Hair do' the right thing!

Hey everyone! So, like I've said before, my hair is relaxed. I have considered being natural many times, but the fact of the matter is, I like to wear my hair straight, and if I was natural, I would not be putting a bunch of heat in my hair. So, instead of going natural, I do super long stretches so I'm not relaxing so often. I typically relax about every 12 weeks, but this can vary depending on if I do two  protective styles in a row. I have found that 12 weeks is about as long as I can go before I become in danger of breakage at the line of demarcation (the point where my natural texture/new growth and relaxed hair meet). And I never do two long term styles in a row because the hair is usually too weak. I currently am abut 9 weeks post.

Since my last relaxer on the second weekend of November, I have done several low manipulation styles such as bunning, twists, and twist-outs. I am low on funds, so I can't afford new extensions, but that was ok, because my hair was thick and healthy. I even got the beloved comment "Do you have tracks in? " So, I was styling it up happily, until about 3 weeks ago when I started noticing my hair was very dry, even after moisturizing, and I was shedding heavily, both whole strands, and broken strands. After washing, I noticed my hair was thinner, not devastating, but noticeable.

So, I went into turbo mode trying to figure out what was wrong. I realized that the temperature outside had changed. We had been having a pretty mild winter, with lows in the mid 30's. But then we had a few snow storms and the temp dropped to the teens and even single digits. And me? No hat, no hood, no protective style. Just my poor locks braving the blistering cold. And typically, my hair would have been weaved up and away in November. So, I rummaged through my hair bin for days trying to figure something out. I saw old tattered wigs, several weave scraps, and a few different rolls of different length weave hair. All different shades. And me? Broke as a joke. I was in distress.

Luckily, Jesus loves me, and I was encouraged to take a second look at all my weave scraps. I had some pre-bumped hair in 4 inch #1b, and 8 inch #2, and some longer pieces (about 10-12 inch) I use for clips, some dyed "Black Cherry" and some a very light #2 (looks more like #4). My hair color is a #1b/2 and about 10 inches. Next to each other, it looked like the hot mess I saw the first time I looked, but then I started to see the potential for a bob. With the right blending, I could def make it work. Besides, I was out of options, and was losing hair daily. So, I did it! And I must say, I am quite pleased with results!

 Cute, but kinda boring, like a "mom bob", lol, so I added some blonde highlights.

 There we go! Now it's funky! :)

So, tell me what you think! and what do you do for your hair in the winter cold?

My Hair Story

Since my hair will be the topic of discussion the majority of the time, it would probably help if I gave ya'll some background on my mane. First of all, my hair is a she. I have not given her a formal name, but I do refer to her as a "her", so don't get confused when I discuss her as such, lol. Anywho, I loveeee my hair. She is my oldest friend, and though we don't always get along, she never leaves me. Growing up, my mom worked really well with my hair, which is impressive because she has a different texture than me, and mine can be hard to handle if you're not familiar with it.

I have what I guess would be considered 4b/4c curl pattern. It is more cottony than ringlet curly, the curls are VERY tight (so shrinkage is a beast), and the curls can change direction out of nowhere (which can mean tons of single strand knots). My strands are very fine, so when straightened, all my volume disappears. It also means that when I have breakage, thinness is much more noticeable. I am prone to dryness, so moisture is always the goal. This can be tricky, as  due to my fine strands, protein is also a necessity, so I am always trying to find a balance.

I am a relaxed girl...as in my hair is relaxed, lol (although I am a rather layed-back person as well). I got my first relaxer at 11 yrs old, much unwanted, but I was coerced because I was staying with relatives, and they didn't know how to work with my hair texture. I used to get a touch-up every 6 weeks, and since it was the earlier, more ignorant days of relaxers, the "thing to do" was to pull the relaxer through the whole length when smoothing...everytime. Nowadays I cringe at the thought, but at the time, I was just excited to have my silky edges back. So, of course my hair was falling apart and growth was severely stunted. Even worst, I decided to solely start styling my own hair at about 14, which meant no style, which meant daily ponytails and sock buns, which of course led to more breakage.

In high school, I decided to let my wonderful hairstylist grandma nurse my dry, very damaged hair back to health, which she did. It was lovely. I eventually stopped going to her because she always cut my hair, as is the way of most stylists. However, I personally took on better hair habits, began protective styling (not intentionally, I just liked rocking cornrows), and by graduation, my hair was full collar bone length, thick, and beautiful! Once in college, I started experimenting with extensions and styles on my own hair. I tried a bunch of stuff, tree braids, sew-in weaves, bonded weaves, Senegalese twists, kinky twists, etc. It was all fun and games until I got a little too comfortable with bonding, and I started losing hair again. I cut the crap and went back to nursing my hair.

4 years later, and within that time, I did extensive research, much trial-and-error, and have gotten much better at taking care of my mane. I have had a few major setbacks, one being about 2 years ago when I lost the entire back quarter, and much of the other back quarter of my hair, TO THE SCALP, due to some stylist neglect. (This was major because at this time, my hair was approaching arm pit length, and pretty full.) I was devestated then, but I have come a long way, and my hair is returning to that stage. Overall, I am excited to see how well my hair will turn out, and am optimistic because I am focused on fostering healthy happy hair.

So, that's my story! Has anyone had any similar experiences?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Let me start off by thanking you for coming to my blog! I started it a while ago, but literally had no direction, so it was doomed from the start. But now, I'm back and ready to share my stuff! :)

 Anyone who knows me personally knows my love for the aesthetic! I dabble in makeup, love clothes, LOVE jewelry, but my obsession is hair!!! Ugh, I love everything about hair, the science of it, understanding different hair types, styling, health, etc etc. Just loves it! Friends call me the Hair Guru, and many have found interest in my personal style, so although I am certainly no expert on anything, and am farrrr from a "fashionista", I just want to share my world with you! So, enjoy!! :)