with your new growth/natural hair.
Iluvsmuhgrass
Well-Known Member
Heyyyyyyyyyy!!! I couldn't remember your name but I remember your pics! 
Absolutely gorgeous!
What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
I got tired of spending money for bad relaxers, of fighting with my hair's multiple personalities, and of scissor happy stylists.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
Truthfully, yes. It hasn't been quite as hard as people made me think it was.
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
Not having to fight as much to obtain a protein/moisture balance. I've learned it's just a matter of listening to your hair. The same applies with being relaxed though. Being natural is a bit less complicated for me.
Would you ever relax again?
A part of me says yes I would and another part says no I wouldn't. I love my natural hair. I love the versatility and ease of it. However I do miss the quick buns, wraps, and wash & tuck ponytail of relaxed hair. My natural hair has crazy shrinkage so I have to make sure it stretches and dries at the same time. I will never say never because I very well may decide to later down the road. Right now, I can say that I honestly don't plan to. I don't miss the scalp burns, breakage, or over/under processing.
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)? Was it hard? Not really. The basics are still there. Patience, diligence, and gentle detangling were things I did with my relaxed hair as well. I had to switch up on the products (I kept wanting to run to random juices or to try different lines but I was either allergic or they just didn't work for me. I had to back away and stick with something long enough to work) but over all, it's the same. It takes more to style my natural hair because there's so much of it... but I'm still learning. 
Absolutely gorgeous! What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
I got tired of spending money for bad relaxers, of fighting with my hair's multiple personalities, and of scissor happy stylists.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
Truthfully, yes. It hasn't been quite as hard as people made me think it was.
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
Not having to fight as much to obtain a protein/moisture balance. I've learned it's just a matter of listening to your hair. The same applies with being relaxed though.
Being natural is a bit less complicated for me.Would you ever relax again?
A part of me says yes I would and another part says no I wouldn't. I love my natural hair. I love the versatility and ease of it. However I do miss the quick buns, wraps, and wash & tuck ponytail of relaxed hair. My natural hair has crazy shrinkage so I have to make sure it stretches and dries at the same time. I will never say never because I very well may decide to later down the road. Right now, I can say that I honestly don't plan to. I don't miss the scalp burns, breakage, or over/under processing.
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)? Was it hard? Not really. The basics are still there. Patience, diligence, and gentle detangling were things I did with my relaxed hair as well. I had to switch up on the products (I kept wanting to run to random juices or to try different lines but I was either allergic or they just didn't work for me. I had to back away and stick with something long enough to work) but over all, it's the same.
It takes more to style my natural hair because there's so much of it... but I'm still learning. 
kiesha8185
Active Member
Hi, everyone!
Thank you so much for your responses and sharing your experiences with relaxed & natural hair, I really appreciate it. Yesterday I typed up a response to everyone's comments and I guess the window was inactive for too long and my response got lost in cyberspace
You ladies are very convincing I decided to take the plunge and just do it! I'll transition for as long as I can, then bc. I don't like short hair on me (my face is too fat). I don't want to put a time limit on it, I think I'll just listen to my hair and decide when to cut. I figured I might as well try it, if not, I'll always wonder about going natural. Thank you ladies so much for taking the time to respond.
My regimen changes a lot...I try to listen to my hair more than keeping a set schedule. (I'm in a rush to type this, so I'll do a detailed reggie when I get home).
For the most part, I wash my hair once every 2 weeks with the entire ApHogee system. That stuff has done wonders for my hair. I airdry my hair, and only use heat when I get a touch up, which is once every 3 months or so. I try to henna 2 weeks before a touch up. I keep it simple! I wear my hair up a lot and wear kinky twists pretty often. Oh, and my moisturizer is the bomb. I'll post a link when I get home.
Thank you so much for your responses and sharing your experiences with relaxed & natural hair, I really appreciate it. Yesterday I typed up a response to everyone's comments and I guess the window was inactive for too long and my response got lost in cyberspace
You ladies are very convincing
I decided to take the plunge and just do it! I'll transition for as long as I can, then bc. I don't like short hair on me (my face is too fat). I don't want to put a time limit on it, I think I'll just listen to my hair and decide when to cut. I figured I might as well try it, if not, I'll always wonder about going natural. Thank you ladies so much for taking the time to respond.My regimen changes a lot...I try to listen to my hair more than keeping a set schedule. (I'm in a rush to type this, so I'll do a detailed reggie when I get home).
For the most part, I wash my hair once every 2 weeks with the entire ApHogee system. That stuff has done wonders for my hair. I airdry my hair, and only use heat when I get a touch up, which is once every 3 months or so. I try to henna 2 weeks before a touch up. I keep it simple! I wear my hair up a lot and wear kinky twists pretty often. Oh, and my moisturizer is the bomb. I'll post a link when I get home.
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itsjusthair88
Chronically at BSL -_-
First of all, you have beautiful hair; and there are a lot of beautiful relaxed heads on this board, maybe try tweaking your regi a little bit to see what can be done to retain length? Just my 2 cents...okay my story:
* What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
Umm, I was bored honestly...I have had long relaxed hair and when I BC'd I had a short mohawk kind of deal (which honestly, I miss) and I loved my curls I was always seeing popping up everywhere when I forgot to relax...which I did alot because I'm simultaneously busy and lazy.lol.
* Were you satisfied with your decision?
Yep, my hair has been...well it's been a journey just in these first 4 months; at the present it doesn't seem to be growing very fast because of the dreaded "s" word (shrinkage) and it's a little frustrating, but I am still loving it; even though I am loving it under wigs right now (HYH 2011)
* What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
Hmm...I like my curlies; they come in all sizes and when I do them right, they are pretty awesome. But as far as the benefits? Not a lot more, I never had any issues with my hair when it was relaxed, except for the odd setback or two over the years. Honestly, I am not relaxing anymore out of sheer laziness. There. I said it
* Would you ever relax again?
Maybe...I'm more leaning towards sisterlocks later on in life...
* What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
Man, I have to learn that my natural hair is a thirsty b**ch! I mean it loves to drink up water and whatever else I can soak into it! Also, I always knew I had thick hair but I never realized how much the relaxer cut that down but DAMN now that I'm natural, I actually get finger cramps sometimes trying to run my fingers through it! Also, I just have to do more to it, it's a lot more work all around (plus I got a big-a$$ head and I use a lot of product)
* What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
Umm, I was bored honestly...I have had long relaxed hair and when I BC'd I had a short mohawk kind of deal (which honestly, I miss) and I loved my curls I was always seeing popping up everywhere when I forgot to relax...which I did alot because I'm simultaneously busy and lazy.lol.
* Were you satisfied with your decision?
Yep, my hair has been...well it's been a journey just in these first 4 months; at the present it doesn't seem to be growing very fast because of the dreaded "s" word (shrinkage) and it's a little frustrating, but I am still loving it; even though I am loving it under wigs right now (HYH 2011)
* What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
Hmm...I like my curlies; they come in all sizes and when I do them right, they are pretty awesome. But as far as the benefits? Not a lot more, I never had any issues with my hair when it was relaxed, except for the odd setback or two over the years. Honestly, I am not relaxing anymore out of sheer laziness. There. I said it
* Would you ever relax again?
Maybe...I'm more leaning towards sisterlocks later on in life...
* What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
Man, I have to learn that my natural hair is a thirsty b**ch! I mean it loves to drink up water and whatever else I can soak into it! Also, I always knew I had thick hair but I never realized how much the relaxer cut that down but DAMN now that I'm natural, I actually get finger cramps sometimes trying to run my fingers through it! Also, I just have to do more to it, it's a lot more work all around (plus I got a big-a$$ head and I use a lot of product)
What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
-----my hair was thinning from medication and i wanted it to thicken up without the stress of the chemicals.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
-----so far so good. i'm over 18 months into my transition
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
-----not worrying about getting my hair wet. no chemical smell when wet!!! lol
Would you ever relax again?
-----i want to sometimes, but i just flat iron instead. i usually flat iron every 2-5 months when i get that urge to relax or am getting my hair twisted
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
-----i'm still learning how to style it. dealing with the multiple textures can be overwhelming. i am loving my hair right now though
-----my hair was thinning from medication and i wanted it to thicken up without the stress of the chemicals.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
-----so far so good. i'm over 18 months into my transition
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
-----not worrying about getting my hair wet. no chemical smell when wet!!! lol
Would you ever relax again?
-----i want to sometimes, but i just flat iron instead. i usually flat iron every 2-5 months when i get that urge to relax or am getting my hair twisted
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
-----i'm still learning how to style it. dealing with the multiple textures can be overwhelming. i am loving my hair right now though
LatterGlory
New Member
_________________________
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Embyra
Well-Known Member
well op im in the same place you are havent had a relaxer in over 2 years and dont know which way to go my hair texture is not a issue its not something i need to ''come to terms with''
...........however length is.... i hate short hair always have and always will
Im thinking of weaving it up for the next 2 years by then i think i will have what i think is a decent length
anyhoo thanks for listening
.i needed to vent
and dont know which way to go my hair texture is not a issue its not something i need to ''come to terms with''...........however length is.... i hate short hair always have and always willIm thinking of weaving it up for the next 2 years by then i think i will have what i think is a decent length
anyhoo thanks for listening
.i needed to vent
brucebettye
New Member
What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
No matter how good I took care of my texlaxed or permed hair, it would always end up breaking off.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
YES, YES, YES!!!!!! I am happy with my decision. I have been transition over a year and I have my nice thick and healthy hair back. I still have some texlaxed hair on the ends.
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I do not have to straighten, flat iron, hot curl, roll my hair, or use a blow dryer to style my hair. I can go to bed without worrying about sweating out my hair style or messing up the curls. I can swim, walk in the rain, and style my hair less than 5 minutes in the morning. I love the fact that I can wash my hair in the morning before work without taking 3 hours to style my hair, only takes about 15 minutes. The most important thing is my niece, who is 5 years old, loves her natural hair because of me.
Would you ever relax again?
NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
No. Taking care of my natural hair is so much easier than dealing with my permed hair. The styling of my hair is not hard, but I am too lazy to do fancy styles.
No matter how good I took care of my texlaxed or permed hair, it would always end up breaking off.
Were you satisfied with your decision?
YES, YES, YES!!!!!! I am happy with my decision. I have been transition over a year and I have my nice thick and healthy hair back. I still have some texlaxed hair on the ends.
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I do not have to straighten, flat iron, hot curl, roll my hair, or use a blow dryer to style my hair. I can go to bed without worrying about sweating out my hair style or messing up the curls. I can swim, walk in the rain, and style my hair less than 5 minutes in the morning. I love the fact that I can wash my hair in the morning before work without taking 3 hours to style my hair, only takes about 15 minutes. The most important thing is my niece, who is 5 years old, loves her natural hair because of me.
Would you ever relax again?
NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
No. Taking care of my natural hair is so much easier than dealing with my permed hair. The styling of my hair is not hard, but I am too lazy to do fancy styles.
stephluvshair
New Member
* What influenced your decision to bc/transition?
Im 17 months 1 week post and I decided to transition because I felt just like you that my hair wasnt reaching its fullest potential. When I first relaxed I was MBL and that was the last time I saw that length. My hair suffered breakage and just keep thinning. I NEVER intended on going natural. I joined hair boards and saw that ppl stretched their relaxers and that helped thicken up their hair. I started to stretch and after 5 months my hair got soooo thick I was in heaven until I relaxed and my hair got thin again. That day i decided I was going to try going natural and now my hair is so thick..I'm Never relaxing again. I plan to chop @ around 27 /29 months.
* Were you satisfied with your decision?[/B]
I'm not 100 % natural but ...I cant tell how how happy I am. I dont even suffer from breakage and I'm transitioning. When I was relaxed, breakage was inevitable.
* What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I can go from curly to straight styles...my straightened hair is full and thick, my twistouts dont look anorexic.
* Would you ever relax again?
never relaxing again!
* What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
i will update you with this as soon as I chop.
Im 17 months 1 week post and I decided to transition because I felt just like you that my hair wasnt reaching its fullest potential. When I first relaxed I was MBL and that was the last time I saw that length. My hair suffered breakage and just keep thinning. I NEVER intended on going natural. I joined hair boards and saw that ppl stretched their relaxers and that helped thicken up their hair. I started to stretch and after 5 months my hair got soooo thick I was in heaven until I relaxed and my hair got thin again. That day i decided I was going to try going natural and now my hair is so thick..I'm Never relaxing again. I plan to chop @ around 27 /29 months.
* Were you satisfied with your decision?[/B]
I'm not 100 % natural but ...I cant tell how how happy I am. I dont even suffer from breakage and I'm transitioning. When I was relaxed, breakage was inevitable.
* What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair?
I can go from curly to straight styles...my straightened hair is full and thick, my twistouts dont look anorexic.
* Would you ever relax again?
never relaxing again!
* What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
i will update you with this as soon as I chop.
xmasbaby78
Well-Known Member
Very pretty hair!
kiesha8185
Active Member
Thanks!
I just did 8 flat twist with Silk Touch Leave-in (back when that was my daily moisturizer).
divachyk
Instagram: adaybyjay
Your hair is fabulous! I have lurked your fotki a number of times. Did I miss the post where you linked your current moisturizer? Good luck on the new HHJ!
back2relaxed
Active Member
What influenced your decision to bc/transition? I decided to go natural b/c I was curious about my hair, and I had caused damage to it w/color, and relaxers too soon.
Were you satisfied with your decision? I was happy to start over with a new head of hair, but I liked to wear it straight. Like you I enjoyed being able to easily style straight hair. However after the B/C my hair was short and I felt limited in the styling options. I relaxed again some months later, and have never been happier to be relaxed. Being natural allowed me to gain knowledge(for the first time in my life) of how to take care of my own hair w/o the need of a salon. The only reason I have to go to a salon now is for cuts and relaxers. Other than that I can maintain at home!
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair? In my case, really none. My hair is thick and usually healthy relaxed or natural. For me it was personal style and manageability preference.
Would you ever relax again? I did and I have no desire to be natural at this point in my life. I've since grown my hair to APL from my TWA for 3 years straight, and now I'm rocking a pixie cute since last May, which I love. I just feel I have more options, which are important to me, with the relaxed hair. I do see some naturals and love their hair, but for my lifestyle easy works better.
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
Were you satisfied with your decision? I was happy to start over with a new head of hair, but I liked to wear it straight. Like you I enjoyed being able to easily style straight hair. However after the B/C my hair was short and I felt limited in the styling options. I relaxed again some months later, and have never been happier to be relaxed. Being natural allowed me to gain knowledge(for the first time in my life) of how to take care of my own hair w/o the need of a salon. The only reason I have to go to a salon now is for cuts and relaxers. Other than that I can maintain at home!
What benefits do you experience with natural hair that you were never able to enjoy with relaxed hair? In my case, really none. My hair is thick and usually healthy relaxed or natural. For me it was personal style and manageability preference.
Would you ever relax again? I did and I have no desire to be natural at this point in my life. I've since grown my hair to APL from my TWA for 3 years straight, and now I'm rocking a pixie cute since last May, which I love. I just feel I have more options, which are important to me, with the relaxed hair. I do see some naturals and love their hair, but for my lifestyle easy works better.
What is hard for you to re-learn your hair (washing, styling)?
TokyoReina
New Member
Good thread! I'm 6 months into my transition and I'm still on the fence. I've had a sew in for a month now and before that I had it blown out at the dominican salon. I started transitioning because I wanted to know my natural hair and I thought it'd allow for healthier hair. However, I miss my relaxed hair because I'd finally learned how to take care of it and it was growing. I had just about reached BSL. Plus I miss all the compliments I had with it. All I get now is the 
face about going natural.
But reading all these responses gives me a lot of food for thought.
face about going natural. But reading all these responses gives me a lot of food for thought.
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