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HAIR: My Journey With Natural Hair

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Hello lovelies! A little over a year ago, I decided to chop off my permed hair and go natural. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In this new series on the blog, I will share with you all that I am doing with my hair particularly the hairstyles I have on. I love experimenting with braiding my hair and take pride in looking for new and unique hairstyle which I will share with you all. First up in this new series is my conversion to natural hair and what led me to stay natural.

Making the big decision
Before I decided to go for the big chop, I did a lot of soul searching. I had had natural hair all through my school years and only decided to perm it when I finished high school. Later, when I went to study in India, I discovered that the minerals in the water there and the chemicals used for perming hair were incompatible. Then came the first trim. I had braids for the longest time then since I was trying to grow my hair back. I didn't know what to do with short natural hair so I taught myself how to braid and did it myself! I did retouch my hair a number of times after that. The last time was towards the end of 2012 when I went for a retouch that was poorly done. I changed salons and had to have it redone and that was the beginning of the end of my relationship with permed hair. Come June 2013, I made the final decision and off came the permed hair.

I didn't make a big fuss over cutting off my hair. I just took a sharp pair of scissors, handed them to my sister and asked her to cut off the permed hair. By this time I had been plaiting my hair a lot so I had a good amount of growth (natural hair) to fall back on. My first afro wasn't particularly short and with constant plaiting plus pregnancy hormones, my hair grew quite fast. Apart from the phenomenal growth rate, I love natural hair because it recovers quite quickly from adverse conditions like a bad hairline. Maintenance is quite easy and since my hair texture is quite manageable, I don't have to do too much to keep it looking good.

Below is my hair evolution from June last year. Enjoy the pics, they are quite a number!!!

June 2013
 Washed and styled

 Washed and styled

 Washed and styled


September 2013
Washed and styled

Washed and styled

November 2013
 Washed and styled

 February 2014

Washed and styled

April 2014
Partly straightened hair

May 2014
Partly straightened hair

July 2014
Partly straightened hair

I know many ladies who have gone natural do not subject their hair to any heat i.e blowdry it but I have tried this trend out and I have to admit that it isn't for me. I haven't given up quite yet. I will keep trying until I find a style that I like best. I am still teaching myself what to do with natural hair and I believe with time I will know enough about what more I can do with it besides braiding.

Have you tried to wear your hair natural? What was your experience?

Be sure to visit my online store at www.inches2style.com or follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for updates on what is available in stock.
 
Happy Thursday and thank you for stopping by!

xo

Audrey
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