9 SEP | My (Chemical Free) Hair-aversaryPosted: September 9th, 2007By: Tywana |
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Celebration time, come on!!! Let’s celebrate……It is my one year chemical free anniversary. Last September, I got fed up with the chemicals, the hair breaking, the time and money spent at the salons and just the idea of doing so much damage to my hair. So I did the only thing I felt I could do…I transitioned from a perm back to my natural hair. I have learned a lot about being patient this last year. As many of you know who have made the transition, patience really is “key” to it all. I did braids for a while, then twists, press and curl, then a full head weave and for now I have settled on about 1 ½ inches of hair. I am currently doing the wash and go style with my very short hair. I love the freedom of running water through my hair whenever I want knowing it will only take me a hot minute to get my hair back in order. Long gone are the curling irons, hot rollers and hot humid days for me! As my hair is growing I am not sure what style I will try next, but I now realize that I need to be flexible, creative and patient with my hair. Over the next several blogs I plan to share with you my hair adventures over the last year. I encourage all of you to share your stories with me as well. I need to hear from some of you out there, I don’t want to celebrate alone……………Peace to all, Tywana!!
September 28th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Congratulations on your anniversay!
September 28th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Congrads on your hair aversary!! I have been chemical free now for 4 1/2 years and love it. Some of the ladies in my circle have been free for much longer. None of us knew how to care for adult natural hair but we have learned by what works for each of us as unique heads of hair.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:43 am
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome to the world of AUNATURAL..I am 31 and have been natural all of my life. My mother had a bad experience with a perm and never put one in my hair. When I was old enough to make the choice myself, I did n’t relax my hair either. I have alot of friends who have transitioned to chemical free hair…..Take care and God bless. Do not be discouraged and give in to the chemical
September 28th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Congratulations!!!
Youlook beautiful. I don’t think any other style brings out the beauty of a sister’s face like a short natural.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Congratulations!!!! The freedom of no chemicals is a beautiful feeling! Keep your head held high!
September 28th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I have been chemical free 13 months. I find it both liberating and challenging.Liberating because I don’t have to sit in a hair salon for hours, but challenging in finding great products to moisturize my hair without petroleum, mineral oil or parabens.
I am surprised how uncomfortable other women are with my decision not to relax my hair. Their main question is, “why?” I ask them, “Why should I relax my hair?” I try not to let people’s issue with natural hair affect how I wear my hair.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Tywana, CONGRATULATIONS!! i myself went “natural” 12 years ago and have been so happy with my choice. People think that because the texture of my hair is soft (American Indian/African American blood) that I should not wear lockes in my hair. I had been told all my life that I had “GOOD HAIR” (whatever that means, any hair is “GOOD HAIR” as far as I am concerned.) But I noticed that there was an “unspoken communication” among Black Women that only females with coarce hair should wear lockes. i was even “accosted” one day by a young women who was highly insulted that I a woman who had “Good Hair” should choose to locke her hair. I let her know nicely that I had just as much right to locke my hair as anyone else and that I would not allow anyone else to dictate how I “should” wear my hair and that why should women with coarse hair be entitled to so many hair “possibilities” and someone with “GOOD HAIR” should have limited possibilities. I learned alot about people and especially how my Black brothers and sisters do not like themselves. I am proud of every ounce of my blackness and my “indian-ness”. Tywana, RIGHT ON!! YOU GO GIRL! Donnamaria Perkins, Bronx, NY (motherdee539@yahoo.com)
September 28th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Hello,
Congrat on your big milestone. I am trying the natural thing also. I have been wearing cornrolls for almost one year. Not sure what I will do next. i am not quite ready for a fro yet.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Hey Tywana! Congrats to you. Both my older sisters have gone natural and they are loving it. I am considering it (but I think I am addicted to the relaxer…we shall see). In any event, I have come across more and more ladies who have decided to let their hair be natural and I love it. I will follow your journey for tips, in case I decide to try it as well. Be blessed, Najmah.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Great for you. July 07 marked my 3rd year of going natural. My hair is locked. I love the freedom and ease of natural hair. I have no doubt that when you celebrate year number 2, you’ll be madly in-love with the “natural you”.
I’m now ready for a “different natural look” - starting over is going to be big fun for me.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Good for you! I’ve been chemical free for about six years,and I wondered what took me sooooooooooo long. I wore locks for about four years now I’m wearing two strand twists. I used the detangler to remove the locks,with the help of my daughter,that was a weekend project.So GOD bless!
PEACE AND LOVE
September 28th, 2007 at 10:58 am
I just love it. I have been natural for 2 years now and I love the versatility that I have with my hair. I can press it, braid it, or fro it. I do the afro puffs most of the time, but I am venturing out with other styles, like big twists and I would wear that for a few days and then I release the twists, wet and oil it and just be free. I just LOVE it. My husband hates it, but who cares, he is not the one who has to deal with my hair, I DO!!! But enough on me!! Congrats on 1 year chemical free hair. I hope that you continue to enjoy it cause I surely do!!
Peace,
Shay
September 28th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Sorry that you had to celebrate alone Tywana. I believe Black people(male and female) should follow your lead regarding Black hair. I’m a Black male who’s looking for a solution to washing my hair. I want the natural look and feel of hair also without chemicals. After I wash my hair, I lightly use pure shea butter as a moisturizer. My problem with this process is it leaves my hair shiny. I really don’t want this look. I really like the way your hair appears in the photo. I want my hair to be moisturized without the greasy or shiny appearance.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Congrats!!!!!!!!!! I know how hard transitioning can be but you made it through! Monday I decided not to go through the whole transition process and I cut it all off!!!!!!! I have about a 1/2 inch left. I still look at myself and cant believe its me but im so happy to have the same freedom you talked about in your blog. I know what an emotional trial going natural can be but I know before you know it I will be celebrating my one year also. Thanks for being a great inspiration.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:04 am
Congratulations Tywana!
This encouraged me to continue with my natural hair. It’s been about two weeks since I’ve stop wearing a wig on top of my natural hair. I’ve been pressing and rolling it. You’re right, it is takes a lot of patience.
The perm has really damaged my hair over the years, and it took a long time to just say no more!
I am so glad I found this website and all the helpful information to help build my confidence back up regarding natural hair. God gave it to me, I love it.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:04 am
Hi Tywana,
I just wanted to tell you that I’m very pleased with the Baka Laxer Plus. I’ve worn a short fro for six years now and have texturized, and permed my hair. Since I color my hair it always seemed dry to me. I had to moisurize it daily. I’ve used the Baka Laxer plus three times now (I took the speedy approach). I has really made a difference in the way my hair looks and feels. I must admit that I was skeptical since my hair is very coarse and curly (I call it nappy)(: I’m sure that I’ll use it for the rest of my life. Thanks
Sheree
September 28th, 2007 at 11:07 am
I have been chemical free for two years (well a little less than two years), November will be two year, however I don’t know the exact date. I did the double strand twist & braids with hair extensions while I was going through the transition then did the big chop June 2006. I have just been letting my hair grow twisting it or braiding it.(no extensions)
September 28th, 2007 at 11:07 am
I too have gone chemical free. It’ll be a year in December. I have been in a love/hate relationship with my hair, but I am determined to see this through. Looking forward to following your journey.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:08 am
I’m glad to hear you made the decision to go natural. I wore a TWA for a short time and really enjoyed the freedom as well. Eventually I started locks and actually this weekend I’m starting another set…( I took the other ones down: it’s a long story) Well congratulations on your chemical free Hair-aversary. My scalp is so happy that I stopped burning it up with relaxers and my temple areas around my hairline stopped thinning! Going natural has been a great decision for me.
P.S. I don’t run from rain anymore!!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:08 am
Well your hair looks great. I know some friends that have went natural and they love it. For right now I get a press and curl but I want to try natural. Don’t know when yet. Keep being patient and I will keep checking back to see how you are doing. Peace and Blessings.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Congratulations, Tywana! I have been chemical free for almost a year and a half now, and I love it! It is so fun experimenting with different styles. I currently have about four inches of natural hair. It is THICK, I tell you! I have learned how to do finger coils, so I wear those a lot, it takes a LONG time (about two hours) for me to do them. But I don’t have to do my hair for a week. It’s worth it though,I feel so free!
Nappily yours,
~Millicent
September 28th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Hello, I would just like to say congradulations on one year of natural beautiful you. I must say that I do understand that as being quite an accomplishment as this is my second attempt to go natural. Your story has been very encouraging to me and the patience part is what holds to be most difficult for me as I have a head full of hair and have not idea what to do with the task of washing alone is quite overwhelmeing and my husband is dead set against me cutting it. However I am certainly proud of you and I pray that some day soon I will be able to share a very similar story with you. Keep up the good work!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:16 am
This is my second year hair-aversary. Initially I did not chose to go natural. However, circumstances beyond my control caused it to be the only option. I learned so much from the process of going natural. I found that I carried a heavy amount of shame for the way I was created. I hid my natural style from September to December before revealing it after talking to another young lady who was also facing the shame in naturalness issue. To my surprise, I received, and still receive, more compliments on my natural style than I on the very expensive relaxed ones. I also received some of the standard negative comments of “When are going to get your hair done?” as well, but have learned to handle them with grace. I have grown a lot and am allowing myself to accept the person that God had created me to be. I now enjoy my natural wash and go style.
As a side note, I greatly appreciate your natural shampoo and conditioners. I have been working on using items in their most natural form, especially where my body is concerned, and they are the perfect match for my needs. Keep up the good work!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Thank you so much for this! I really needed to read this because I’m currently transitioning. Oh patience is a monster. Weirdly, my relaxed strands are loc-ing themselves up!! I’ve learned so much from your website. And the products are amazing! I’m in month four and I can’t wait to “wash and go” and feel my scalp! LOL! Congrats on your anniversary! I hope it was a sweet one. Keep us updated! Thank you again!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:22 am
I’ve just recently cut all my permed hair off and I am having a hard time managing my hair. I have it ut in a similar style as yours and combing it is hard to do. I have broken 3 combs thus far. My hair is always dry, rough, and tangled. I just purchased the natural laxer, I hope that helps. Is there any suggestions you have for me?
September 28th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Thanks for sharing your hair-aversary. I stopped killing my hair with chemical relaxers, also. My last relaxer was applied in April of 2006. It took me a few months, but I did cut off the relaxed, dried out, hair. Now I have about 8 - 10 inches on natural hair. I, too, love the fact that I can shampoo (or not) my hair without worries of what it will look like, or how long it will take to finish the styling process. I don’t miss going to the stylist. I don’t miss the stinky chemical smell in the salon. I love the freedom of having the hair that God and my parents blessed me with. What I usually do is shampoo my hair with a conditioning shampoo that has no sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. Then I apply an oil moisturizer. Sometimes I just finger comb my hair. Sometimes I actually “comb” my hair with a real comb! Sometimes I make about 6 large “plaits” and wear it under my favorite wig. Oh, the freedom I am having! I am enjoying my new found freedom. I saw an acquaintance in the store the other day, and she looked at me and said, “You decided to go natural, too.” She was also sporting her natural hair and it looked great. I didn’t mean to write so much, but I want to close by saying again, HAPPY HAIR-AVERSARY and many more!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Hey Tywana,
I too have been chemical free for a few years. I don’t use chemical colors, I use henna and indigo to color my hair and it comes out better than traditional hair dyes. It is just a lot of work, but well worth it. I got sick of it all too just like you. My hair had grown a lot because I had wore
natural twists for about 3 years. I don’t know how our sisters can go through the wigs, weaves, extensions, hair coloring, perms and all. It is so nice to be free!!
Blessings to you
Gia
September 28th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Hello Tywana,
“You look marvelous!” In December, it will be three years for me. It has been a brave, bold and empowering effort. Thanks to your products, I’m in control and loving my hair more every day.
Peace,
Olabsi
September 28th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Congratulaions on your 1 yr “hair-versary”
September 28th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Congratulations on your 1 yr anniversary. Your hair looks good and healthy.
I am hoping that I will one day have the courage to take the plunge and go chemical free. I have purchased your clay which I bought as my kick off to transitioning, but it yet sits in my cabinet awaiting my courage. Perhaps when I take my braids out this time. =)
September 28th, 2007 at 11:43 am
I think it is really great: I know it takes courage to go natural, but doesn’t applying chemicals to our hair take foolish courage? We do not really know the long term implications of those chemicals on our brains and body, so…. Anyway Congratulations.
I have worn locs since 1999. I took the first set aloose in 2003. I could not think of anything else I wanted more than my locs, so I have locked again, for almost 4 yrs now. Natural is really much better.
I swam this summer, and had the locs braided into a ponytail I watched my sister and daughter have to immediately rinse the chlorine out and do all the blowdrying. I was glad to be free. The other morning before work , I shampooed. My daughter said, “mom are you shampooing this early”? I showed her my oiled and freshly shampooed ponytail, and I said, “yes”. It doesn’t require much to maintain.
So let’s be proud of our natural beauty, and affirm ourselves and other “natural hair wearers”.
Blessings to everyone.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:45 am
I am very happy and excited for you. I did the switch 3 years ago and I am loving it. I decided 6months in to this to do dreads. I know that isn’t for everyone, but I love them. You should be very proud of yourself. To stick with it takes a great deal of courage and like you said patience. Enjoy your journey.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Congratulations!!! I have been natural/chemical free for 1 1/2. Welcome to the club!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Congratulation!!! I myself made the transition last year (June 15th) and I am very happy with my natural hair. I tried a couple of years ago, but because of lack of patience after only about 6 months I returned to using permanent relaxers. It took a lot out of me to keep from doing it again this time, but I had some motivation. My own sister held out for 2 years with her natural hair mostly because of limited finances and her hair grew about 9 inches and looked lovely until she lost her mind and relaxed it for some guy. My motivation now is now I know what to do with my hair to maintain it on a regular basis without hassle. I have even learned how to cornrow my own hair. I have one question though, do you get regular trims? I can’t remember if I read that in the FAQs for natural hair care, but I learned that it helps to promote increased hair growth. To date, I can boast a total growth of about 4 inches. Hang in there because without you, I could not have achieved this satisfactory result.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I love my hair. I never realize the beauty of our natural hair until I decided to go natural. I have been natural for 9 months today. I have worn any hairdo or style you could possibly think of. I’m currently wearing locks. You are so correct when you mentioned patience. It has taken my hair nine months to lock. I went from the ugly duckly to a beautiful SWAN during this process. Your natural hair really shows off your natural beauty. I’m loving it.
Natural, healthy and happy,
Terri
September 28th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I too have become fed up with the effects of chemicals on my hair. I have not had any chemical relaxers in my hair for 11 months. I shampoo and air dry. More power to you my sister. I think that we as women of color have to come to the realization that we are naturally beautiful. This is the way that God made us. I just look at it as going back to my natural roots.
THANKS FOR GIVING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE….
September 28th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Congratulation!! I am so glad I found I read about you in Ebony and found your site. I have always been au-natural. And my daughters are too. Braid and twist are all we do in my home. With an occassional press for very special occassions. My daughters’ hair are soft and has stopped coming out so much. It is growing and much stronger. Their hair looks better, feels better and always smells nice. Thank you for products that help our hair and for answering all my questions regarding hair care. Your a blessing and May God continue to Bless your company for many years.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Congratulations to you!! My daughter and I are joining you in freeing ourselves from relaxers (”creamy crack”) LOL. Keep up the good work — your hair looks very healthy.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Hey Sista,
I did the same thing cut all of my hair off 7 years ago and was down to 1 inch of hair. In no time your hair will grow out and you will have a head full of hair. Just about everywhere I go people want to touch it and give me compliments. So Sista be patient and Keep on Keeping on. God Bless.
Umaja
September 28th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Congrats to you
I haven’t had a perm in about 2 months past the scheduled time…so, 14 weeks! I am done with perms. My hair is taking it pretty well and though I am transitioning, hair breakage is practically nil compared to the way it reacted to chemicals before 
Go figure. Natural products are what seem to work for me and respond better to styling than anything with mineral oil or parabens or anything ending in -phates. The texture has changed though, not bad really. Very curly, but not a kinky curly. I think the perm changed that, but it looks good to me!
September 28th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I congratulate you on your hairaversary! I’ve been chemical free for 2 1/2 years and am now rockin’ shoulder length locs. The best thing I ever did for myself and my hair. The freedom of lovin’ who I am (hair and all) and really getting to know the hair that God so generously gave to me has been an awesome experience. I’m thankful that I was given another chance to get things right with my hair. To know that I have healthy beautiful hair and it is unique to me, words will never be able to fully express. It took me a little over a year for my entire head to loc, so I truly relate when you talk of patience.
Go ‘head with your beautiful head of hair!
Angie
September 28th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Good for u, Tywanna!
I gave up the creamy crack years ago, but due to my commitment to the military I wore my hair in braids. I retired last year and I knew that I wanted to wear my hair natural but there wasn’t any natural hair stylist where I live. Then I discovered Sisterlocks ™, it was the best decision that I have made. I love the freedom and the feel of my own hair. Tywanna, your natural style works for you it shows off your features well.
Nappy and Happy
Yvonne
September 28th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Congrads on your first year being chemical free, I have been chemical free for three years and though it has been a challenge, I have learn to love the natural state of my hair. We as African Americans women have been taught that our hair should straight and that is natural state is not acceptable. You are very beautiful with your natural hair and I look forward to celebrating year two with you this wonderful journey. Peace and love my beautiful black sister
September 28th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Congratulations and welcome! Stepping away from the chemicals freed me from generational self-hated. I have experienced a surge in self-confidence. Quite frankly, The Natural hairstyle is powerful; embrace and celebrate your God given natural beauty!
September 28th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Congratulations!
I applaud you for embracing your naturalness and freeing yourself from the chemicals. I have had my hair natural for 7 years now and recently started my dreadlocks by extension twists. I attempted to start them with my own hair, but my youngest( 15 months old) kept on pulling and tugging, which is why I opted for extension twists. I will have the human extension twists removed next year, so that my own locks will be left.
My 18 inch course thick hair grew to 24 inches within a summer, while having the human hair extension twists in. I am loving the length and freedom & your products make it so easy.
Keep on keeping on and ignore the ignorance of our brothers and sisters, still slaves to the chemicals…in time they will finally see the light after all their hair is gone.
Keep your head up;-)
September 28th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Congratulations!!!!!Wearing your hear in all it’s natural glory is the best thing we as Women of Color could ever do. After two BAD experiences with chemicals in my very early 20s I’ve been wearing my hair natural since (I’m in my late 40s now) I’ve since worn my hair almost bald (brush & go),braids,traditional locks and almost 3 yrs ago I cut 1/2 my Tlocks off and used a product “Take Down” which I got from Treasured Locks, installed Sisterlocks and have condinued to enjoy my Naturalness. Sisters, there’s nothing like walking in the rain, humidity, taking a dip in the sea,pool or taking a shower and wetting your hair every day without a worry. Not to mention claiming back your 1/2 day spent in somebody beauty solon. LOVE ALL!
September 28th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Congratulations on going natural. I’ve tried the natural thing three times and I finally got it right. I’ve been chemically free going on 11 months (October 3, 2007) and I am loving every minute of it. I will never put any chemical in my hair again. I have one sister who is natural and my other sister looks like she will never go this route. I read somewhere online that African American female cadavers who had relaxed hair, were found to have some type of green film under there scalps. Anything unatural is not good for you, period! Keep up the good work.
God Bless
September 28th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
CONGRATS!! I love my natural hair. I have been natural for nearly a year and one half. I could not imagine putting another chemical in my hair. You look gorgeous in your short style. CONGRATS again!!
September 28th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Hy Tywana,
Congratulations. I’m chemically free too and I love it. I’m locking my hair now going on 2 yrs. I decided to stop with the chemicals in 2004 and decided to start locking Dec. 2005. I’m so glad I did. I didn’t worry about what people would think.
September 28th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Congratulations! So sorry to hear that you had to celebrate alone but I see the word has spread now. I sympathize with you during this transition. You look wonderful and I’m proud to see a black woman embracing her own beauty. Patience and blessing for another healthy year,
Montrelle
September 28th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Congratulations Tywanna, that is monumental! Stay strong because i know it can be a little difficult at times, liberating but a little difficult. I can’t wait until my 1 year hair-aversary free from physical and mostly the mental bondage connected to having to conform. Congrats! and keep on celebrating!!!!!!!!!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Congratulations on one year! This is my second time trying to go natural and I am now mentally ready for it. It was after my sister went natural and I saw how long, thick and curly her hair grew after two years that I decide to have the courage to do it again. I cut my permed hair up in a short-mid length bob as my natural hair grows in and I can’t wait to cut off all the permed hair. Every time I wash my hair I see how thick , curly and soft my natural hair is and wonder why I ever preferred that limp stringy stuff =0) I sought your website out to give me the motivation to go through the process and started a journal. Can’t wait to celebrate my first year! Thanks to all of you who keep me motivated.
Monique, Atlanta GA
September 28th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Hi Tywana,
I am now just getting around to reading my email. I would like to say congratulations to you on the personal accomplishment as well as the business accomplishment. Keep up the good work!
September 28th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Happy Hair-Aversary. I too am free of the relaxers and I feel great. It is like a freedom of some kind. I am really enjoying my natural hair and I am to the point of no return to the relaxers. I have been chemical free for 15 months and my hair is healthy like it was when I was a child. Good deal beautiful sister.
September 28th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
I’ve been natural and locked for 3 years now, and I love my natural hair that the creator adorned us with. Congratulations!!! You are beautiful!!
September 28th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Congratulations! What wonderful news! Thanks for sharing..we didn’t mean to leave you alone! Thanks for the great site too. A couple of things I found out while wearing a relaxer, weave, braids, wigs and everrthang - less is more. When I finally made the jump to light speed and cut that junk off my head - I knew what not to do - here we go - and my hair in June was to my scalp - I held up my head - colored it platinum blonde and kept moving….Here we go - do NOT use shampoo on your hair like you used to, rinse, rinse, rinse. Shampoo once or twice a month and be wary of anything with lau* in it. If you are using the oils don’t overdo - a little dab will do fine. A tib tab of a perfume oil distributes heavenly fragrance throughout the entire head. Better for moisturizing is pure shea butter - you can look around and get good product - I actually blended mine with leftover stuff I had - a little tea tree leave in conditioner, hair mayo, olive oil products - get creative with the natural stuff - pretend you’re in the kitchen - and use a dollop of that when you get out of the shower. Massage your scalp EVERY day - and don’t be scerred to touch your hair when you want to - rub it when you feel like it - get used to the touch….DO NOT COMB your hair - when you get out of the shower (after rinsing) you want to blot out the water and put in your natural shea butter recipe - I like to squeeze mine out and then run my hands back like slicking down and then walk out the door to get dressed. No better feeling. It’s growing really fast - the comb teeth rip your hair out every single time. Remove those gold chains from your neck - that’s why your hair keeps breaking off. Hope these help somebody besides me! Anyways, thanks everyone, especially Tywanna, for the encouragement! It really does work!
September 28th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Congratulations Tywana on your one year anniversary. Your hair looks great. I have been natural for ten years and I love my hair. Keep up the good.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Hi Tywana,
COngratulations on your freedom from chemicals. You look great!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Congrat’s on your 1 year anniversary. I salute you and all my other sister’s who have left the crazy world of permed hair. I myself made that move 2 years ago and have never ever regretted it. I am in agreement with everyone else as to the feeling of freedom. I really appreciate your product that use on my hair. It has made a night and day difference. My hair feels wonderful. Don’t ever go back.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:21 am
Natural is beautiful! This is my second year of being natural but it feels longer because of all the great hairstyles I’ve tried since I decided to do the big chop. My hair is so much easier to take care of. And the best part of course is all of the money I’m saving from not having to go to the salon and not needing all of the hair products that I used too. So congrats and stay fly!
September 29th, 2007 at 2:18 am
Hi Tywana, I apologize for your having to celebrate alone. Maybe if I had paid more attention to my email. I would have known I wasn’t alone as well. This October I would have celebrated my one year adversary in the natural. I decided about a year ago to have it all cut off after perm damage out of control. One of the best choices I could have made. I received the most compliments and looked ten years younger. I have soft thin hair which curls naturally when I apply wrap lotion to it. It had grown quite a lot and I wanted to get it shaped up. I kept invisioning a nice permed style with the length. The biggest mistake in a year took place Sunday night, September 23,2007 out of sheer boredom and change. I home boxed a perm and have regreted it to this day. As soon as my hair get two inches of new growth I will be as natural as the on coming wintery months. A week short of seeing your email. The natural would have stayed in place. Congrats! Yours look great! I only wish I could now celebrate with you.
September 29th, 2007 at 2:57 am
Congratulations Tywana! I went natural in May of this year. I transitioned by wearing a weave and then wigs for about three months. When I did the “big chop” I had 4 inches of natural hair. I did the wash and go for a few week then got two strand twists. I thought about sister locks and even had a consultation but I don’t think it’s right for me at this time. My husband loves my hair like this and he doesn’t want me to ever relax it again. Having natural hair for the first time as an adult makes me wonder why I got a relaxer in the first place. I love my hiar now and I’m happy to see my hairline filling in. I can’t wait for my hairaversary. Thanks for sharing with us and sorry I missed your day.
September 29th, 2007 at 8:11 am
Hey Tywana, You look great! It’s sad you had to celebrate alone but look on the positive side, it gave you some time for introspection. I have sat on both sides of the fence and I’m on the fence right now. At the beginning of this year I curled my hair after having been natural for about six years. I’ve already regretted it and now am trying to decide what to do. It’s braided right now but I think I will try locks for a while. Like our sisters. I think it’s my own feel-good factor that will make the final decision for me as it should for you.
Peace and best wishes for the future.
Juliet
September 29th, 2007 at 11:08 am
Tywana,
Congrats! You look great…..It just goes to show that natural is indeed a very lovley and beautiful thing.
Peace & Blessings..
Bryan
September 29th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Congrats on your 1 yr anniversary. I also made my 1st yr on Sept 17. I still have two textures because I am not ready for the BC. I have learned patience with my hair so I am wearing hairstyles to try not to have so much breakage. So you aren’t the only one. I am going through it with you. :)! Happy journey!
September 29th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Hi Tywana,
I see you are not alone any longer. Congrats to you!! You look amazing with your natural do. I have been chemical free for almost 6 years and I just Love it!! Didn’t really before that all I have to do is put some leave-in conditioner on it and it will curl on it’s own. My hair is so healthy now. I get a lot of compliments too. Keep up the good work. Oh, I love your products. Enjoy your freedom!!
September 29th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Happy Hair-aversay, Tywana! I’ve been natural for two years now b/c I was in the same situation as you with hairstylists taking all of my long hair out all the time. It got to a point where I had cut my hair 4 times in 6 years! Anyway, I’m so happy to be natural. I two strand twist my hair myself and get it pressed every few months. I actually haven’t had any negative reactions. My mother admitted she was pleasantly surprised with how good I looked (at times she asked me in the past if I wanted to go back to the relaxer, b/c my hair is very thick and it takes 4 1/2 hrs to twist it up)! I love this website and am so happy I found it. As for those of you battling negativity about your hair right now, if you are happy with your decision, then at least one person is pleased
September 29th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
congrats, really excellent! look at that cute little hairstyle you are rocking it. i just cut out all my relaxer about a month ago im so happy to not be alone. ugh i cant believe i put that stuff in there?! and my hair was past my shoulders but it was that “see-through hair” lol so glad its gone. enjoy your celebration and have the best of luck this coming year. regards, mary
September 29th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Tywana,
Congratulations on your first year of natural hair! It is a challenge isn’t it? Trying to find styles to fit the new you, but it is worth it! In November I celebrate 4-years of natural hair after having a perm for so long. My husband asked me after I made the decision to go natural if I was going to wake up one day looking like Michael Jackson from the Jackson 5 (LOL)! He is so supportive of my natural look. It is a relief for him that I’m not coming home from the salon disappointed. Right now, I’m wearing box braids that I roll and set on perm rods. It is liberating. I do my own hair, on my own time, on my own terms. With two young boys, natural is the only way to go.
Congratulations, Tywana, stay motivated! Thanks for what you do for the rest of us on this website.
Shalom,
K
September 29th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Congratulations!
I love my natural hair too. My hair has grown so much since I decided to go natural 4 years ago. I used to perm my hair and I also did the braids but nothing beats my natural Hair.
September 29th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Tywana,
I AM PROUD OF YOU!!! I celebrated one year of being chemical free, until just a month ago, I gave in to the chemical and regret it the minute I did it. I found a stylist who is suppose to be very good with hair, but she failed me. From day one, she was not good at styling. I gave her one more chance and one simple hairstyle I wanted from her, turned out to be a disappointment. She added glue to my hair and that was it with me. I will never go back. I am looking for a new hairstylist and have a few candidate, but I am so skeptical, it really hurts to be in this position again. Bravo to you! I will have to slowly go back to MY roots again because this bad experience is the reason I went natural in the first place. I wasted one year of natural for this, please don’t do it to yourself. To all my brother and sisters, thanks for all the inspiration. Luv,D
September 29th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Tywana: Congratulations on your anniversary. My one year anniversary was in August. I love being free of the chemicals. In fact, many ladies I know are moving to the natural look. I have sister locs. I had traditional locs before, but didn’t have the knowledge or tools to really take care of them properly. I ended up cutting them off, waiting 10 yrs and starting over.
The Treasured Locs website is so helpful and the products are great. Keep up the good work……your natural sisters and brothers will be around to support you!
September 30th, 2007 at 2:14 am
Congratulations Tywana, for making the decision to go natural, it’s such a liberating feeling. I went natural ten years ago and I am so happy I did. My hair is fine, so the perm was making my hair thin. I use to have my hair braided or twisted, but now I just wash and wear. I Love My Natural Hair!
Blessings,
Sheryl
September 30th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Congratulations Tywana on your one year anniversary. I have been chemical free since 1994 and I love it. It was not alway easy at first but it get much better. I usually wear my hair braided but I’m going to transition into locks here soon.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Congratulations on your anniversary. I have been free of chemicals for 1 year and 8 months. I love being natural, just get up and go. I have locks now and I love them. The first six months was the rough stage, after that honey you have got it made. You look great natural! Keep up the good work sista…
Many Blessings,
Pecola
September 30th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Congratulations on your chemical free year! I know that the transition can be difficult, but you made it through and you look great. I have relatively fine hair and I thought that relaxing my hair would make styling it easier. I was right, all my hair fell out and I didn’t have anything to style! Keeping my hair natural is the best choice for me. You are an inspiration to many women who are afraid to go natural; you’re proof that it can be done gracefully.
September 30th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Hello Tywanna,
Sorry I missed your initial invitation to celebrate your chemical free anniversary. Congrats to you! As women with highly textured hair, we seem to be programmed from an early age to either hot press, chem or attached some body’s elses hair to our heads. It’s so liberating to be chem-free, unattached (woven, clipped or glued) and have no hang ups about not making pressing a “must do” part of my hair routine. I’m continually exploring the styling options to my naptural hair and liking it.
Best of luck to you!
CJ
October 1st, 2007 at 6:49 am
Congradulations on going back to a natural hair style.
I just recently went to the barba shop and got the sides and back of my hair cut, because I had over permed my hair, it was breaking, and when I tried to wear the braids or the weave, I could only leave it my hair for no more than 4 days or a weekk. Since I’m not perming my hair anymore what do I need to do to keep the sides and back of my hair straight, as well as; stop the itching?
October 1st, 2007 at 6:56 am
Hi Tywana,
Congradulations on going back to a natural hair style. I’ve just went about two weeks ago and got the back and sides of my hair cut very short, because I had over permed my hair, which was causing my hair to break. I tried the braids and the weave but I was not able to wear the braids or the weave in my hair more that a week. Tywana do you have any tips on how to take care of fine limp hair?, because my hair will not hold curls very long even if I put spritz on it.
October 1st, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Hello Tywana, I have been chemical free for 8 years. Being a female as you get older chemical cause the hair to thin and break. I went from chemical to dreads. I cut my dreads a week before Christmas last year. My hair was cut off to a 1/2 in. Thanks to the products I have been ordering, my hair has grown almost to my shoulders. I tried to tell women with thinning hair to try your products, it didn’t work. I have a sister who had aneurysm in 1985. She had a bald spot in the top of her head from surgery. After a few washes with your shampoo her hair begin to grow. Hopefully others will see this information I shared with you.
October 1st, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Congratulation Tywana! I’m inspired to go natural again, too. After reading all of the neat comments I remembered what it felt like. I am so tired of the whole routine involved with perming. WHy do we do it?
October 2nd, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Hi Ty,
Congratulations on your Hair - Aversary. I believe it takes a lot of strength and self confidence to make such a bold move. I admire you for that.
Lisa.
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:41 am
Don’t you feel great?!! I know I do. I am actually in my 2nd week of doing the big chop and I feel so happy about it. You are so right to have a celebration because it is such a wonderful experience to be chemical free!!
Best of luck to you.
KB
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:48 am
Congrats are you hair-aversary. I have been natural for 4 years and I never looked back. I never liked perms and I did not like the upkeep, so I fully understand how you are feeling. The reality of it is we are a proud, beautiful, natural people.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:46 am
Congratulations !!!!!! on your one year anniversity. I am sorry that you had to celebrate such a milestone alone. It is quite a bold move. I have been chemical free for so long that I do not recall the date. The last time I put chemicals in my hair was in the early 90s. For me, the transition was easy because chemicals is unnatural and i decided that I only wanted to come from a place that was natural and pure. I wore braids for awhile then went natural. I was wearing a fro before it actually got popular. I called it my geometric fro because i used to style it to geometric shapes and curves. But I was in San Diego and working in education so the professional reprecussions had not effect. I now sport 9 in locks for the 2nd time around. Now I would not trade my hair or my naturalness for anything in the world. I believe we as African-american women need to make a stand and go back to the basics. Get rid of the fake nails, hair and attitudes that are a product of our society.
Peace and LOVE to your milestone!!!!
Aqueelah
November 30th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Congrats on your natural hair anniversary. I definitely think these things should be celebrated! I am so happy I came upon this site. It has such useful information for natural hair care and I look forward to learning more about my natural hair. I am going on 2 1/2 years natural (my second time around) and this time I intend to STAY natural. Being natural is so exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time (but so is being relaxed) and I can honestly say I’ve learned so much just by reading the info on your site today. I have saved your site as a favorite and will frequent often and will definitely support your black owned business.
Here’s to all the natural sistas!