Friday, January 30, 2015

My Naturalversary

3 Years Natural

natural hairstyles for January through July
Hairstyles from the 1st half of the year
It's already been another year. Does it feel like it?? YES! I know I've said this many times over the past few weeks, but I've been through the wringer this year with my hair. In last year's Naturalversary post, I had a few updates then, let's see where I stand on those now:
  1. I didn't do length checks every other month like I was supposed to. After the year rolled in, I decided to try and get proactive about my damaged hair. I tried different styles like flexi rods and heatless curls, then I revamped those styles when they got old. That worked for me until...
  2. I cut my hair. I'd been getting small trims every few weeks and I got tired of it. My split ends had gotten the best of me and I wanted them gone! When I finally cut them off, I wasn't happy with how much hair I'd lost so...
  3. I got a sew-in. I have a salon I go to, but I wouldn't say it's my home salon. I made a plea a few weeks ago to try and get some DMV ladies together so I could persuade my NC cosmetologist to set up a pop up shop here. I didn't get a chance to let her do my hair at all this past year which is so unfortunate. I know if I would've had access to her I wouldn't have had that huge matted hair fiasco...as a matter of fact, I wouldn't have needed a sew-in because she takes care of my hair so well! *insert sad face* BUT my hair grew despite all the trouble I've been through.
  4. I got my first curlBOX in February and I've been going strong ever since. I must say, I've gotten some pretty good products and I've tried a lot of them. I review products when I run across something I like, so I plan on continuing to do that.
Now that I've installed my newest sew-in, I really hope to get back on track for healthier hair this year. If I had to set a goal for my hair this year it would be that. I don't want to set a length goal because who knows what will happen this year. However, I have a length in mind and if I reach it, I'll let you know!

hairstyles to grow and protect natural hair
Hairstyles from the 2nd half of the year
I started taking Hairfinity in August. I haven't had the opportunity to measure real growth from the pills, so I plan to take them until June (at least). I want to do two length checks. I want to compare two months of growth, but I also want to compare Hairfinity growth to non-Hairfinity growth, using previous length checks. I want to see how helpful these pills really are!

Am I still happy with my decision to go natural?
Yes! 
Do I ever miss my relaxed hair?
Yes.
Would I do it all over again?
Yes!!

Any kind of change can be really difficult. Drastic changes can be even harder. I beat myself up for so many different reasons when it comes to my hair. I wish my hair would lay this way; I wish my hair would curl that way; I wish my hair would grow faster, etc., etc.! My hair is the way it is. It's not going to lay, or curl, or grow any differently than it does. Accepting this is still something I strive towards being more comfortable with. That doesn't mean I don't like my hair, I absolutely love it!! I believe the majority of us have things we wish we could change about ourselves or make better. I can get my hair to do many things, but the only way to get better with it is to keep practicing (or find a good cosmetologist)! If there's one thing I am, it's determined! I went natural because I wanted this experience. I wanted to see what my hair would look like and I wanted to try different things with it. Although all of 2014 was a setback for my hair, I set a goal for myself and I haven't reached it. I won't stop until I do. I'm closer now than I've ever been. No matter how much I talk about it, I definitely can't stop or turn back!!

After I get this sew-in taken out, I'm sure there will be a trim (prayerfully a small one). I'm not planning on getting another sew-in any time soon, but I can't say that with 100% certainty.

I've celebrated many anniversaries this month. January 1st was my 2nd Blogiversary; January 25th made 6 years since I've joined my sorority; and today makes 3 years natural! Wow.

My goal for 2015 is time management. I haven't been doing so well because I had an unexpected goal arise. I'm sure you've noticed the recent change in my blog design. I've been doing major work with this thing! Some of my work you can see, but the majority of the work I'm putting in is behind the scenes. I'm 2 years into blogging!! I'm just now learning things I should've gotten under my belt earlier on.

Experience is a better teacher than anything out there. Sometimes you just have to learn as you go. I can say the same for this hair journey. No matter how many years into this I get, I know there will always be things to learn!

wet natural hair

...and I'm always open to learning!
Happy 3 Year Naturalversary to me!!


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6 comments

  1. Great pics love the journey! Enjoy :)

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  2. I've been mostly natural for almost 11 years now. You name it I've done it to my hair. I'm currently trying to go out a haircut but I love my natural hair best when its all shaved off. I used to try different styles all the time and I totally miss it. Time hasn't allowed me to try much anymore. Your flexi rods were cute, they are on my list to try I just have no idea when it will happen. #TendrilTuesday I'm a fellow Mi and a DMV gal. www.mimicutelips.com

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  3. You are seriously on a hair journey Sis! So proud of your 3 years natural. Don't worry about the setbacks, this whole journey is a learning experience. You are doing well, keep on trucking. I enjoyed reading this!

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  4. Happy Anniversary! I wish I documented my natural hair journey. I love reading about the journey of others though because it makes you realize we are all on a similar journey. I do wonder if I am the only one with locs who wakes up with a sore neck from wearing updos??? Hahahaha! I love your pics! Thanks for sharing :)

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  5. Thanks Jolyn. I wish I would've gotten more during my first year, but I started at a good enough time to be able to look back and saw "Wow, look at the growth!" I'm sure you're not the only one who wakes up with a sore neck. These styles require strength...of all kinds!!

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