Newbie! 4 Weeks Post-BC (PICS)

Hello all! My "name" is fleur_nouvelle and I recently chopped my hair off a month ago. I have considered going natural for years, but I was in love with the length and luster of my relaxer. Of course, that relationship would always end in frustration. With a relaxer my hair would grow considerably nice for a year and a half, and for no other reason other than to tee me off, my hair would break at the back of my head. I would always go short and grow it back. Break. Then cut it short and grow it back. It was a vicious cycle.

Surprisingly, my two girls are natural. Of course the infant is, but my 12 year old has been naturally curly from birth and she loves it. When she was younger she wanted a relaxer and I said, "No flipping way". (Hypocrite, I know). As she got older she started busting me out, so I had to practice what I preach.

The initial feelings of undergoing the big chop was not a liberating as I have read others say on the web. Initially, I regretted cutting off my hair. First, the stylist cut off too much of my hair after I transitioned for 6 months. Gone were my awesome bangs and layers. To make matters worse, my hair was dry as a brillo pad for 2 weeks. Holy cow, wth did I just do? Nothing worked for me at first. I spent hundreds of dollars on products to "fix" my hair. Coconut oil? Nope. Carol's Daughter? No. Giovanni? No way. I was helpless. (I’m also a Southern Louisiana girl, so my reactions were overly dramatic. Me: 1. Scarlett O’ Hara: 0). I started reading these boards and I saw that others had the same problem as me. There was no quick fix. I wanted it to be luxurious right away. My husband gave me a speech and tore the blinders off for me. I had to re-evaluate why I went natural and why I wanted it to be perfect right away. I had to be patient and not be concerned about what others thought, nor be chained to the notion of what society thinks I should look like. Four weeks later and I am falling in love my hair! I'm learning everyday how to care for it better and shockingly it’s been pretty easy so far. Thank you DevaCurl No Poo Shampoo and gel, Samy Curl Crème, KKCC, jojoba oil, and ORS conditioner!

Sorry for the long post, but this is new and exciting for me! I can’t wait to learn more from all of you!!!!!!

Relaxed:
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Taking it off!
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1 month later
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Congratulations!! The short cut really fits you and your curls look awesome:)

wow your hair is beautiful!! Congrats on the BC..I just did mines 2 weeks ago and I'm loving everyday with my curls!!!

Thanks, omg and rayray! It's definately a
work in progress. Rayray, if I may inquire--how often do you wash/deep condition? And what moisturizer do you use? Thanks.

well i co wash my hair every night with Shea moisture or Giovanni and I shampoo and deep condition every Sunday with Shea moisture deep treatment masque!! i love that stuff..also to keep my twa moisture I refresh it in the morning with shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and spritz it with water/glycerine (this makes my curls come back alive!)

oh yea and i stop using eco styler gel to define my curls now i use CURLS Goddess curl..its a natural gel (like KCCC but less expensive) and it has the same affect eco styler gel has but it doesnt dry out my hair or leave it hard

Thanks for your advice. I'm getting some clarity on the washing issue. I feel like I'm overdoing it sometimes. As far as moisturizing, I've been doing good so far, but I'm looking to try new things as my hair grows out in order to promote good hair health. I also don't want to look like I'm wearing aluminum foil on my head when I step out into the sun, lol.

Your hair frames your face beautifully. Like you, I was relaxing but wanted my daughters to be natural. I actually put a texturizer in my oldest's hair a year ago and she has been growing it out since then. Enjoy your journey!

Beautiful, just Beautiful !~!!!

Thank you, Netta (which is my name too, btw!)

I'm glad you're falling in love with your hair because you look great!

omgitsaj wrote:Congratulations!! The short cut really fits you and your curls look awesome:)

ditto!

Very pretty shape and curls ~

Your and your hair are beautiful!