In 2006 I got serious about my natural hair growth. I grew my hair out to BSL but was stuck there for several years. I tried coloring my own hair and it left me with damage so I had to cut it out- I maintained my natural hair at BSL while I cut out the color because I did not want to do another chop. I wore my hair in twists most of the time.
Fat Twists 2007-08
Flat ironed hair 2007
Left– The fat twists shown above was one of the main natural hair styles I wore in 2007-2008.
Right– My straightened natural hair in 2007. It was BSL (bra strap length) and looked pretty healthy but the combo of color and heat left me with breakage.
Flat ironed 2008
This is my semi-straightened natural hair in January of 2008, it was flat ironed without blow drying first. As you can see it is about the same length it was in 2007. You can see the damage to my ends. Right after taking this picture I trimmed about 2 inches off.
By the end of 2008 the color was gone and I started inching toward waist length. I limited my heat use to 2-3x per year for length checks.
2009- Hair is healthy, free of color and heat damage. I was nearing waist length because my un-straightened hair was past BSL. I really started focusing on healthy hair instead of length. Fat twists pinned up in one way or another was my main natural hair style for 2009 & 2010. I wore my hair loose often on the weekends in twist outs and would put it back up again during the week. This helped prevent hair breakage and keep my ends moisturized.
Fat twists 2009-10
Twist out 2009
I decided to do a length check in the middle of 2010 and was excited to see that I had actually reach my original goal length of waist length (at my natural waist). Many times confuse hip length which is at the top of the pants with waist length. I don’t know if I can handle hip length hair!
Waist length hair 2010
Waist length Post Trim
Hair Updates and Current Goals
Well I recently cut my hair (as of February 2014). The center of my hair is waist length and the sides are midback. I am happy with the length and think I will maintain it. Here is a picture of my hair set with bantu knots after the trim.
Return to previous page on my hair journey
Bantu Knots 2014
I really enjoy being a Mom. I have a toddler and a new infant. During the week I am busy homeschooling my toddler while balancing household chores, caring for a new infant, and working part time on weekends. Who has time for hair? With the addition of another child keeping my natural hair care super […]
Several people have asked how I wear my natural hair in between my 2 week washings. This is a simple natural hair style that I wear quiet frequently to work and around the house. It is quick and it is also a protective style. This style can easily be adapted for shorter hair. 1) […]
Rusk Brilliance Leave-In is a creamy conditioner designed for colored hair. I have found that although not designed for afro textured hair this products works great on my natural 4a/b hair. When I first used this conditioner it left my hair kind of crunchy. The next […]
Proper scalp care is an important part of growing long healthy hair. Neglecting your scalp can directly impact your hair growth. Basic proper scalp care includes cleansing the scalp regularly by shampooing, cowashing, or using alternative cleansers and keeping the scalp moisturized. Scalp Massage helps to grow hair by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. […]
Sometimes I look in the mirror and my hair just doesn’t look or feel long to me anymore. I think I’m just so used to it. Also with shrinkage my natural hair honestly looks about the same length it did 6 or 7 years ago. I’m sure some of you all have been through the […]
It’s not often I get into opinion pieces, I try to stick the facts but I thoughts this piece about natural hair was necessary… I have noticed that when other Black women (particularly those not familiar with natural hair or involved in the “movement”) notice the length of my hair I am suddenly disqualified […]
Over the years I have had many women approach me and share how their hair seems to grow faster when it is “dirty”. They share stories of their grandmothers or moms telling them about growing dandruff, and washing hair as little as possible. Yet their hair seemed to flourish and grow under those conditions. Now […]
Okay so I’m not ashamed to admit it but I am an India Arie fan. I truly love her spirit and her music. I also am a fan of her natural style and particularly love the way she looks in beautiful head wraps. Today Ms. India Arie posted pictures of her latest natural summer hair […]
Do you remember Rhonda Lee? She is the news anchor with natural hair who made headlines in 2012 after being fired from her job due her natural hair. Rhonda Lee stood up for naturals every where by refusing to conform to her stations demands and instead chose to maintain and defend her natural afro […]
Last night my 2 (almost 3) year old daughter so articulately told me that she didn’t feel like we were spending as much time together having fun and playing. She actually told me she felt jealous. My heart sank, but I immediately knew what she meant. Lately I’ve been so focused on well, just life […]
Learn more about Ms Lala's natural hair:
Three Must Try Apps Before Visiting the Salon
Not sure what to do with your hair? We all experience it, ladies. Ready for a new hairstyle but scared how it will look on you? If you follow me on Facebook and Instagram then you know that I recently cut my hair and I’m loving it! Maybe you’re not quite ready to make that […]
Meet MsLala & Step up your hair game!
Have you been reading my site and still want more information? Meet me in person at the Fit Fro Expo hosted by Crown N Glory hair. At this event you will learn how to care for your hair, body, and spirit to live a healthy natural lifestyle. I am speaking on the topic of growing […]
Irresistible Me Diamond Flat Iron Product Review
The Irresistible Me Diamond Professional Styling Iron is by far the best flat iron I have used. The price is reasonable in comparison to other high end flat irons and it actually works. I flat ironed my hair in one pass and I did not have to blow dry my hair straight first which is […]
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