Wow, I done it maybe 7-8 times since 2002 (maybe closer to 9ish). The longest natural about a year, then fully premed for about 10-12 months. Going from 5-6 inches of hair to a ceasar each time.
Why? Most times my natural hair had no problems, I just got tired of natural hair options during those in between phases (twist, fros, etc) and didn't feel attractive. I hated waking up to my hair being flat on side or having to wet so it will look presentable. Braids take my edges out...so I can't use that as a "rest" option.
I love my relax hair because I love rollersets and curls. Inlike classic looks I feel relaxed hair looks neater to me. once I started using lye based perms, my hair flourished. I know my relax hair regimen down pack to keep my relax hair looking good.
Problems start after self-relaxing and usually I make a mistake and overprocess etc. I don't like paying others to do my hair. When i livednear my sister in law,licensed beautician, she relaxed it for free, I loved it and my was beautiful. ( I styled, she relaxed every 10-12 weeks).
In general, I dont like the unpredictability of Relaxers. The last time a stylist relaxed my hair in Jan 2011, which led to my scalp being irritated for like 2 months until I bc'ed, despite acv rinses, clarifying etc...
After that experience, I simply asked myself "why do I keep doing this to myself?" I just bc'ed. Now I make an effort each day to redefine my standard of beauty. I still deal with issues list in 1st paragraph, bu have put less emphasis on them. I still admire long relaxed hair... I just appreciate relaxed heads from afar. Also I work out consistently since I don't use my hair as an excuse. Nice perk)
I think this time I may attempt to loc in the fall and, if not, I just want it long enough to press it when I desire.
Hair is just becoming less important and I dont feel the need to "do it"anymore. I am rocking a wash & go twa. My hair has about an inch or so of growth after 3 months.
I colored it an auburn color for summer...needed some novelty. This time I think I'm in it for the long haul.