Team Natural, the Journey Continues

High School 2004 - peep the OG 11's 

I have gone natural so many times I can't count. My first time was in high school, I started braiding up my hair and wearing it in buns and puffs. I received a little flack for my hair over that year, so I felt pressured into getting a perm again. I permed all through the rest of high school and a little bit into moving to Florida. 

I had the fresh wrap, lol

High School - 2004

First year in Florida

Perming just seemed easier. My hair grew quickly, but if I ever neglected it? It would break like a twig. Nothing worse than dry permed hair. Yuck.

2005/2006 - peep the breakage beginning

My hair was growing even faster in Florida; I think it was the fresh air and my constant walking everywhere. I colored my hair for the first time, and the breakage began.

SO, I started cutting. Started with trims, then an inch or two. The shorter cut was new to me, but I could still make a baby ponytail. 

Then I decided to start going natural one day. Transitioning consisted of washing my hair, leaving in a conditioner and going about my business. 

In a random moment, I came home, grabbed scissors and cut my hair off. Didn't even think twice. 

This was the shortest my hair's ever been and I loved it! It was manageable and simple, and the weather had it growing back quickly. 

I look like a baby here! 

I started styling my hair as it grew longer, but I couldn't find moisture. That was my ultimate struggle. 

I gave up and texturized my hair, thinking that was a better option. Wrong. 

I started rocking protective styles so I wouldn't have to comb my hair. This is when I learned the art of weaves, lol 

Fast forward, I cut it off and started natural again. For some reason, my hair wasn't growing as fast with a perm as it used to. Lol - I had no patience back then! 

I think my hair was at its best at that time in 2008. If I could go back in time, I'd stop processing my hair right there. Look at it! Soft and thick, great curl pattern. What was I thinking? 

*sigh* 

Anyway - fast forward to 2012, because everything in between is me cutting and re-growing. I got a pixie cut last year, and I've been growing it out ever since. Once CousinJin put me on to CurlBox, I had found my saving grace. Not only have I discovered products that keep my hair soft, save my curl pattern on humid days and grow my hair much stronger -  I have sheen to my hair!! I have fallen back in love with my locs, so much that I haven't had a weave since my birthday. I rock protective styles to death, but there's nothing better than being able to rock a natural fro on a sunny day. 

When I wake up with bedhead and shrinkage

Growth and sheen

I can't thank my CurlBox enough each month, because I know I'm going to find goodies that my hair will enjoy. Right now I'm in love with Design Essentials Twist and Set Lotion. CousinJin didn't enjoy it as much and gave me her bottle as well. My hair feels so nourished and bouncy, the twist out even lasts an extra day or two if I do big bantu knots before bed. I can't recall too many products that do that for me.

I've created a whole new regimen with the products I've adopted from each CurlBox - this is my sixth month and I'm super excited. I sing Myleik's praises everywhere I go, because not only is she my business idol - she single handedly saved my natural hair. Bless you, My!

Snatched back, lol