Relaxed Hair Journey 2016: Starting all over after a failed hair journey / Setbacks

My new Relaxed Hair Journey - 2016

Starting all over, Natural to relaxed. Relaxed hair Journey. My New Healthy hair Journey.

So after neglecting my hair badly for the past few years I've decided to to have My Healthy Relaxed Hair Journey - TAKE 2.

I've had my hair completely natural for the past few years after having to do a big chop due to a curly perm gone wrong.
My hair was so badly damaged that I was unable to braid or corn row it but had to wear the little I had left under a wig until it grew long enough to be put in braids.

I've had it braided or under a wig ever since. Despite having my hair in "protective styles" for the past couple of years I still wasn't really maintaining it or caring for it. I just had it in the braids or under the wig and left it alone:
- No co-washes.
- No moisturizing
- No oiling my scalp
- No deep conditioning

The past year has been hectic for me. I went through a major transition in my life personally. The major life change for me was going through a divorce and becoming a single mother (for anyone interested or going through something similar - you can read more about this on my other blog)

The whole experience made me want to be a better me. I also felt like I needed a change. Sometimes when you go through something major or traumatic you feel like you just want a fresh start - to be a new person. To start all over. For me (and many others) a major change in hairstyle or a giant hair cut is a good way to go about it.

I haven't worn my own hair out in years so this was a major change for me. The last time I had my hair relaxed - I was happy. Very Happy. It was one of the happiest periods in my life filled with good and happy memories. A part of me wanted that back too.

I've got tons of goals for my hair journey (I will put them up soon)

Anyway... this is it!!! The start of better things. New beginnings. Happy starts!!

Wish me luck!! :D

PS: Good luck on your hair journey!!

What is the 'big chop'? Tips for the big chop

What is the big chop? Why do I need the big chop? Is it possible to have healthy hair without the big chop?

The big chop is a term used to describe the process of cutting off a huge amount of your hair. It's usually used when transitioning from relaxed, permed or texturized (even dyed) hair to natural hair. The reason for the big chop is to have a fresh start, start a new without any damage or breakage and to have a new chemical free start. Another reason for the big chop is that the hair left behind from chemical processes when trying to transition to natural will often break off due to damage already caused.

It is also a whole lot easier to manage, maintain and look after your hair when it's in one texture instead of two (chemically treated and natural).

Do I have to have the big chop?

In short, no you do not. Many ladies have managed to transition without cutting off their much cherished length. it might be a lot harder and a little more work but it possible. Read: How to go from relaxed hair to natural without the big chop 

The video below gives you some tips and points to look at BEFORE going ahead with the big chop.