My Hair: Post BC

twist-out

A lot of people have been asking to see pictures of my hair since I did my big chop 2 weeks ago.  I'm still getting used to it; my hair hasn't been this short in years.  However, I've been styling it short for the last six months to get accustomed to the length.  It feels so good to have all of my natural texture back and it's so much easier to deal with.  I'm in love all over again!

After my BC, my hair measured between 5.5 and 7 inches stretched.  That shortest section is definitely a cutting error on my part; I was trying to make sure all the damage was gone.  The difference between cutting heat damaged hair versus relaxed hair is the distinct line of demarcation.  There were several sections of my hair that were still curly, so it was hard to judge where my natural curl pattern began.  I'll even it out eventually, but no time soon. 

I can see where I cut too much length, oh well!

Another New Year's resolution was to start using products with better ingredients.  I've started, but after watching TLC's Extreme Couponing, I bought some of my old drugstore staples.   I justified this by repeating "they were on sale and I had coupons".  I have enough conditioner to last a full year, so I am on a personal challenge to not buy anymore conditioner for the rest of 2011. 

First Resolution of the New Year...Check!!!

As you may know, I suffered pretty severe heat damage to my hair from constant direct heat (blow-dryers, flat irons, etc) which left my natural hair in a relaxed state.   So, as of November 2009, I have been on a heat hiatus, re-claiming my natural kinks, curls, and coils.  I contemplated cutting my hair for the New Year, but I got scared.  I remembered when I shaved my head in 2002, as it grew out, the TWA (teeny-weeny afro) was not my friend.  I resorted to all sorts of scarfs to hide my hair.  This feeling haunted me for the last few months and told myself over and over again to WAIT!

Well, after a comforting conversation with one of my friends/big sister/fellow natural, I decided to just do it.  So, this morning at 12am I did the BC (big chop) for the third time.

To follow my hair journey from 2004 to now, click here!

don't be grossed out, it's just my hair in the sink!

HAIR: To cut or not to cut?

I've been natural for 8 years now.  For some reason it took 8 years for me not to have the urge to wear it straight all the time.  Unfortunately, because I wore it straight for so long, I experienced severe heat damage.  So, my hair was basically relaxed from all of the heat.   

This will be the second time I've had this dilemma.  The first time (pic below) I grew it out and cut about 6 inches.  This time I have about 8 inches of straight hair...sigh.  My goal is to transition for 18 months before I chop.  I've been transitioning since November 2009 (almost 12 months).  After the 18 month period I should have about 9 inches of hair, which is a great starting point.