LOVE TO HERE FROM THE MATURE NATURAL BEAUTIES OUT THERE!!!

SO IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE MATURE CURLIES AND ARE ROCKIN' NATURAL HAIR, PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROUTINE, PRODUCT LOVES, HAIR STYLES AND WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING NATURAL. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
DO SHARE, DO SHARE...LOL

I hope you think that 44 is mature!! HERE'S MY STORY........

Originally, I was an "unintentional" transitioner (last relaxer--Feb 5, 2008). My long-term hair stylist moved out of the DC area & I was unable to find another stylist that I was comfortable enough with to maintain the layers. I usually never relaxed my hair during the summer, preferring to co-wash and put it into a ponytail or bun. By Sept 08, I still hadn't found another stylist, but found that I could still blowdry & flat iron my hair with the same results when needed. This continued til Feb 09 & I finally had an "Ah-Ha" moment and realized that I actually loved seeing my natural hair. It became a personal challenge to become a true "naturalista"!

I started out with shoulder-length hair, and have been gradually trimming 1+ inches every 3 months to maintain the length. Right now, I only have about 2 more inches to go until I'm totally natural!! I must say that I'm in love with my "almost"-natural hair. I love NOT being a "slave" to my hair (long appts, the weather, exercising, etc...). Without the chemicals, my hair is most definitely healthier, longer and thicker. It is now bra-strap length.

I've been in "Corporate America" for years and thought that relaxed hair was the unofficial rule to climb the "ladder". But, I found that I looked just as professional with ponytails or buns. When I blowdry & flatiron it (every 3 months) to check its condition & ends, people go nuts. Not that I really care....LOL.....but I"m amazed that it looks better than the fully-relaxed days.

As far as products, I'm still a newbie. I typically use Suave products & will deep condition/hot oil every couple of weeks. I also use Vatika or Parachute coconut oil and shea butter. At night, I either braid or twist it & cover with a satin bonnet. In the morning (during the cold weather), the steam from the shower dampens it & I'll oil it & brush it back into a low or high pony or bun. My philosophy is to KEEP IT VERY, VERY, VERY SIMPLE. However, I'll gladly accept any suggestions or advice.

Finally, being a "mature" black woman in her 40's, I've initiated & embraced many positive changes....my hair being one of them! I love, love, love my hair!!!! I can hardly wait for Feb 2010 to cut the final 2 inches of the relaxer off. I used to think the 40's meant that you were old. I'm in no way OLD, I've just gotten a heck of a lot better!

***Many kudos for sites like CurlyNikki***
Keep up the great work!

WOW, I love that. Thanks you so much for sharing. Would love to see pics? do you have a fortki or pics to post?