Officially A Year and Half Post Relaxer...Yea Buddy!

I know it's been a minute since my last post but I just got a little lazy with posting. It happens from time to time to the best of us. Let's get into this accomplishment. Yes, you read that right. I am a year and half post relaxer and I'm too excited. The pic to your left was taken on the 12th of this month after a salon visit. I got another trim but this time it was a more detailed trim I guess. I'm happy it was done. I had a feeling that my ends weren't in the best condition. The extreme cold weather here in Chicago has taken a toll on my hair. It was way to dry. No matter how much I try to remedy it. Liquid leave-ins aren't for my hair in this brutal weather. I never thought that I would have to winterize my products. I thought I was immune to that. lol I have been looking for a heavier moisture lately. Completely forgetting that I have the new Creme of Nature products for natural hair in my stash. I will be using them and keeping track of whether or not they thoroughly moisturize my hair.

When do I plan on BCing?
I have been saying I want to hold off until the 2 year mark in August but that might be pushed back. I would like for my natural hair to be at APL or very close to it when I big chop. Right now it could be pushed back to about the 27th or 28th month of transition mark. That is subject to change. Hell, if I keep on trimming they way I have been for the last year, I'll be completely natural sooner than I expect. lol

What has helped my get through the last 18 months?
Deep conditioning w/ steam weekly
Keep my hair stretched
Not hesitating to go to the shop to let someone else take over for once: Let me explain this one. I wear my hair in a bun all of the time. I like to switch it up. Doing this also allows me a break from doing my hair. If you find yourself getting lazy or frustrated with your hair. Give yourself a break. Whether it's though protective styling or salon visits. I'm not as scared to use heat anymore. For me as long as my hair is well hydrated and protected before using heat. I'm ok. Which is why I get it done professionally. It works for me. I found a salon and stylist who has similar hare care habits as me. That is very important.
Low manipulation

I basically keep it as simple as possible. For me complicated equals too much work and damage.

Would I like to see my hair longer during this transition?
Yes!

Will it happen?
Probably not. I don't want to become even more attach to the length and become disappointed when it's time to cut. I will have to be satisfied with continuing to hover around the same length a little longer.

I am loving the health and length of my transitioning hair. My hair is the healthiest and longest it's ever been in my life. My only issue is the front section of my hair. Since there is no discernible curl pattern in that area, it makes it hard to really distinguish my natural hair from the relaxed. Being relaxer free is not so bad. I don't miss not being able to scratch my head. lol I have gone from not being able to go longer than a month without a touch up (le sigh) to going 18 months without one. I am not team natural or team relaxed. I am on the side of doing what you feel is right for you. To me that is the best decision anyone can make.