A Year in Natural Hair

I was clicking through the photos on the Chic Mommy, Cool Kid Facebook fan page recently (which you should totally check out if you haven't already), and noticed how much my hair has grown in the past year! In December of 2008, I made the decision to "go natural" and stop chemically relaxing my hair (you can read more about that decision here). Since then my hair has really thrived--it's become healthier and stronger as well as longer. 


hair length April 2011 versus May 2012


During the cool weather I generally get my hair blown out every couple of weeks and wear it straight. But in the summer, humidity and workouts don't really allow for that so I wear it straightened and in buns; or curly and in ponytails or buns. Last summer my care routine consisted of various shampoos and conditioners along with daily staples that included:


- Curls curl creme brule (for moisture)
- Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie (for stretching)
- Twisted Sista curl activator and 30 second curl refresher spray (for dry styling on days that I didn't shampoo or condition)
- Eco Styler olive oil styling gel (for my edges)


This year, I think I'll be switching up those products--particularly because I've fallen in love with the Shea Radiance line of products (you can read my review here). I'll be posting a hair products wish list next week, but in the meantime do you have any favorites you'd like to share with me? I heart suggestions!