Where are you in your hair journey?

[jazzi]

After all the trial and error, complaining, new products, board topics/questions, and everything else...what place are you in your natural hair journey?  Have you gotten it together?  Are you still searching?  Please, fill us in! 

[Mizlady313]

I'm still searching, learning and trying to fight that PJ within me.  I'm discovering what works and what doesn't work for my hair. I have days when I get frustrated with my hair. But when it boils down to it, I love every strand of hair regardless of how unruly it may be.

BTW every one of you ladies play a huge part in my journey. I'd be totally lost without HC.

[Virtuouslady]

I thought that at being almost 5 years this year being natural (wow!), I would know everything.  The thing is, I dont.  I am STILL, even to this day, learning more and more things about my hair.  I still think that my hair and scalp are getting used to not having a relaxer all these years.  My hair texture and feel keeps changing, its weird.

And yes, I am still de-conditioning the poisonous mindset that I had when my hair was relaxed.  I dont believe you can just "get it" in only a few years, and you have been relaxed just about all your life.  I have come VERY far but I still have quite much learning to do.  This journey is fun.  It has its ups and downs, buts its fun.  I would NEVER, EVER relax my hair again.  Yes, there is such a thing as saying never, lol.  

[nappy_crown]

Hummm....I think I'm some where in the middle.  For the most part, I've got my hair figured out..what it likes..what it doesn't.  I know what my hair can and can't do, so I'm no longer in search of a HG tha will banish frizz forever...lol.

But what I am noticing, is that after 3 years (4 in August), that my PJ has come back with a vengence!!!  But hte good thing is that I'm not searching for a HG, its more just plain being bored and wanting to try something new.

[mscarmelc]

I am sooo still wet behind the ears!  I haven't found any particular staple products that I have to have nor have I really eliminated any that I don't like.  Becoming a PJ is expensive and I'm taking things one step at a time.  I still have a lot of stylers, conditioners, moisturizers, oils etc to try.  I'm such a newbie, and it will be a year in April!   I figure, I will have my whole life with this hair, why rush it!   

[curly4life]

I am pretty content.  I need to deep-treat more and look forward to more styling options as it gets longer

[browncutie75]

I am definitely still learning about hair.  I have been natural for two years and have done 4 big chops, because I couldn't decide what to do with my hair.  I'm still trying to figure out how to make my hair shiny, moisturize, what order to put my products in my hair after co-washing, etc....   LOL, on top of that my hair texture seems to be changing as it grows out--Virtuouslady I'm glad I'm not alone

[ahsatan]

I am definitely still searching.  There is so much out there, that is so overwhelming. I'm so new, having just done my BC in June of 2007.  I'm hoping that in time I will learn what my hair likes, doesn't like, find some Holy Grails, and try some creative styles along the way.  Thanks to Happy Curls and fotki stalking (lol), I have learned so much!

[keepitmovin]

I've got it...no matter how I style my hair, I've got it. I know what my hair responds well to and what it doesn't and I know what to do to whip it back into shape when I've been slacking...that doesn't stop me from trying something different every now and again though 

[svrbrownsuga]

I am in process of still learning what my hair likes and loves. I do have hg in the making but I want to make sure I'm correct. After the new year's eve fiasco with the woman who damaged some of hair strands, I have learned that moisture moisture moisture are friendly and TLC will restore it back. So lessons learned and I'm still excited about being natural. August 15th year two baby!!! :D :D

[jazzi]

I've got it...no matter how I style my hair, I've got it. I know what my hair responds well to and what it doesn't and I know what to do to whip it back into shape when I've been slacking...that doesn't stop me from trying something different every now and again though  

What she said!

I'm also more accepting of my shrinkage.  That's been my major issue.  I'm realizing that with the kind of hair I have, I need to be prepared to wait years before I see what some see in only a couple. 

Also, my internet PJ has calmed down a great deal. I'm at the point where I'm finding more and more effective products locally...which for me, makes wearing my natural hair that much more convenient. 

[J-Skivv]

I still have questions. I feel like I know how to keep my hair moisturized and clean. My scalp is still a mystery though and I don't understand why my fro looks so lush/full and my twists and braids don't...lol! Curl defining is still a slight mystery. At times I think I have it, but I have not had consistent curl definition as of yet. I am SOOO open to different things (except for heat). Another mystery is keeping my ends healthy. I think I have trimmed my hair 3 or 4 times in the past 3 months. I am starting to understand they need way more attention than I thought previously. Now I'm figuring out how to do that with my current product arsenal.

Its a cool journey and I've always loved learning about hair care and such. Wouldn't trade it for the world!

[shndlyn]

Current Status of Hair Journey:
I am at the beginning of my hair journey.  March 2008 will be my one year anniversary.  I have truly grown to love every aspect of my nappies.  I have embraced the shrinkage, thickness, "beebees" and fuzzies.  I have never been a fan of the "bone straight" look so I have no expectation that my hair will ever have that appearance.  I have learned to walk out of the house everyday comfortable with the fact that my hair is well moisturized and healthy.  My hair is just as I am unique, and doesn't have to be a part of "the majority". 

Recent Accomplishments: I completed my 3rd or 4th set of two strand twists and it took my 3 hours not 5 or 6.  I want to learn how to do my own extensions.  I also want to practice more creating "neat" cornrows and french braids.

Issues/Challenges: I need more training and practice with protective styles.  Maintaining healthy moisturized hair.  Utilizing all the wonderul information and support from the online hair forums

Future Goals:I want to sport Bantu Knots ( I want these bad) and Kinky Twists.  I want to get purchase some stylish scarves to wear over my hair.  I plan to get a cut/trim in March.  I want to use more natural products and oils.  I will also plan to attend a napptural gathering and a natural hair show this year.

[curlychic]

I'm at a point where my hair has seemingly stopped growing.  When I blow it out its about 3 inches past my shoulders and honestly I'm bored with it. 

I want a new style.  I want to cut it off in a funky style like Kelis or Rihanna minus the perm (I don't know if Kelis has a perm). 

I'm scared though because I worked so hard (like 3 years) to get my hair this length.  But I'm truly bored with my hair at this point.

SIgh

[mistytee]

I'm finally content with how well my hair is growing,
because as my hair was growing out of the twa stage; I
didn't care for it and was ready to chop again. 
 
I just need to be more confident with wearing my protective
styles out of the house and not throw on a hat to cover...
Now that my hair is 5 1/2 inches, I will start practicing doing various styles...

I have my staple products and I'm glad, because the pj in me has
slowed down.  My hair isn't hard to pleased, which is a HUGE plus;
because less money is being spent on wasted products!!!!!