Any Naturals go Back 2 Relaxed Hair?

healthyhair2 · Dec 21, 2006

Wanting to know if any Natural heads have gone back to relaxed hair and why? I am contemplating it because it may be easier for me.I'm trying to think of the pros and cons to this.

slender1 · Dec 21, 2006

Healthy Hair,

I was natural and went back to relaxed. Reason being I my hair is 4a and I was/am working in the Middle East it gets up to 130 degrees in the summer. My hair couldnt take the heat and Scurl wasnt working. Not to mention the water :eek:

and combing it. The big deal is I cant wear braids, I can only wear twistouts..My hairline is very sensitive.

My hair holds moisture better when relaxed

Also its easier for me being as that stylists are an option only once every 3 months. Im doing fine, I miss my NAPS, but this will have to do for now.

If relaxing is going to make your life easier go for it

SilverSurfer · Dec 21, 2006

I seriously thinking about it too

missnappylady · Dec 21, 2006

I did, now I'm back to natural. The first time around I had no idea what to do with my hair and got frustrated. This time it's alot easier. I also like having the option to go straight one day and have a huge fro the next.

SNyeema · Dec 21, 2006

Revert checking in!

Although I have to say I will transition back to natural. I didn't know what to do with my natural hair either but I did grow from 1/2 an inch to the bottom of my neck after TWO major trims in one year. Now that I'm relaxed I miss the appearance of the thickness that it had. Now it just kinda lays here. I miss playing in my hair. Although I don't necessarily mind relaxed hair. I've been relaxed since I was 8 and the natural "newness" was a welcome change.

DDTexlaxed · Dec 21, 2006

I wish I could go back to relaxed. My hair won't do it. :ohwell:

The pros have tried, I've tried... so now I'm natural. MTG has made my hair uber relaxer resistant. I won't get rid of it because my hair has been 100 percent more healthy since using MTG. I will be lightly texlaxing my hair in the future.

Ms Lala · Dec 21, 2006

I was natural, relaxed, and now I'm natural again. I relaxed because I thought is would be easier than pressing and honestly then I wasn't really feeling my natural hair and didn't know what to do with it. My hair and scalp just can't take a relaxer so I had to stop relaxing. I had much more breakage when I was relaxed, my hair seemed extra sensitive to everything. Now I'm natural and I just press/flat iron when I want it straight. I don't think it's harder than caring for relaxed hair BUT it can be more time consuming. However I enjoy styling my hair once every 2-3 weeks and not really having to worry about it other than washing and moisturizing. I didn't enjoy having to roll, wrap, or heat style my relaxed hair or trying to blend the new growth as it would grow. However I think you need to do what is best for you and what you think is most flattering. I like the way I look w/my natural hair and I feel confident, this is important IMO. Maybe you can go the texturizing or texlaxing route instead of relaxing.

locabouthair · Dec 21, 2006

i was relaxed then natural for four years but only wore it natural for about a year the other 3 years it either braids, weave or press. the last year i wore it natural. i always had to plan my schedule around my hair, it was a lot to style it. the main style i wore was cornrows with a puff on top and i always had to look for soemone to braid my hair ad work around their schedule. it was annoying and frustrating to say the least. a lot of times i always had on a hat or scarf. i never worn so many hats since i was natural. then i was about to enter grad school and i knew there was no way i could find time to look for a braider and do twistouts every night just to make it look good. so i went with relaxing. i still love natural hair and relaxed hair does have its cons too. like someone said you always have to blend in the newgrowth, which is something i am trying to master. good luck with whatever you decide.

healthyhair2 · Dec 21, 2006

Thanks for giving me all the advice ladies. One thing I have found is that my natural hair is much drier. I had it pressed on Tuesday and was disappointed at how it turned out. I mean it looked great,but the breakage!!! The stylist was not careful at all and refused to use any oil. I will never go back to this particular salon. I seem to want to wear my hair straight a lot more now and hate that this would be my main alternative. I'm a 4b , I think. I've got Macy Gray hair that is already frizzy two days after being pressed and curled. The good thing is I did gain some length.

brownsugarflyygirl · Dec 22, 2006

I plan to go back to a relaxer eventually.....I think once I reach my length goal I may go back to a relaxer.

I think that relaxed hair is slightly less time consuming than natural hair plus once I have the length I will want to wear it straight more often and I dont want to risk heat damage by constantly pressing....

I think that I will probably get bored with my relaxed hair after a year or two and go back natural though. My hair and scalp are tough...so my hair thrives either way :grin:

kally · Dec 22, 2006

Yes. After two and a half years of growing out thick healthy hair. I got lazy and went back to the relaxer trying to texlax knowing my hair can not take chemicals. Two months later here is the outcome:

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/3233dbe9ad.jpg

My hair was coming out in clumps at the crown area, my hair was unsalvagable, breaking like straw and not able to hold moisture. So I had not choice but to start over, way over.

sunshinebeautiful · Dec 22, 2006

I did. I was natural for about 2 years and decided that I wanted a change, so I went back to relaxed. I have no complaints whatsoever.

EbonyHairedPrincess · Dec 22, 2006

I went back to relaxed after 3 years braided and 4 years flat ironed natural. I got tired of fuzzy hair. I ended up with texlaxed hair and I like it for now. I was flat ironing weekly and it got to be more work than it was worth. So I relaxed with SE. The thing I like most is taking showers and actually getting my hair wet on purpose. I just add moisturizers and bun it. The only reason I went braids then natural is because I didn't know how to care for relaxed hair and I kept breaking it off. Now I'm learning how to care form my hair and I'm loving it relaxed.

Amarech · Dec 22, 2006

I also like having the option to go straight one day and have a huge fro the next.

I can do that and I relax my hair (braid out). It was more work for me to be natural than to be relaxed. The natural styles never stayed long enough for me to be practical ( hair to soft). If I pressed it, I always had to do touch ups everyday (because I sweat very very easily) so I was using heat every day. With my relaxed hair i use heat when I initially wash it and then maybe a touch up with low heat every 3 days (natural I had to use high heat).

And then there's the wonderful problem of all that hair. I'm talking Simba after the water hair (see Lion King--the first one). I cramped from trying to detangle it. OMG!!! I couldn't take it anymore.

Do I miss my natural hair? Sometimes. But anytime I miss it too much, I do flat twists, braid outs or cornrows and I'm all good. Do what's in ya heart! :cool:

CAPlush · Dec 22, 2006

kally said:
Yes. After two and a half years of growing out thick healthy hair. I got lazy and went back to the relaxer trying to texlax knowing my hair can not take chemicals. Two months later here is the outcome:

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/3233dbe9ad.jpg

My hair was coming out in clumps at the crown area, my hair was unsalvagable, breaking like straw and not able to hold moisture. So I had not choice but to start over, way over.

That's me that's me!!! I also went back to relaxed style after being natural. Achieving the natural styles that I felt were flattering on me were just too time consuming after my hair got long. My hair has suffered, but thanks to lhcf for helping me nurse my hair.

Ayeshia · Dec 22, 2006

I will admit that I have considered it at one time...but I swear that my relaxed hair looks JUST like my natural hair minus the curls...its just gets frizzier and a lot bigger.

tsiporah · Dec 22, 2006

In reading through the threads I am seeing a common theme.

"I didn't know what to do with it", and it seems the stylists don't either.

erplexed

It would be interesting to find out what our African ancestors did prior to arriving to these shores. (You can't look at the poor parts of modern African an decide that is what our hair style was- that's media. Europeans have told of many women (before slavery) who had waist length hair or longer in Africa and these were black women.) They lived in high temps also and used natural products of course. Research needs to be on our part as well as stylists.

Hair is individual to each person and what may work for one, may not work for the other.

If one wants to relax because some how time is a concern, along with several other factors, I see no problemo! But when we begin to say, well relaxed hair is simple because it is easier and no other reason (key phrase), because of the lack of knowledge about our hair type, I do have a problem...being honest.

I personally have found it easier to work with my own natural hair than relaxed. Secondly, I don't have to pay $$ for it, then I don't have to worry about incoming new growth combined with timing of a special event to go to. My hair is thicker, the individual strands do not thin out over time because of relaxing. I generally do not worry about styling everyday anymore because I cover. But I do realize that most ladies want a style.

But any way, that seems to be a very common thing, that we don't know what to do with it and sometimes it is because we had it done early in life and lack of knowledge.

It is a concern because we are the ONLY people who overall do not know how to deal with our own hair. Yes, there are some exceptions in other cultures but I am speaking massively in one people.

We also need to think that what may work in relaxed hair may not work on natural hair, and sometimes it is simple as changing products.

But I do understand circumstances when keeping hair natural would not be convenient like the sister who is in the military and with that a lack of salons or ability to get to one. It is very much understood.

I am just sometimes sad to see another natural head go, when they need not ought to go.

Concerned Tsipy

B_Phlyy · Dec 22, 2006

I went back to relaxing after being natural twice, both times thinking it would be easier. It wasn't for me. No matter what the strength, lye or no-lye, my hair just cannot handle the relaxing process and grow to the length I wanted.

coolhandlulu · Dec 22, 2006

I'm thinking about going back to the relaxer. Why? Because I cannot keep any length. I have been natural for over 2 years now and I have maybe 6 or 7 inches on my head. It sheds and knots up alot. I plan to give the coconut milk/lime and henna a try before I go back. But even then, I don't plan to use heat.

patient1 · Dec 22, 2006

Taij said:
Do what's in ya heart!

I know folks get tired of hearing this, but it's really the most basic truth. I've been natural going on 16 years now and I don't see a relaxer in my future BUT if things ever changed, I'd go there.

I have a good buddy who's been relaxed, then natural, then relaxed, then natural, then loced, then twad, then relaxed, then loc extensioned, then relaxed and is back to natural again. Whew! What a ride!! But it's her ride and her hair and she has to follow whatever her heart's calling is at the time.

There are pros and cons to everything, that's why it's so important to make a heart decision.

All the best,
~p1

kristina · Dec 22, 2006

patient1 said:
I know folks get tired of hearing this, but it's really the most basic truth. I've been natural going on 16 years now and I don't see a relaxer in my future BUT if things ever changed, I'd go there.

I have a good buddy who's been relaxed, then natural, then relaxed, then natural, then loced, then twad, then relaxed, then loc extensioned, then relaxed and is back to natural again. Whew! What a ride!! But it's her ride and her hair and she has to follow whatever her heart's calling is at the time.

There are pros and cons to everything, that's why it's so important to make a heart decision.

All the best,
~p1

Very well said. I feel the same way.
Yes, I went to a chemical after being natural for a 3 years and then again after being natural for 2 years. My only contribution is to say that if you do decide to use a chemical, do a strand test first. The first time I tried to texturize m my hair fell out in clumps like as if the stylist put nair on my head. A Which was weird because I had been relaxed for a really long time prior and my natural hair looked relatively thick and strong.
Beyond that I think it's really personal choice based on your personal preferences.

ximenia · Dec 22, 2006

tsiporah said:
In reading through the threads I am seeing a common theme.

"I didn't know what to do with it", and it seems the stylists don't either.erplexed

It would be interesting to find out what our African ancestors did prior to arriving to these shores. (You can't look at the poor parts of modern African an decide that is what our hair style was- that's media. Europeans have told of many women (before slavery) who had waist length hair or longer in Africa and these were black women.) They lived in high temps also and used natural products of course. Research needs to be on our part as well as stylists.

Hair is individual to each person and what may work for one, may not work for the other.

If one wants to relax because some how time is a concern, along with several other factors, I see no problemo! But when we begin to say, well relaxed hair is simple because it is easier and no other reason (key phrase), because of the lack of knowledge about our hair type, I do have a problem...being honest.

I personally have found it easier to work with my own natural hair than relaxed. Secondly, I don't have to pay $$ for it, then I don't have to worry about incoming new growth combined with timing of a special event to go to. My hair is thicker, the individual strands do not thin out over time because of relaxing. I generally do not worry about styling everyday anymore because I cover. But I do realize that most ladies want a style.

But any way, that seems to be a very common thing, that we don't know what to do with it and sometimes it is because we had it done early in life and lack of knowledge.

It is a concern because we are the ONLY people who overall do not know how to deal with our own hair. Yes, there are some exceptions in other cultures but I am speaking massively in one people.

We also need to think that what may work in relaxed hair may not work on natural hair, and sometimes it is simple as changing products.

But I do understand circumstances when keeping hair natural would not be convenient like the sister who is in the military and with that a lack of salons or ability to get to one. It is very much understood.

I am just sometimes sad to see another natural head go, when they need not ought to go.

Concerned Tsipy

Preach Sista!

Chinagem · Dec 22, 2006

I relaxed after almost 2 years of being natural. After not even a year of being relaxed, I shaved my hair off and I'm now natural again. For me, being natural is just a way for me to express style and personality. That being said, if I choose to relax my hair tomorrow, I'll have no issues with it. If I did it and didn't like it, I'd just cut my hair and start again. No biggie. It's just hair and it's going to grow anyways. That's my take on it.

Valerie · Dec 22, 2006

I did, and my hair was fine for two years, then it started breaking again, I went to have it texturised it was fine, then it started to break, back then I was not sure how to look after it properly. Now, I don't think so, my scalp is more tender as I am older. I can have highlights when ever I feel and I feel I have so much options with my hair now I am natural.

frizzy · Dec 22, 2006

Yes, I did, about a month ago, after 2 years of being natural. Like one lady said, my hair wasn't retaining length. The hairs at the crown of my head knotted on the ends and with each other, so I was constantly tearing through my hair and trimming. The hair all the way around my head was fine. A flat-top fro' or puff ain't cute. So I put in an ORS Olive Oil relaxer (great product) and have been giving it moisture and protein every since.

I was commited to having natural hair forever, and I really didn;t want to realax again, but I was sick of wearing a puff errday, 'cause I'm over 40. Twists took too darned long, and still a look that gets tiresome.

A lot of the reason for going natural was hairstylists and their incompetance. I still vow not to go to another. I also may not put another relaxer in and transition back to natural, who knows?

StrawberryQueen · Dec 22, 2006

patient1 said:
I know folks get tired of hearing this, but it's really the most basic truth. I've been natural going on 16 years now and I don't see a relaxer in my future BUT if things ever changed, I'd go there.

I have a good buddy who's been relaxed, then natural, then relaxed, then natural, then loced, then twad, then relaxed, then loc extensioned, then relaxed and is back to natural again. Whew! What a ride!! But it's her ride and her hair and she has to follow whatever her heart's calling is at the time.

There are pros and cons to everything, that's why it's so important to make a heart decision.

All the best,
~p1

Do you have a hair album? I'd love to see pics of your hair.

Hair Iam · Dec 22, 2006

I can never perm :ohwell:

, unless they invent a healthy natural perm . The only way my hair has any body is to stay natural

. I now know how to care for my natural hair, so styles are never a problem. Buns, twists, twist outs, puffs, flat iron, phone pony, slicked back with jell, and these styles are plenty for me

. When I reach bra strap I'm going to do a few highlights. With my hair this healthy, I can now afford to. It all depends on what works best for you.

brandy · Dec 23, 2006

I just went back to relaxed hair after 7 months of being natural. I could not deal with the tangles and I could not braid or weave my hair anymore due to breakage. I also have 2 very young kids and do not have time to deal with my natural hair.
I guess I cut my almost bra strap relaxed hair for nothing!!!!! Only to go back to relaxed hair.

patient1 · Dec 23, 2006

StrawberryQueen said:
Do you have a hair album? I'd love to see pics of your hair.

I got a bunch of pics in the lhcf gallery of my hair and other folks hair. Just keep in mind, I've been natural for 16 years NOT growing my natural hair for 16 years.

Though sometimes I wish I had. I was a chronic cutter for most of that. Only last year did I decide to start growing it out to just "see" where it can go. I've grown huge puffs and then shaved it off, grown it again, then shaved. I've had a kojak and everything in between...even started locking for a few months but changed my mind. My hair has grown quite a bit over the year even with LOTS of chopping and trimming to remove color and what not.

I'll edit and add some pics here.

eta: This is Nov.2005 (pinchtwists on colored hair).

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2483&cat=500

I shaved my head clean in July or August and was growing it back out. Here it is at the end of August 05.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2484&cat=500

After lots of inches cutting sessions to rid myself of color (I was addicted but it's not forgiving on my hair's health) I'm here a year later.

In twists after a trim:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2330/cat/500/ppuser/7466

and stretched for a trim this week:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2485&cat=500

I would've been shoulder length and then some stretched if not for the coloring and trimming and spontaneous cutting, etc. Oh well, it grows.
Sorry for the hijack. By the time I realized what I was doing, I was too far into the crime to turn back...
p1

Radianthealth · Dec 23, 2006

I was natural for about 2 years. I relaxed because I didn't know what to do with my hair. Right now I am texlaxed and my hair behaves/looks just like my natural hair :ohwell:

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