I have been meaning to write this post for a long time, but just haven't found the time. Very soon, in May I believe, will mark my 4 year Curly Girl anniversary! Has it really been that long? Wow...
The reason I bring up my CG anniversary is because for this last year or so, my hair has been drastically different. It all started when I hacked off almost 4 inches of hair, which I truly think must have been the very last of my pre-CG hair. (It was really long....)
The number one difference I have noticed is that, it seems less porous. It is staying well hydrated as opposed to drying out over time as it had in the past. This is truly strange for me. I have been so used to working hard to keep my hair moisturized that now that it doesn't need so much moisture, I find myself a little lost. Co-washing is now too much for my hair. I now wash with a gentle low-poo instead of co-washing. I don't need to do oil pre-washes anymore. I use 1/4 of the amount of conditioner I used to. Even with all these changes, my hair still seems overly soft a lot. I am just not used to this.
Another major change is that the hair at the nape of my neck is healthier, smoother, and no longer gets tangled if I move my head wrong. That area also used to be plagued with splits. I would have to do a search and destroy every week just to keep the splits in check. Speaking of splits, they are almost non-existent in the rest of my hair, too. My canopy, especially in the front, used to split quite often. I just noticed a few splits the other day after not touching my hair with scissors for months.
I knew CG was working for me all along, but I had assumed the way my hair was prior to those last 4 inches being cut off was just the way it WAS. I now find myself starting the journey to learn my hair all over again. I don't know how often to do a protein treatment, deep condition, clarify etc. It's pretty exciting, really.
The point of this post, however, is to impress upon you to keep at it! Just when you think your hair may be the best it's going to get, it may surprise you and get even better! It really is just a matter of time. So keep up with your pre-wash treatments, your protein treatments (for those who are not protein sensitive), and your deep treatments. Try stretching out the time between washes, too. If you usually wash every other day, go for every 3. Keep getting regular trims, and if you can stand it, cutting off a few more inches of the old pre-CG hair. It is important to keep trimming/cutting off the older more damaged parts because damage has a tendency to spread. Splits get bigger, more frayed, and catch on other hairs creating friction which can damage hair even more, not to mention creating more frizz because the damaged hair can't "lay" properly.
If you find yourself getting discouraged, overwhelmed, or just need a little encouragement, I encourage you to join The Wavy Hair Community on Facebook (please read the rules and the "how to join" posts!). The ladies there are always great, and welcome all textures of hair from beachy waves to tight coils.. we love it all and don't discriminate (but be prepared for major curl envy if you have coils...) That group has helped me through so much with my hair, I can honestly say that this approaching anniversary would not be possible with out them.
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