I have been transitioning since July, 2003 and this coming July will make one year. I have thought long and hard and I think I will get a relaxer at that time. My reason is that my natural hair is a lot thicker than I remembered. I had relaxed my hair for over 23 years and this was my first time going natural. My husband loves my natural hair because it is very wavy and soft, however, when I wash it OMG it takes me "***-ev-va" to get it where I want it. My hair type is between 3C and 4A...or so I've been told, but it's extremely curly and wavy, as you can see in my pics.
For me, the decision to relax is based on the fact that my hair is sooooo much easier for me to do when I'm in a rush. Right now, I keep it in braids but I can't see myself wearing these forever. I do enjoy wearing my hair down and changing the style during the summer. I love to pull it back in the summer into a bun leaving a few curls to frame my face. Also, I like just being able to change the style with my outfits if needed during the day. With it natural, I tend to do it once, keep it that way for two weeks (in braids), take it out only to rebraid it again in 5 days to a week. I love how convenient it is to have it in braids, but I do miss wearing it down without the fuss of having to tame the curls waves everytime I want to do it.
But, do enjoy giving my hair a break from all the chemicals and I can tell it's so much stronger, shinier, and healthier. Hopefully, with all the advice from the ladies on the board, whenever I relax it I'll be able to keep it in a more healthier state this time.
