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
This is a really simple style. I like to wear what I call “tuck and roll” styles. I keep it pretty simple. I think it’s elegant and cute but also easy. To learn to do a braid out check out my steps here For this stretched looked do you braid out on hair that has […]
This is a really simple hair style once you master doing a twist out with your natural hair. 1) Follow the steps for doing a twist out. You can do a braid out if you prefer also. 2) Choose which side you would prefer to have the flat twists on. Make medium size part using […]
For a twist out I pretty much follow similar steps as for a braid out. I find that a twist out gives me a more “natural” looking curl pattern because it is less crinkly than a braid out and looks more like curls. 1) Start with slightly damp hair that has been detangled. For a […]
The braid out can be a foundation for many natural hair styles. The keep to having a good braid out is using products that help smooth the hair and making sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry before taking the braids out. The smaller and tighter the braids are the tighter your crinkles will be. 1) […]
Individual Braids- without extensions I enjoy these individual braids because I can wear them for as long as 6-8 weeks. I maintain them by putting them in big braids at night using and little leave-in and oil.I really like this style because it keeps my hair tangle free. This is not a protective style, but […]
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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