Sisterfriends-
Before I went away to college, I was NATURAL for all of my life. I was known for my braids, extensions, and cornrows in HS. Braids definitely saved me $ because I always braided my own hair (with years of practice). But saving $ was also spending lots of time rebraiding my hair.
My kinky hair was past my shoulders!
So when I went away to college, I did not have that extra time to braid my hair. So I did what I vowed I would never do and gave myself a relaxer!
Now, three years later, I loved my relaxed hair. When I permed it, I decided to give myself a change and took a dramatic haircut (yes, shaved off the back of my head and all). But it since grew back, and I love my layers. It's all about versitility for me.
And I certainly do not think that I am trying to be "white" by straightening my hair, because I know that I am black as ever, especially when I need that touch-up every six weeks!
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Maria