Adiaha's Natural Hair Journey

Hi all, Im Adiaha (Ah-dee-ah-ha) but most call me Dee but its easier to pronounce. I've been transitioning with a sew-in weave. It worked for a minute but now as Im ready to do my big chop its just annoying. I have an appointment at a natural hair salon on December 16 and I have count down to it like Christmas.

I have learned early that going natural isn't cheaper, because I definitely have product junky tendencies. Ive already spent well over $100 on products in preparation for my big chop and I have MANY more things bookmarked on my computer. I want to try it ALL.

I've already ordered Qhemet products, Jamila's henna, Aloe Vera gel and essential oils (to make the "Aloe Gro" moisturizing spray), a new silk hair wrap (www.prettywrap.com) and I can't think of anything else but Im pretty sure Ive bought/ordered more. And this ALL before Ive cut my hair. Im not buying anything else because I dont know what will work but I figured I have a nice starter kit.

Hi I'm Adiaha, and I'm a product junky.

More about me. Im 25 years old, a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner student (hoping to graduate May 2011) and a mommy to a 3 year old. Im from and live in New Orleans and between school, work and family thats my life. Thats why this website is a horrible guilty pleasure. I read it all day everyday although there are many more productive things I could be doing (studying for one). I just love all the knowledge I get from it, this website has decreased my fear in taking the final step towards going natural. I

I look forward to learning with all of you guys, and thanks for the wealth of information thus far. Im sure I'll have many questions in the coming weeks.

Dee

Welcome Dee!

Yes we all are product junkies!

Yea what she said
You have a very pretty name by the way...

Welcome!!! Yes Lena73 is correct. I'm signing up for PJ rehab though LOL

i love your name &&& am trying my best NOT to be a PJ

Welcome sis! 10 days left Are you getting nervous at all or are you just ready to get it done? I can't wait to see your hair after the BC. Its such a great feeling to let the relaxer go...very freeing. Is your 3 year old a boy or girl?

One question...have you already received your silk wrap from that site? If so have you used it and how do you like it? Does it stay on?

@nmoultry Im gonna sign up for PJ rehab as soon as I get the right routine, and after reading your reviews of the steamer I'm sure thats gonna be a part of my routine in the near to distant future.

@African Latina - I have 3 year old boy and he's a handful at times but sweet as pie. I just ordered the silk wrap so I haven't received it yet but it was recommended by someone on this site, I think Maysay (sp?).

To be honest I am kind of nervous about my BC because unlike many people, I remember my natural hair. My mom never wanted me to relax my hair so it took 9 years of me whining about the kids teasing me at school for her to concede to letting me relax my hair. Its been a downhill battle since with dry brittle breaking hair. So I remember my very thick, coarse hair and I don't remember it being pretty. Of course Im remembering 9 year old thoughts which im sure was very influenced by my 9 year old peers, and now that I have the knowledge of how to care for my hair type I am excited about the growth and potential. I know it will be trial and error for awhile so I'll be looking to all of you along the way.

Thanks guys for the compliment on my name as well. That also took me years to appreciate. Its African, and means first born daughter (turns out Im an only child )

Welcome Adiaha,
I know your excitement, I too am scheduled to "BC" on Dec. 16th. I probably have about 2 inches of new growth now. My last relaxer was Aug. 4th and Ive been transitioning with 2 strand twist for the last 2 1/2 months. Also, we seem to have more than hair in common, I too am a nurse, a practicing nurse practitioner to be exact. Dont feel bad about being a PJ already, I have also brought/ordered a great amt. of product already, in preparation for my big day and I still have a few more essentials to purchase. How much new growth will you have when you "BC"? Maybe we can be each other support along the way, since were "BCing" @ the same time. Good Luck!

@cococurly I'm honestly not sure how long my hair is. I haven't relaxed most of hair since like April, but the very front I last relaxed in July. I don't plan to cut it all even as I know I have much more length in the back then the front, I'll just cut off the relaxed ends and go from there. I'd estimate 3-4" in back 1.5-2" in the front. I'd love to have a BC buddy and dont be shocked if I come to you with NP related questions.

I found a new product I like. At least I like it for the moment, who knows how I'll like it once my hair is cut. Its Creme of Nature's Lemongrass and Rosemary Leave-In Creme Conditioner for dehydrated hair. It's very moisturizing and leaves my hair extremely soft. Its probably not as good as some of the more natural products, but for someone looking for a cheaper quick fix I'd recommend giving it a try.

9 days to the BC, still not nervous just anticipatory!!!

So last night I went to Family Dollar to buy christmas wrapping paper, or at least thats what I told my boyfriend. I really wanted to buy some Organix coconut milk conditioner and/or leave in. They didn't have it but I did get HE Hello Hydration and I cowashed with it last night and I LOVE IT!!!

I intended to use it as a leave in as I read many of you do that but it was thick and white on my hair I rinsed it out and used my creme of nature leave in. How do u guys use it, do u dilute it or does the white go away once it dries?

I received my Qhemet products today and I can't wait to try them. I will give a review of each product once I use it.

Also Im going to go out today and buy some Organix since Im dying to check it out...Im sure before the end of this year (whats that like two weeks). I'll have enough hair products to last me a year or more. I never had a PJ problem when I was relaxed, whats this about, and does it pass the longer you're natural?

lol to "at least that's what i told my boyfriend!" I feel tempted to lie to my bf all the time about how much i'm on this site (he doesn't get it )

-->i can't believe you can get Hello Hydration @ the dollar store, lucky!

i'm excited 4 your countdown to the BC, too! It's almost as fun as reliving mine (sigh!)

Welcome!

Good idea about having a starter kit. I sent my sister who just told me that she's ready to BC an email about all the stuff she should buy before BC'ing.

Make sure you take loads of pics of your BC so we can all see!

Welcome Welcome Adiaha!!! (love the name!)

Girl I just started this battle with PJism and im about to go broke! I cant talk about hair anymore around my mother cuz she thinks im getting obsessive! lol
It should die down a little...I hope!

Im so excited for your BC...looking forward to your updates!

One week until my BC I should be studying for finals and I have been, but boy am I hair obsessed. I cant wait to post pics of my hair journey

Ive been watching YouTube videos, and I love looking at this user (
https://www.youtube.com/user/RusticBeauty) because her hair type is very similar to mine and her hair is LONG!!! Love it.

Also I just went to Walgreen's and randomly got a free $5 coupon with to spend on anything in the store. Of course Im gonna get the Organix Coconut Milk = 2 bottles for 1.99 *SCORE* Am I lame or what LOL

I cant wait to see the pics of your BC! **I'll be back in one week**

I wish I had that coupon when I purchased two bottles of Organix Mandarin Olive Oil Conditioner!!!!!

I used HE HH as a styler for WnGs this summer. I would brush it through after applying handfuls of it on two sections of soaking wet hair. I never had any problem with residue. Did you use something under or over it?

adiaha wrote:One week until my BC I should be studying for finals and I have been, but boy am I hair obsessed. I cant wait to post pics of my hair journey

Ive been watching YouTube videos, and I love looking at this user (
https://www.youtube.com/user/RusticBeauty) because her hair type is very similar to mine and her hair is LONG!!! Love it.

Also I just went to Walgreen's and randomly got a free $5 coupon with to spend on anything in the store. Of course Im gonna get the Organix Coconut Milk = 2 bottles for 1.99 *SCORE* Am I lame or what LOL

LUCKY!!! but i guess you deserve it, being a product junkie & all. lol.

My henna arrived today. I ordered it from Amazon. I think I got a good deal but Im not sure. I paid about 36 for 600g. They had a buy 5, get one free sale so figured why not buy five. If I don't care for henna (which i cant imagine based on all the wonderful reviews on here) I'll have plenty of product for a product swap.

I used some Qhemet Amla and Olive Heavy cream on my hair last night before going to bed. I used it smooth my very thick new growth. I tied down my hair and when I took my scarf off this morning my hair was so soft. I was so excited I couldnt keep my hands out the front of my head. I can't wait to wash my hair and apply it to damp hair, Im sure its even more effective then. Love it and the smell is light!!!

All of my friends are asking when Im doing my BC, I wanna say its because theyre as excited as I am but Im sure the true reason is its because this sewin is getting TIRED LMAO

@ChrsLvsBks I used it alone to detangle and I figured after I detangle I was supposed to leave it on my hair but it was really white. I rinsed it because I wasn't sure, maybe I just used too much or maybe it wouldve dried fine had I allowed it do so.

@Kea I dont know whats up with product junky in me but after I get my organix coconut milk shampoo (2 for 1.99) Im done buying stuff. I think I have more than enough and hopefully my regimen wont need tweaking (but im sure I wont get so lucky to get it "right" on the first try).
6 more days until my BC

So I dont have pics yet, but I did the BC. I still have an appt Dec 16 so they can get all the permed ends cut off, but Im rocking two strand twist (thanks to my mom, cuz I cant do it, but I plan to learn). I did it today to avoid the salon from charging me to remove the sewin. I have save money every where I can. I'll post pics when I get home

Congratulations on your BC!!!! How do you feel? What was your first reaction? I cant wait to see the pics!! I know you look great!!!

cool !!! &&& congratulations &&& everything that she said ^^^ !!!

i hope you enjoyed getting rid of those relaxed ends...

Before:


After:

Your hair looks so thick and healthy!!! Let the fun begin!! I hope the products you used during your transition still work for you now. So how do you feel?