What I Learned 1st Year - My Perception

It's June 10th!  One year ago today, I decided not to use relaxers anymore.  Looking back a year later, it's so interesting that it was a reluctant decision.  I went natural out of necessity not because it was something that at the time I was really excited about.  And to think, the only reason why I was so reluctant was because I was afraid.  Afraid of what my natural hair would look like.  Afraid of how I would be perceived.  I think the biggest thing that I've learned is that natural hair is absolutely beautiful.  I've learned that I am still attractive with my natural hair.  I've learned that people still see me for the carefree, fun-loving woman I've always been.  I'm still taken seriously at work.  I've learned not everyone will love my natural hair and the way I choose to style it but that's ok, they have the right to their opinion as long as they are mindful of how they express it to me (insert 1 raised eyebrow - LOL).  I was recently asked if there was anything that I missed about being relaxed and I'm still trying to think of something.  I guess if it was anything, it would be length because my hair shrinks up A LOT.  But I know that over time with good maintenance, I will be able to style my hair in ways that shows it's true length. So I'm ok with that.

Not to be spooky deep (as my pastor likes to say), but because of this decision and my growing comfort of it, I have also decided to be truer to myself in every aspect of my life.  That means that the values, priorities, and issues that are important to me I will support and stand behind regardless of what the masses may think.  As long as at the end of the day, I can be proud of myself when I look in the mirror that's all that matters to me.

So ...it's been a great year!  I realize my journey is really just beginning and I look forward to documenting it, every step of the way.

Check out the slide show below of the journey of my first year!

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

What I Learned My First Year - Expensive Products Are Not Required for Fab Hair!

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Those who know me well know that I don't believe in wasting money.  Especially in this economy, I am looking for ways to conserve money where I can.  There are many great salon quality (and salon priced) products on the market for natural hair care.  I have also found that there are many comparable lower priced products on the market that do a wonderful job at caring for and maintaining my hair. 

Here are the products that I use consistently for the maintenance of my hair and their approximate prices:

Shampoo - Curls Creamy Curl Cleanser   $9.99

Detangling Conditioner - Herbal Essences Hello Hydration   @$5.00

Leave In Conditioner (base for my leave-in cocktail) - Giovanni Direct Leave In  @$7.00

Deep Conditioner - Butters-n-Bars Original Conditioning Mask  $8.00 (for 6 oz)

Stylers - Ecostyler Moroccan Argan Oil - $2.99 (on sale);  Curls Creme Brule  $10.99; Organic Raw Shea Butter $8.00; Miss Jessie's Curling Custard (free at product swap!); Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie $9.99

Oils/Other- EVOO, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, peppermint essential oil. Range of prices, the most expensive being Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil $10.99

With these products, I am able to do all of my styles from wash & go's, puffs, flat twists, finger coils, and two strand twists.  I do know that product junkie -ism exists.  I have been successful in not succuming to the temptation to try every product out there.  However, these are products that I may one day treat myself to try:

Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle  $18.00

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment $16.95 for 8 oz

Design Essentials Natural Curl Stretching Creme  $26.90 for 16 oz

Aveda Brilliant Anti-Humectant Pomade $19.00 for 2.9 oz (Imma tell you now I'm gonna be hard pressed to buy this one at this price)

Jane Carter Curl Defining Cream  $34.00 for 16 oz.

Ouidad Double Detangler  $24  - This is something I will eventually buy because of how coily my hair is.  I think it will help me detangle easier as my hair gets longer and help prevent split ends.

Good luck in your pursuit of finding the "holy grail" products that work specifically for you and your natural hair needs!!

Lessons Learned 1st Year - Youtube & Natural Hair Blogs Are Your Friend!

As much as textbooks are to formal education, Youtube and natural hair blogs are to DIY natural hair care and maintenance.  Most of the information that I've learned I have gleaned from blogs I've read and Youtube videos that I've watched.  Hours upon hours of watching & reading that has paid off in the long haul.  I truly appreciate these women for spending their time creating these venues for us to learn!

Over the past year, there are some favorite Youtubers (or vloggers) that I've identified.  The ones listed below are for their product reviews/tutorials:

Kimmaytube - Natural hair education/retaining length
Deminpixie -  Product reviews
Dawnyele - Twist Outs

SimplYounique - Tutorials
BlackIzBeautyful (type 4 hair) - Tutorials

Keke52284 (type 4 hair) - Tutorials
br0nzeqt - Tutorials

The YouTubers below I personally like for hair/fashion/their comedic personality/or other topics they share:
arr1216
MsVaughnTV
PhillyDiva1914
mahoganyknots

The blogs I read most often are:
http://www.curlynikki.com/
http://www.afrobella.com/
http://www.moptopmaven.com/ (she's not currently blogging but she has some great info out there)

A lot of Youtube vloggers also have blogs, so I didn't list them but when you go to their channels you'll see their blog listed there as well.

I'm subscribed to about 50 YouTube channels but  didn't want to overwhelm you guys.  You may find others that fit your needs and what you're looking for, but I think this is a good start especially if you have very tightly coiled hair like I do.

Coming Up June 10th: My First Nappiversary!

There are many discussions about what constitutes one's natural anniversary date.  Some say it's the day that you started growing out your relaxer, while others say it's when you cut off your relaxed ends.  After thinking about it, I'm going to use the date of my last relaxer.  I'm using this date because it signaled for me a major transition in how I conducted my hair care. Honestly, once you decide to go natural, even though you have relaxed ends, you should start treating all of your hair as if it were natural. 

During this anniversary week I will be sharing things that I have learned during my first year being natural.  I hope the information will be more than just memories recollected for me, but also might help someone who is either thinking about going natural or newly natural.