6.04.2013

Relaxer Results

Hi Friends! I hope everyone is well and staying cool during this heat wave (I'm in Philadelphia).

I texturized at 14 weeks over the weekend and had a pretty uneventful experience, which is a good thing. I hope I don't jinx myself, but I think I've finally mastered the best way to care for my hair leading up to my texturizer to ensure that it's a good experience. I was especially nervous this time because I took my braids out last week and texturized 2 weeks later than my normal 12 week period. I didn't have amazing growth results (not that I normally do), but in tracking my results through pictures, I've noticed that every other texturizer I see length progress in the back, and the alternating texturizers show length progress on the sides. What I mean is when I compare these results to March, the back of my hair is touching line #2, which is just about where it was in March. But now the sides are longer and closer to lines #1 & 2. Basically it looks like my hair grows in a U shape. I'm not sure if it's because it was cut like this at one point and now my stylist maintains the shape, or if it's natural. Makes me no difference either way, just an observation. I had my normal trim as well and am satisfied with my hair!

Left: 2.24.13; Right: 6.1.13
Top: 6.1.13; Bottom: 2.24.13 (this is to show the side comparison)

You may remember me mentioning this before, but since I've worn wigs 99% of the time over the last year plus, I've decided to try to wear my hair out this summer. I told myself that after my June relaxer, I would wear my hair out (i.e. no wigs) until my September relaxer. This is a HUGE deal for me. For my new readers, the main reason why I wear wigs is because I work out daily in the AM, sweat heavily, and have to go to work. With that, I have yet to find a style that allows me to look presentable while maintaining my active lifestyle.

In the beginning of my hair journey (in the summer of 2011), I wore my hair out before I discovered wigs, but I just don't know how things will be now. Nonetheless, I think wearing wigs has made me lazy and a bit scared that once I stop wearing them, I won't retain length as well, which is probably not true. While I haven't tried it yet, I feel like most women on hair journey's have been successful using primarily buns, and other protective styles to retain length. If they can do it, why can't I?

So wish me luck ladies. I'm going to try to post pictures weekly to help keep me accountable. Until next time!

11 comments:

  1. Great results, Bra Strap length here you come!

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    1. Thank you Tomes! That is definitely my next goal length and I can't wait to reach it! HHG

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  2. gorgeous results! I workout daily, so I totally understand what you mean. Take a look at our "Bun Effect" series. It features air dried and straightened updos that are perfect for workout warriors: http://savingourstrands.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Bun%20Effect%3A%2030%20in%2030

    Besitos!

    www.savingourstrands.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you KLP! Glad you can relate to the gift and curse of working out :-). You have some really nice styles on your blog that I need to try - I especially like the Double Time and Fishtail Giant Top Knot. Thanks for sharing and HHG!

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  3. great progress! i totally understand how you feel about the post-workout hair. i workout about 4 days a week, so i've gotten used to co-washing frequently and mostly styles that center around air-dried hair. it's not so bad, and it can be fun lol. i'm sure u'll retain your length just as well without the wigs, good luck!! :o)

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    1. Thank you Jenna! That's a good idea to build styles around air-dried hair. The last time I wore my hair out after air drying was probably last summer and it was basically just a big fro (I'm not that creative, lol)! Thanks for the encouragement, HHG!

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  4. I loveeeee the u-shape above all other cuts, so you are quite lucky your hair grows that way naturally. I can understand not wanting to be wig-dependent as care for your hair as you grow, that makes a lot of sense. I plan to stay hidden for the rest of the year with mostly sew-in weaves and wigs to maximize my retention, so we'll see how it goes.

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    1. Thank you Ms. ECP! I'm trying to get my styling game up like yours so that I have an arsenal of cute go-to options. Enjoy hiding your hair...I'm sure you'll see great retention as a result of leaving your hair alone. HHG!

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  5. My hair tends to grow in a U-shape too, great progress

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  6. Thank you Nadine! It seems that the U-shape is somewhat popular.

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