Hair is a big deal to me. I’ve been natural for a bit over 10 years (which means I don’t use perms in my hair) however sometimes I find it difficult to make drastic hair changes and try new styles without damaging my own natural curl pattern too much. I love short cuts. I especially love straight-hair pixie cuts (think Halle Berry.) It is very difficult to maintain these cuts when you’re not very good at styling your own hair and when you don’t have a perm. This is the shortest I’ve come to a straight short cut, a bob from 2011/2012.
I had a texturizer in my hair then, which is how I maintained the style with the least amount of effort on my behalf. The texturizer made it easier to straighten my hair and kept it straight in the humid summer. I miss that style but I decided to keep the real harsh chemicals away from my hair. I’m also very partial to short hair period, especially in the summer time.
I wanted to chronicle my hair since my move to the DMV area. It’s been 5 years that I’ve been in the area, beginning in DC for graduate school. Here’s my hair journey from 2012.
I got accepted into Howard University and that was THE NEWS of 2012 for me. I was starting graduate school at 27 years old on a fellowship and was moving out of New York for the first time in my adult life. A drastic cut was necessary. A new start required a freeing of myself, a detachment from who I was to make room for who I was to become.
Above was the growth in 2013 (February-November.) I survived my first year in graduate school, I visited the beautiful island of Haiti, I witnessed a good friend get married and I gained more confidence in my clinical and professional skills.
2014 brought graduation (YAY!) and at end of October/ early November, #ISwipedRight and meet my current boyfriend. I also covered my blonde highlights with black. 2014 was a great year.
September 2015 brought continued hair growth and the tried and true pony tail. The problem with long hair for me is my “go-to” is the ponytail. The ponytail is A) boring and B) forehead-licious.
By 2016 I needed something new. I also missed the courageous person who just walked into babershops, under the bewildered eyes of men and women, and got rid of her hair. I chopped, but not too much.
After the chop, I also needed some bold color.
2017 has been a low key year in terms of hair. I’ve been focused more on better maintenance habits (namely more conditioning), and growing my hair out. I think I’m finally ready to grow out my hair without major cuts for at least 2 years. I’ve been inspired by this beautiful hair blogger named Jewellianna whose hair is envy-worthy. I learned about her channel when I was reading about how some guy cut inches of her hair off and she’s been recovering from that loss. Right now, my bob is growing out which means the back of my hair is shorter than the front. The back takes thee longest to grow out, but I’m patient. I also know I want to eventually either get some layers in my hair when I get more length in the back. For now, I’ve been enjoying my big hair through twist-outs and rods as well as occasional blow-outs. I’m excited for what’s next!
Thanks for joining me on the journey!
globetracer 
I so enjoy this!!! Wow God is so good. I know you’re writing about hair but to read about all the milestones in your life is amazing. I believe I first found your blog when you were away on a missionary trip. Can’t remember where… I like your writing style, it feels as if we’re friends and you’re telling me a story. (Your tweets too) You’re going to be a great author; if you ever write a book.
You’re so fearless and bold with your hair, me not so much. I’m still waiting for my hair to grow out some more after my ‘big chop’ five years ago. I would like it touching my shoulders naturally without a blow-out. (Is this too much to ask?😒) I’m going to check out the YouTube channel you referenced. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you liked the post, your comment just made my day. It reminded me that it’s about the little things sometimes. I was also reminded about the hair ritual you said you had with your daughter nightly. I think those are the moments that make life really sweet, I still remember one time one time my mom box braided my hair for school pictures and she put beads at the end. It took FOREVER and I could barely sleep that night. But you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t cute. 🙂
Awww, I can only imagine how proud and confident you were while taking those pictures.