My low density 4c natural hair

I big chopped on the 27th of Feb 2016, 3 years plus wow but I've just come to the realisation that my afro would never look like the typical full, dense, thick stereotype afro we see everywhere.

My hair is fine, soft, thin and on top of all that, of low density, actually feels like relaxed hair sometimes in it's stretched form. I haven't figured out my porosity yet but phew there a lot to learn in this natural hair journey.

I've decided to work on strengthening my strands and change the way I handle my hair as I've realised that I cannot handle my fine hair in the same way as some youtubers do theirs. Watching and following several youtubers with opposite hair type to myself wouldn't make mine the same so I'm going to have to find similar hair type youtubers to learn from. I have to love and find a way to retain length and grow this (what seems like) minority, under represented hair type.

A lot of naturals with my hair type get fed up and just wig it all the way, though naturals with thick hair do too but you don't exactly see us in hair ads or product promos. I am determined to stick it through for my daughters (now ages 6 and 4) who also are natural.

Consistency is anothing thing I'll work on, because I just see a band wagon and jump on it; rice water I've tried it, acv rinse I've tried it , tea rinse you bet , I'm a bit of an all over the place natural 😁.

Count down to 6 months post chop milestone

 Life has happened, time has flown so quickly and we are here now.

I looked through photos on my phone this evening as I thought of writing this new post but found I haven't taken much of myself or hair since my last post. (Mainly of the kids )

Nothing new really, same regimen, a few new products and hair accessories. Still an exciting journey of learning as only recently I was watching youtube videos on two strand twist outs (my next technique to master).

I'm still learning to style my hair . These photos were taken 2 days ago and feature my everyday goto style, I just change accessories.

Changes To Regimen Post Big Chop

I do not want to buy a whole new range of products for my natural hair, at least not till my current products are used up. And my regimen hasnt changed much either.

But I did do a 'top up' to my regimen; I used to do the LO method to moisturise and seal but now I have started the LOC method for my natural hair. For the 'C' I bought the following creams

And the eco styler gel with argan oil just because ... :-D

New Products and Accessories

Finally Big Chopped!!!

So much for transitioning for 1-2 years ha! I just couldn't wait any longer, I was an impatient transitioner :-D

I big chopped after 9 months of transitioning as it became increasingly difficult dealing with two textures.

Finally got an appointment with my hairdresser, I just wanted the relaxed ends cut off, nothing fancy.. she got my hair wet for the chop and afterwards blow dried my hair.

This is my hair blowdried

And my hair in its shrunken state.

It's only been 3 days and I'm still learning more about my natural hair, learnt new hair terminologies  (e.g wash n go, twa), subscribed to new youtube channels. ..

I intend to protective style my hair in cornrows at some point, but for now just going with the flow .

My December - January Protective Style

I planned to get a weave installed for the winter months but after taking out my mini braids and having a week resting time, I changed my mind.  The reason is that I really enjoyed being able to treat my owm hair whilst wearing a protective style, without any extensions getting in the way.

So I opted for cornrows this time.  This healthy hair journey has definitely  changed the way I see my hair and my thinking too. In the past I wouldnt have ever considered cornrows without extensions but here i am now wearing them with pride.

When I had my mini braids I followed every step of my current regimen. By the end of the 5 weeks, the ends of my hair were getting tangled because I was washing 3 times in a week.

So I have decided to make a few changes; 

• Wear these cornrows for maximum 4 weeks 
• Wash and deep condition once a week. (protein deep conditioning - shampoo - moisturising deep conditioning )
• Include a mid week cowash only if necessary 
• Overnight baggying 2 - 3 times a week to help with moisture

My Decision To Transition To Natural Hair

I never thought that one day I'd go natural,  it's never crossed my mind but I found myself toying with the idea in the past weeks.

A couple of things made me come to that decision;

• Firstly, I have just one hairdresser who relaxes my hair (about 6 miles from me) and I haven't been able to get her on the phone for sometime,  she might be on holiday out of the country. In the past when this happens I'd always go for a plan B till I'm able to book an appointment.
• I've got two daughters, my first is now 2 years and 9 months old,  I've always styled her hair and since I started my hair journey,  I also have been researching about natural hair care for her. Got me thinking how much I want her to grow up loving her hair especially if there aren't many with her type of hair around her. If she sees mummy loving and embracing her own natural hair,  what better example would there be? Mummy and daughters same regimen,  same products, same hair. ..Hmmm I do have a dream!
• And then of course no more harsh chemicals,  no more havinf to deal with two textures. 

My last relaxer was on the 29th of May 2015. I've watched a lot of transitioning youtube videos and would like to transition for a year or even two but I don't think I'll be patient enough. The more I look at my hair in these mini braids the more I want to do a 'small chop' :-D, but I'm thinking of having a weave installed next month to see me through the harsh winter months, that will keep my hands and eyes off my hair for a while.

I'm really excited about going natural especially now I've discovered the world of healthy hair.