The Itchies have arrived...

I was told my scalp might itch but I guess I didn't think it would be so bad. I wore braids for a long time and I always itched a little the first week. I am still in my first week but the 'Itchies' are pretty bad and the 'patting the head' trick is not working. I will try a little Sea Breeze and or maybe Witch Hazel. I heard from some SL Bloggers that this works well.

We will see. Naturally yours...

First Day Out...

Well, today was my first day out with my SLs. It felt good...it felt really good. Today was a beautiful Fall day and I sprayed my hair with some water, and it was wonderful to feel the breeze play with my hair, and to feel the sun kiss my scalp. I am amazed at how new this feels!

My Hubby is enjoying my hair too! So far, he has not said one negative thing about it and trust me, if he had something to say, it would get said.

Tonight, I was out with some friends and I must say, I did feel a little nervous. Some knew what I was planning and so they immediately came over to take a closer look. Others didn't know and, well, WOW! Everyone really loved it and I was getting that look from them...you know that look...when someone wants what you have. I have gotten that look before but it has been a long time since it was over my hair.

So far, everyday has been exciting! Who knew that hair could do this. Naturally yours...

Month 0, Day 1

My Consultant had originally measured me at 6-7 inches. After the installation, we both realized that my hair was actually a lot longer. My ends are so coily that they stretch out to 8, 9 inches in some areas. As you can see, I have some damage at the temples and also on the top. It is much thinner there but hopefully I will see a change soon. Patience is truly a virtue and I am staying positive! Naturally yours...

Day 1 of Install...

12 hours later and my front was done...if I knew I had almost 11 more hours to go, would I have gone back? Of course! It was well worth the wait. Naturally yours...

"They're all in, gurl..."

Well, after over 20 hours of nothing but sitting and watching endless DVDs, they are finally in. When I heard my Consultant say those words, "They're all in, girl...", I was beyond ecstatic. I wanted to jump for joy and take a run around the block, but of course, I was so stiff that all I could say is, "Yes!", and take a long glance in the mirror.

Now, a lot of bloggers have been talking about the infamous 'Plucked Chicken' look and definitely have a bit of that going on. I thought I would feel an immediate pang of distress, questioning whether or not I did the right thing. I can say with boldness that I love my hair and regardless of how it looks now, I can't wait to see the transformations that take place from here on.

I just can't wait!!! I immediately went to the beauty supply and purchased some satin rollers, setting lotion, and tea tree oil for my scalp. I read on a blog that this helped. Anyway, I am going to stick to water and a little Aloe Vera and see what happens. Naturally yours...

Naturtint...I got my color!

Well, I decided to color my hair before my install on Monday and I wanted to go with something like a copper red. Actually, that isn't too far off from where my color was to begin with. I am happy with the results. Hubby likes it too.

I love using Naturtint, color from the health food store. It is gentle on the hair and the hair definitely takes the color. As time goes on, the color just gets better.

BTW, I love wearing my hair out right now. I haven't really done this before, you know, just rockin' the fro. It has been about a week since I took out my twists and it feels almost surreal, experiencing this kind of freedom. Of course, I don't have the boldness to go along with it, so I haven't enjoyed this freedom outside of my home.

Also, I have enjoyed playing with my hair, twirling it, feeling the fluffy coils as I dig deep to my scalp. I guess in the back of my mind, I know that soon, no more comb, no more brush, no more fro.

So far, I am enjoying every part of this journey...check out the color! Naturally yours...

BBA (Big Bushy Afro)

4 days before my installation...Twists are out and I am ready to color, although you can see color already. I can't wait to see the after pics...

And now...

These are my twists. They are about 4 weeks old and in about 4 days I will take them out, wash, color, and get ready for my SLs. :)

Braided Days...

My Wedding Day...in Cancun

Pressed hair...I thought that was the solution

I want to feel and look like this again...but with SLs.

Hair's my story...

I have to say that I think this will be really interesting, to say the least. I have read so many other great blogs out there and it inspired me to do my own. I love to write and so this is a great way to chronicle this new journey I am on. What journey?

Well, I have been natural for over 5 years now (right around the time I got married) and it has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. I started out trying to ease into a 'less straight' look, by corn rolling my hair at night and taking it out in the morning for that wavy look. This worked for some time and it was a great way to 'hide' my 'nappy' roots.

I finally decided that it was time to try a 'bona-fide' natural style. So, I went to a natural spot in Philly, and I was able to get palm rolls and twists, which I liked. Don't get me wrong, it was a struggle but I was able to embrace it. Unfortunately, one day I got the notion that I would get my hair pressed out to see how long it had gotten.

Wow! It had grown so so much and, for the first time ever it was past the nape of my neck. I loved it and from then on, I pressed, and pressed, and pressed, until...you can only imagine. I have thinning at the crown of my head and spots in my hair that still are straight. I haven't pressed in over a year now, and I will never go back. I do mean never! My fault...

Anyway, since then I have been getting my hair twisted and undoubtedly I have done damage doing this as well. I am so tired of the hair games. I am finally ready to take that step into the next leg of my natural journey. I am going to get Sister Locks. I can't wait!!! I am so excited...and nervous. Will I like it? Will I be able to ride it out through the tough times? What will other people say? Will I care? Probably not! :P

Well, that is the story, my hair story anyway (the abbreviated version), and so I am going to add some pics from the past and present, so we can start this thing off right. Naturally yours...