It has been one emotional week, and I’m so glad I made it to Friday. I wanted to end the week on a light note, something that doesn’t require me to think or stress me out. It’s my hair, I just wanted to share updated pictures about my hair journey. I cut off all my hair on March 9th, I took the scissors and did an Angela Bassett move like she did in “Waiting To Exhale”. Two days later, I was at the barber shop so early, let’s say I beat him there and waited until he showed up. He was so nice, and fixed the mess I brought to him. Four months later, I am happy with my progress. I’ve learned so much by watching videos, different support groups and I also belong to NaturalSunshine.com, a community for women who are wearing their hair natural. It’s a great support system, we bounce ideas off each other, tips, and support each other. It’s not easy for black women to cut their hair off and grow it in it’s natural state. We have been taught from the time we are able to understand about how beauty is represented, and for a lot of us we identify with our hair. I wore relaxers for years, but several times starting from 1993, I have cut off all my hair and wore it natural and short. I would grow it back, and do the process all over again, several times in the last 19 years. I loved my hair, very rarely had bad hair days. When I did, I would pull it back in a ponytail and keep it moving. Then after I had my hysterectomy, my hair started to thinning and shedding. I wasn’t taking any hormones or any other medication. That’s when I finally decided I was going natural and this time it was for good.
In December of last year, I decided I wasn’t going to relax my hair any longer. As a matter of fact, I am going chemical free for this year. Boy, the gray is taking over, so after my one year no chemicals challenge, I may consider some form of coloring, not sure what I’ll do. I’m researching that option now. Needless to say, the reaction I got from my husband and children wasn’t exactly what I wanted. Glad I didn’t let that stop me from this journey with my hair. It’s so liberating to me, I’ve learned so much, wished I had known this 19 years ago when I started cutting my hair off. There are so many products now made for our hair, whether you are wearing chemicals or not. The hair care industry has really stepped up their game and produced products without sulfates, parabens or other harmful chemicals and additives.
I know this move isn’t for everyone, and I can respect your opinion. I just wanted to share my journey with you. My husband still looks at pictures before my “big chop” like I was a different woman! He has a running joke that he has the longest hair in the house! He’ll be ok….pray for him everyone. Two more days for my challenge. Whew! Have a great weekend.
What a wonderful post. Good for you for sticking to your guns and doing what’s right for you. I find that as I get older, I’m impressed with the strength I have regarding myself. So much more than I was when I was younger. It’s a shame that we don’t realize our inner strength sooner, but I guess it’s all part of life and the learning process. I think you, and your hair, look beautiful…and I commend you on your chemical free year. If I went a year without chemicals, I’m pretty sure I’d scare away everyone I know! So glad I bumped into your post on SITS this morning! Have a great day!
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Thanks for visiting, I probably have scared a few folks too! It’s just a free feeling, something that we all want to feel. Being true to yourself.
Are these photos in order from first to most recent? Because your hairline looks wonderfully healthy in the last set of photos
Stopping over via SITS Sharefest
BarefootMedStudent recently posted..Hart of Dixie: Bedside Manner
Patty, the were so against it…it’s funny because they were all upset with me. I keep my regiment pretty simple, don’t have time for complications. I do make sure it has plenty of moisture. Thanks for visiting, I’ll go to yours now.
Yes, the last one in red I just took this week. I agree, my hairline has done very well. It was so thin, but it’s healthy and growing now. Thanks for visiting, on my way to visit everyone’s.
I have naturally curly hair – off the charts, my stylist says – so I can understand a bit of your struggle. However, I’m LAZY in the morning so I’ve never done anything with my hair except wet it, smooth it out with my fingers, and then put in some gel. My hair stylist says I would have a lot more options if I’d even do a LITTLE BIT. I admire all that you’ve gone through to have beautiful hair. I hope you enjoy this new phase and that your family gets on board soon. Most families don’t like it when we moms/wives make big changes! Even if they’re good changes. They like us to stay the same.
Visiting from SITS
Patty@homemakersdaily.com recently posted..Avocado Hummus
oh wow– you did the big chop?! I’m transitioning right now and I just cant get myself to do the cut! Just decided to pull all harmful chemicals and products from my hair care regiment and will probably document my journey on my blog–
Saying hi from Sharefest!
New follower
Yes, long story short….I had it braided, when I took them out, it was a tangled mess. I got upset and just started cutting, impulse…30 minutes later I was a mess and my hair was all chopped off. I wore a hat for two days until I went to see the barber. I do not recommend my way, it’s too stressful!! Thanks for visiting.
This is beautiful, YOU are beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us.
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Thanks so much Kathryn, truly appreciate the kind words.
What an awesome journey! I, too, go back and forth with the natural to the processed. It gets s frustrating! Thanks for visiting, and I do hope you stop by again.
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Good luck if you decide…people tend to think it’s the easy way out, it’s a lot of work! I will, I added you to my reader, so we’ll get to know one another. Thanks for the visit.
I love your hair in the second pic and I can definitely seen how your hair has grown. I love the natural look on you!
Carla recently posted..The Mommy Graduate.
Thanks Carla, it’s really growing. I appreciate the support.
I love it and your so beautiful! I hope your having a great Monday. I’m dropping by from SITS.
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Thanks Nikki, appreciate it!