Before and After Part IV

On New Year's 2009 I was looking for a different style to wear for the evening. Previously when I wanted to wear my natural hair straight, I would have the stylist do a blowout. Well this particular stylist said he didn't do blowouts, but he would press my hair. I was like, "Won't that damage it?" He said, "No, not at all." It turned out so silky and shiny. I loved it as a change in styles. I was also amazed at how long my hair really was.

My experience with having my hair pressed is...I'll never do it again. It was simply too much heat, and for a while I thought it had permanently altered my natural curl pattern. Even after two washings (two weeks after the press) my curls were limp. I think that was my hair trying to tell me not to ever do that again. Definitely not worth it for a sleek evening look. I've decided that if I ever get the hankering for the straight look, I'll follow the suggestion on the Kinky Curly website and set it on big rollers. It might not turn out bone straight, but it's good enough. I've actually never tried that before, but I'm tempted to try it maybe this New Year's.

This was my hair once it fully recovered. It was still what I considered "growing out" then...




Still using Kinky Curly products and still 2-strand twisting it. Tomorrow I'll show you what my hair looks like now.

By the way, who says your hair has to be straight to look sophisticated or dressed up? Just like the CG book says, there are so many ways to style our hair that don't involve changing its texture. I've been experimenting with updos, half up/half down, and buns decorated with pretty barrettes and flowers like Curly Nikki wears. I've never been one to do much with hairstyling because I'm a no fuss kinda gal. But I find that the more things I try, the more I enjoy it. And the more I appreciate all the things my hair can do.

I can't wait to see the photos of your hair now. I've been natural for 4 mos and haven't straightened mine yet. I had decided I would do it in Jan for my bday, but I don't think I will even try it. I think I'm getting acustomed to the curly look and well straight hair might look boring now. LOL.

I had a similar experience trying to straighten my hair. It makes me leery of doing it again. While it was amazing to see it straight and see the length and all, it wasn't worth it when my curls went into hiding. Let us know what you decide.

Blessings

Your hair looks fab, Serenity23. I know what you mean about straight hair being boring now that you're used to the curls.

Hi, I love your hair's shape.

Did it grow like that or did you cut it? If it was cut in a salon, where did you go? I live in MD.

Hi ChrsLvsBks,
Thanks! In these pictures, the only time I'd cut my hair (other than the 2 BCs I described) was to get it trimmed. I'm going to post my Part V in a few minutes, where I'll talk about the 1st real natural haircut I had a couple of months ago.