I got my first relaxer at 10 years old after seeing Tia and Tamera Mowry’s made the transition on “Sister Sister”, and I just had to be like them. I’ve never looked back.
Having worn my hair in long layers with over the years and occasionally experimenting with color and highlights, I was never into my hair any more than basic maintenance. It wasn’t until I met Ms. Kibibi that I understood the necessity of deep conditioning and have been faithful to do that as often as possible. It literally changed everything about my hair and is essential to my routine.
My hair’s texture is thick and kinky, and I have been getting relaxers every three months by the same lady ever since my first one 15 years ago. Normally I roller set on purple and gray rollers or blow dry and flat iron after a shampoo every week to two weeks depending on the season.
I have had a bout with alopecia, which is the only challenged I’ve ever faced with my hair. After my son was born, I was determined to breastfeed and the loss of nutrients and change of hormones in my body caused me to shed severely around my hairline over the course of about 3 months. It’s a fairly normal occurrence when breastfeeding, and unfortunately there was a noticeable difference. The upside is that our vacuum cleaner survived it, it normally happens with the first child singularly, and it was definitely worth it. Oh, and my hair grew back!
My hair is the longest it’s ever been currently at about 5 inches away from my waist. I take a wholefood multivitamin daily, am a relatively healthy eater, and try to exercise consistently. Because I am a working mom, I don’t have as much time to spend styling as I’d like, but because my regimen is down to a science, I am able to maintain its health and luster well.