Just yesterday it was January and we were planning our goals and objectives for the year. We’re now at the end of 2014, hoping to have retained every possible inch. We either excelled at the lofty goals and objectives set earlier this year OR we’re making our list and checking it twice of things to revise for 2015. This post is my moment to reflect on the good and the bad of 2014.
My 2014 in Review
After years of salon hopping, I finally grew tired of hit and miss results. I then returned to a salon I once frequented where my hair flourished best. SN: I left this salon because of overbooking not because of performance. Upon my return, it was like old times. I was comfortable, I was at peace and I felt my hair was being treated with kindness.
I went from relaxing to texlaxing and even changed relaxers. I’m no longer using Design Essentials Lye. I now use Naked by Essations. I’m so glad I made this decision because relaxing bone straight with Design Essentials Lye was over processing my hair. Now that I’m texlaxing with Naked by Essations, my hair is healthier. SN: My stylist leaves the relaxer on for 6 minutes after she has applied and smoothed the hair. [divider]
My Komaza Care Analysis revealed shocking facts about my hair: my hair had signs of damage and showed early signs of thinning. The damage was from over processing and the thinning likely resulted from medication. As per Komaza, my hair’s health can be restored with the proper vitamin and hair regimen. Therefore, I revised my regimen as recommended and things are going great! I feel like I have a new head of hair. My hair is retaining moisture, breaking less, tangling less and is far more manageable.
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Split-ends and mid-shaft splits were a dark, rain cloud hanging over me all year. I’ve never dealt with split-ends or mid-shaft splits aside from those caused by the tangle teezer. It took months to figure out the source of the issue — relaxer runoff! In other words, over processing. It wasn’t until I started stretching my relaxers beyond the norm of 10-12 weeks did I see an improvement in my split-ends. I’m happy to say my split-ends are now under control (thank goodness!).
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Learning my hair was damaged and thinning gave me the determination to stretch my relaxers by any means necessary. Not every wash day was a great one but I didn’t allow it to discourage me. Fast forward, I’m 25 weeks post and very proud of it!
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I went from talking about to being about it – I am officially wig hair, don’t care! I’ve been protective styling with wigs for a few months and I’m in love with the ability to alter my look at a moments notice. Here are some of my looks:
[divider]My last trim/cut was July 2014 so I was long overdue. I reached out to my stylist, hoping she’d trim up my ends but she prefers to trim/cut when I relax. I’m not sure when that will be so I took matters into my own hands. I simply parted my hair in small sections and removed whatever I felt needed to go. Some sections received a bigger cut than others and I knew the risks of {uneven hair} but I was totally ok with that. After trimming each section, I evened up the hemline with using the Feye’s Method. My next major cut (of thin relaxed ends) will be February 2015.
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Overall, I rate this year successful. Although I had a few struggles, they served as motivation to travel a path I would have never considered otherwise: relaxer stretching, wearing wigs, revising my regimen, etc. Even though my hemline took a beating, I’m still at my goal length of mid-back length, surprisingly.
What were your highs and lows of 2014?
Did you have a successful or setback kind of year?
Love this post! I am trying to battle this dryness, but I think I have finally figured it out.
Your hair looks phenomenal!
I’m about to go into wigs myself, and I am thinking I might be wigging for the whole year.
TY, Britt. I was very hesitant at first to wear wigs, but I’m so glad I got over that fear because I love it. My newest issue — my real hair is very underwhelming when I’m not wearing wigs. It’s like I look boring and plain jane without my wig. I’ll see what summer brings before saying I’ll wear wigs all year. I’m thinking it may be too hot but I’ll know more when that time comes around.
The way that you’ve turned your struggles into stepping stone towards success is beautiful! Woot woot for maintaining your MBL hemline!
KLP @ SavingOurStrands
Thank you, KLP! It’s been a crazy ride but I’m happy with where I am to date.
I’m so excited and happy about all the active changes you’ve made. Your hair is flourishing and looks incredible! Thank you for always sharing your jour ey Diva!!!!! Happy New Year!!!!!!
You’re welcome, doll. Thank you for noticing the changing and always supporting me regardless. (((hugs)))
2015 will be a great year to flourish in everyway. Thanks for sharing your highs and lows.
Amen…I totally agree! Thank you for swinging by!!!
Sounds like you’ve learned a lot. That’s what it’s all about. How much do you plan on cutting off of your relaxed ends?
I did learn lots. I’ll assess in Feb but I’m thinking a few inches. I’m going about this steady and slow since I’m self-cutting/trimming. I’d be open to cutting more if a professional was doing it.