natural, but processed!

[mermaid]

hey all~
I'm a new girl here, glad to have found this board and get some tips! I have a situation I have yet to read about(in my verrry long 1 day of searching the discussions)- my hair has not had a relaxer in it for about 8-9 years because I usually wear my hair in braids, every couple of years I take out the braids for a few months so I can "play" with my hair until I get irritated with CARING for it every day! when my hair is loose, I bleach and color it an ash blonde, alternating between washing and braiding out, wash and wear, or wash, blow dry and press out with the old Kentucky Maid. the general absence of harsh treatment over the years makes it easy for my hair to withstand the coloring and heat for a couple months, and have thick, past the shoulder hair with movement and bounce, but I feel I may leave my hair out longer and am wondering what SIMPLE routine would be recommended for my hair. any suggestions?

 

[Brownie]

Sounds like you're using permanent hair color---am I right?
If so, you might want to try using a gentler product to color your hair, such as a rinse or a semi-permanent color.
If you decide to leave your hair outside of braids (and to get your hair to grow longer), you might have to abandon some of the heat and start experimenting with some wash and wear styles and roller setting and lots of conditioning and TLC and patience.

 

[mermaid]

Sounds like a good, sensible idea. I need to start getting some style ideas from you ladies!