Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from? 
Hey everyone! My name is Texlaxedcutie and I love to post informative tips and document my hair journey on my instagram! I was born in New York. As for my culture/ background, I am of West Indian heritage and have parents who are Guyanese and Barbadian.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
I would describe my hair as high-maintenance, although I love it for that particular reason! If I had to put my hair in any category, in its natural state, it would be 3c (and 4a in some spots). My hair is naturally very thick and probably the healthiest it's ever been in all the years of my hair journey! I am also recovering from a big set back in my journey. Last summer I cut my hair from mid back length to shoulder length! But I am definitely back to my original length but my hair is much thicker and healthier! I'm very exited to reach my goal of waist length. My hair is anywhere between bra-strap and mid back length - I'm not completely sure because I haven't straightened it in about 8 months. I do plan on clearing that up next relaxer which will be in May!

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 
I started my relaxed hair journey when I was 14 and discovered youtube and wonderful hair forums like Hairlicious Inc.! I was so determined to have long relaxed hair because I was extremely bored with my shoulder length relaxed hair. It was then that I devised a healthy hair regimen that I still use today! I start my regimen by detangling my hair and prepooing with EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). I then rinse out the oil and proceed to cleanse my hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Then I whip up my favorite concoction of ORS replenishing pak, EVOO and coconut oil and sit under my Huetiful hair steamer for about 40 minutes. After I rinse that out, I t-shirt dry for 30 minutes and apply my leave in and style.

My go to hair style is a braidout but I also love buns and curl former sets. I only texlax my hair two to three times per year and my favorite relaxer is Creme of Nature Straight from Eden relaxer in formula B.

My two absolute "go-to" products are:
1) Shea moisture curl and style milk and the
2) ORS replenishing Pak.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey? 
The number one hair tip I would pass on to other relaxed ladies would be to "baby your ends!" If length is the goal, you'll love this tip because it's easier to retain length. The best way to do this is to apply extra product to your ends and "baggy" them after you moisturize and seal.

Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel a 'pressure' to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement? 
I do not feel pressure to go natural because I am head-over-heals in LOVE with my texlaxed hair! I think the natural hair movement is great, I love seeing big, beautiful natural hair pictures on my Instagram! But it's not for me at this time because I love the versatility of my texlaxed hair. I can have sleek straight hair one day, a loose curly wash n go another or rock my big voluminous braidout the next!

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair? 
I choose to stay relaxed because, like I said, my hair is high-maintenance, as it is, and I do not have the time right now to care for my natural hair properly. I am totally comfortable with my hair right now and do not plan on stepping out of my comfort zone any time soon!

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
The texture, versatility and the therapeutic nature of caring for it! I love everything about my texlaxed hair!

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 

Let's Be Friends!!

Hairlista Inc. Profile: PowderBlushh

Instagram: @Powderblushh

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from?
My name is Lakevia Rogers. I'm from South Carolina.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
I've been relaxed pretty much all of my life. My hair is currently a little past mid-back length and my hair type is 4B.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products.
I started my relaxed hair journey in 2012 when I was a little past shoulder length. Throughout the years, I’ve had a few set backs due to prescription medication, pregnancy and just simply trying to find the right products for my hair. My current regimen is pretty simple. Right now I use Mizani Butter Blends relaxer and my hair has loves it. I only trim my ends after I relax, which is about every 12 weeks.

I've been sticking to the whole Pantene for Relaxed and Natural product-line, which I find is good for my textured hair. I'm not one of those ladies who co-wash every other day or twice a week. I do not co-wash at all because I feel like my hair isn’t clean when I do it. I only wash once a week and sometimes every other week. I clarify my hair every single time I wash. I follow up with a moisturizing shampoo by Pantene as my last wash. Secondly, I use my Pantene for Relaxed Hair Moisturizing Conditioner - this portion of my regimen changes according to my hair needs. Sometimes I use my Pantene Moisturizing Conditioner or I'll do a deep condition. I like to mix conditioners together or I use my Shea moisture deep conditioner and let it sit for at least an hour under a hooded dryer for better penetration. Finding that balance between moisture and protein has always been a challenge for me. I do a protein treatment once a month using either the Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor following a moisturizing conditioner or I'll use the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Hair Masque. I typically detangle my hair, with a wide tooth-comb, while rinsing out my conditioner.

Occasionally, if my scalp is very itchy/flaky, I’ll do a hot oil treatment using Grapeseed oil, Coconut oil, Extra virgin olive oil and Peppermint oil before I wash my hair for at least an hour, once a month. After I’ve washed and conditioned my hair, I either towel dry or t-shirt dry for about 10 minutes. Then, I either blow dry on low heat or air dry. I haven't used a flat iron in over a year. Before I apply any heat to my hair I always apply a heat protector along with my leave-in conditioner. For the first month of my relaxer, I like to use a light weight leave-in and as I stretch my relaxer I use a thick leave-in conditioner. I then apply a small amount of my oil mix i.e. grape seed oil and extra virgin olive oil, to my hair. Last but not least, I'll apply a little moisturizer made by Pantene then I begin my protective styling.


My “go-to” protective style consists of a part down the middle of my hair with two (2) braids down the side. It’s very simple. I wear this particular style because it's low maintenance and should I choose to wear it out, it leaves a very pretty wave pattern that only has to be finger combed. I moisturize and seal maybe twice a week but I always mist my hair daily with water and a little bit of glycerin. I apply a little bit of oil to my ends. I tie my hair up at night using my satin bonnet.




What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey?
For ladies who choose to remain relaxed, my number one tip for you is to not get discouraged or impatient. Everyone’s hair grows at a different pace. As long as you're moisturizing and sealing and, most of all, protective styling - you too will retain healthy lengths!


Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel the pressure to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?
So as far as feeling the pressure to become natural, I don't think that will be happening any time soon. I love, love, love natural hair and I love my natural coils. I love feeling them when my new growth comes in; however, I just choose to remain relaxed.


Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair?
With my hair being so thick, with very tight coils, it's just easier for me to manage it while it’s relaxed. I believe that if you are relaxed, you should love your relaxed hair! Find some good products that your hair loves and trust me, your hair will let you know whether or not it likes a certain product. Stick to a good regimen and let your hair do its thing!

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
Some areas of my relaxed tresses are a little kinkier than others due to some under-processing. I don't mind the areas that are under-processed because it gives the appearance of a natural look with looser coils. The versatility without all the extra maintenance, is what I love about my hair!

My name is Lawrene Griffith. I am from the beautiful island of Grenada in the Caribbean.

My hair has a life of its own. It does what it wants and I don’t fight with it. My hair type is 4b
When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 

First Relaxer 2013

I started my relaxed hair journey in June 2013.

I detangle, moisturize and seal every day mostly. I would skip a day here and there if my hair feels like it doesn’t need it. I moisturize with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner (slightly diluted with water) and seal with coconut oil.

I never sleep without covering my hair or on a satin pillow case.

I oil and massage my scalp with a mixture of coconut oil, peppermint oil, a little castor oil and a drop or two of tea tree oil. I do this twice a week.

.I co-wash based on how my hair feels and my activities. I’m currently in the gym so I co-wash once a week.

I wash with a sulfate free shampoo (currently Renpure Originals Moisture Rich Argon Oil Shampoo) and deep condition weekly. I deep condition with a concoction of products. I use a mixture of Loreal Paris Evercreme Conditioner, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream, Coconut Oil and Glycerin. I know it sounds weird but I’ve tried other actual deep conditioners and they don’t leave my hair feeling the same way my concoction does.

I clarify once a month using Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo.

Since I relaxed my hair in 2013 I’ve only done 3 protein treatments. I don’t feel like my hair needs it very often. This is probably because the Cantu that I deep condition with has protein in it.

I relax every 12 to 16 weeks.

I trim every relaxer and dust for split ends between trims every other week.

Some go to products: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, Eco-styler Olive Oil Gel, Water, Coconut oil.

Moisturize!

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from? 
 My name is Rebecca, I was born in France from French West Indian (Caribbean) parents. And I live in France!

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
My hair is mostly type 4 although it is coarser in some places like at the back (4b) and looser in the middle (3c).  In its natural state, my hair is thick yet fairly supple and I would say I have high hair density (loads of hair follicles so loads of hair).  At the moment, I would describe my hair as healthy... although it can always be better :-) The length is currently at bra strap after having cut a few inches back in September last year. I have no specific length goal.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 
I first relaxed my hair when I was 13 or 14 years old and have not stopped since. My mum would take good care of my hair and she would spend hours each week doing my hair. There came a point when we both felt that relaxing my hair was probably a good idea, giving us much needed 'help'.

I have experimented quite a bit over the years with products, techniques etc. and it all helped me understand how to handle my hair.

When it comes to my hair routine, I try to keep it very simple, although I am always keen to try out new products. I wash my hair every couple of weeks and on wash days (usually Saturdays or Sundays), I typically wash my detangled hair with a gentle shampoo, I deep condition with my favorite conditioner mixed with oils for at least 2 hours. I air dry as much a possible. I dry my hair with a leave-in until almost dry (using a comb attachment). I then follow with the hair straighteners for a smooth effect.

When I feel my scalp and hair are a little bit on the dry side, I will pre-poo with a combination of oils and conditioners and leave it on overnight or for a few hours.

I relax my hair only twice a year and in between I tame my new growth with oils and loads of moisture. I trim as needed (or after my relaxers).

In terms of products, my 'staples' of the moment are the Yucca & Baobab thickening moisture mist from Shea Moisture - I use it as a leave-in: it smells sooo good and leaves my hair moisturized and flawless without feeling weighed down.

Here are my go-to products for my hair routine:

Shampoo: Palmer’s Olive Oil formula with Vitamin E
Deep conditioner: Organic Roots Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner (also used for hair detangling) and Organic Roots Stimulator Hair mayonnaise.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey? 
My #1 advice is patience, patience and more patience. You will need loads of it to get to know your hair, what products and routine work best for it.

Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel a 'pressure' to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement? 
I don't feel pressure to go natural. My sister went natural 4 or 5 years ago. She had had longer hair than me; she’s very passionate and dedicated to her natural hair and I admire her for that! To me, it's not about being in 'team natural' or 'team relaxed' but more about having a healthy head of hair you feel good about. We need to do what makes us happy!

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair? 
Today, this is not my personal aspiration, but I do respect all women who decided to transition. I choose to stay relaxed because I love my relaxed hair. I feel completely at ease with it.  I am able to understand it, manage and take care of it. Maybe in 5/10 years, I will change my decision, you never know!

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
I love my silky lengths, the sleekness and the fact that my hair is very very easy to maintain. I also like the versatility; I’m able to move from a sexy voluminous hairstyle to a strict bun or braids.

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from?
My name is Charmaine Love and I am a 3rd grade teacher in South Dakota, originally from Olathe, KS.


How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
My hair is very thick but soft. I have 4a type hair.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products.
I started my relaxed hair journey in December 2010. March of 2013, I decided to go natural after I had a setback. After 18 months, I was fully transitioned to natural. However, December of 2014, I decided to go back to relaxing my hair. Being natural was great but I absolutely loved being relaxed.

My regimen/staple products consist of getting a salon relaxer every 16 weeks with Affirm FiberGuard Sensitive Scalp. I used to self relax but I have found a trustworthy stylist that understands my hair needs. I do a hard protein treatment every 6-8 weeks with the Aphogee Two Step Treatment. My wash routine is done weekly. I always do a hot oil treatment with Jamaican Black Castor oil (JBCO) and Coconut oil mix. I usually let that sit on my hair for about 20 minutes with a plastic cap or overnight depending on how dry my hair is in this South Dakota weather. Next, I wash my hair with a shampoo of my choosing. I do not have a staple shampoo at the moment. I follow up with a deep conditioner such as Affirm 5 in 1 reconstructor or Keracare Humecto Creme Conditioner for at LEAST 30 minutes or longer. I alternate between the two in order to keep my moisture/protein balance in check which is key in my regimen. Next, I apply my leave ins, air dry 70%, moisturize and seal, and then I proceed with a low manipulation style. I apply heat to my hair only if there is a special occasion. Other than that, my hair remains heatless in low manipulation styles. I moisturize with Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter and seal with JBCO at least 4 times a week. I also wear a satin bonnet at night.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey?
Very early in my journey I rarely would get trims. After I transitioned, I would routinely get my hair cut to maintain the health of my hair as well as to help me transition quickly to natural. Now that I am relaxed, I do not need to cut as much because I keep my hair in low manipulation styles and moisturize and seal on a regular basis which is huge in my book. I always trim every three months like clockwork. This too is done by a trusted stylist who trims what needs to be trimmed. A lot of ladies are afraid of losing length but I would rather cut dead split ends to have full healthy hair. My goal is health over length. My goals and focus this time around is different. Health over length! The length will come. Patience and consistency are key!
Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel the pressure to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?
I do not feel the pressure to be natural. When I initially decided to transition, it was because of a setback as I had previously mentioned. My setback was due to my own laziness. I was no longer consistent with my regimen and I began to experiment with color. I also applied alot more heat to my hair than my hair was used too. Bad hair practices led me to my decision of transitioning. When I decided to transition, I was open to the idea of either staying natural or possibly relaxing again. In the end, I did what I felt like was best for me and my lifestyle. I do feel that because of my decision to start relaxing again, I often find myself having to justify or defend my reasoning for being relaxed all the time to other naturals. A lot of people are often surprised that my hair is in the health that it is in and I am relaxed at that. I feel like relaxed or natural you can have healthy hair. You have to do what works for you in terms of your lifestyle. It was a matter of preference for me. Overall, I think it is great that African American women are embracing their natural hair more and shying away from the weaves and taking the time to actually grow their own hair. For many years, there has always been a stigma attached to African American women and their inability to grow their own hair. Natural or relaxed, with the proper routine and haircare products, long and healthy hair can be achieved.

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair?
When I was natural, I always applied heat to my hair in some form. Usually it was the blow dryer and then I would bun my hair at least twice a month. It was so thick and there was so much hair to deal with. Even though my hair was thriving I missed airdrying my straighter hair without having to alway use a blowdryer to do one of my go to buns. I tried the wash and goes, etc. When it came down to it, I missed my straighter texture of hair. It was really a matter of convenience for me. This was something that was routine for me already being previously relaxed.

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
The manageability!!! I feel like I have so many options being relaxed from bantu knots, buns, braid outs to the bone straight look. I also miss the roller wraps! I can virtually have a straight or curly hairstyle with minimal to no direct heat applied.

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from?
Hello My name is Antoinette. I am a wife, & mother of 2 (boy/girl). I grew up as a ‘military brat’ so I am from ‘Everywhere”(fun fact: I was born in Germany). I moved to Ohio in 2005 after I graduated from Morris College in South Carolina (I have a Bachelors in Business Administration). I currently live in Ohio – so I call this home.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
Before I started my hair journey (January 2011) my hair was thin, but over the years it has thickened up tremendously (which I love). I’ve never really been interested in hair types, so I’m not sure what my type may be.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products.
I started my Hair Journey January 2011 at neck length. My hair was not damaged when I started my hair journey but I just wanted to grow it longer. I knew that in order to achieve healthier hair, I needed to practice healthier routines (i.e. not relaxing every 4-6 weeks, wearing protective styles etc).

My Regimen 
Wash days are Sundays! I pre-poo with Jamaican black castor oil  mixed with peppermint essential oil. I add this mixture to my scalp only. I then apply a light protein conditioner to the ends of my hair and put on my heating cap for 30min. I shampoo with Keracare hydrating and detangling sulfate-free shampoo.

I then use a t-shirt to squeeze out access water and apply a moisturizing deep conditioner – Kurlee Belle Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment (this helps to balance my protein/moisture) for 30 minutes under my heating cap. I always add an oil to my deep conditioner mixes i.e. EVOO, EVCO, Grapeseed oil (whatever natural oil I grab first).

After rinsing out my deep conditioner, I t-shirt dry for about an hour. I later apply my leave-in conditioner (MuraMura Moisture Milk by: PuraBody Naturals) and lightly detangle with a wide tooth comb.

I air dry 90% of the time. I typically flatiron and/or blow-dry once every 2 months. I wear protective styles (bun w/my own hair) 90% of the time. I relax every 4-5 months. I moisturize and seal (Grapeseed Oil & MuraMura Moisture milk) every 2 days with a bonnet covering my hair at night.

I have never been into sew-ins, wigs, braids. I have nothing against them, I actually think all the different styles are pretty; it’s just not for me. I always joke around by saying, "I stretch cold turkey". I think stretching ‘cold turkey’ helps you to understand what your hair likes/dislikes. It definitely takes extra work and patience.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey?
STRETCH your relaxers! It’s soo much healthier for your hair in the long run. I used to relax every 4-6 weeks. After all the knowledge I've learned about my hair - and having a lot of patience - I can now go 5 months in between each relaxer.


Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel the pressure to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?
I definitely don’t feel the pressure; as a matter of fact, the MAJORITY of the products I use are geared towards naturals OR have all natural ingredients. My relaxed hair LOVES natural products. My go-to Moisturizer/Leave-In is by PuraBody Naturals – MuraMura Moisture milk. The natural hair movement is really popular in the hair community these days. However, relaxed hair can be just as healthy & versatile. It’s just a personal preference that shouldn’t get knocked down either way ..if you choose to be natural or relaxed. Just embrace your hair & do what works best for you.

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair?
I choose to remain relaxed because it works best for me and my lifestyle.

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
I absolutely love how HEALTHY my relaxed hair is, and the length I’ve achieved over the years. My relaxed hair is very versatile. I can wear buns, braid outs, bantu knots, straight, curly, & ponytails.


Let's Be Friends!
Hairlista Profile: Antoinette Instagram: @aricedotcom

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from? 
My name is Melissa and I live in Houston, TX by way of NYC and Atlanta, GA.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type? 
My hair is very thick but soft, and type 3.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 
I started my hair journey in December 2012 after a visit to the salon for a trim turned into a choppy cut.

I try to keep my regimen pretty simple: Firstly, I relax twice a year...I wash my hair once a week starting with a prepoo, followed by a DC, finished off with a cold water rinse and application of my leave-ins. I follow a strict moisture/protein balance alternating between moisture prepoo/light-to-hard protein DC’s and medium protein prepoo/moisture DC’s (using my hair steamer). I moisturize and seal nightly being sure to always wear a satin scarf or bonnet to bed. I use Design Essentials Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion and seal with an oil mix I made of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, and Vitamin E Oil.

A few of my “go-to” hair products are ORS hair mayo as my medium protein that I use as a prepoo. This conditioner yields great results every time leaving my hair moisturized and strengthened. Nexxus Emergencee is another staple of mine. Over the course of 10 years, this hard protein treatment has always brought my hair back to life after every setback. Lastly, cold pressed 100% pure macadamia oil has been getting me through the humidity in Houston. I apply it to my hair as the last leave-in on wash day, and it prevents frizz, keeps my hair moisturized, but most of all it cuts my drying time in half.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey? 
Low manipulation hairstyles are key! Style your hair once a week on wash day in a style that requires little to no daily combing/brushing. This prevents breakage, excessive shedding, and just gives your hair a chance to flourish. Once I started keeping hair tools out of my daily regimen, I really noticed a difference in the health of my hair.


Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel the pressure to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?
I don’t feel the pressure to go natural per say, because I know what works for my hair in terms of my lifestyle. However, I do find that I am defending my decision to remain relaxed more often than I would like to. The majority of products I use now are geared towards natural hair, but as long as my hair likes it, I am unbothered by the marketing tactics.

I honestly feel like the natural hair movement is great from the standpoint of getting African-American women to invest more in caring for their own hair rather than spending hundreds of dollars on weave bundles. I’ve always loved to see women in my community strutting their stuff with hair they took the time to grow and care for themselves. Whether natural or relaxed, it’s all about maintaining the health of your hair. Natural hair doesn’t automatically equate to healthy hair.

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair? 
I have A LOT of hair! My natural texture gets really dried out and frizzes up easily. Being relaxed offers me the ability to keep my thickness tamed making my hair more manageable for me. I exercise a few times a week i.e. run on trails, and I could not see myself washing my hair multiple times a week which would be required for my natural texture. If I were to transition back to natural, I would probably be addicted to direct heat styling tools, and my curl pattern would still be altered as with a relaxer. So, I choose to remain relaxed and limit direct heat usage, and it’s been working out quite well for me and my hair!

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
I absolutely love the versatility and manageability of my relaxed hair. I can rock any style I want depending on my mood because it doesn’t take much time to prep and style. From bone straight, to straight with body, curly to wavy, to just a smooth blow out look, the options are endless.

Let's Be Friends!!

Instagram: @Hairbymnm