My epiphany actually came much later in my HHJ.
I grew my relaxed hair from SL to a beautiful healthy BSL when I first joined LHCF. I was applying all the right techniques, using great products, and stretching anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months.
Then disaster struck
. I went to my trusted stylist for a routine touchup and she let her 16 year old assistant rinsed and neutralize me. My first wash after the touchup, my entire nape fell out. Literally you could part my hair up to my ears in the back and it was broken off down to the new growth. The rest looked like it had been put through a shredder.
I was absolutely devastated
. I couldn't wear my hair down at all.
I had no choice but to pick up the pieces. I put in a sew-in, wore braids, and stretched for 7 months. I found a new stylist that came highly recommended. I had a few grievances like the fact that she used no-lye, combed the relaxer through almost half-way because I like to stretch
, my hair was bone straight
. These should have been my clues to seek assistance elsewhere but due to my diligent care after a few touchups my hair was actually coming along.
Would be believe lightning struck twice!!
Within weeks my nape was gone, and it was worse than before! I was so upset I never even went back to tell her.
I did what I had to do and went for another braided stretch. At 10 months I was ready to relax. This time I went to LHCF recommended stylist. When we spoke on the phone I told her the situation. She was nice and understanding and told me I didn't have to relax I could just get a blowout. Nah, I quickly shut that down.
The night before my relaxer I had a long talk with God about the whole ordeal and prayed for Him to see it resolved.
I get to the salon she assesses my 10 months of newgrowth.
Her: You don't have to relax, I can just blowdry and flat iron it for you.
Me: Nah, the kinky natural look really isn't my style.
Her: But it would look just like a relaxer and be so much healthier.
Me: But what would I do when it's time to wash? My hair is too kinky (flashbacks to MBL bushy presses as a child). And plus I really don't want to do a big chop.
Her: You wouldn't have cut your hair, just do minor trims until it grows out completely natural. However, you would have to maintain it with visits.
Me: NAH
Her: Just think about it you're already 10 months post. That's a long time. I tell you what, I'll base you and let you sit and watch me do her hair (pointing to a client under the dryer). Just think about it.
****EPIPHANY****
Her client comes from under the dryer with about 6-8 thick kinky braids about 5 inches long each. She starts from the nape and begins to blowdry using the stretch tension method and a brush, then she flat ironed it. Those kinky braids turned into one of the most luscious heads of MBL hair I had ever seen in real life.
I felt like I was in the twilight zone
. And get this.....her hair was BLONDE. Caramel brown with blonde highlights. Absolutely beautiful.
We talked while she worked. I asked her client a multitude of questions which she happily answered.
The clincher: When she was done I asked her client if I could touch it. She obliged.....it was soft as mink.
I was sold. She did my hair the same, and my stretch is now a transition. It was just as straight as if I were relaxed yet thicker and heavier
. When she was done I felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest. I felt free. I am going natural. I would no longer have to be concerned with chemical damage, touchups, and bunning after 6 weeks post. And I can still wear my hair straight.
(Disclaimer: I am 13 months post with relaxed ends. If I want straight hair I go to the salon, otherwise I am in braids. I have not delved into natural styles yet, but the more it grows the more I'm warming up to it.)
I guess I wrote this novel for all the die hard straight hair relaxed ladies who may have a tiny flicker of curiosity about going natural, but won't consider it because of their texture. No judgments.
Just think about it.