3 curly girlies surprised by the overwhelming number of positive comments from both strangers and friends.
“At almost three years natural now, I am still focused on growth and retention, sticking loyally by the healthy hair care regimen I adopted. It’s still full steam ahead as I continue happily on my natural hair journey.”
Meli
her saved up lunch money, Meli struck gold with Revlon relaxer. “Hair stuck to the burnt raw scalp in one or two places but not to worry! This would in no way kill the pep in my step.” Meli continued to relax her hair as she got older, highlighting and colouring at times, while constantly trying to lose split ends she could never explain. She had regular trims that often turned into cuts, because her hair had gotten so thin she didn’t think it looked good long. However, a few years ago, Meli met Kris. “I was blessed to have an amazing friend enter my life, along with every other helpful truth she ever got me to listen to. “Your curls would be
soooooo cute!” has been the most profound to date.” Kris had worn Meli down, but with her University graduation and photos coming up, the best Meli could do was a 3 month transition test before her hair was freshly relaxed, straight and ‘perfect’ one more time for her photos. During those 3 months, she discovered youtube and the scores of other people living the unlocked natural hair lifestyle; not to mention all the information about transitioning. “The three months were actually
easy. My natural and relaxed ends blended so well!” After getting a taste of the transition period and realizing it was something she could definitely handle, Meli relaxed her hair one last time and hasn’t looked back since. “It’s hard to believe it’s been almost
Before the consistent relaxing that came with burns, scars and pains, Meli, her mom and her helper had tugged at, dragged out and brushed the daylights out of her hair. Unfortunately, brushing, coaxing, frizz controlling and curl defining products just weren’t helping to unlock her hair’s secrets. After her mother forbade the longed for “creamy crack”, Meli took matters into her own hands. Nine years later, after school with
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MAY 2013 | JAE Magazine
three years. I am in love with my hair, though I’m still learning everything from products that work to perfect styling technique. My curls are soft and my halo is now cute!” Big hair without the fear of not having every strand in place is now her goal and she can’t imagine even thinking about the idea of using a relaxer again. The only regret she’s got is not listening to her mom and Kris sooner, but everything in it’s own time, she says.