The "pink" opinion: Bad Hair (My Story)

My story goes way back...so far I can't quite recall where the damage began. As long as I can remember Ive always had issues with my hair. It was extremely rough, corse (almost brillo padish) lol, very brittle, extremely dry and very hard to manage without the aid of relaxers. As a young girl I didnt know any better. I honestly thought relaxers were good for me and that they were the only answer to my problem (my hair). I believed that having long bone straight hair was "beautiful". I wasn't aware of the damage I was doing to my hair. Over several years Ive exprienced some bad breakage. And when I say bad I mean my hair was comming out in clumps! There were even times I broke down and cried because my hair was falling out so bad. I just didn't know what to do. With all of this I still managed to go back to the "creamy crack" (relaxer). I was causing even more damage on my existing damaged hair and damaging my new growth as well. Then I would use flat irons on high heat in an attempt to blend my relaxed hair "better" with my weaves. Years of chemical damage, over-processing and heat damaged left me with more hair in my comb, and floor than on my head. I was so embarrassed. Ive always stuggled not just growing my hair but trying to keep it from breaking off. I was one of those girls who, without weaves or extentions, would get made fun of because my hair wasn't long and wavy. For nearly 20 years or so (mind you Im 26) Ive worn weaves (pony tails, glue ins, sew ins) to cover up my "problem". I even went to several hair stylist who all told me the same thing. "If you want your hair to grow healthy, chop it off and start over!" Hearing that was a nightmare. 1/5/13 I got my last perm (stupid I know). And just like before, my hair broke off real bad. But instead of freaking out I decided to do something about it. I knew I couldnt keep hiding from my problem. I was tired of hiding it. weaves had become more of a security blanket than anything and Ive finally had enough. So this past Feb. I gave up the "perm", let go of the hair glue and weave tracks and let my real hair grow. The only problem was I didnt know where to start. Just like many others I googled "how to make my hair grow" and I did my reasearch. I found many helpful sites. I also read lots of blogs about other women transitioning from relaxed to natural and was inspired to write my own. I made up my mind healthy hair is more important to me than long damaged hair. I understand this will be a long and at times difficult process but its what I need to do to ensure that my hair is healthy strong and growing. Dont get me wrong Im terrified (mainly at what others will think or say) but Im excited at the same time. Im too chicken to do the "big chop" as of yet so Im giving myself a few more months to let my hair get to a length that Im comfortable with. Im in whats known as the "Transitional stage". Im giving myself 12 -18mos. before I do my "BC" (big chop). So for now Its braids other protective styles and lots and lots of TLC. wish me luck. Feel free to comment, give some advise or ask any questions. I hope to connect with people who have been, will be, or are interested in going natural. Every once in a while I'll show and write about my progress, my regimens and favorite products to use.