HEALTHY HAIR JOURNEY! - I am transitioning!

This was my hair in all its glory, (well obviously getting thinner at this time) . I had mostly shoulder length -bra strap length hair that was considerably dense enough to frustrate the average hair dresser. My mum was always charged extra, because they complained about the coarseness of my hair and how it would break combs (you know those "fist Afro hair combs)

My mum eventually gave in and put the relaxer in my hair. I was on super strength of those relaxers, Mild Flower, TCB, etc. That was over 2 decades ago

I eventually started using the no lye kit relaxers like dark and lovely. A few years back I started noticing that my hair was thinning out and looking over processed,  so  I switched from super to regular strength, then switched relaxers all together to Dr Miracles with somewhat better results.  At the same time I also noticed my hair edges were getting worse and my hair line was receding.  

So I stopped braids and twist hairstyles or Ghana weaving. That was 3yrs ago. 

I however continued fixing (installing weaves) hoping that would help restore my edges, since there was no direct pull from a braid or a plait. How wrong I was! It only grew worse and I seemed to be the last to notice!

This was the 0-month mark. Prior to this time, I did not realise how bad my edges were getting. You see I had to raise my camera upwards and take the picture from the top of my head to see the full extent of hair loss. All I knew was what I could see when I looked straight ahead into the mirror. So I was taken aback , while trying to install this faux locs, that the stylist had to change the look in the front to "brush" (the braiding or plaiting starts behind a chunk of hair that is pulled backwards) Why?  There were no hair strands in front to incorporate the faux locs into! Wow! That was my wake up call! 

I felt I was protecting my hair enough, not making tight braids, Ghana weaving etc. I was also spreading my relaxers till 4months plus . I tried under processing the hair , but to no avail, nothing changed, the hair loss just continued! Even whole strands seemed to be coming out with minimal hair manipulation. Combing, plaiting, washing my hair always resulted in strands falling off! 

Now this! I knew it was time to make the hard decision of getting off the creamy crack before it destroyed what was left of my hair follicles. Then began the laborious  task of researching, watching videos, asking friends for help.

I definitely did not go and look for my hairdresser oh, what was she looking at when all my hair was falling out lol. 

0-month mark view of the other side

So I stopped relaxing, no braids or fixing of weavons,  just loose plaits, letting my hair rest under wigs etc

6 month mark

7 months.  

Thankfully the edges have started growing back. My hair care routine is in another post. Watch out for this. It was all a trial and error process. It has been quite slow😢. So I am hoping to continue with my routine but open to trying out new stuff that can help my edges😭.

 Current hairstyle faux locs, much better edges. The locs are not too tight, or heavy.
I intend to keep this for a month, try something for the edges and go for a wash day. Fingers crossed!
So what's your take on this healthy hair journey trend sef?
Do share , stay blessed.
Hadassah.......