RELAXED HAIR TAG 2017

I am back to blogging again and am starting with a relaxed hair "tag"... not really a tag since I wasn't tagged to do this. But since I've been away for about three months, I thought it would be a good way for my readers to get re-acquainted with the blog by answering those questions relating to my relaxed hair. So, here we go!

1. How long have you been relaxed?

I have been relaxed since 2004. I had an unplanned transitioning period in 2013, which ended in 2014 when I started my hair journey.

2. What length was your hair when you first relaxed it?

My hair was shoulder length. But you would never know as my hair was in a ponytail most of the time.

3. Why did you start relaxing your hair?

Relaxing my hair was kind of a rite of passage. It made me feel grown and I got to do my hair in less amount of time. My natural hair used to take me two days to wash and style. My relaxed hair only takes me a few hours.

4. When did you start your hair journey?

I started my hair journey in 2014. I was tired of getting my hair done by different hairstylists. So I learned how to do it myself by watching a ton of Youtube videos and reading a lot of hair blogs and forums.

5. What relaxer do you use?

I currently use the Soft and Beautiful Sensitive Scalp in regular strength. I use this relaxer more frequently as it is more accessible. I also use Gentle Treatment relaxer in regular strength.

6. What is your natural hair texture?

My natural hair texture is 4c. 

7. How long does it take to wash and style your hair?

It can take me 6 to 8 hours to do my hair completely. Drying my hair takes up the most of my time because I let it air dry, whether I set it on rollers or not.

8. What is your current favorite product?

My favorite product is ORS Replenishing Conditioner. No matter how many other deep conditioners I've tried, I always go back to this one. I stopped buying the little bottles at drugstores and bought a one-liter bottle instead. I love the smell, it's effective, and it delivers every time I use it.

Products I use on a typical wash day

9. What is your relaxed hair routine?

I was neglecting my hair earlier this year but I'm back to my good hair habits!

I do a pre-shampoo treatment before I cleanse and deep condition my hair every week. I do scalp massages as needed. I moisturize and seal when I have to reset low manipulation styles. I do protein treatments once a month and relaxed my hair between 10 to 14 weeks (my recent stretch was 14 weeks).

10. What are your favorite protective styles?

I love buns because they're less time consuming and require less maintenance. I don't have to touch my hair in the morning before leaving for work, just brush it up a bit to ensure each strand is in place and my edges look decent. Before I go to bed, I'll only apply a light penetrating oil before wrapping my hair.

11. What are your current hair goals?

My current hair goal is to have a more uniform looking hair. I have a section that is underprocessed. I feel it's safer for me to grow it out and cut my hair as it grows, instead of attempting a corrective relaxer. 

12. Would you ever go natural?

I'm planning on going natural but not any time soon. When I feel ready and have the time to focus on maintaining natural hair, then I'll transition to natural. But until then, relaxed hair fits my lifestyle better. 

I hope you enjoyed this summary of my hair journey and will continue reading as the journey continues.

Happy hair journey!