Nappy Hair Chronicles...

On November 20, 2010, I began my natural hair journey.  I didn’t have an epiphany to return to my natural roots or the need to cut off damage, over processed hair. My hair was pretty healthy.  I did it because I was at a crossroads.  I, too, was addicted to the creamy crack. And because of this addiction, I had to go to rehab.   I had already  performed my first big chop in 2003. I cut my long, relaxed, hair off for a short, relaxed, pixie cut.  I LOVED MY HAIR SHORT!!!!  I felt so liberated. It was pretty easy for me to maintain my short, new do.  However, you have  to be on point or it will look a hot, short, mess!!!   I would get my hair cut every two weeks or so and then relaxed every 6 weeks.  I didn't have  to relax my hair as often in the winter time, but in the summertime…that was a horse of a different color.  LOL!!!  I could get away with a mild relaxer and some gel if it was too hot.  Nothing worse than a  short do that is ruined because you sweat it out. 

So, back to my nappy roots...The top on my head is totally gray (prematurely of course) and I needed to  get it cut, relaxed and colored.  What a damn process! With relaxed hair, you have to wait at least 7 days before you can put a permanent color on your hair.  I couldn’t wait.  Please don’t mention a semi- permanent or a rinse.  I might scream.  They don’t work for me.  I can’t take color on my clothes, pillowcases and my face if caught in the rain without an umbrella.  UUGGGGHHHH!!!!  My hair was in dire need of a cut and I was tucking my hair behind my ear. Not cute! It was gray with about 4 inches of new growth.  If I relaxed my hair, then I would have a non-existent cut with four inches of gray hair. 

 If I colored my hair, then I would have a non-existent cut with black hair and four inches of new growth.  I still had to go and get my hair cut at the salon.  OH HELL NO!!!!  So, I decided to color it and then I would perm it at a later date.  I wanted to get away from the black hair dye and was feeling a bit adventurous.  So, I bought dark warm brown.  Well, let me tell you something! Remember the four inches of gray new growth?  After I applied the “dark warm brown” my gray new growth was a reddish brown and my ends were BLACK!!!!!!!   I looked like a science project gone wrong. 

Do you see her hair?!!!  OMG!

 So, I called my mom and whined, cried, and complained.   She said, “Cut it off!”  She told me to cut off the black ends and start all over again.  Why didn’t I think of that?   I did as all daughters should do.  I listened to my mommy.  LOL!!!! I cut off all of my relaxed hair and so started my natural hair journey…

I must say, it feels totally different from when I went from long relaxed hair to shorty relaxed hair.  I feel more confident and really have a different outlook on my life. This journey is one that I hope will lead me well beyond my 40th birthday in August!  Anyway, I am loving my nappy roots!!!!!!!

 Warmest regards,

Nappy, Happy, & Almost 40!