Here are pictures of my natural hair wet and dry. New length shots of my hair unstretched. There are also pics of the length and texture up close. And, the newest addition to my wig family... ;-)

Update on what's been up with my hair in the past 3 years...

I first cut my hair from MBL to a Mohawk cut. I'm talking only 3-4 inches in length in the top and very short (an inch or so) on the sides! That was September 10, 2007. I also relaxed my hair that day. I grew my hair out and basically transitioned to natural from 9/10/07 to 11/2008. But, I cut off all the relaxed hair that remained from my Mohawk cut in late June 2008. It was then a TWA (about 4 inches in length).

So, I went from growing a short natural (TWA) beginning in June 2008 to having a relaxer in November 2008. I only did that virgin relaxer application in 11/08. Kept growing until now, which is March 28, 2009. I just did a touch-up on March 9, 2009, and I am APL. My hair seems to be healthy, and I am just doing protective styles to grow it out quickly.

I just went thru so much, and got tired of my long hair. That's why I went in the bathroom in Sept. 07 and chopped it all off. Felt good about it, didn't miss it. Now I am cool with my hair, just patiently growing it back out! Hope to have some new album pictures soon!

Most of you know me from LHCF as Jewell, and I just re-subscribed after being on hiatus since late 2006. I am also on BHM, and Diaspora Hair Care (if its even still around)?

Thanks!

UPDATE: July 22, 2009. Texlaxed with Optimum Multi-mineral Reduced PH Creme Relaxer (Lye) in Regular. I use the main relaxer system, steps 1-4. Left it on for the exact processing time of 15 mins. Came out just right.

I've reached BSL! I'll post actual length pics here when I have my hair down and straight, cuz its nearly always "up" and unstraightened. My ultimate goal is hip-length, and I will not stop 'til I get enough (hair) dammit!

Jewell

Here are recent pics of my hair. Its been combed out from the roots and that's it. No product added yet. I proceeded to oil my hair and massage my scalp. Re-braided in a half french braid on each side and a plait underneath each one (four braids total). Enjoy!

ETA: My hair isn't natural, but largely tex-laxed with natural roots (new growth). I am currently 19 weeks post tex-laxer. Not sure about whether I want to continue and transition for a long time or just go ahead and touch-up. Last time I BC'd at 13 months b/c I was about to be induced (into labor, that is) and was just sick of the two textures. Yes, I actually went into the bathroom in my L&D room and snipped off the relaxed/highlighted hair.

I felt so free, but regretted how "choppy" it looked. It grew out quickly, but this time (if I keep this up) I am transitioning w/o a BC. Hope to end up like "The Makeup Virgin" on YouTube with long natural hair in some years, and just a few tex-laxed ends left. Her hair is da-bomb diggity as Sylver2 (Ra) would say. lol

*THESE ARE PICS OF MY OLD HAIR, (relaxed with lye for many years) which is now in a ponytail in a plastic bag in my closet or a box somewhere. (I chopped off about 14 inches).

I haven't updated this album in nearly 3 years! Since then I have cut my hair off twice! Now I am a little past APL, growing it back out as long as I can. My ultimate goal is TBL.

My stylist did these highlights using Avlon MoisturColor Powder Oil Moisturizing Lightener. Its the honey blonde version. My hair did turn blonde at the roots in most places because that is where my natural light brown color is.

However, since I used to dye my hair black, the ends turned a cinnamon color. I am sure when I go for a touch-up in a couple months, it will come out lighter. I love the color, though. She used the cap method/frosting kit (threading the hair through the holes). That hurt my scalp, but produced nice results.

Various protective styles I wear when I want to give my hair a break. Right now I am just focusing on gettng to my goals, so I am still "hiding" my hair to avoid having to trim unecessarily.

Products, tools, and supplies I use on my hair.