BlondeByDesire - My Hair has a name - BELLA -means beautiful

BlondeByDesire wrote:Hello Ladies,

I'm joining this challenge because I was told I had to have something in writing by Monday.

So like so many others, I feel I have nothing really to offer except what I've learned along the way. I look to you all for guidance and hair wisdom.

Let's see I believe I started getting my first relaxer around 8 years of age. Then around 11 or 12 I started caring for my own hair. I can't really remember what my texture/hair was like when I was a young natural except that it hurt when it was being combed out after washing. Then the pressing comb with the hot grease to my scalp ... ouch .

When I became self sufficient and able to afford salon visits I would go faithfully every two weeks for a wrap and then graduated to roller sets. At around 28/29 years old is when I first got my hair lightened with the Blonde I now have. That first color application was done at the salon. I use Ms. Clairol Luminize along with the Ms. Clairol Luminize Developer. As I got older, I really got tired of going to the salon from Sun up to Sun down - wasting my whole day - usually a Saturday. That's when I decided to start doing my own hair, i.e. perms, color, roller set, etc. I would only visit the salon from that point on once a year just for a trim or a special cut.

Fast forward to summer 2007. This is the year I found LHCF. I'm not even sure what I was searching for on the net when I found this forum. Anyhow, I was reading what I could not being a member and I was really impressed. I finally decided to join and the rest is hair history. I started actually caring for my hair in way I had never thought about. I knew through the years that the relaxer was making my hair thinner. Never had a problem with the color - ever. So at the end of 2007 is when I did my first ever long stretch 18 weeks - but it didn't go too well because I suffered breakage from wet bunning and not properly moisturizing my hair and protein overload. I wasn't into reading the labels. So the stretch took me into 2008 -- when I saw the damage and I made a salon appt. and got my hair relaxed and cut into layers just a little below neck length. All the while I'm still on the boards reading all the amazing hair stories and finding other sites as well. The natural hair stories were amazing and I was in awe. So Oct. 2008 I got my last relaxer.

It wasn't until Jan. 2009 that I decided I was going to transition to natural. I believe I had enough knowledge at this point where I could do the stretch with minimal damage. I found CN somewhere in early 2009 and was amazed with her hair story and all the stories that followed.

I've had some breakage/shedding which I believe is normal - I know when I first started I wasn't properly detangling.

So here I am today 14+ months into my transition and can't wait until I'm fully natural.

I have photos in my Fotki of the beginning of my journey.

More recent photos:

BlondeByDesire wrote:Good Morning Ladies:

So last night I did my hair in plaits 4 in the back and 1 on each side up front. I applied shea butter/coconut oil to the length of the plait and sealed with shea butter. Rolled ends with rods. I decided on paits because I didn't feel like dealing with the tangles in trying to rebraid. Tied satin scarf around my head and bonnet on top.

So this morning I pulled hair back and used a head band. It's not the best hair day, but it's okay. Tonight most likely I pull up into a pineapple ponytail. My hair is feeling a little weighed down.

adiaha wrote:I LOVE your color and your braid out is great.

And I just wanted to say I had to do a double take when I saw your age, you look like someone I know here who is 10 years younger than you.

BlondeByDesire wrote:Okay - so today is one of those day when I think my hair is looking a hot mess. You saw the high pony that I have it in - earlier post.

But surprisingly I got compliments on my "natural" hair from my caucasian co-worker today. She was like "I really love your natural hair - I like it like this - I've meaning to tell you that".

Suffice to say, I was really happy with the compliment.

BlondeByDesire wrote:Okay - so today is one of those day when I think my hair is looking a hot mess. You saw the high pony that I have it in - earlier post.

But surprisingly I got compliments on my "natural" hair from my caucasian co-worker today. She was like "I really love your natural hair - I like it like this - I've meaning to tell you that".

Suffice to say, I was really happy with the compliment.

Lynnieluve wrote:

adiaha wrote:I LOVE your color and your braid out is great.

And I just wanted to say I had to do a double take when I saw your age, you look like someone I know here who is 10 years younger than you.

Me too!! I never paid attention to your age until Adiaha just brought it up. I hope I look as good as you when I turn 40.

Intelligentbeauty wrote:

Lynnieluve wrote:

adiaha wrote:I LOVE your color and your braid out is great.

And I just wanted to say I had to do a double take when I saw your age, you look like someone I know here who is 10 years younger than you.

Me too!! I never paid attention to your age until Adiaha just brought it up. I hope I look as good as you when I turn 40.

YOU LOOK MARVELOUS AT 40

sweetdrk1 wrote:Although we don't seek approvement doesn't it feel good when you receive it!! I love your hair!

Juices-n-Berries wrote:WOW. You look awesome!

BlondeByDesire wrote:Happy Friday Ladies:

I hope everyone is doing well and having a good hair day.

Nothing new to report - I'm still bunning it until tomorrow night.

I ordered some Elasta Care Feels Like Silk (16oz).

Also ordered Qhemet Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm.

Both items have shipped.

Placing a order from the Curls Line - steps 1-4.

Gearing up for my BC. I really believe these relaxed ends are hendering and stunting my growth - not to mention the breakage and shedding.

BlondeByDesire wrote:I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I need to make it happen. I feel like now the relaxed portion is hendering my progress.