Date Set

I set the date for the BIG CHOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I took some time out today to make my appointment. After thinking for a couple of days, I decided to go with Bamboo Salon. Not sure why put I knew I had to just make the decision. It took me about 30 minutes just to find the salon, that was tucked back in a lil whole of an apartment building off Main Street. After having a co-worker they to google map me, I decided to call the salon for the directions. Talking to the person that answer, giving me what I know now as good directions, I still couldn't find it. I know I can follow directions, but for some reason it was not becoming clear. So I called again. I was told to pull in the drive way that workers were cutting trees. Now earlier I saw this parking lot, but like I said it was tucked away in a lil whole of an apartment building. As I drove closer, two ladies where standing outside, waving me down :-). I parked and was greeted by to ladies that showed me the way. At this moment, I am so giggly (is that really a word...giggly) with excitment, I started to get nervous. This is an apartment building, what could be waiting for me on the other side of this door?

As I walked in the salon, it was very inviting, each stylist had their own room, african art on the walls, calming music playing and of course a suttle scent. I told the lady I was interested in cutting my hair. She asked was I going natural, with a big smile, I said YES!

Now, a few post ago I mentioned I was following the almanac to cut my hair. I have been using two websites for dates. Farmers Almanac and the Old Farmers Almanac. Not sure which is right, but one of them listed this Saturday for the day to cut hair.

THE BIG CHOP...Saturday, July 17.


Next thought....still wondering how the husband will react.

Big Chop...not today

Today was the day I was going to have do the big chop. I decided not to do it. Only because I thought if I was going to do this "going natural" thing, I want to do it right. So I have decided to make an appointment with a natural stylist. I have come down to two choices, Bamboo Salon and Running Water. I guess in the next couple of days I will decide which one. My new date for the "big chop" is July 21.

A fellow naturalist told me about how the Farmers Almanac gives dates when to cut hair to promote growth. So this is my "new thing"...following the Almanac. Thanks Mia!

Next thought...what will my husband think?

Inspriation

I have been inspired with the help of prettydimples.

During my research, I came across a hair naturalist, prettydimples. She has many videos on youtube on ways that she styles her hair. While watching yesterday, I decided to give myself a new style. I believe I am one step closer to the "big chop".

Projected date for BC...Sunday, July 11, 2010.

New style:

Research

I did a little research, well, maybe alot. Learning how to take care of natural hair isn't much different than taking care of relaxed hair...shampoo, condition, moisturize. I think I can keep up.

A lot of my findings mention the difference from natural products and products with chemicals. I guess just like reading labels on food goes the same way as reading labels for hair products. Now, I have never been a "product junkie" and I hope I don't become one. With my relaxed hair, I really didn't care what type of shampoo/conditioner I used, just as long as my hair was clean. When I had my last perm in December, I purchased Design hair products which I am currently using, but I used all of the conditioner. I like the Design products, but I think I will try something else towards the more natural products. I was introduced to Miss Jessie products and now that Miss Jessie is available in Target, I thought I would give it a try, but the cost was a bit more than what I wanted to spend. While looking at all of the other "natural products" that were available, I decided to purchase Shea Moisture conditioner. I love it! It's a cream conditioner that can be left on from 5 to 30 minutes. Depending on my time, I try to leave it on at least 20 minutes. When I wash it out, my hair is not tangled and combs out easy.

So here is what I do:

Wash hair every 2-3 days depending on my workout schedule.
Use Design shampoo products
Use Shea Moisture conditioner.
Wet hair, gel back.

Next step: my search for a leave in conditioner. Still thinking about the "big chop".

Today is the Day

Today I have made the final decision to go natural! My last perm was December of 2009. During this time, I went to the gym three days a week, taking two classes per day. Not only was it breaking because I was to tired to keep it washed, I was trying to keep my life together with a 1 and a 2 year all while my husband was deployed to Iraq for the second time. While not following a healthy regiment of taking care of my hair, so I decided to get micro braids (bad decision). While I loved the get up and go, I didn't have to do anything, but keep my scalp cleaned. After 3 months of micros, it was time to take them out. Once again, not following the rules, I had 3 huge matted sections of hair. At this time, I just wanted to cut it out and start all over again, but with the encouragement of my aunt and baby oil, 2 of the 3 sections where saved. My master plan began to take effect.

After loosing 25 pounds, I felt better about myself and started thinking what would be a good way to continue my healthy lifestyle...GO NATURAL! My 2 hairstyles of choice with out a perm where wash and go gel back with a synthetic bun or a track pony tail.

Now my choice of hairstyle is still a wash and go gel back, but since I have about 3 and 1/2 inches of new growth, my synthetic bun doesn't look right, so I use a kinky twist braid section to wrap around my little ball of hair along with a cute hair accessory piece. I still where a track pony tail, but with so much new growth, it doesn't look right.

My next thought...the big chop.

Me on the left with my last perm, Dec 09