Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair...Are you considering the big chop?

Before going natural and after

Check out the article below for information on going natural and transitioning.

http://www.squidoo.com/going-natural-transitioning-from-relaxed-hair

Wearing your hair natural is just a trend

Is wearing your hair natural just a trend? There has been some buzz that natural hair is the in thing now. Oh really?
Well for me when I made up my mind to go natural three years ago and then finally did go natural in February 2008, there was some hoopla but not much. Now you see a lot of women embracing their natural hair. That is great. I know when I transitioned and full went natural I made the choice because I wanted healthier hair. I suffered hair breakage from relaxer chemicals. So I went natural because of the breakage and not because of a trend. Many trends come and go like a handbag in this year will not be in next year. Shoes that are in this year may not be in next year.

There are a lot of naturals now. Is it because some people decided that they do not want to perm their hair any longer? Is it because they suffered from hair damage and wanted healthier hair? Did they just want to go back to the basics or go back to their original state? Or are they going natural because they see others doing it and just think that it is the "it thing" to do?
What do you think? Is natural hair a trend?

Oh those products...

In my previous post, I posted a slide show of my hair in two-strand twist and some products that I use. BTW, my hair is due for a trim. I probably will get that done in the next few weeks.

Products that I use shown in the slide show include 100 percent coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave in Conditioner, Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie (works wonders for detangling), Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey and Hair Balm along with Murray's Twist Gel.
There are many products that I have heard a lot about and have yet to try. I will continue to try different products and see how my hair does with them.

Two-Strand Twists and Products

Create a slideshow design

Two reasons to use peppermint oil on natural hair

Natural peppermint oil is like adding a kiss of brightness to your natural hair. Peppermint oil does wonders for the hair. For one, it brings life to dull hair by adding shine to it. Peppermint oil is especially great to use when you press and curl your natural hair. Peppermint oil can protect your hair from breakage especially if you are pressing your hair with a flat iron or a hot comb. The oil is all natural and sulfate free so it will not dry your hair out.

Peppermint oil could also be used while you are in transition or using it for protective styles. 

Smells great 

Peppermint oil has the nice smell of peppermint and derives from a plant extract. It is all natural so there are no chemicals in it that could strip your hair. 

Manageable hair

Natural peppermint is great for easier management of your hair. When the oil is applied to the hair, it is not heavy on your hair.

Peppermint oil can be used for other uses as well. Using it on my hair, has been great. Whenever I get tired of     

braids or twists and I want to press my hair, peppermint oil is my choice as it works as a shield to block the heat from damaging my hair. 

So readers, do you use peppermint oil? If so, what has been your experience with it?

Two reasons to like longer two strand twists

Since I went natural three years ago, my hair has grown quite a bit. It has come a long way from the little short hairdo. May I add that this really short hairdo was topped off with my hair being shaved in the back.
I have been wearing my hair in different styles every since. My hair has been in the palm roll, press and curl including the one style that I wear the most is the two strand twists.

Now that my hair is longer I can do more things with it. When I wear two strand twists now I can put up in the back, put it in a pony tail or curl individual twists. There are two reasons I like longer two strand twists.

More versatility
You get multiple styles in one. I can pin up my hair to the side, wear it down loose or pin it in the back. Also longer two strand twists make for a nice twist out style. Twist outs are created when a braided style is undone to create a crinkly, curly or wavy look to the hair.

More of a curl definition
Since my natural hair has a curl pattern, my two strand twists curl up at the ends.

So, have you let your hair grow out since going natural? If so, what do you like about your longer natural hair?