Growing My Hair Out
Growing my hair out was something I was ready to begin right away but few months later, I decided I needed a trim. I searched until I found yet another stylist (the best one yet!). I explained my hair texture to her over the phone to make sure she knew what she was getting into. This particular stylist had natural hair also that she occasionally wore straight so she was happy to have me come in.
She did a wonderful job straightening my natural hair. I remember that I had no idea it was growing already and what a major difference it was being straight versus curly. My hair was still short to me - but really, it was medium length! It was already way past my shoulder blades. I was so happy to see that my hair was growing.
Time went on and I mostly wore my hair in curly ponytails with an occasionally flat iron for a trim. I was growing my hair out and back to waist length as quickly as possible!
In March of 2005, I went back to the same stylist for another trim. My hair had really grown a bunch and was just a few inches from bra strap length. Although my hair was in layers, I was excited to see the length. I felt like I had finally made it through the horrible damage I had to deal with for over a year.
Occasionally, I would try to straighten my own hair with a flat iron but it would revert so quickly so I would always end up wearing a ponytail. I continued wearing my hair curly until summer of 2006 when I finally got turned on to roller sets.
I knew a lot of women with relaxed hair did roller sets all the time but I figured having natural hair, I could just forget it. But, I was curious, nonetheless especially since it was a way to get straight hair without heat. I read a lot about roller setting and eventually I bought my own supplies to give it a try. As it grew, it became really cute with a wash n' go. I loved experimenting with different hair styles. I really loved conditioner washing my hair daily and getting a whiff of the conditioner throughout the day!
The first time I roller set my hair, I was shocked that something as simple as rollers and a hood dryer could get my curly hair straight! Of course, it did not come out perfect. I would experiment with roller sets about every other week, wearing my hair curly in between. I found that I needed to flat iron my roots lightly in order to get the best polished look. I also found that wrapping my hair with saran wrap (silk wrapping) also helped to straighten out some of the voluminous curls from the roller set. Now, roller setting is my styling hair method of choice. This mostly heat-free style would help me in my quest of growing my hair out as quickly as possible.
Oh did I forget to mention that I've given up on hair stylists? I have not had my hair trimmed by a professional stylist since March 2006 and I haven't been to a stylist since September 2006. My hair is doing quite fine on its own. I've learned to trust myself with trimming and the overall care for my hair. However, I would like to find a stylist who I can trust to treat my natural hair with care and trim only as much as I ask. I will be sure to update when that happens!
Right now, I don't have any plans to relax my hair again. I am enjoying the versatility of my natural hair. However, I typically wear my hair straight since I feel the look fits me better. Currently, the length of my hair is just a little below my bra strap. I am not yet at my ultimate waist length goal due to some setbacks along the way. But I'm not giving up and am still working on growing my hair to waist length. I hope we can reach it together!
I won't lie. It was a difficult road transitioning as well as having natural hair. I have learned that natural hair isn't any easier than relaxed hair but there are benefits to both. I have spent a lot of time, money, and energy into learning what I can about hair. When I first began learning, it was out of necessity. Now I continue to learn because I developed a passion for it.
November 2007, I decided to pour out my passion for hair care into this web site. I named my web site Long-Healthy-Hair-Advisor.com because I believe the two go hand in hand. You must have healthy hair to achieve and maintain long hair. Growing your hair long is not something you have to do alone. I hope that my story can help you whether you're relaxed, transitioning, or natural. Take advice from someone who's been there! Good luck to you all and remember...
Don't envy someone else's beautiful hair. Get your own!
Nina Dyoran
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