How I straightened my kinkyhair: Week1 hair diary and the tips I came up with to protect my hair

Hey Lovelys.....I hope that all is well. I wanted to share my straightening regimen with you all before I forget what I did. Now I have never straightened my hair with a flat iron since going natural because I was scared. Scared that my hair won't revert back to my wonderful kinky curly hair. I love my kinks and wouldn't change them for the world. But I, like many other kinky curlies out there, like to try new things every now and then. I began to hate using the word "natural" to describe my hair because of how the community has become towards those of us who choose to: a)wear weave, wigs, extensions, dye our hair, flat iron, blow dry, not use all natural products. All of these things people judge you for because they think there is only one way to do something.

So like I said before, I love my kinky curly hair. But just like trying new things. Anything that I can do myself safely, I'll try it!!!

Here is what I did to get started:

What is Co-Washing and the Big Chop??

Hello Chicas

So today I decided to do my first co-wash, after googling it of course. I decided to try it every other week so that way I don't strip my hair completely of it's natural oils from shampooing every week.

So what is Co-Washing?

Co-washing is when you use a conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo. Like I said, I want to keep some natural oils in my hair but shampooing, conditioning, and deep conditioning every week was stripping my hair bare.

How I Co-washing?

Today all I did was run my hair under water until it was completely wet then parted it and applied my Nexxus Humectress conditioner. Now some people prefer organic products. To me this works great on my hair so why mess up a good thing. Then, I let the conditioner sit for about 5 mins before washing it out. I applied my Infusium 23 leave-in treatment with a spray bottle then applied my Dudley's Creme Press to my scalp. Twisted my hair up with Lustrasilk Right On! Sealing my ends with Dax Bees wax

How did my Co-washing regi come out?

This was my first experience as a co-washer. But so far I don't feel it has dried out my hair. I'll see in a few days. I have to go some where tomorrow and will have to wear a wig. I want to give my hair a rest from combing and brush and constant touching. So the twisting will have to do for now until I am completely natural.

**Only bad issue I am having is the nape being completely natural and me having to constantly moisturize it**

Big Chop??

I have decided to not chop of my relaxed ends yet. Only because it's majority of my hair. Meaning if I cut it then I'll have a little afro. I couldn't take having an afro but maybe when my hair grows out a little longer i'll chop but for now it needs to grow out a little more. One thing at a time. lol

Some photos coming soon! :)

~Pynkstarr~

Forever Blessed

Am I ready for the Transition?

Hola Chicas

I can't help but be afraid of this journey I may or may not be taking. In a previous post, I mentioned that I may want to go natural but not exactly sure if I am ready to commit fully to being au natural. Full commitment to me means to give up perming for life!! No Perm forever! That was scary to me. I couldn't see myself being comfortable in the corporate world with "nappy" looking hair. I work in a fashion showroom and I wore my hair in the little curls for weeks until recently where I pressed my hair. Then I wore my cute short cut wig. My boss was like OMG you look so cute and I love your hair this way. What she really meant was "please stay away from the natural look because to me you look better this way". With my hair curly, people like my friends complemented me on it. But how did I really look to others, esp those in the corporate world.

Not being able to str8en my hair with a relaxer could alter how people looked at me. I am already African American, short, very skinny, and I live in the 'hood'. And now I'd have nappy hair.

I want to fully transition into natural hair though. It's sexy and cute and just less hectic then perming every other month. It is also more affordable to maintain. It costs me about $100.00 a month to get my hair done. Thats $1200 a year....now add tip and the occasional products you buy to style your hair. Thats almost $1500 a year in just hair care, services, etc.

So far in the past 6 months of natural curling, I have only spent no more than $20 on curl activator. Shampoos and conditioners, deep conditioners I already had.

My point is I am 75% ready to transition fully into natural hair. It's a mind thing. I have to psych myself out into realizing curly or kinky is ok, no matter where you live or work. It's who u truly are. If at any time I feel it affects my chances at a job or whatever then I'll just sew in or wear a wig. But for right now transitioning is in my future....YAY!!!

So if you are ready to go on a journey then take a look at yourself and make a change!!

~Pynkstarr~

Forever Blessed