Just don't do it! Why you ask? Well...first off, scanning through old pictures of your hair allows you to see the rough beginnings of where your hair journey all began. You're able to stroll down memory lane and distinctively recall all the wrong things you were doing to your hair - I remember it like yesterday i.e. using heat on dirty hair, relaxing from root to tip, deep conditioning once in a blue moon..the list continues!
Second of all, and most importantly, being able to look back and see the transformation that took place, from then 'till now, truly allows you to understand and appreciate all that you've learned, including the struggles and the milestones. My mindset and perspective towards my hair was nothing compared to what it is now. Looking back, there's been a multitude of transformations.
Thirdly, you're able to encourage and inspire other people who are about to embark on a journey to pursue healthier hair. Your beginning may also be similar to someone elses beginning, allowing other people to relate to your journey. Little do you know, your trials and errors are resources!
From experience, I can't stress enough how vital it is to take hair pictures throughout your hair journey - I don't know what I would do if I didn't. Not only does it help with seeing how far you've come, in terms of length, but also how much knowledge you've gained to reach your goal length over the years.
I embrace my past and I'm not afraid to share it. I think it's liberating and if I'm able to help other people along the way, it's a blessing. A few Hairlistas have asked me to share more photos from the beginning of my hair journey and that's exactly what I'll do :)
What do you think about embracing your past and where you began in your hair journey? Do you often reflect on where you came from? Has it helped others along the way? Share :)
LOVING MY RELAXED HAIR™ PRESENTS: Lawrene Griffith
Loving My Relaxed Hair Series Sunday, August 16, 2015
Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from?
How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
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
First Relaxer 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.
What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey?
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?
Natural Hair |
Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair?
I plan to remain relaxed for a while. I don’t see myself being relaxed for the rest of my life though. I’m enjoying my relaxed hair. The best thing about it is that I can wash it a lot more and I can actually air dry. Air drying was not an option when I was natural. It took a few days before my hair was completely dry.
I choose to be relaxed because it is better suited to my lifestyle. I am an attorney in waiting. I will be called to the bar in October of this year. I was fortunate enough to get a job right out of school. Work is very demanding and will become even more demanding after I get called.
I’m also at the stage in my life where I’m trying to get out more and do new things. I was tired of planning my life around my hair. My hair was one of the main reasons I didn’t go to the beach (Grenada has lots of beaches). It was always a chore to wash it and get it in an acceptable condition for school or work the next day (if I went on Sunday). While most people showered and went to bed from the beach, I would be up for hours dealing with my hair. Now that I’m relaxed, my hair takes up a lot less of my time.
What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
Let's Be Friends!!
Hairlista Inc. Profile: Elle Gee
If you know me well, you'd know that Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil and Olive oil are a MUST in my hair care regimen. They are the 3 most penetrating oils your hair will benefit from.
Luckily, one of my favourite hair care line incorporated my 3PO combination! :)
Luckily, one of my favourite hair care line incorporated my 3PO combination! :)
A photo posted by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on
Look at all the goodies Creme of Nature sent?! Talk about great timing? Had to re-stock a few items ASAP. Thank you again Creme of Nature! The "Relaxed & Healthy" t-shirt is my mantra! Healthy relaxed hair is a reality :)
If you follow me on Instagram (@hairlicious) you probably would have seen this post already. This is my favourite line for my braid-outs this Summer!! Definition galore + it's heat free :) Below is my recent braid-out using CON SFE. Tutorial coming soon!!
Check it out:
If you follow me on Instagram (@hairlicious) you probably would have seen this post already. This is my favourite line for my braid-outs this Summer!! Definition galore + it's heat free :) Below is my recent braid-out using CON SFE. Tutorial coming soon!!
Check it out:
A photo posted by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on
My favourite products would be the deep conditioner, leave-in and repairing oil!
Have you tried the Straight From Eden Collection? What's your favourite product?
- No Hair Damage
- Versatile in style
- Hair with intense shine
- With heat up to 450 degrees
I still have my CHI Pink Camo flat iron 1"inch plate. I've had it for approximately 5 years and there is a bit of wear and tear on the plates potentially making it unsafe for my hair. So this gift came right on time! Though I don't use heat often (maybe ever 3-4 months); I'm anxious to try the 1.5" inch plate. I think the larger plate will speed up my flat ironing sessions as it can hold more hair - which is a plus! Overall, I'm very curious to see if it lives up to all it's promises. Review coming soon!