My story/the evolution of my hair (VERY pic heavy)

[CurlyCurves]

Inspired by another member on here (I can't remember your name, sorry hun! You have beautiful hair, though :-)), I have decided to post an 'evolution of my hair' thread, also.

I get many lovely, and much appreciated compliments on my curls. But my hair hasn't always been healthy, or pretty. It used to be in bad condition.

I hope this thread can inspire anyone who worries they may never have beautiful hair. You never know until you look after it! I used to be so envious of everyone else's hair, now I love mine to death!

So .. here goes..

I'll start at the beginning. As a young baby, I didn't have much hair;

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182643_1902095232508_5356874_n.jpg

But by the time I was about 7, I had a fair amount of hair!;

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180865_1902108592842_526887_n.jpg

It wasn't that well looked after, though, so it was often brushed out like this, or super frizzy;

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/180707_1902109912875_7515403_n.jpg

In my younger teen days, I experimented a lot;

I dyed it

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/13640_1298043851601_3729963_n.jpg

I straightened it

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/2592_1123964899736_2878015_n.jpg

I used a lot of gel;

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/13640_1298043891602_1757512_n.jpg

I eventually got sick of all this, and cut it all at the demarcation line, where the roots ended and the dye began;

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/301433_4639104776036_675038403_n.jpg

It grew, but I still took bad care of it. It looked okay, but it was unhealthy. I ripped through tangles, I blowdried, I never cut my split ends;

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/13640_1298871392289_5262968_n.jpg

And I still straightened it too often;

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/13640_1322307018165_2127603_n.jpg

I had a fringe for a while, which I loved, but it was a pain. It never stayed straight, and I had to straighten it constantly. It also got VERY greasy;

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/13640_1318693167821_1883817_n.jpg


Continued in part 2..

[CurlyCurves]

Part 2

I never air dried my hair. I hated the way my natural curls looked, the way my hair looked so flat and limp. I always blow-dried. As you can see, I had heat damage;

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197033_1432207445607_7573266_n.jpg

Eventually, I got bored of my hair colour again. So I dyed it again, for the second, and final time;

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/20762_1359211700759_2113187_n.jpg

I was reminded why I wasn't a serial dyer - my hair doesn't like it. It was even more dry, more limp, my curls loosened.

By this time, my hair was fast approaching its worst condition. I would shampoo on a regular basis, rip through the tangles with a comb/brush, rub my hair with a towel very hard, then blowdry it until it was completely dry as a desert. I'd sleep on a cotton pillowcase with loose hair then, every day, I'd rip through the tangles. I used a moisturiser in my hair, but it'd never get the bottom layer. I also flat ironed too often, with the highest heat and no heat protectant.

My hair started to look like this;

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/31518_1484821800933_7291577_n.jpg

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/30718_1500019420864_54368_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250588_2152902382530_2208516_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/29868_1498492862701_7577054_n.jpg

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180588_1897999490117_104727_n.jpg

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/32068_1490576904807_6728648_n.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165340_1851439646150_4035649_n.jpg

Around June 2011, I started noticing the natural movement with (mainly) black women. I was intrigued. I was so fed up with and sick of my unhealthy, damaged hair. I'd always wanted long hair, but never had hair longer than shoulder+ curly. It would start to get to APL stretched, then I'd cut it because I was so sick of my split and dry ends.

I cut off my hair, again, at the demarcation line, on a whim. This is just before I cut it;

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270327_2249532478222_5030174_n.jpg


Continued in part 3

[CurlyCurves]

Part 3




And this is soon after;

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264446_2188249826194_5834786_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262786_2233554998795_6795490_n.jpg

Slowly, I started to learn how to look after my hair.

I remember the first time I learned about my natural texture. I had no idea what my natural hair was really like. I was absolutely amazed to find these;

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269790_2255616070308_8379366_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264929_2249523197990_3665957_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261593_2255737513344_6275957_n.jpg

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269157_2255717072833_4362247_n.jpg

I had good hair days;

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264398_2249438315868_2738558_n.jpg

And sometimes bad;

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261913_2255710712674_6234097_n.jpg

My hair started to grow long;

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267865_2281224470502_6135153_n.jpg


Continued in part 4..

[CurlyCurves]

In conclusion, part 4

I henna'd it! (won't be doing that again, though);

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282010_2281727723083_5481641_n.jpg

My hair started to get even longer;

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/555360_4257908806375_1437593679_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557853_4257904886277_1894714946_n.jpg

But I still didn't really know how to look after my hair. I didn't understand my hair type, the science of hair, I couldn't figure out a routine, and I spent £££s on products that didn't work for me. And I still straightened far too often.

I got bored of looking after my hair and sort of gave up on it around September 2011. I started sleeping on cotton pillowcases again, ripping through knots and touching it when it was drying. My hair looked rubbish.

I cut my hair, on a whim around Febuary. I cut loads off (and I tried to cut a fringe, sigh);

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555195_4051660690301_1334985808_n.jpg

Then, soon after, I embarked on a weight loss journey and decided to start looking after my hair again (39.5lbs down now!)

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/559689_3612960283065_752008137_n.jpg

And, this time, it was different. I suddenly was an expert on my hair. I realised that my hair didn't need, like or want lots of fuss, or products. It just needed to be co-washed regularly, detangled gently and not touched when air drying.

And here we are! 39.5lbs slimmer, with longer and healthier hair :)

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/530086_4630035589312_79960249_n.jpg
http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550623_4648465330044_1610232026_n.jpg
http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/534303_4644595793308_1520630053_n.jpg

And my hair gets healthier and healthier, shinier and shinier, more and more beautiful. I could NEVER have imagined my hair would be like this. I envied everyone else's hair, and thought I could never have truly beautiful hair.

I think that's everything! Long and pic heavy post, I know. I hope you read it and enjoyed it, though.

If anyone has any questions, ask away!

[owlathena]

You hair is beautiful! :crush: Its crazy what a couple of years of treating it well can do! I envy your texture sooooo much. Straight, limp, boring hair here....

And you are stunning as well!

[Chanie]

You are preeeetty :) and your hair to!

[CurlyCurves]

You hair is beautiful! :crush: Its crazy what a couple of years of treating it well can do! I envy your texture sooooo much. Straight, limp, boring hair here....

And you are stunning as well!

Thank you and thank you!

And I know, right?! I used to look at that picture of me on the piano and feel sad about my hair, believing it was a childhood hair type I could never get back. Little did I know, it was waiting for me to embrace it!

Your hair isn't boring :) it's just different from mine!


You are preeeetty :) and your hair to!

Thank you :)

[lis_sing]

Thanks for sharing, your natural hair is beautiful :)

[CurlyCurves]

Thanks for sharing, your natural hair is beautiful :)

Thank you :o

[PetuniaBlossom]

Thank you for posting your amazing hair journey. I bet, if you made it into a YouTube video, it'd go viral - because I think it would inspire many people to wake up and care for, and cherish, their own hair.
You are lovely and so is your hair.

:Star:

[Charybdis]

Well, I love curly hair, and yours is beautiful.

OT: Your tuxedo kitty is also beautiful! Aww. :)

[lapushka]

Amazing hair journey. Lovely curls. I'm so glad you discovered them, finally. :)

[ratgirldjh]

This is so cool! Thanks for this. And your hair is beautiful! :)

[Demi-Plum]

Your hair is gorgeous! The natural curls are spectacular. Also great for you on the weight loss! Though I didn't think you looked bad at all

[Bedhead]

I had a lot of fun reading your story - I guess I like picture books, eh?

But yes, it's amazing how when we take care of ourselves in the most simplist ways, how our hair an body thank us by shining and feeling good.... Great job!!! Gorgeous curls!!! :)

[Lyytikka]

Thanks for sharing. Your hair so so beautiful indeed :)

[dwell_in_safety]

Finding your own hair beautiful is the best. :) And yours really is.

[terylenerose]

I really enjoyed reading your story and admiring your pretty curls! :) I wish mine could behave that well.

[blondie9912]

Hands down, the most interesting hair story I've ever read. It was really concise and easy to follow. Your hair is looking amazing now, keep up the good work! :)

[Kyla]

Your hair is so beautiful. :) I really enjoyed hearing about your journey. Congrats on learning to take better care of your curls!

[KahRistAhn]

Your hair is amazing. You make me want curls!!

[katfemme89]

Oh man, I really enjoyed reading/watching that! You should make it into a video slideshow on youtube! I'm so glad you finally embraced your beautiful, luscious locks!!!!!!!:D

You so inspired me to put my hair journey on LHC. I really like this idea! Thank you!

[hellucy]

Wow, Your curls are absolutely gorgeous :crush:

[auburntressed]

Your hair is amazing.

Even in the pictures showing damage, dye, or straightening, it has INCREDIBLE shine. It looks like it has been really very lovely throughout your life. I am glad you've found the routine that works the best for you now. :)

[GrowingOut]

:O

LOOK. AT. THOSE. RINGLETS!!! I'd have to blowfry to infinity and back for them!

[EtherealDoll]

Wow! You have gorgeous hair!

[sakuraemily]

You're really pretty! And your curls are so cool!
You're pics are so well-taken that I couldn't make out the damage at all!

[CurlyCurves]

Thank you for posting your amazing hair journey. I bet, if you made it into a YouTube video, it'd go viral - because I think it would inspire many people to wake up and care for, and cherish, their own hair.
You are lovely and so is your hair.



Thank you for reading it and commenting! And for the lovely compliments ^_^

I'd love to make it into a Youtube video. I just have to be dedicated enough to do it. I may do it soon :-)


Well, I love curly hair, and yours is beautiful.

OT: Your tuxedo kitty is also beautiful! Aww.

Thank you!

And RE my kitty, you should see her now! She's an absolute character, and still small and cute as a button :-)


Amazing hair journey. Lovely curls. I'm so glad you discovered them, finally.

Thank you! So am I. My hair makes me happy :-)


This is so cool! Thanks for this. And your hair is beautiful!

Thank you for reading! And thank you for saying my hair is beautiful :-)


Your hair is gorgeous! The natural curls are spectacular. Also great for you on the weight loss! Though I didn't think you looked bad at all

Thank you! I am still amazed by them myself! And thank you, I did look bad before, trust me. 196lbs at 5"5 is obese :( but I'm almost at my goal weight now and feel much better :-)


I had a lot of fun reading your story - I guess I like picture books, eh?

But yes, it's amazing how when we take care of ourselves in the most simplist ways, how our hair an body thank us by shining and feeling good.... Great job!!! Gorgeous curls!!!

Thank you! I like pictures too ;-)

It is amazing, isn't it? I am a HUGE advocate of enhancing/looking after what you naturally have.

And thanks again :-)


Thanks for sharing. Your hair so so beautiful indeed

Thanks for looking, and thank you!


Finding your own hair beautiful is the best. And yours really is.

Thank you :)


I really enjoyed reading your story and admiring your pretty curls! I wish mine could behave that well.

I bet yours are just as pretty :-)


Hands down, the most interesting hair story I've ever read. It was really concise and easy to follow. Your hair is looking amazing now, keep up the good work!

Thank you! That's much appreciated :) I feel like I left some bits out but I tried to be as chronological as possible.


Your hair is so beautiful. I really enjoyed hearing about your journey. Congrats on learning to take better care of your curls!

Thank you! I hope this helps others :)


Your hair is amazing. You make me want curls!!

Aww, thanks :D


Oh man, I really enjoyed reading/watching that! You should make it into a video slideshow on youtube! I'm so glad you finally embraced your beautiful, luscious locks!!!!!!!:D

You so inspired me to put my hair journey on LHC. I really like this idea! Thank you!

You totally should! Look at those beautiful, thick strands! Most of us on here have a story to tell, and I'd love to see yours.

And thank you :)


Wow, Your curls are absolutely gorgeous :crush:

Thank you ^_^


Your hair is amazing.

Even in the pictures showing damage, dye, or straightening, it has INCREDIBLE shine. It looks like it has been really very lovely throughout your life. I am glad you've found the routine that works the best for you now. :)

Thank you! I really appreciate it :)


:O

LOOK. AT. THOSE. RINGLETS!!! I'd have to blowfry to infinity and back for them!

*blush* thank you


Wow! You have gorgeous hair!

Thank you hun!

[CurlyCurves]

You're really pretty! And your curls are so cool!
You're pics are so well-taken that I couldn't make out the damage at all!

Aww thank you!

[einna]

Very cool. Your hair looks amazing! :D

[CurlyCurves]

Very cool. Your hair looks amazing! :D

Thank you :)

[Shona]

Your hair is BEAUTIFUL! I would kill for your hair. Go natural hair! ^__^

[CurlyCurves]

Your hair is BEAUTIFUL! I would kill for your hair. Go natural hair! ^__^

Thank you ^_^

[Katleen]

That is one gorgeous head of hair!!!! So shiney and healthy!!

[BrightEyes]

Thank you for sharing. Your hair is stunning. I love your curls:)

[Henrietta]

You're beautiful! And so is your hair. I love the spirals. Love! :) And oh gods- the shine!

[Velvet Dreamer]

Your hair is gorgeous. I absolutely love your curls; and it's so shiny, wooow.

[Anywhere]

it looks great! :D

[CurlyCurves]

That is one gorgeous head of hair!!!! So shiney and healthy!!


Thank you for sharing. Your hair is stunning. I love your curls:)


You're beautiful! And so is your hair. I love the spirals. Love! :) And oh gods- the shine!


Your hair is gorgeous. I absolutely love your curls; and it's so shiny, wooow.


it looks great! :D

Thank you so much, guys, it's much appreciated :)

[lmfbs]

Yay! I love your story. Your curls make me so happy to look at :)

[CurlyCurves]

Yay! I love your story. Your curls make me so happy to look at :)

And your lovely message makes me happy :) thank you!

[CurlyCurves]

Yay! I love your story. Your curls make me so happy to look at :)

I've just realised it was you who inspired me to make this thread! Thank you ^_^

[Golden]

You have truly the most gorgeous hair I've ever seen :flower:
so healthy, curly, long and SHINY!

[veggielocks]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I totally understand the constant bang straightening you went through! I'm trying to embrace my own wavy hair and get the damaged areas (front hairline and old bangs) healthier. Your curls are beautiful!!!

[CurlyCurves]

You have truly the most gorgeous hair I've ever seen :flower:
so healthy, curly, long and SHINY!

Thank you :love:

Not long enough yet though! I'll get back to you in about three years :D


Thanks for sharing your journey! I totally understand the constant bang straightening you went through! I'm trying to embrace my own wavy hair and get the damaged areas (front hairline and old bangs) healthier. Your curls are beautiful!!!

Thanks for reading it! I wish you luck in your HHJ :applause:o

[CurlyCurves]

Another pic, from last night. Just wanted to share ^_^ I also edited the OP a little;

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402700_4644206263570_2087662964_n.jpg

I love my hair now! No wishing for somebody else's :)