I have been chemical free for over 7 years. Let me explain, I had to stop getting chemical relaxers for my hair after an illness and medication which completely changed my how my hair reacted to the chemicals in the relaxers.

2012-03-08 15.43.15 <—- Gotta love the shrinkage.

So I did the BC (Big Chop) and used a texturizer for a few years to transition to completely natural. I stopped using the texturizer about 7 or so years ago. And I will admit there have been days I wanted to venture back onto the chemically relaxed and straightened side of the product aisle. But I am finally at a point (and age) where I am happy with my hair and embrace my natural style. I use very little to no heat. I maybe use heat once or twice a year. I switch up my style with protective styling (braids, twists, buns, faux hawks, twist outs, etc.). I hawk/haunt/stalk certain natural hair vloggers on youtube. I even switch it up with a wig every once in a while.

My family has been less than supportive. My mother doesn’t understand it after all this time. She has stopped short of asking the big question (one several friends have gotten). My mother hates my hair.

2012-06-27 15.22.26

Every time I go to the store I get stopped and asked by other women (some transitioning, some natural) about my hair and what I use. And yesterday I got the ultimate compliment – A stranger came up and told me I love your hair.

I have tried multiple products. And am still on that search for the products that work for me and my hair texture. I have kinky/curly hair. And my hair is fine is some areas, coarse in others and thick. And by thick I mean a lot of it. And it is very dry.

I recently tried the Hair Milk Collection from Carol’s Daughter and the Mimosa Hair Honey. So far I am liking it. I used it to do a twist out and used the Hair Honey as a finisher for shine.

2012-08-12 06.54.19

It hasn’t been easy. And this (continuing) hair journey has been frustrating and difficult. I have learned a lot about myself . And I may not have a lot of curl definition like I want. I may not be able to be a wash and go chick. But I can finally say I am at a place where I can say that I love my hair.