THE ADVANTAGES OF TAKING CARE OF YOUR OWN HAIR

In my last post, I mentioned the setbacks I've dealt with since I started my hair journey in 2014. Those setbacks were related to self-relaxing because it wasn't part of the original plan. But there are positives from self-relaxing too, and I've had some good experience with my overall hair care. And if you had taken over your own hair care like I did, you can relate to these advantages too.

FASTER HAIR GROWTH

I used to use grease on my scalp before I started my hair journey, whether it was Royal Crown, Sulfur 8 or Palmer's hairdressing. Although my hair would grow thick, it wasn't growing fast. I didn't know of any other way to nourish my scalp and roots until I discovered Youtube's hair community when coconut oil seemed to resolve a lot of issues, hair-related or not! So I started experimenting with coconut and olive oil, along with some essential oils, to speed up my hair growth, as there was no petrolatum slowing down my hair growth.

LENGTH RETENTION

I never thought my hair could grow from a pixie cut to shoulder length in 2 years because of the old belief that "black hair doesn't grow". But my mind was blown because not only because my hair was growing faster because of the oils, but also I was in control of my trims and cuts. No one was trimming or cutting more than they shouldn't. I also keep my ends in top shape by keeping them moisturized so they don't dry up or split.

May 2014

August 2016

NO SCALP BURN DURING RELAXER TOUCH-UP

Since I started doing my own relaxer touch-ups, I never got a scalp burn. One of the reasons why is because I protect my scalp with vaseline and I use no-lye relaxer as they're gentler on the scalp. Also, I found the perfect relaxer for my hair that doesn't even heat up on my scalp after 20 minutes and it doesn't damage my hair. I've tried ORS's both normal and super strength relaxers, Soft and Beautiful and Africa's Best relaxers, both in regular strength. Gentle Treatment is so far the best for my scalp and hair.

SPEND LESS MONEY

And I won't forget to mention the financial benefits either! It would probably cost almost $80-$90 to get a relaxer touchup every six weeks at a few hair salons while I'm currently spending a fraction of that on relaxer kits every 6 months (the kit I usually purchase contains 2 jars.)

SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

I don't know for other people but taking care of my own hair and growing it out from a pixie cut to shoulder length in two years gave me a sense of accomplishment. Because I originally thought it would take me 3 years. Trying out different hair products and implementing techniques in order to find the ones that work for me and my hair goals were and still are very rewarding. Let's not forget the confidence I have gained in myself just because I was able to attain my goal... That's the best thing this hair journey has given me.


So taking care of your own hair should feel very rewarding. As long as you make your research prior to taking matters into your own hands, you will be successful. Until the next post, have a rewarding and enjoyable hair journey!