Natural Hair Anniversary

July 2nd marked 6 years being relaxer free. This past year has simply been a year of maintaining health and trying new things.

In September, I finally got up the nerve to do give my self an undercut (click >>>here<<< for more on my cut). I am still loving this cut and I'm still able to do some of the styles that I did prior.
I also took this time to grow my color out because I just wasn't feeling it anymore. I honestly liked how the color looked once it began to grow out.

Things that I've learned this year about my hair this year? Nothing really. Other than the cut, I haven't really experimented with many products, styles or regimens. The previous years have taught me just enough to keep my hair in decent condition

Staple products? If you look at any of my Pick 6 post, you'll know that I am #TeamSheaMoisture...This also applies to hair products; I use their Superfruit Complex shampoo and conditioner for cleansing, my whipped shea butter mixture as well as home mix of oils (whatever I choose to mix) to lock in moisture. For styling products, I use Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Curl Defining Pudding.

Go-to styles? With my cut, I have been wearing "The Puff" on a regular (mainly because I rarely feel like doing my hair). I have also done faux top knots, pompadours and my version of a Halo braid or what I like to call the twisted crown.

No real plans this year with  my hair other than possibly coloring it again. I am really interested in trying out Shea Moisture's Hair Color system... And although the "internets" is saturated with tutorials on this product, I may come with a demo.

Natural Hair Anniversary

July 2nd marked 5 years since I starting the journey of going back natural and 4 years of be being fully naturally (all processed hair being completely gone).  

Year 2 <<< Click to view my 2 year anniversary

A lot of trial and error to figure out what agreed with my hair/scalp and what didn't. Within that year did discover that my hair is in love with pomades and oils. Year 2 also forced me into a regimen because again with trial and error I learned that my hair needs a little more TLC in its natural state (ie: moisturizing, taming, protecting, etc.). With protecting my hair, I  learned to better style it. Growing up I learned how to braid and flat twist from my mother but rarely put this talent to use because my go to style was simply flat ironing or curling it. Thanks to YT I was able to jump back in and perfect this taught craft and do more protective styling to let my hair rest.

Year 3 <<< Click to view my 3 year anniversary

Experimenting with styles. Now knowing that I was able to do my own hair I tried out a lot of different styles: kinky twist, flat twist, marley hair, twist outs, braid outs, and everything in between. I discovered what I call my go to hair style, as well as an interest in cutting my hair in a style... Never did it though.

Year 4 left out the element of surprise since I know what works for my hair and what styles I can jump to as a last resort. Returning natural  4  years ago brought on a lot of research as far as what product has the least amount if not, any chemicals and what products had ingredients that would help promote healthy hair. With that in mind it made me think this year about not only being concerned about what I put on my scalp but also what I'm putting in my body. 

I have been pushing myself to eat better and take care of myself. Now, I am no poster child for Healthy, Clean, Me or anything but, when shopping for groceries I am more conscience about what I buy. More fresh fruits and veggies, and less pre-packed/processed foods. Less beef and pork, and more lean meats. We have also cut back on eating out, which forces us to eat our groceries before they go bad AND keeps more money in our pockets.

Going back natural was a choice that I initially made because I was frustrated with the result I was getting with my alternative styling method...That being relaxers. At this moment in my life, I have been frustrated with the results that I a getting from not taking care of my body so, I'm trying to shift gears and push hard to work towards a better me ALL AROUND.

Has your natural hair journey opened the door(s) to other aspects of life that you want to work on?

- Creatively Coiled