New Hair Care Products...

During my research on transitioning hair from relaxed to natural, I found out that the products I currently use on my hair won't work for my transitioning hair. Also, the amount of times I wash my hair won't work either (OMG!). It is suggested from people who have or know about transitioning hair, that you wash your hair about once a month and co-was (no more than once a week) with a conditioner. Both products MUST be sulfate free or the chances of your hair breaking off/ruining your new growth will be great. Finding this out, I ran (not really) to the closest Wal-Mart to find different products I could use on my hair. After what felt like weeks in the isle of hair care products, I finally decided on buying L'oreal EverStrong Hydrating Shampoo (for normal to dry hair) and Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint (sulfate-free). I chose these two products because they are both sulfate free and claim to moisturize/hydrate hair. Because my hair will not be in the best shape throughout the transitioning process, I wanna be able to maintain enough moisture in my hair so that it will not break off.

I just had my hair washed yesterday (shampoo & conditioned), so next week I will make sure to only condition my hair and start the process of roller setting. I know that I probably won't commit to these two products, but for right now I know that I at least have the right kind of products for my hair. I will continue to search for more products (i.e. deep conditioner, hair mask, setting lotion).

I'm really excited about the outcome!!

Length of Hair BEFORE Cut...

I love Hello Kitty :)

The First Step (Cut Off Unhealthy)...

Today, I decided to go into the nearest Great Clips I could find so that someone could cut off my dead ends. I knew that I would have to get my hair cut, but not to the extent of "nearly" shoulder length hair. My stylist, Derica, ended up to be a very nice lady who listened to me blabber on and on about my hair, and my decision on going natural. Instead of the normal response of "Why" "You're hair is SO pretty though..." or "It's gonna be hard work", she actually encouraged me and gave me some tips on helping my transition process to go a little smoother. After washing, blow drying, and flat ironing my hair, Derica finally pulled a strand of my hair to show how much unhealthy hair I had accumulated on the ends. At first I was shocked, and a little speechless, but I eventually told her that my intention was to come in here and to do what needed to be done. She continued to encourage me, saying that everything would be okay, and that after she cut it my hair would feel and look so much healthier. 

When I felt my hair get a little lighter and started listening to the sound of scissors cutting chunks of my hair, I suddenly turned red and almost felt like crying. Yet, I kept my composure and tried to keep telling myself that I had to do this so that my hair would be healthy again. Derica was finished after about 10 minutes and could see the concern on my face and once again encouraged me that mu hair looked so much better and even than before. As I looked into the mirror I couldn't help but LOVE what I saw looking back. Although she had cut about 2 1/2 inches of hair, for the first time in a LONG time my hair looked somewhat healthier and thicker. I won't lie and say that I was crazy about the length, because my hair hasn't been this short since elementary school. But I will say that I did come to terms with my hair being exactly what I wanted it to be - even, thicker feeling/looking, and all the dead ends cut off. 

Now that I've started the first step to transitioning my relaxed hair to natural, I can only look forward to the long but rewarding future my hair has.