My Journey To Natural Hair (A year post my relaxer) By: Anne Dorothée Constant

January 15th, 2013 I had relaxed my hair for the last time. At the time I was not aware that it would be the end of my relaxed hair and the beginning of my natural hair journey, I just wanted my hair to look pretty for graduation. 

I had my hair relaxed for 10 years and going natural was never an option to me. I always said that I would never get rid of my relaxed hair. Guess what dolls, never say never.

Do you see all these shiny and straight hair? Were they healthy? They looked like it. To me, any hair with chemicals such as relaxer and bleach isn't as healthy as an all natural hair. The chemical breaks your hair if you do not give it the proper care that it deserves. Well same goes for the all natural type of hair it dries up and breaks, but the point is chemical does break your hair to a point of no return.

One Month Post Relaxer.

A month later, my new growth started showing. At the time I was already helping a friend transition to natural hair. She had suggested me to do the same but I was so stubborn. Couple days later, I realized some breakage in my hair, the ends were split and weak. I could barely get my hair into buns and high ponytails without having to deal with thin ends. It just didn't feel full anymore, my hair had no volume, it was dull. My options were to get a haircut but having short relaxed hair required dedication and time. I was not having it. After a long moment of stubbornness I decided to grow out my natural hair.

Two- Three Months Post Relaxer.

My new growths were coming in and they made my hair look healthy, but it was a struggle to comb my hair every morning to go to school. Looking for a different hairstyle every morning, waking up extra early to have time to get a perfect hairstyle, doing my make up, and finding an outfit that will go with the hairstyle that I chose were wearing me out. I decided to go for box braids and it was such a relief. One less thing to do in the morning.

Four Months Post Relaxer.

I couldn't wait to see how far long my new growths were so I got rid of the braids after a month and a half. I was so excited to see how long my hair has gotten. It was such a disappointment when I saw how short they were due to the fact that I had cut a big chunk of hair while I was taking out the braids. I watched tones of videos on YouTube for transitioners with short hair and I started doing Bantu knots out, and braid out hairstyles. Sometimes I would just do a ponytail and use some extension to make my buns. And this went on for 2 months.

Six Months Post Relaxer.

Ok, this was enough, I couldn't deal with it anymore. I went again for box braids. Transitioning is hard if you're in school and got early classes. No girl wants to go out to school and be seen with un-combed hair especially if your outfit is looking amazing.

Seven Months Post Relaxer.

My hair grew a lot during these seven months. I regularly treated them, moisturized them with shae butter and coconut oil. 

This was my hair at 7 months. It looked as if I was all natural but unfortunately I had two different textures that I was dealing with. My new growth and my relaxed hair.

I started wearing weaves and wigs to ease my work.

Eight Months Post Relaxer.

On Sepetember 4, 2013 after debating whether to cut my hair or not, and talking to a friend I decided to go in for the Big Chop. Free at last I was. Nomore I had to deal with two texture of hair. I was happy. I had missed my natural curls, couldn't believe that I had rejected my natural hair for 10 long years.

Nine Months Post Relaxer.

Hair was definitely growing faster, and I started wearing them in puffs and fros. Not really my style, I was feeling self-conscious about having short natural hair. I looked completely different and I couldn't do the hairstyles I wanted to do like having my hair in buns. 

I flat ironed it.

I started getting used to having short hair afterwards. I changed my style so it would match with my hair. I went vintage, retro. And to tell you the truth this short hair gave me an Afro-American look. Not bad after all.

Towards the ending of my ninth month, I checked to see if I could do other styles with my hair and to my biggest suprise I could do high buns. I was beyond excited.

Ten Months Post Relaxer.

I went for the Havana twist for two weeks. It was time for me to give my hair and arms a break. Doing your hair everyday slows down it's growth.

Loved the twist while it lasted. Right after I took them out I used the same hair and did a corn row hairstyle.

Eleven Months Post Relaxer.

I started getting more and more creative with my hairstyles due to the growth that was occurring. Check it out dolls.

I was just being silly for the picture (lol).

I sectioned my hair into four parts and used the hair from my Havana twist and rolled them into these buns.

This is a result of a flat twist out.

See the growth that occurred from the time of my big chop until my eleventh month.

Twelve Months Post Relaxer:- Nappy Anniversary 

The month of January has finally arrived, my frequent length checked has gone out of control, my countdown until the big date has started, and my need to get my hair into a ponytail and low bun has become serious. January 15, 2013 - January 15, 2014. 

The day is here and I'm happy to say that it's been a whole complete year of discouragements, doubts, impatience, love. I appreciate what God has blessed me with and I'm giving my hair all of the necessary treatment that will contribute to its healthy growth.

This journey has thought me a lot about patience and dedication, and also about commitment. The drive you get to reach your goal is so great and the feeling to just sit back and looking at your accomplishment is amazing.

Never give up on a goal you have set for yourself you'll get satisfied at the end.

Your faithful natural sister,

Anne Dorothée Constant