My Hair Growth Update
Written by Samara on December 24, 2009Over the year I’ve learned a lot of new things about caring for my hair in its natural state and there were even times when it seemed to be difficult to manage, but with the proper knowledge and education, caring for your hair in it’s natural state will become as easy as brushing your teeth in the morning. As time went on, I have now found that I’ve passed those hurdles of growing out my hair and I’ve finally come to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Big Chop, December 2008 – My natural hair was new to me and I relied on Kinky-Curly products to care for it.
Teeny Weenie Afro Phase, Dec ’08-Aug ’09 – I continued to use the Kinky-Curly products and discovered the Curls line.
Afro Stage, Sept ’09-Present – discovered the caramel treatment and unrefined shea butter. I also came across the Karen’s Body Beautiful Line which I created my own moisture rich hair spray with. Was wearing cornrows and 2 strand twists to lessen the fairy knots that appeared throughout my hair. My hair was becoming a bit easier to manage than before.
Shoulder Length Hair, Nov ’09 – I blew my hair out and flat ironed it for the first time since going natural and discovered about 2-2 1/2 inches of scab hair because the hair on my ends was unresponsive to the heat and was hard and brittle. I removed the scab hair which was a hair growth set back, but after caring for my hair without the scab hair in it, I have found that my decision to remove it has had a great impact on my hair.
Almost Shoulder Length Again, Currently – I have noticed that my hair is much easier to manage now. It isn’t as hard to detangle and ever since I removed the scab hair, I do not get fairy knots. In fact since I removed it I’ve only had probably 3 instances of them, meaning only 3 knots since November. I’d usually have tons of them in my hair, no matter how often I wore protective styles and when I removed the scab hair, that’s where all the knots were. My curl pattern is starting to show now too. Instead of brillo pad textured hair, I can see coils. My hair is softer and looks healthier. As soon as you pass that hurdle of growing out your scab hair you will find that the natural journey is quite easy.
If you are thinking about going natural or you are already natural, this is my natural journey so far, and will give those thinking about it an idea of what to expect if you are growing out your relaxer. It won’t be easy at first because you are used to caring for relaxed hair, but once you educate yourself it will become easier. Also, if you learn how to manage the scab hair, when your true texture comes in it will be so much easier because scab hair is harder to manage than your true texture.
Happy Holidays!
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7 Responses to My Hair Growth Update
In my youth I had beautiful hair, past my shoulder. As I grew older and started wearing braids for extended length of time, it pulled all ny hair out, especially on the edges and hairline. Recently, I cut it all off, but as with age and braids, my hair is quite thin, and already very soft and fine textured. Now I am trying to wear it natural, and it has begun to grow, but I never feel attractive..my hair is very short and b/c it is thin, no style makes me look feminine. I am wear it in tiny comb twists, but it makes me look plain and boyish. Any suggestions to help me though this ‘ugly’ phase? I have considered really short (natural looking) two strand twist, but don’t wanna damage my hair since it is so much healthier now. I am desperate. Georgia Peach
The teenie weenie fro is a stage that all newly naturals must go through when first going natural. It was so bad that people would call me “crackhead” and “bald headed”, which was very hurtful because people whom make comments such as these do not understand the beauty of being natural. My suggesting is for you to try to bring out your features while your hair is short such as wearing makeup. If you have beautiful eyes bring them out with eyeshadow adding a base color to your lids, a lighter color to your brow bone and a darker color to your crease followed by some liner and mascara. Beautiful full lips? lipstick, liner, and gloss. High cheek bones, try some blush. Finish the look off with some beautiful dangling earrings and a necklace. When you have short hair, doing things such as this to bring out your features will not only be fun, but make you look ultra feminine too.
I just discovered your website today (4/13/10), and I am SOOO glad I did! I did the Big Chop last weekend (via my hair dresser, cut off the last of my permed ends about 4″), so I have yet to see how my natural hair will react when I wash it this Friday and attempt to wear it in the curly fro like yours (its still in the blow dry state). I have the same hair type as yourself, looser curl in the front, and tighter in the back (4a/4b). I am going to go buy some products (I have none), so I can have something to put on it while its damp. I noticed that you use several different types. What would you suggest I buy and try out first? And where could I find the product. Thank you sooooo much! Your website and youtube videos have given me courage and hope!
You are in luck. I started out using Kinky-Curly and the Curls line when I first BC’d and those products are now both available locally!
Target carries the Curls line so you can try them if you like. The products they sell are the Lavish Curls Moisturizer (Similar to the Quenched Curls Moisturizer sold online), the Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner (Excellent co-wash conditioner), Curlicious Cleansing Cream (sulfate free shampoo), and the Curls Brulee (A light moisturizer that reminds me of the Curls Milkshake). They also carry the Goddess Glaze (a curl definer). All sold at a cheaper price than online.
Kinky-Curly products can be purchased at Wholefoods. They carry the Come Clean Shampoo(sulfate free), Knot Today(leave-in conditioner), Curling Custard(curl definer), Spiral Spritz(Second day curl refresher), and Gloss Pomade(grease free pomade).
Giovanni sold at both Wholefoods, Target, and Walmart is also a good choice. Good Luck!
Thank you Samara for the quick reply! I was so excited about trying out my new afro, that I went out and bought the Kinky Curls products, and washed my hair today instead of waiting until Friday. I must admit, I got a little nervous once I saw how much my hair had shrunk up, and how “rough looking” I was, lol. All it took was me fingering around with my fro (with the products on), and a nubian look was born! I helped enhance my new hairdo with makeup, and I unveiled myself to my husband, and he said I looked sexy with my new hairstyle! Im lovin’ this! I even came up with a reason to go out of the house again because I couldnt wait to go out in public and show the world the “natural” me! Thank you for all of your suggestions.
I’m so excited! Being naturally is truly a beautiful thing.
I love your comments… It’s very inspiring!!
Thank you
Jess