A little bit about me. I’m a 26 year old accounting professional out of O-HI-O! (ok that’s all of the personal info you will get) My hair has never reached past my neck. As a child my head was covered in small, stubby ponytails and barrettes. My mother has always said “you never had GOOD HAIR”. I started getting perms at an early age (somewhere between 6-8). Growing up it was always “FRIED, DIED, AND LAID TO THE SIDE”! I wore braids a lot but nothing made my hair really grow. In the spring of 2009, I was growing my hair out coming from a very short hair cut. Once the back grew in I got micro braids in May of 2009 for an upcoming vacation. Once I took the braids out in 3 months I was shocked at my new growth! I normally had significant new growth after braids but I was so quick to rush to the salon for a PERM!(I rarely say relaxer) So this time I told her I want to just see what happens if we DON’T perm. My beautician was supportive. I had been going to her since 2005ish. She always encouraged me to go natural because of how thick my hair was and she could see its potential. My response “I DON’T WANT NO AFRO”! Because through my relaxed eyes, to me natural meant 1970’s afro. So back to 2009…..last perm April 2009, micro braids May, took down micros August, and I haven’t turned back!!!