Loving My Relaxed Hair™ Presents: Rebecca
Sunday, March 15, 2015My 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.
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11 comments
This blog is so inspiring. Once again, I must say how happy I am that I found this site. It's so rare to find other relaxed haired women who are dedicated to having healthy, straight tresses. I love that these questions were asked: "Do you feel a 'pressure' to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement?" and "Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair?" It's so important for me to know why others choose to remain relaxed like I do. Thank you for this site!
ReplyDeleteHey Kiersten!! Yes those questions run through my mind all the time!! I'm very curious to know what goes on in the minds of relaxed ladies these days. I'm happy to know I'm not the only one thinking this..LOL. Thanks for reading and stay tuned!!
DeleteGreat post! Thanks for sharing. With everyone going natural it's rare to find a site that features relaxed ladies.
ReplyDeleteHi Kwesi, thank you so much for your support. I'm glad you find this Series useful :)
DeleteWhat relaxer do you use?
ReplyDeleteI believe Rebecca uses ORS Olive Oil No Lye Relaxer.
DeleteGreat Post!!! I've been natural most of my life, but I definitely have been considering relaxing lately. I feel like if I do relax, it will be a very long time before I go back to natural.
ReplyDeleteHi Juliana,
DeleteThank you so much for your response. It's quite interesting to hear naturals wanting to go back to relaxer. Do what works best for you and your lifestyle :) Thanks for your input.
Love this new series! It goes to show that relaxed hair can be long and healthy!
ReplyDeleteHer hair is gorgeous! Thick from root to tip--exactly what I aspire to. I'm taking notes. Great feature!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much @Sunshyne i am loving loving loving (times infinity) these blog posts on relaxed sisters.
ReplyDeleteand Rebecca, I love what you said. it IS all about having healthy hair you feel good about. i feel stuck sometimes coz i am "team relaxed" that people will judge me if I go natural but I think what i want to promote is hair freedom. We all need to be free to do whatever with our hair.