When I was a little girl I went to the hairdresser's twice a month for a wash, press, and curl. My hair never made it past my neck. I was one of those people who suddenly had hair during the Jheri curl days, but lost it when we tried to go straight.
As a young adult, I went to go the stylist in spurts, but I noticed everytime I did I wound up loosing hair instead of retaining it. I stayed in weaves, short cuts (Caesar, Halle Berry), and box cuts when natural in the early 90s.
According to the hairdressers I had the worst grade of hair ever. Bantu, TCB Bone Straight, and Revlon Super did not get my silky. I had a barber tell me my hair jammed up his clippers. I have been told by so-called professionals that my hair is extra-resistant and slow growing.
On my own I have discovered that with the right relaxer my hair will straighten. I now know that Motions just does not work for me. I also know that my hair grows rather quickly and if I can retain those ends I can gain length.
Sorry for the long post, but I want to let you know you can do it on your own! Learn what your hair likes and dislikes.