traumatized....

[explosiva9]

So here is my story. I let the wrong people do my hair (relaxer) and my hair started breaking off in clumps. Now, I had been considering going natural for about 2 yrs, after seeing the ladies on here and their gorgeous hair. So after trying to nurse my hair back and being unsuccessful, today I chopped off all my hair. I have about an inch of new growth and cut my hair down to that point. After having long hair for yrs, I can't even bring myself to take a pic. I considered transitioning but as my hair continued to break in clumps, my desperation took hold and I just said screw it. But I am so sad and I feel I look horrible. So what suggestions do u ladies have cause I fear there is absolutely nothing I can do with this hair. Any words of encouragement would be appreciated as I start my natural journey. Any help in speeding the growth would also be appreciated. I'm already scanning the forum. :-/

Thanks in advance.
Z

 

[curlicarib]

Start with a wash (clarify) and moisturizing DC. This will give you an idea of what you are dealing with. Then you can start searching the forum for tips on how to beautify that lovely head of brand new baby hair ;-).

 

[plastic]

why do you feel like you look horrible ? because your hair is short ?

 

[brucebettye]

I am so sorry to hear this happened to you. Wear a wig for a while to get over the shock of your short hair. If not rock that short hair cut and be proud. If anybody asks just tell them you wanted a change. Before you know it it will grow out healthy and really thick. Don't feel too bad this has happened to me several times over the years and my hair did grow back.

 

[My Friend]

Sorry this happened to you.

We can't tell you how beautiful it is unless we see it. Your hair will grow quickly so enjoy this time.

 

[BlkOnyx488]

Get Dressed up!
Put on some cute earrings, your favorite shade of lipstick.
The shirt you wear that brings out your eyes.
You will see you are beautiful no matter what your hair length is.

 

[Sasha299]

I would recommend this. Have someone take pictures for you. Don't look at them. Wait a week - right now you are suffering from PTSD from your hair experience. THEN look at them. Or if you don't want to wait post them here. We'll tell you the truth.

I suspect that you are so traumatized that you would be unable to acknowledge if you look darned good. I usually find that TWAs look awesome on us - throw in some outstanding earrings and some natural looking makeup and we all POP! Never saw a black woman looking horrible with a TWA unless she wears no jewelry, no make-up and dresses like a boy all the time.

 

[lwilliams1922]

It might take time to get used to. If so you could find a really cute wig or half wig.

Trust me, it's easy to learn to like a 1 min style!

You will find your natural hair will like different products than your relaxed hair so have fun and start learning.

I went natural a couple of years ago, then this summer I started pressing. I missed the body and fullness of my natural hair.

Good luck and feel free to post photos when and if you like.

 

[ms.blue]

hide your hair by experiminting w/ wigs, braids and weaves. If you do this for a year or two you'll be surprised how much your has grown.

 

[explosiva9]

Yeah, I feel gross with the super short hair. Lol. Like I look like a boy. Doesn't help that my face is break is breaking out like crazy right now. I will have someone take pics at the end of the week and post them here.

Thanks for all the support ladies.

 

[Christelyn]

Here's a toast to your HHJ. This phrase too, shall pass.

 

[DigitalRain]

Yeah, I feel gross with the super short hair. Lol. Like I look like a boy. Doesn't help that my face is break is breaking out like crazy right now. I will have someone take pics at the end of the week and post them here.

Thanks for all the support ladies.

I hope you feel better. My hair started breaking off during my transition and I ended up cutting it off too. Its a shock to see yourself with short hair when you are used to long hair but it will get better. I am enjoying the fact I don't have to deal with touch ups, chemical damage, and quick and easy styling. Try watching some youtube tutorials on TWAs. You might find it encouraging.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

I hope you feel better. My hair started breaking off during my transition and I ended up cutting it off too. Its a shock to see yourself with short hair when you are used to long hair but it will get better. I am enjoying the fact I don't have to deal with touch ups, chemical damage, and quick and easy styling. Try watching some youtube tutorials on TWAs. You might find it encouraging.

ITA with youtube tutorials. I rocked my fro today and I felt sexy as hell. This is the shortest and kinkiest my hair has been in 20 years. Girl when I tell you I AM LOVING MY HAIR!!!!!!! I didn't do a wash n go, I gelled my edges rocked a cute scarf and picked out my fro. It's all about attitude and style.

It's devastating when you lose your hair because of a mishap, but that doesn't mean you won't bounce back better than before. Be patient and nurse your hair (as well as your wounds) and you'll be ok. Promise.

 

[I Am So Blessed]

awww, i know how you feel. my mother cut off all my hair when i was in the seventh grade, but i was having fun with is after a a weeek. i had all kinds of moisuterizers in it and it curled right up! you will get use to it as it grows out, before no time it will be at the bottom of you ear!

 

[RadiantBeauty]

How about wearing block braids? Thats what I am doing! I will be wearing braids until I have more length to rock my fro.

 

[explosiva9]

Thanks ladies. With ur support and the support of my friends I am getting over it and feeling much better about my decision. Now its time to focus on caring for her.

Thanks again

 

[peachykeen]

Oh I feel your pain. I went from a nice length of hair to short hair in one blow at the salon a few weeks ago. I have sworn off stylist for the moment. I feel like when I sit in thier chair my hair desinty is completely in their hands. Short hair is hard to style. Im not talking about a chin length bob, Im talking about those Anita baker/ Halle Berry styles require a stylist on that head and they know it. They want you to come back thats why they like the chop and fry method. Talking about "Look how cute and straight it is".

Anyway, since none of the things I have mentioned are your problem. I will move on from my rant and say this you might have to wig it, weave or braid it when you get a another inch. And just grin and bear it with a extra curly TWA for the moment. Its already been 3 weeks for me and my hair is growing back as will yours. If you had long hair then you probably at some point were taking good care of it. So, with the chemicals gone your hair will really flourish.