YET HOLDING ON

honeybaby1124, congrats on being brave enough to go against the norm. I think many of us have reservations after we do the BC so don't think you're alone in that. I am confident that in time you will grow to love your natural hair (sites like this are very helpful). My family thought I was crazy for cutting my hair but now, some of them are asking how they can go natural! If you don't like the shape up, the good news is that your hair will outgrow it in no time. People may say negative things but it's only because we are sometimes a little afraid of being different and of others being different. Don't listen to the negativity (we've all gotten it at some time or another), I think you look absolutely beautiful with your natural hair

Hi Honeybaby1124

Congrats and Welcome to Au Naturale [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

There are so many threads on this forum to help you on your journey. As a matter of fact theres a Butter 'n Bars threat where you can track your progress. It range from new naturals to ladies that's been natural all their lives. Also in The Curly Friends Tab, MahoganyCurls gives tons of advice for sporting a TWA. She also have YouTube videos. Browse the site adn you will find TONS of information to help you. Also try co-washing. Again welcome and just have fun being natural. Its a whole nother GREAT world

Hey honeybaby, you are definitely in the right place. Congratulations on your BC!!! I was a short term transitioner too. Your avatar pic is really cute!! Is that before or after the shape up?

Like Erica said, your hair will grow back. I recently post a thread named, "I just wanted to share" Check it out. It is showing my growth.

What I believe you need to focus on right now is the dryness. What are you using to moisturize? What products are you using? If you give us a run down of what you are using, it will help us guide you in the right direction.

Hang in there!!!! You will grow to love your hair!!!

Honeybaby1124,
I did the b/c on 2/13/09 after transitioning for 6 months, and I felt the same way. I was shocked by how much gray hair I had, was totally caught off guard by that. When people saw me all they could do was gasp and say "you cut your hair...it suits your face". But I wasn't looking for validation, I was comfortable with me. I am so happy I went natural, what God supplied me with is suffcient not something that "has" to be altered. Once you embrace that you will come into your own new style and attitude and people will come to you and start asking how to go natural.

Letting your hair be hair is the most important thing. I'm struggling with moisturizing too but thanks to this site I am learning.

hey, honeybaby1124!!!

Welcome!!!! Loving the avator!!!! Give us a run down on your regime, and we can steer you in the right direction. Are you shampooing? if so, with what? are you dC? do you use a leave-in condish before styling? I definitely agree with mmoultry's suggestion for co-wash: that has made a world of a difference with moisture (and length) in such a short amount of time for me.

Sounds to me like you may be protein sensitive. you might want to keep protein out of anything you use on your hair and see if that makes a difference. HTH

First, it's great that your uplifting was reinforced by your daughter--love it!

Second, the Cantu and gel likely have -cones that are drying your hair. In addition to washing with conditioners (Suave and V05) that are -cone free try applying extra virgin olive oil to your hair (you may warm it if you like). Place a plastic cap on it for 30 minutes then rinse it out.

Third, try a moisturizing product like shea butter or moisturizing conditioner. You can mix the shea butter with EVOO, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and coconut oil.