I started because it became apparent that hairstylists do not care about the health of my hair. Leaving conditioner on for 30 seconds (what is that going to do?), detangling with a small tooth comb, sitting under a hot dryer, followed by a hot blow dryer and an even hotter flat iron. Initially, I thought it was because I was young and in college and couldn't afford to visit the salon regularly, but once I "got grown" and could afford to go weekly, my hair seemed to get worse. It stayed chin and shoulder length no matter what and eventually it started thinning! And I always had thick hair. Don't even get me started on my "trims" that turned into cuts!
My last relaxer left me with a nickel sized ball spot in the top of my head and my hair was so thin. It was also about an inch shorter on one side. I cried all morning on Christmas because I couldn't get my hair to look right. I decided right then I was done with hairstylists.
I used to curl my hair with the flat iron everyday! No heat protectant, no nothing and I wouldn't wash or really moisturize until my next salon visit. In hindsight, I can't believe I was so careless.
You girls are AMAZING! I have learned so much. I have not used any heat since January 2nd and I have been wearing PS since then. Tuesday will be 12 weeks since my last relaxer and I want to cry thinking about it. I never thought (because I was told) that I could go past 4-6 weeks because my hair was "nappy." My hair looks better now than it ever has and I have LHCF to thank!
Sorry for the long post, but I'm just so happy! There is so much freedom in caring for your own hair.