Thank you! I went through cooking my scalp with relaxers to stressing over my natural hair, settled on locs. Never been happier. I've got length and fullness, and they're so low maintenance and easy to clean. I hope she gets locs.
I like my loose hair now but I can see myself getting locs because I've lived I braids while everyone else was on a loc journey and I have commitment issues. but it really was the same thing but not permeant. life is so much better when you embrace the frizz.
girl yes. i love my locs bad. i loc'd my hair once it got to the straight length goal i wanted. I wore my hair natural at the time. couldn't enjoy my hair straight without gaining heat damage and i did a trial with twists during covid so nothing was left holding me back from loc'ing it
relaxer is not low maintainance. it just has different pros and cons. you will always have to "fix" the hair that grows out, it will always look great for maybe a week or two before the roots start affecting the style. at that point, you'll probably turn to hair straighteners or other methods. if you're realistic about it, go for it. but it's not a magic potion, just a temporary exchange of problems and benifits. untill it wears off and you start again
Relaxers are low maintenance. Moisturize day and not and do a protein treatment once a week and wear a bonnet. But instead of this taking two hours to come through it takes ten minutes for my routine.
As someone who suffers from fibroids that were linked to relaxers YES. You wanna be reproductively healthy? TRY SOMETHING ELSE. You will have to let go of your uterus at some point. You better hope it’s after you want kids if that’s your thing.
2 years ago I went back to relaxer thinking it would be a bit easier but it wasn’t 😂 I just wasn’t good at doing hair period.! Every time my strands kept snapping, and due to you and I having fine strands, it’s not gonna look as luscious relaxed. Also it messed up my scalp. My scalp flakes soooo much more. So just loc. You retain length so quickly, it’s good health wise, and you don’t have to style it at all really. Plus you like to keep your twists in for longer than it’s supposed to 😂 so you seem to like that sort of look.
@@Jam-dp1vb I think you're onto something. The real issue a lot of the girlies are running into is they have never learned how to successfully style and care for their hair period. Because they go on to describe all the time and effort that goes into wigs and weaves and chemical straighteners as if it's not just as much as their natural hair would be. I remember my hair looking terrible relaxed and looking not so great natural because I had no idea about basic styling and care. Now I do so having natural 4c hair is simple. Barring a strange hair day that anyone of any hair texture can have, I always like the way my hair looks. It's cut into a shape that is flattering to me and my features. That helps a ton. On any given day I can style it in an updo that takes 10 min or less (loosely tied low bun is my go to) or wear it down which may take 15 minutes if I'm doing something more elaborate like chunky twists for definition. This doesn't HAVE to be hard you guys, I promise.
@@Val-8CH yesss! I’ve finally figured out what routine and products work for me! Products have gotten so much better over the years. Ive gotten better at styling my hair and I 1000% think that cutting your hair to a good shape helps you feel better about styling. Styling isn’t as hard for me anymore. Now when it comes to cornrowing and intricate braiding, I’m still not the best when it comes to that 😅 But I just do what I think is nice and I do my hair once a week because that’s what’s best for my scalp and hair.
@@magenta7702 with any hairstyle you have you’re going to need to do some sort of maintenance. You will need a retwist when it grows out, and you’d have to ask a loctician or watch RUclips videos on maintenance because I don’t have locs.
She said in a past video that she likes long hair which is why she always puts those twists in. Locs means that she’ll have to wait a few years for them to hang and not many people are willing to wait.
Is relaxing your scalp going to help or hurt the scalp issues you already have?. Do whatever you like. But heavy on the switching problems for different ones. Locs, since you like passion twists so much would be lovely on you, access to your scalp, you get a similar look to what you wear now, save you can always comb them out. I’m transitioning to straight natural soon. How much is humidity keeping you from having a better relationship with your hair? Straight hair and alopecia may be a struggle. But you can truly do anything, and this may be a much needed journey or lesson to affirm you somewhere in your life. Just remember, relaxing your hair is linked to cancer.
The self poisoning factor is enough for me. Honestly, hair, in any state, will have major pros and cons to include cost of time, money, effort, appearance...all of them have these issues and cost something. I think the determining factor for which problems you'd like to foster should be solely based on your heart's desires and your health... Can't wait to see what you decide.
commenting again bc I've been following a long time and love you... sounds like your priorities are ease of access to your scalp and low maintenance. this is definitely locs! they're still very versatile, its all your own natural healthy hair, they grow fast ASFFF.. a godsent
Actually locs doesn’t grow any faster than loose natural hair. What happens is more length is retained and shed hair gets trapped in the locs and adds to length. Nothing against locs, but that’s what accounts for what looks like fast growth.
Yesss getting microlocs changed my life!!! I feel so free!! 🙌🏾No more detangling, shampoo every 2 weeks, very minimal products. Truly the best decision I've ever made
Honey chile- relaxers are FILLED with carcinogens and long-term can end your life. Why not just do locs? U would keep your natural pattern, be GREAT at retwists, and it would be like the twists you wear now but YOUR HAIR! I have friends with waist-length locs but I've NEVER seen someone with waist-length relaxed hair 😅
@@Vienna-ng6ix long don't mean healthy and doesn't mean they won't suffer in the long run 🤷🏾♀️ plus what works for them may not necessarily work for Star Puppy who has a history of scalp issues and hair loss
@@Vienna-ng6ix plus her hair looks thin at the ends and isn't waist length- I haven't seen a ton of women with waist-length relaxed hair that looks full and healthy but I've seen HUNDREDS of POC with thick, luscious locs down to their waist ❤️ and unlike with perms, their choice of styling doesn't come with risks of chemical burns and cancer ❤️
@@Moyafran1I have fine strands and a lot of hair so I got medium size locs. It depends on your head size and density of your hair. You probably want to consult with a loctician to be sure
@@Moyafran1 depends on your density. I have fine hair but I have medium density so I got sisterlocs. I cut them off after 7 years so now I have mini braidlocs. You can also do thicker locs also. Either way, they’ll thicken up and they mature. Just do some RUclips research until you’re comfortable and you’ll be good. It took me a year to decide which locs I wanted.
I think ease was the biggest reason as to why I first relaxed my hair ages ago. But you have to remember why you went natural in the first place! I realized that relaxed hair was never easy--it takes SO much more effort to not break and destroy it. Natural hair, despite some of its downsides, is the most beautiful, versatile, and healthy.
I support you no matter your decision, Danielle. It's your hair, it's your head, it's your life. The only reason I haven't relaxed mine is because I like box braids too much and my hair is too weak for both. Do you boo!
Thx for not hating on her. Like yeah relaxed isn’t the best option, but most of these comments are bashing her and not even realize that at the end of the day, it’s her head and her hair!!! *relaxing
Danielle I love you no matter your choice.....just remember it doesn't have to be a bone straight or knots and tangles. If you do go the chemical route relax your hair so slightly that it will resemble a blowout. Not destroying your natural coily pattern. I just braid my natural hair...leave it in on average about 4 months. New growth is rapid this way. I do keep it buttered and sprayed for moisture. This is my low maintenance plan. Love ya❤
This is my method too. Braid my own hair, wash and condition the braids once a week (takes 20 minutes), then re braid or blow out every 6 to 8 weeks. Very simple and easy and my hair is tail bone length. Day to day wear is simply putting the braids in a bun style.
I love these loc recommendations! Relaxers are anything but low maintenance. They're a train ticket to bad thin hair days if you don't do a lot of maintenance.
You are waaaaay better off just wearing wigs. I had relaxer in from age 7 to 19 and I am never going back. When I did my big chop I had SCARS all over my scalp. And when comparing my strands before and after I noticed how damaged and dead my hair was. Yes, it's "easy" but it's not. You have to still maintain your hair once a month and reapply relaxer every 2-3months, and the burns scars will STAY. I wouldn't be suprised if it also affected my healths issues (my mom also started relaxers before having me) You do you boo, but I honestly don't recommend it. Maybe go for a big chop/super short hair and have fun with wigs, but as long as you happy we are happy ❤
But fr, I feel like the 2000s have been coming back with a fury, and that includes so many girls going back to relaxers. Besides all the cultural implications, I truly am surprised how many girls forgot/ don't take seriously the very real health risks that come with relaxers!!! If you're craving straight hair, why not just get regular still presses/ blow outs? But if you're just wanting that "change" I strongly recommend locs!! As someone who was also fed up w my type 4 natural hair after so many years of shrinkage, dryness, laziness etc, getting locs was the best decision I coulda made🙏🏾 2 years deep and my my wash "days" are now 15 min. I swang my hair back and forth, exponential growth, gotten box braids and wigs over top of it, no longer have to deal with breakage, picking at my hair, and being able to shake and go! I could literally go on for a century about the pros lol. If you do consider locs Danielle, I will say shrinkage WILL happen with the initial install, but it'll be so worth it❤
@@Keasha274 they don't have to be permanent. I had them for 4 years, combed them down and realized that if I didn't leave them up for more than 6 months then I could keep them from becoming permanent. Now if I do locs I deep condition and comb them down every 3-4 months, wash my hair, detangle, and do them over again. I blowdry it and get it cut once a yr. There are even different kinds of permanent locs if you want more versatility: sister locs, micro locs, etc. Not liking them is fine, but they are more versatile than most folks think and anyone with coily hair can rock them for whatever length of time they want if they are willing to try! I feel like as a community once we get tired of the effort it takes to care for our tresses we equate it to being tired of our coils and now many are choosing a life of heat or chemical damage in the hopes of having to manipulate the hair less when they can just find low manipulation hair styles that retain their coils and prevent long-term damage. Relaxers are filled with carcinogens that have been linked to uterine cancer- one would think that folks would avoid that option like the plague 🥹 I had a relaxer for years and now that I'm fighting balding and uterine problems this topic is close to my heart ❤️
@Keasha274 i get what you're trying to say, but locs don't need to be permanent. And isn't chemically relaxing hair also "permanent" in a way? In order to go back to normal you'll need to big chop or slowly transition. Locs can simply be combed out, they get combed out all the time. It's not a life contract if you don't want it to be.
I went from only natural curls TO braid outs TO wigs TO straight hair natural (using Beautiful Textures Naturally Straight Texturizer Kit) TO now using extensions and clip ins. We change and experiment and hey...that's ok. And you owe ZERO explanation. Just have fun with your hair and make sure with each style your hair stays healthy. 💖
@@MelaninMonroe222 that’s what I thought. That’s why I only used the beautifully textured. It scared me because it was in a box but it’s only to use to keep your straight look longer. You can go back to curly any time. I wouldn’t recommend for curlies who don’t want a looser curl over time. I stopped using it and with many trims my hair is back thicker without heat. Now I’m thinking about being a mini twist gal. I’m sure I’ll switch again in the future. 😂
I respect your decision, whatever you decide to do. I've been watching you for years and you've given me so much confidence with my natural hair. My hair is loc'ed and I highly recommend it for you for the ease, versatility, and health of your natural hair
I started relaxing my hair after over 15 years of being natural. (with my cosmo knowledge) I don't care about what other people think is black enough anymore! My hair has been long, I've been bald. It's been colored, cut and bleached. I like to wear extensions, weaves, braids etc. and tbh honest this has been the most versatile I've been able to do my hair and it not take 1million hours of my life. DO WHAT YOU WANT. Do what works for you! I'm going to watch you anyway!
I enjoyed watching you go through the pros and cons of to relax or not relax. Whatever brings you happiness. I'm choosing to just work with my natural. Definitely a love/ hate relationship 😅
Several people I've known has went back to relaxers. Do what is best for you and if you don't like it you can always go back to natural. Girl it's your head so do what makes you happy ITS JUST HAIR. Much love ❤️ 😍 ❤
@@lalittl right?! Not to mention the long-term effects! So many older black women are thinning and balding after years of superficial chemical burns to their scalps. I don't have a single ain't, grandma, or older cousin that isn't suffering from thinning and they all were relaxed 10+ yrs. I'm still fighting balding around my hairline and I transitioned yrs ago 😭
I agree, if you wanna "relax" your curls just use heat. It'll relax them kinks that isn't cancerous. Makes hair way more manageable. Sincerely, a blowdry natural with hip length 4c hair.
My hair history: Natural as a small child Relaxed 25 years Transitioning 18 months Natural 10 years Relaxed 3 years Currently, I’m transitioning back to natural (2 months post touch up). My main reason is, I realize I like wearing my hair with minimal maintenance. Contrary to popular belief, chemically treated hair is a CRAP TON of work! It’s not simply shampoo,condition, blow dry. Not if you’re prone to dryness and breakage. I simply no longer desire to baby my hair to this extent.
Careful with those relaxers. My hair was relaxed from age 7yrs to 33yrs. I had to have a major surgery in 2019 to remove fibroids (myomectomy). It took 9 weeks to recover from it. I had to use a walker to get around for weeks. Even laughing caused severe pain. Not saying this will happen to you, but it's happened to many black women.
I recently transitioned to natural and had my big chop after 13 months transitioning. I’m seeing my natural hair for the first time in my life. I have 4a hair. I will never get another relaxer ❤
Unapologetically 29 year old unicorn of African descent girl here. Just came to say that I have been natural for about 9 years now. I have been diagnosed with trichotillomania since I was in middle school. mostly caused by the feel good stress relief. I have came to say that even though I have been natural for years. I know NOTHING about my hair. Absolutely NOTHING I don’t know what type it is, how to style it properly, I barely know how to de tangle it. I was never interested in my own hair, I just didn’t want to relax my hair anymore because I started to have really sensitive skin on my head and I decided to go natural. It has been a rollercoaster of course with having trichotillomania and being natural but I am and still overcoming daily life. What I have discovered over the years is that other people LOVE doing hair. Styling and brushing etc. so I decided to pay people to love my hair and give it what it deserves. I don’t care how it looks, I don’t care how long it is. I’m just happy to have it.❤😅❤ thank you for listening. Sincerely a girl who could care less about hair and all its positive or negative attributes to society
Have you weighed in locs as an option? All the pros that you listed especially convenience wise are things that locs will give you also but minus the chemicals and breakage that relaxers entail! I've watched you and Fluff Nugget for years, so I totally feel the fear of making a drastic change that may set you all the way back. Whatever you do, as long as you can mentally prepare yourself to potentially start over and potentially lose your length and such like that, you should do it! If things dont work out, I think that life is short and self expression is valuable! Whatever you decide, just know that you've gotten yourself to this point, and if you end up wanting to be back where you are, you do know what to do to get here again with time.
#1. You are free to do whatever you want with your hair with no blame, shame, or guilt. You don't owe loyalty to "the movement." No requirement to limit your freedom of choice more than folks from various races w/various hair colors and textures. They color, straighten, curl, guilt-free. #2. You remind me why I chose locs. I love having natural hair, AND I enjoy length and movement. Whatever you decide, thanks for sharing your heart and your journey.
i wonder if there would be less 4c hair girilies wanting to straighten their hair or wear wigs if there were better tutorials on how to style ACTUAL 4c hair that wasn't twists or wash outs. leaving my hair out in an afro does dry it and I have a bad habit of picking my hair so wearing it in a protective style is great, but I do suffer from shrinkage so I end up looking half my age when I don't want to. it doesn't help when most 4c hair tutorials are by women who have waist-length hair or type 3c hair mislabeled as 4c. i rarely see 4c hair style tutorials that reflects my hair type, 4c, low porosity, shrinkage, short.
There r actually TONS- I'm big on bantu knots, big crazy chunky braids, banded styles, etc. And then if u ever get tired u can get locs and grow them to your waist like a princess!!!! Relaxers have been found to be FILLED with carcinogens and we have forgotten all about it in our pursuit of "seeing our length" and "saving time" and falling for the lie of "locs don't offer versatility" My sisters do updos, curls, twist, intricate braids, bantu knots, etc. AND do extensions on them when they wanna add a color to the ends. Relaxers shouldn't even be a choice, but if it is it should be the last resort (especially if u have hair loss or alopecia like our Queen Star Puppy)
all of this is my story, people don't get it unless they have this hair type. There is no such thing as leaving it alone without tons of breakage & tangling.
Haircare is just time consuming regardless of texture and unfortunately some hair types and density make require additional effort. If anything girls and women often have a lot responsibilities that don't leave them with much time and energy to care for themselves. House chores, taking care other people/kids, work ( black women get so much work unfairly dumped on us at workplaces) and school. Its even worse if you're disabled, we don't get as much support. Wigs, braids/protective styles, locs or straightened hair gives us time to care for ourselves in other ways. We deal with a lot of bs and stress I don't blame any of us seeking to make a single thing in our life easier. But relaxers and the health risks just ain't it
We love you no matter what you do! Who knows, you may start another natural journey in the future 😂 that’s the fun of our hair. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in video essays!
Hi there. I just want to say I totally understand the desire to change something about your hair. I've had locs since 2006. Over the years, I've cut and colored them for a different look. I love the ease of my locs maintenance, but i won't lie. I've been contemplating the idea of combing them out and having my loose natural hair out again, starting a new hair journey. 😮
Danielle, girl! You do you! When you said you can get to your scalp, I understood fully! I’ve been doing Japanese permanent hair straightening since November 2023, about 3 times so far, every 3-4 months and I LOVE IT! For my current lifestyle, Japanese hair straightening works for me. Research what you want and go for it.
Cons of Japanese hair straightening: ⚫️it’s expensive! Save your coins girl! ⚫️it takes a long time to get the process done. 5 hours at the salon. ⚫️you will need to focus on your scalp health. Brush your scalp and oil it, especially when it’s close to retouch time, dealing with natural roots and straight ends.
This is the internal dialogue we have as black women. I feel you Danielle! That’s why I cut mine back in 2021, and now it’s grown back so I’m learning it once again. I figure the second time around, I’ll have better knowledge on how to take care of it. I wish you well in your decision! 💕
Straighten your hair if you want babe, we’ll still be here! But relaxers are very harmful and rarely are done well. Its less risk to just heat train your hair. You keep your fullness and health and are able to get the ease of straight hair with out the chemicals.
Sending you tons of love ❤ and best wishes in whatever you decide to do with your hair. You deserve to have hair that fits in with your lifestyle. I have seen your journey with fluffnugget and you inspire me to embrace my 4c hair. Nomatter what you do I will be here watching. And btw you will definitely thrive when you go on to do more commentary videos 🎉
I really hope you'll consider locs! I was wearing passion twists for the exact reasons you described. When i finally switched to locs, it was like all the things I loved about passion twists except ALL THE TIME, with the added bonus pride/comfort of it all being my natural hair. Locs are low maintenance and provide easy access to the scalp, and help your thrive due to the lack of manipulation they require. Relaxers are high maintenance, high in harmful chemicals, and may not do well with your fine hair...
It’s your head on your head so definitely do whatever brings YOU peace! I’m natural and I’ve thought about relaxing my hair again because I got tired of the work of natural hair. Right now I just blow my hair out and keep it in protective styles.
Consider mini braids or mini twists. That way you can get to your scalp with ease and style your hair effectively. It may be as low maintenance as the passion twists. And you can undo them and style your hair however you want. I'm not sure relaxed hair/creamy crack is worth the risk.
I agree with other commenters, I've been watching you since I was in middle school and im going to college now! I say that to say I've seen how much trouble you've gone through for your hair. So if a relaxer brings you peace I say go for it! You can always go natural again. Also, consider locs!
Relaxing your hair, hey, it's worth a try to simplify things for you. From what I remember, relaxed hair required a lot of heat to keep it straight. Humidity would make it not quite straight in certain parts of my head where I had different textures, but yeah, detangling would probably be such a non‐problem it would be amazing. Relaxer does weird things to the scalp and once it gets in the blood stream, but hopefully you find some relaxers that aren't as harmful to your health (what does relaxer even do do to a scalp affected by alopecia?)! You can get big hair with rollers and curling irons if you have straightened hair, but rollers can be painful! Good luck in your journey Danielle! I'm wishing you the best in whatever you choose!
It’s just hair. Do what you want. You’re beautiful no matter what and I think it’s more than clear and obvious you love your natural hair, your race, and your culture. Trying something different with your hair doesn’t change that. I understand our hair is a big part of expressing ourselves aesthetically so however you want to express yourself is awesome, accepted, and amazing ❤
I highly recommend sister locs!! As an alternative. Lots of flexibility, chemical free, easy scalp access, easy washing, lots of styling options etc. :). OR micro locs you can add extensions to those With your fine hair relaxers may cause breakage!! Lots and lots of breakage
I relaxed my hair and cut it into a bob a month ago, after 8 years natural. My natural hair was 4c, fine strands, very prone to dryness and single strand knots. I never really enjoyed doing my hair, even when it was relaxed previously. I need low maintenance. Now, I wash in 30 minutes, wrap it in 5-10 and I’m done for the week except maybe a night to moisturize in between. Ultimately, although for us it’s not usually just hair, it is really… just hair. I was tired of dedicating so much mental space (and time) to hair care. Ironically, one of the relaxed girlies I follow posted about maybe going natural. It’s just hair, you can always go back to whatever you were doing before.
Hi, Danielle! I wanted to say that I've always loved your channel and wish you the best, no matter what you decide. You've brought so much support, kindness, knowledge, and encouragement to so many women and girls with 4C hair, myself included. Based on that, I wanted to at least throw it out there to be careful of the reproductive side effects of relaxer that not many talk about (though I know you do your research!). Since there are so many sources of information out here, I always encourage perusing peer-reviewed articles and studies on the topic. Thanks again for being your amazing self and much love to you on your journeys (both hair and otherwise) wherever they take you! 🎊❤
Do what makes you happy! This has also been a season of change in my life. Something is definitely in the water! It's very freeing to do what works for you and not worry about what other people think.
It's your hair but I will say, relaxers are not low maintenance. I think the chemicals and issues they cause aren't worth it. Now, I've been a "Straight natural" for 2 years. Even if you choose to blow dry your hair regularly, you'll find that makes styling and maintenance 10x easier.
Do whatever YOU want to do. My only concern is the same one others are saying, which is the long term health effects but again that's your call to make. We're here for you and your personality not just fluff nugget ❤
Mmmmm NO!! Please love your antennas girl, the downloads from the sun we receive are extraordinary. Feeling like going straight get a silk press or wear a long wig lol 😂
As someone who has a relaxer just get keratin. It's less damaging and sightly less maintenance. Plus if you ever decide to switch back to natural you have that flexibility.
I think the risky part of a relaxer (apart from the obvious) is your combo of fine hair and being predisposed alopecia. My hair texture changed from 4b to 3b due to lupus, and the lupus has also caused extensive alopecia. Ain't nowhere for the gaps to hide with 3b hair!! I'd still be able to conceal them with 4b 😥 Loose textured hair is the auntie who tells the world all your secrets 😬 So I've ended up using wigs a lot of the time and I reeeally hate how they feel on my head. Best of luck with whatever you choose; and best of luck with the change in direction for your channel - how exciting!! 👏🏾🧡
All the conflictions you have with your hair are the same as I had with mine. I can can tell that you really love your hair, and it definitely can be really frustrating when you love your hair so much to make a decision on what to do with it. The answer for you hair is right in front of you since you keep mentioning twists and going back to them a lot, loving your curls and texture. I encourage you to look into doing more research on locs because there are more than just the thick ones out there! There are so many different types and sizes and methods of maintaining, and you may find that what you were looking for is in that area before relaxing. If you are not satisfied after trying you can always comb them out and relax your hair. I look forward to seeing future content from you, so don't fret too much, your hair will let you know what it wants.
I agree with a lot of the comments here ……. locs are the answer. I was loose natural since 2013 (big Chop) finally got tired of the maintenance and decided to start locs a year ago. Truly feel like i should’ve started them sooner. Do locs 🙌🏾
I understand how you feel. Although I never considered going back to relaxers, I've gone through similar frustrations about how high maintenance my hair is. A lot of people think it's just a styling thing, but my biggest issue is detangling. Styling for me takes minutes while detangling takes days because my hair likes to stick together. But as I thought on it more, I realized the issue wasn't just hair, it was the fact that I didn't feel like I had any control of my life. Things just seemed to go wrong out of no where, and my hair became easy to hyper focus on because it's the one thing I can control.
I really relate to this video. While I am not thinking of relaxing my hair, I have been thinking of cutting my 4c, almost shoulder-length hair. I just want something low-maintenance in my life right now. The only thing is to figure out how short I want it.
I totally understand where your coming from with all your points. Only 4c girlies will truly understand the struggle it can be and how frustrating it can be. Try mini twists before you do chemicals! mini twists are easy cute and versatile. Def do what’s best for you❤️ it’s possible to have healthy processed hair!!! ( texturized / relaxed / colored )
I relaxed my hair this weekend. My hair now takes half the time to wash, I can detangle in 5 minutes or less, I didn't have any crazy breakage, and the texture is still giving kinky straight blowout with a curl. Just moisturizer and 4 braids overnight for a gorgeous braid out that I prepared in less than 10 minutes. Correct decision for me ❤. I use deep conditioner on schedule, I always oil and butter MY ENDS, I slathered coconut oil all over my hair and scalp the night before, and I washed the relaxer out like 15 times with silk elements neutralizing shampoo which is probably why my hair stayed so healthy. I was prepping like a hawk hunting for fish
Here just giving you support. I save so much money being relaxed myself it’s insane. My arms are thanking me to but do what’s best for you and your hair
@@lashawnbrady7156 my research and preparation really did save my hair from damage yeah. It's still shining and smooth and flowing, I didn't get too much breakage like I expected, and I made sure to get everything I needed beforehand (especially a good quality neutralizing shampoo, silk elements is the goat)
@@far6311 I love that! There’s a new age of relaxed girlies and more information than ever b4 these days for relaxed and natural hair. I past bra length cuz of the academy of RUclips lol hairlious put me on after starting my relaxed hair journey after my big chop
This is tough. I’ve been natural for many years now too and I’ve been feeling the same urge for change recently. With pretty much the same pros/cons list. So I feel your pain. Perhaps the best path is the middle ground? Something like the Beautiful Textures Naturally Straight Treatment? It’s a chemical process, but not as severe as an actual relaxer and does leave some texture in your hair (so you may still have volume when you wear it curly) while also brilliantly preventing reversion in humidity when you wear it straight.
Looking forward to your commentary videos! This video is so timely for me. I've been having similar reflections. Like you, I love long hair. My 4b/4c hair also has 80% shrinkage, and I live in a humid location, so half of the time I wear box braids. But I would like to just wear my own hair, you know? Lately I've been wearing twists with no added hair. I keep them stretched and can make some cute styles, but I wish I didn't have to spend an entire day every few weeks retwisting. So relaxers come to mind, but I'm always discouraged by the health risks, and like you said, after all this work it would feel like a step back. Personally I don't want straight hair, I just want hair that doesn't shrink. I know locs are a good option but I would miss having the option to wear my curls out. I guess ultimately, the solution would be to just accept once and for all my hair in its natural, shrunken state.
I think the answer is do what works for you in the end. However, just thought I woul let you know that you inspired me to start passion twists. I will be wearing them all throughout my first semester of nursing school. Wish me luck for both because I have never tried either before. That being said I normally style my hair in twists, so adding extensions to prolong the style seems safe enough to me.
It's your decision, but I dunno why locs aren't on the the table. That's what I ran to when I got tired of dealing with my loose natural hair, and it's been a really good decision so far. Also, yeah, relaxer literally kills us over time soooo....
I think locs with added hair could be a great option for you. The additional hair upon application would give you more volume and help with the thin appearance of your natural strands. You would also be able to begin the journey with the length and density you want rather than having to grow into it over time. Sounds like it could be the ease of the passion twists without the need to remove and reapply them over time. I believe they are called instant locs.
I think atp we all know relaxers aren’t good for you, but a lot of us do this with ourselves; going back and forth until we ultimately make a decision, and unlike our mothers who just slapped a relaxer in our heads without any concern, she’s taking the decision seriously and is weighing the pros and cons. At the end of the day, I’m not going to force someone to decide to do something I wouldn’t do because people are going to make their own decisions afterwards. Do what makes you happy. At least we know what happens if we choose to go that route and thanks for even sharing something this intimate while having to tackle so many opinions.
The way chemically straighting my hair crosses my mind daily. what it is like to have straight every day. I want to do it, but i want my scalp to be healthy.
Hair is such a delicate subject for black women and I will not tell you what to do with your beautiful tresses. However, the health dangers of relaxers is worth considering before you decide. Personally I’d consider being a straight hair natural versus relaxing that way I can still rock my Afro or curly hair when I want to or also twist it if I was a loc look etc. The most versatile and healthiest way to go is staying natural but whatever you decide sis, we’ll support you 🙌🏽 ❤
I’m a natural hair woman and I use heat now. I don’t care. I only style my natural hair when it’s blown out and for the most part I wear protective styles. I’ve noticed I like to deal with my hair more when it’s blow dried out. So I keep my hair in braids, wigs, or sew ins when I can. I’m apprehensive about locs and I won’t get them because it’s too permanent for me. Great video!
It can be risky with relaxers because they are notorious for causing and exacerbating scalp issues. Because of the history of Alopecia, it is important to keep scalp inflammation under control. Relaxers make this much harder to do. I think locs are a better solution in this situation.
If you like your wearing hair staight or it's easier for you. Try being a straight hair natural first or heat train. Ever since I started being a straight natural my hair has be the best it's ever been in my opinion, it's has finally grown past my shoulders after being stuck at neck length for 4 years. Praying for you to find whatever works best for you and your hair. Do your research and don't worry about the negative opinions of others.
Girl, I adore you regardless. I think you're beautiful inside and out. With a head full of hair or bald. Your energy is just so infectious ❤ Keep being great ❤
Exactly 💯 theres a lot of tension used to install & retwist locs, definitely not good for alopecia. She's constantly bombarded with loc comments but for those who missed her last live, she already stated she doesn't want locs & likes the versatility of loose hair. Locs are nice but they aren't for everyone.
Your hair your choice.❤😊. Also wish my 4c hair was low maintenance 😖 was going to relax it too but ended up cutting it off.😢 Just don't love the stress it gives me right now. Maybe next year I will be able to ❤ it again
I got microlocs in Feb. It's so easy daily. I just wake up and spray water. I have thin hair too. So far, so good. I get to do all the styles i never got to do, like putting my hair in a ponytail, waking up and going. No more hair products. Also my hair is now growing, previously falling out and breaking due to stress.
I’m a straight natural. You don’t have to wrap it at night, I keep my hair straight and haven’t wrapped in so long that when I did try to wrap it, my hair asked me who I was talking to 😂 I think you’re also thinking that you’d have to blow dry or straighten, which isn’t necessarily the case - especially if you had a texturizer, Texlax (which is what I did pre-transition) or relaxer, fluff nugget would already be pretty straight so you wouldn’t need to add heat to straighten it with a blow dry or even flatiron. You could air dry and do heartless curls or try the heartless straightening methods for even straighter hair. Straight hair doesn’t have as many options as coils but it’s not as limited as it used to be. But I’m here for whatever you decide, just giving some advice ❤
What's going on with these wash routines that take HOURS you guys? I have natural hair, it takes me about an hour to detangle, wash, condition, moisturize and style.
My hair is very long and dense, and every time I wash it it's out of a protective style so there's lots of shedding. I can't even detangle my hair in 4 sections, I have to use 8 😭 So it's 8 sections for washing, 8 sections for conditioning, 8 sections for blowdrying, and I usually do braids which takes god knows how long. My wash day takes days lol
@@tiannna yeah I remember the hell of doing my own braids. I would leave them in for months because the dread of having to take them down and reinstall them was intense. My go to style right now is a low bun. Takes like five or six minutes every morning. Comfortable. I look cute and chic whether I'm in jeans or a cocktail dress. Life is better. I recommend every type 4 girl learn to master a simple bun, it's life changing.
@@jodammerungii6134 ok, I completely understand that depending on what kind of style you're doing it can take a lot of time to style. But I'm still so confused about the washing and conditioning. How is that taking two hours? I swear I'm not trying to be slick or funny. I'm genuinely curious because that sounds horrible and we need to be putting our heads together trying to figure out how to cut this down to something more manageable.
Honestly I had the same desire a few years back. I ended up impulsively relaxing my hair. To tell you the truth when it's super straight it boring too. I found a happy medium which is texlaxed. I can still do natural hairstyles while my hair is easier to manage. And it I wanted to do straight hair hairstyles I can easily use heatless methods and get great results. I love a twist out on my texlaxed hair currently. Hope you can choose what's best for you.
Two thiiings got me 🤣8:39 - WOULD I CONSIDER?! I think not. And the reference to fine natural hair being like fluffy greens shrinking to nothing 😂😂 friend. I feel you .
I support whatever. Some people really do benefit from relaxers. But I would also suggest locing it up too. I’d watch Keke J here on RUclips. She’s been loc’d for a few years now and her locs are so cute and are thriving. I think you’d look really cute with locs.
Sweetest danielle, a huge con is uterine and ovarian cancer, I really recommend u try out locs, it will kinda be like the passion twists you rock so well ❤❤❤
Girl, I’ve been there!!! Nothing seems to work so relaxing starts to look like the best option. I will support you in whichever direction you choose for your hair! Just remember to write out your decision in a journal before jumping the gun! Such as: will you be okay with starting over with a TWA if you wanted to go back to natural? Have you looked into Beautiful Textures treatment where you can have straight hair AND be able to wash it out to have your natural hair, maybe a baking soda texturizer once every 6mo/ to loosen your texture mildly? You have a lot of options to consider but whichever way you choose you will always be beautiful inside and out. Praying for you & your journey 🥰😘
As someone who thought relaxer would fix my hair woes, the answer is locs. Locs!!
Thank you! I went through cooking my scalp with relaxers to stressing over my natural hair, settled on locs. Never been happier. I've got length and fullness, and they're so low maintenance and easy to clean. I hope she gets locs.
I like my loose hair now but I can see myself getting locs because I've lived I braids while everyone else was on a loc journey and I have commitment issues. but it really was the same thing but not permeant. life is so much better when you embrace the frizz.
100
girl yes. i love my locs bad. i loc'd my hair once it got to the straight length goal i wanted. I wore my hair natural at the time. couldn't enjoy my hair straight without gaining heat damage and i did a trial with twists during covid so nothing was left holding me back from loc'ing it
@@feji88 agreed! 30 mins to wash my hair MAX compared to 4 hours when I was a loose natural! And no more detangling or blow drying 😫🙌🏾
relaxer is not low maintainance. it just has different pros and cons. you will always have to "fix" the hair that grows out, it will always look great for maybe a week or two before the roots start affecting the style. at that point, you'll probably turn to hair straighteners or other methods.
if you're realistic about it, go for it. but it's not a magic potion, just a temporary exchange of problems and benifits. untill it wears off and you start again
Relaxers are low maintenance. Moisturize day and not and do a protein treatment once a week and wear a bonnet. But instead of this taking two hours to come through it takes ten minutes for my routine.
Relaxers are linked to cancer and other health issues in BW. You'd probably be better off flat-ironing or using some other straightening method.
YES!!!!
Every one have issues with their hair, such it up and move on and stop complaining a cancer patient will be happy with any kind of hair
As someone who suffers from fibroids that were linked to relaxers YES. You wanna be reproductively healthy? TRY SOMETHING ELSE. You will have to let go of your uterus at some point. You better hope it’s after you want kids if that’s your thing.
@@pureceeparis
Exactly 💯 excellent advice 👏 👌
The ingredients that are being linked to cancer and fibroids are also found in other haircare, beauty and household products.
2 years ago I went back to relaxer thinking it would be a bit easier but it wasn’t 😂 I just wasn’t good at doing hair period.! Every time my strands kept snapping, and due to you and I having fine strands, it’s not gonna look as luscious relaxed. Also it messed up my scalp. My scalp flakes soooo much more. So just loc. You retain length so quickly, it’s good health wise, and you don’t have to style it at all really. Plus you like to keep your twists in for longer than it’s supposed to 😂 so you seem to like that sort of look.
@@Jam-dp1vb I think you're onto something. The real issue a lot of the girlies are running into is they have never learned how to successfully style and care for their hair period. Because they go on to describe all the time and effort that goes into wigs and weaves and chemical straighteners as if it's not just as much as their natural hair would be. I remember my hair looking terrible relaxed and looking not so great natural because I had no idea about basic styling and care. Now I do so having natural 4c hair is simple. Barring a strange hair day that anyone of any hair texture can have, I always like the way my hair looks. It's cut into a shape that is flattering to me and my features. That helps a ton. On any given day I can style it in an updo that takes 10 min or less (loosely tied low bun is my go to) or wear it down which may take 15 minutes if I'm doing something more elaborate like chunky twists for definition. This doesn't HAVE to be hard you guys, I promise.
@@Val-8CH yesss! I’ve finally figured out what routine and products work for me! Products have gotten so much better over the years. Ive gotten better at styling my hair and I 1000% think that cutting your hair to a good shape helps you feel better about styling. Styling isn’t as hard for me anymore. Now when it comes to cornrowing and intricate braiding, I’m still not the best when it comes to that 😅 But I just do what I think is nice and I do my hair once a week because that’s what’s best for my scalp and hair.
If I lock my natural, will I need maintenance ? Like relocking it and stuff ?, How does all that work ?
@@magenta7702 with any hairstyle you have you’re going to need to do some sort of maintenance. You will need a retwist when it grows out, and you’d have to ask a loctician or watch RUclips videos on maintenance because I don’t have locs.
why relax it vs. loc'ing it up? relaxers are so harmful to your body
Exactly. Like the research on relaxers is enough for me to say nope. It's not worth the risk.
Was looking for this comment!!!! We can find easier styles without raising our risk for cancer!!!
EXACTLY
She said in a past video that she likes long hair which is why she always puts those twists in. Locs means that she’ll have to wait a few years for them to hang and not many people are willing to wait.
i was seconds away from joining the relaxer gang when i thankfully started finding out about microlocs… BEST decision i’ve ever made
Is relaxing your scalp going to help or hurt the scalp issues you already have?. Do whatever you like. But heavy on the switching problems for different ones. Locs, since you like passion twists so much would be lovely on you, access to your scalp, you get a similar look to what you wear now, save you can always comb them out. I’m transitioning to straight natural soon. How much is humidity keeping you from having a better relationship with your hair? Straight hair and alopecia may be a struggle. But you can truly do anything, and this may be a much needed journey or lesson to affirm you somewhere in your life. Just remember, relaxing your hair is linked to cancer.
I honestly wondered about her scalp as well. I have scalp issues and that's why I refuse to go back.
Exactly what I was thinking> Relaxers would worsen hair loss!
The self poisoning factor is enough for me.
Honestly, hair, in any state, will have major pros and cons to include cost of time, money, effort, appearance...all of them have these issues and cost something. I think the determining factor for which problems you'd like to foster should be solely based on your heart's desires and your health...
Can't wait to see what you decide.
commenting again bc I've been following a long time and love you... sounds like your priorities are ease of access to your scalp and low maintenance. this is definitely locs! they're still very versatile, its all your own natural healthy hair, they grow fast ASFFF.. a godsent
AMEN!!!!
I agree
Yes to locs!!
Actually locs doesn’t grow any faster than loose natural hair. What happens is more length is retained and shed hair gets trapped in the locs and adds to length.
Nothing against locs, but that’s what accounts for what looks like fast growth.
Yesss getting microlocs changed my life!!! I feel so free!! 🙌🏾No more detangling, shampoo every 2 weeks, very minimal products. Truly the best decision I've ever made
Honey chile- relaxers are FILLED with carcinogens and long-term can end your life. Why not just do locs? U would keep your natural pattern, be GREAT at retwists, and it would be like the twists you wear now but YOUR HAIR! I have friends with waist-length locs but I've NEVER seen someone with waist-length relaxed hair 😅
Agree!! AND you would have access to your scalp.
hairlistabomb is a youtuber who has long relaxed hair, so it's possible.
@@Vienna-ng6ix long don't mean healthy and doesn't mean they won't suffer in the long run 🤷🏾♀️ plus what works for them may not necessarily work for Star Puppy who has a history of scalp issues and hair loss
@@Vienna-ng6ix plus her hair looks thin at the ends and isn't waist length- I haven't seen a ton of women with waist-length relaxed hair that looks full and healthy but I've seen HUNDREDS of POC with thick, luscious locs down to their waist ❤️ and unlike with perms, their choice of styling doesn't come with risks of chemical burns and cancer ❤️
Relaxed hair breaks off so fast because it weakens the bonds in order to straighten it, nothing low maintenance about it
Get locs, sis. Come on over. You'd have the most gorgeous, full, thick, disrespectful LOCS EVER!! Think about it!!!
Hi what locs is best for fine hair
@@Moyafran1I have fine strands and a lot of hair so I got medium size locs. It depends on your head size and density of your hair. You probably want to consult with a loctician to be sure
@@Moyafran1 depends on your density. I have fine hair but I have medium density so I got sisterlocs. I cut them off after 7 years so now I have mini braidlocs. You can also do thicker locs also. Either way, they’ll thicken up and they mature. Just do some RUclips research until you’re comfortable and you’ll be good. It took me a year to decide which locs I wanted.
Medium works best...they're quite thin in the beginning but they thicken right up i had about 45-50 locs @@Moyafran1
Not everyone wants locs .
I think ease was the biggest reason as to why I first relaxed my hair ages ago. But you have to remember why you went natural in the first place! I realized that relaxed hair was never easy--it takes SO much more effort to not break and destroy it. Natural hair, despite some of its downsides, is the most beautiful, versatile, and healthy.
I support you no matter your decision, Danielle. It's your hair, it's your head, it's your life. The only reason I haven't relaxed mine is because I like box braids too much and my hair is too weak for both. Do you boo!
Thx for not hating on her. Like yeah relaxed isn’t the best option, but most of these comments are bashing her and not even realize that at the end of the day, it’s her head and her hair!!!
*relaxing
Danielle I love you no matter your choice.....just remember it doesn't have to be a bone straight or knots and tangles. If you do go the chemical route relax your hair so slightly that it will resemble a blowout. Not destroying your natural coily pattern. I just braid my natural hair...leave it in on average about 4 months. New growth is rapid this way. I do keep it buttered and sprayed for moisture. This is my low maintenance plan. Love ya❤
This is my method too. Braid my own hair, wash and condition the braids once a week (takes 20 minutes), then re braid or blow out every 6 to 8 weeks. Very simple and easy and my hair is tail bone length. Day to day wear is simply putting the braids in a bun style.
Whichever will bring you the most peace 🧘🏾♀️ in the long and short term gets my vote! 🫂🤗🙏🏾
Ditto that!
💯
Pros: easy - Cons: cancer
💯
Easier^ every hair has it’s struggles. Nothing is easy
@@TinyyTinkerbell So true
She can still get cancer with natural hair..
Anyone can get cancer
The answer is locs. Life changing + ease of mind + easy on the pocket book lol
I love these loc recommendations! Relaxers are anything but low maintenance. They're a train ticket to bad thin hair days if you don't do a lot of maintenance.
There has been a bit of personal growth, soul-searching, and creative changes in the air.
You are waaaaay better off just wearing wigs. I had relaxer in from age 7 to 19 and I am never going back. When I did my big chop I had SCARS all over my scalp. And when comparing my strands before and after I noticed how damaged and dead my hair was. Yes, it's "easy" but it's not. You have to still maintain your hair once a month and reapply relaxer every 2-3months, and the burns scars will STAY. I wouldn't be suprised if it also affected my healths issues (my mom also started relaxers before having me) You do you boo, but I honestly don't recommend it. Maybe go for a big chop/super short hair and have fun with wigs, but as long as you happy we are happy ❤
Yep- relaxer is filled with carcinogens and heavy metals 😅
But fr, I feel like the 2000s have been coming back with a fury, and that includes so many girls going back to relaxers. Besides all the cultural implications, I truly am surprised how many girls forgot/ don't take seriously the very real health risks that come with relaxers!!! If you're craving straight hair, why not just get regular still presses/ blow outs? But if you're just wanting that "change" I strongly recommend locs!!
As someone who was also fed up w my type 4 natural hair after so many years of shrinkage, dryness, laziness etc, getting locs was the best decision I coulda made🙏🏾 2 years deep and my my wash "days" are now 15 min. I swang my hair back and forth, exponential growth, gotten box braids and wigs over top of it, no longer have to deal with breakage, picking at my hair, and being able to shake and go! I could literally go on for a century about the pros lol. If you do consider locs Danielle, I will say shrinkage WILL happen with the initial install, but it'll be so worth it❤
YES LOC GANG!!!!
@@africanodyssey4805 💯‼️‼️
@@Keasha274 they don't have to be permanent. I had them for 4 years, combed them down and realized that if I didn't leave them up for more than 6 months then I could keep them from becoming permanent. Now if I do locs I deep condition and comb them down every 3-4 months, wash my hair, detangle, and do them over again. I blowdry it and get it cut once a yr. There are even different kinds of permanent locs if you want more versatility: sister locs, micro locs, etc. Not liking them is fine, but they are more versatile than most folks think and anyone with coily hair can rock them for whatever length of time they want if they are willing to try! I feel like as a community once we get tired of the effort it takes to care for our tresses we equate it to being tired of our coils and now many are choosing a life of heat or chemical damage in the hopes of having to manipulate the hair less when they can just find low manipulation hair styles that retain their coils and prevent long-term damage. Relaxers are filled with carcinogens that have been linked to uterine cancer- one would think that folks would avoid that option like the plague 🥹 I had a relaxer for years and now that I'm fighting balding and uterine problems this topic is close to my heart ❤️
@Keasha274 i get what you're trying to say, but locs don't need to be permanent. And isn't chemically relaxing hair also "permanent" in a way? In order to go back to normal you'll need to big chop or slowly transition. Locs can simply be combed out, they get combed out all the time. It's not a life contract if you don't want it to be.
@@africanodyssey4805 💯🫶🏾🙌🏾
I went from only natural curls TO braid outs TO wigs TO straight hair natural (using Beautiful Textures Naturally Straight Texturizer Kit) TO now using extensions and clip ins. We change and experiment and hey...that's ok. And you owe ZERO explanation. Just have fun with your hair and make sure with each style your hair stays healthy. 💖
I thought straight hair natural meant no chemicals?
@@MelaninMonroe222It does. The straighteners that the OP referenced definitely has formaldehyde and is also harmful.
@@MelaninMonroe222 that’s what I thought. That’s why I only used the beautifully textured. It scared me because it was in a box but it’s only to use to keep your straight look longer. You can go back to curly any time. I wouldn’t recommend for curlies who don’t want a looser curl over time. I stopped using it and with many trims my hair is back thicker without heat. Now I’m thinking about being a mini twist gal. I’m sure I’ll switch again in the future. 😂
Clip Ins are horrible for the scalp and can cause traction alopecia if used more than a few times a year, please be careful.
I respect your decision, whatever you decide to do. I've been watching you for years and you've given me so much confidence with my natural hair. My hair is loc'ed and I highly recommend it for you for the ease, versatility, and health of your natural hair
What about it sister locs? Or any kind of locs? You can style sister locs all kinds of ways!
I started relaxing my hair after over 15 years of being natural. (with my cosmo knowledge) I don't care about what other people think is black enough anymore! My hair has been long, I've been bald. It's been colored, cut and bleached. I like to wear extensions, weaves, braids etc. and tbh honest this has been the most versatile I've been able to do my hair and it not take 1million hours of my life. DO WHAT YOU WANT. Do what works for you! I'm going to watch you anyway!
I enjoyed watching you go through the pros and cons of to relax or not relax. Whatever brings you happiness. I'm choosing to just work with my natural. Definitely a love/ hate relationship 😅
The spinach/collard greens analogy about straightening fine hair 😭 a little too relatable! 😂
Several people I've known has went back to relaxers. Do what is best for you and if you don't like it you can always go back to natural. Girl it's your head so do what makes you happy ITS JUST HAIR. Much love ❤️ 😍 ❤
💯
@@Arielle_C93 ❤️❤️
DON’T DO IT!!! 😱😱😱
Agreed, i shared my experience with relaxers above. It thins your hair out and you end up having to add fake hair to make up for that
@@lalittl right?! Not to mention the long-term effects! So many older black women are thinning and balding after years of superficial chemical burns to their scalps. I don't have a single ain't, grandma, or older cousin that isn't suffering from thinning and they all were relaxed 10+ yrs. I'm still fighting balding around my hairline and I transitioned yrs ago 😭
😂😂
I agree, if you wanna "relax" your curls just use heat. It'll relax them kinks that isn't cancerous. Makes hair way more manageable.
Sincerely, a blowdry natural with hip length 4c hair.
@@julyjones5500 what's your routine? That's amazing I'm scared I'll get heat damage
My hair history:
Natural as a small child
Relaxed 25 years
Transitioning 18 months
Natural 10 years
Relaxed 3 years
Currently, I’m transitioning back to natural (2 months post touch up). My main reason is, I realize I like wearing my hair with minimal maintenance. Contrary to popular belief, chemically treated hair is a CRAP TON of work! It’s not simply shampoo,condition, blow dry. Not if you’re prone to dryness and breakage.
I simply no longer desire to baby my hair to this extent.
Careful with those relaxers. My hair was relaxed from age 7yrs to 33yrs. I had to have a major surgery in 2019 to remove fibroids (myomectomy). It took 9 weeks to recover from it. I had to use a walker to get around for weeks. Even laughing caused severe pain. Not saying this will happen to you, but it's happened to many black women.
I know white women who have had fibroids who never used relaxers
@@Tahihaexactly. The fibroid link to relaxers hasn't been proven. Obesity & poor diet are the biggest factors. That's proven.
Agreed! Relaxers are horrible for us black women. I haven't had one since I was 21 and had my first child. I'm on child #5 and happily natural.
Yeah, had and have fibroids. Did the whole myomectomy thing, and they grew back. No relaxer.
@@Tahihado you think relaxers are the only cause of fibroids??
I recently transitioned to natural and had my big chop after 13 months transitioning. I’m seeing my natural hair for the first time in my life. I have 4a hair. I will never get another relaxer ❤
Lucky you. 4c hair is a beast.
Unapologetically 29 year old unicorn of African descent girl here. Just came to say that I have been natural for about 9 years now. I have been diagnosed with trichotillomania since I was in middle school. mostly caused by the feel good stress relief. I have came to say that even though I have been natural for years. I know NOTHING about my hair. Absolutely NOTHING I don’t know what type it is, how to style it properly, I barely know how to de tangle it. I was never interested in my own hair, I just didn’t want to relax my hair anymore because I started to have really sensitive skin on my head and I decided to go natural. It has been a rollercoaster of course with having trichotillomania and being natural but I am and still overcoming daily life. What I have discovered over the years is that other people LOVE doing hair. Styling and brushing etc. so I decided to pay people to love my hair and give it what it deserves. I don’t care how it looks, I don’t care how long it is. I’m just happy to have it.❤😅❤ thank you for listening. Sincerely a girl who could care less about hair and all its positive or negative attributes to society
Have you weighed in locs as an option? All the pros that you listed especially convenience wise are things that locs will give you also but minus the chemicals and breakage that relaxers entail! I've watched you and Fluff Nugget for years, so I totally feel the fear of making a drastic change that may set you all the way back. Whatever you do, as long as you can mentally prepare yourself to potentially start over and potentially lose your length and such like that, you should do it! If things dont work out, I think that life is short and self expression is valuable! Whatever you decide, just know that you've gotten yourself to this point, and if you end up wanting to be back where you are, you do know what to do to get here again with time.
seconding everyone, it's Your hair not ours. and as daunting as it sounds if you don't like it you can always grow your natural hair out again
#1. You are free to do whatever you want with your hair with no blame, shame, or guilt. You don't owe loyalty to "the movement." No requirement to limit your freedom of choice more than folks from various races w/various hair colors and textures. They color, straighten, curl, guilt-free. #2. You remind me why I chose locs. I love having natural hair, AND I enjoy length and movement. Whatever you decide, thanks for sharing your heart and your journey.
See the title... Do you!!!! I'm gone support either way!!!!
i wonder if there would be less 4c hair girilies wanting to straighten their hair or wear wigs if there were better tutorials on how to style ACTUAL 4c hair that wasn't twists or wash outs. leaving my hair out in an afro does dry it and I have a bad habit of picking my hair so wearing it in a protective style is great, but I do suffer from shrinkage so I end up looking half my age when I don't want to. it doesn't help when most 4c hair tutorials are by women who have waist-length hair or type 3c hair mislabeled as 4c. i rarely see 4c hair style tutorials that reflects my hair type, 4c, low porosity, shrinkage, short.
There r actually TONS- I'm big on bantu knots, big crazy chunky braids, banded styles, etc. And then if u ever get tired u can get locs and grow them to your waist like a princess!!!! Relaxers have been found to be FILLED with carcinogens and we have forgotten all about it in our pursuit of "seeing our length" and "saving time" and falling for the lie of "locs don't offer versatility"
My sisters do updos, curls, twist, intricate braids, bantu knots, etc. AND do extensions on them when they wanna add a color to the ends. Relaxers shouldn't even be a choice, but if it is it should be the last resort (especially if u have hair loss or alopecia like our Queen Star Puppy)
Starring Lia has great tutorials for 4c hair. I do agree it’s hard to find true 4c / kinky textures on RUclips.
yeah trying to manipulate it is why it’s high maintenance. on its own it’s really not…but you’d need to work with the hair not against it
all of this is my story, people don't get it unless they have this hair type. There is no such thing as leaving it alone without tons of breakage & tangling.
Haircare is just time consuming regardless of texture and unfortunately some hair types and density make require additional effort. If anything girls and women often have a lot responsibilities that don't leave them with much time and energy to care for themselves. House chores, taking care other people/kids, work ( black women get so much work unfairly dumped on us at workplaces) and school. Its even worse if you're disabled, we don't get as much support. Wigs, braids/protective styles, locs or straightened hair gives us time to care for ourselves in other ways. We deal with a lot of bs and stress I don't blame any of us seeking to make a single thing in our life easier. But relaxers and the health risks just ain't it
Whatever you decide, I'm here for it all the way!!!
I had the same struggle a year ago, then I discovered two flat twists with a parting down the middle. Game changer.
We love you no matter what you do! Who knows, you may start another natural journey in the future 😂 that’s the fun of our hair.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in video essays!
Hi there. I just want to say I totally understand the desire to change something about your hair. I've had locs since 2006. Over the years, I've cut and colored them for a different look. I love the ease of my locs maintenance, but i won't lie. I've been contemplating the idea of combing them out and having my loose natural hair out again, starting a new hair journey. 😮
Locs are the easiest thing in the world!!!! I wish I would have loc’d my hair ten years sooner. I have had them for 12 years. Best thing ever!!!
Danielle, girl! You do you! When you said you can get to your scalp, I understood fully!
I’ve been doing Japanese permanent hair straightening since November 2023, about 3 times so far, every 3-4 months and I LOVE IT! For my current lifestyle, Japanese hair straightening works for me. Research what you want and go for it.
Cons of Japanese hair straightening:
⚫️it’s expensive! Save your coins girl!
⚫️it takes a long time to get the process done. 5 hours at the salon.
⚫️you will need to focus on your scalp health. Brush your scalp and oil it, especially when it’s close to retouch time, dealing with natural roots and straight ends.
Funny, I went natural because relaxers were too expensive/too much maintenance for me. Grass is always greener I suppose.
This is the internal dialogue we have as black women. I feel you Danielle! That’s why I cut mine back in 2021, and now it’s grown back so I’m learning it once again. I figure the second time around, I’ll have better knowledge on how to take care of it. I wish you well in your decision! 💕
I’m curly and I have some gray hair and I decided to leave my hair alone. Not more relaxer or coloring. I’m loving my hair in its natural state.❤
Straighten your hair if you want babe, we’ll still be here! But relaxers are very harmful and rarely are done well. Its less risk to just heat train your hair. You keep your fullness and health and are able to get the ease of straight hair with out the chemicals.
yeah frequent blowouts are so much less damage than relaxers. it’s worth it to just become a straight natural at the point of considering relaxer
Sending you tons of love ❤ and best wishes in whatever you decide to do with your hair. You deserve to have hair that fits in with your lifestyle. I have seen your journey with fluffnugget and you inspire me to embrace my 4c hair. Nomatter what you do I will be here watching. And btw you will definitely thrive when you go on to do more commentary videos 🎉
I really hope you'll consider locs! I was wearing passion twists for the exact reasons you described. When i finally switched to locs, it was like all the things I loved about passion twists except ALL THE TIME, with the added bonus pride/comfort of it all being my natural hair. Locs are low maintenance and provide easy access to the scalp, and help your thrive due to the lack of manipulation they require. Relaxers are high maintenance, high in harmful chemicals, and may not do well with your fine hair...
It’s your head on your head so definitely do whatever brings YOU peace! I’m natural and I’ve thought about relaxing my hair again because I got tired of the work of natural hair. Right now I just blow my hair out and keep it in protective styles.
Consider mini braids or mini twists. That way you can get to your scalp with ease and style your hair effectively. It may be as low maintenance as the passion twists. And you can undo them and style your hair however you want.
I'm not sure relaxed hair/creamy crack is worth the risk.
She doesn’t like her hair so that wouldn’t work
I agree with other commenters, I've been watching you since I was in middle school and im going to college now! I say that to say I've seen how much trouble you've gone through for your hair. So if a relaxer brings you peace I say go for it! You can always go natural again. Also, consider locs!
Relaxing your hair, hey, it's worth a try to simplify things for you.
From what I remember, relaxed hair required a lot of heat to keep it straight. Humidity would make it not quite straight in certain parts of my head where I had different textures, but yeah, detangling would probably be such a non‐problem it would be amazing. Relaxer does weird things to the scalp and once it gets in the blood stream, but hopefully you find some relaxers that aren't as harmful to your health (what does relaxer even do do to a scalp affected by alopecia?)!
You can get big hair with rollers and curling irons if you have straightened hair, but rollers can be painful! Good luck in your journey Danielle! I'm wishing you the best in whatever you choose!
It’s just hair. Do what you want. You’re beautiful no matter what and I think it’s more than clear and obvious you love your natural hair, your race, and your culture. Trying something different with your hair doesn’t change that. I understand our hair is a big part of expressing ourselves aesthetically so however you want to express yourself is awesome, accepted, and amazing ❤
💯 Why can't more folks think like you? So many judgemental ppl in these comments.
I highly recommend sister locs!! As an alternative. Lots of flexibility, chemical free, easy scalp access, easy washing, lots of styling options etc. :). OR micro locs you can add extensions to those
With your fine hair relaxers may cause breakage!! Lots and lots of breakage
I relaxed my hair and cut it into a bob a month ago, after 8 years natural. My natural hair was 4c, fine strands, very prone to dryness and single strand knots. I never really enjoyed doing my hair, even when it was relaxed previously. I need low maintenance. Now, I wash in 30 minutes, wrap it in 5-10 and I’m done for the week except maybe a night to moisturize in between. Ultimately, although for us it’s not usually just hair, it is really… just hair. I was tired of dedicating so much mental space (and time) to hair care.
Ironically, one of the relaxed girlies I follow posted about maybe going natural. It’s just hair, you can always go back to whatever you were doing before.
Hi, Danielle! I wanted to say that I've always loved your channel and wish you the best, no matter what you decide. You've brought so much support, kindness, knowledge, and encouragement to so many women and girls with 4C hair, myself included. Based on that, I wanted to at least throw it out there to be careful of the reproductive side effects of relaxer that not many talk about (though I know you do your research!). Since there are so many sources of information out here, I always encourage perusing peer-reviewed articles and studies on the topic. Thanks again for being your amazing self and much love to you on your journeys (both hair and otherwise) wherever they take you! 🎊❤
Do what makes you happy!
This has also been a season of change in my life. Something is definitely in the water! It's very freeing to do what works for you and not worry about what other people think.
It's your hair but I will say, relaxers are not low maintenance. I think the chemicals and issues they cause aren't worth it. Now, I've been a "Straight natural" for 2 years. Even if you choose to blow dry your hair regularly, you'll find that makes styling and maintenance 10x easier.
With alopecia being natural maybe best for scalp health.
Do whatever YOU want to do. My only concern is the same one others are saying, which is the long term health effects but again that's your call to make.
We're here for you and your personality not just fluff nugget ❤
Whatever you decide it will be fine. Either decision isn't permanent either, you can always change your hair whenever you want
Mmmmm NO!! Please love your antennas girl, the downloads from the sun we receive are extraordinary. Feeling like going straight get a silk press or wear a long wig lol 😂
As someone who has a relaxer just get keratin. It's less damaging and sightly less maintenance. Plus if you ever decide to switch back to natural you have that flexibility.
I think the risky part of a relaxer (apart from the obvious) is your combo of fine hair and being predisposed alopecia. My hair texture changed from 4b to 3b due to lupus, and the lupus has also caused extensive alopecia. Ain't nowhere for the gaps to hide with 3b hair!! I'd still be able to conceal them with 4b 😥 Loose textured hair is the auntie who tells the world all your secrets 😬
So I've ended up using wigs a lot of the time and I reeeally hate how they feel on my head.
Best of luck with whatever you choose; and best of luck with the change in direction for your channel - how exciting!! 👏🏾🧡
All the conflictions you have with your hair are the same as I had with mine. I can can tell that you really love your hair, and it definitely can be really frustrating when you love your hair so much to make a decision on what to do with it. The answer for you hair is right in front of you since you keep mentioning twists and going back to them a lot, loving your curls and texture. I encourage you to look into doing more research on locs because there are more than just the thick ones out there! There are so many different types and sizes and methods of maintaining, and you may find that what you were looking for is in that area before relaxing. If you are not satisfied after trying you can always comb them out and relax your hair. I look forward to seeing future content from you, so don't fret too much, your hair will let you know what it wants.
I agree with a lot of the comments here ……. locs are the answer. I was loose natural since 2013 (big Chop) finally got tired of the maintenance and decided to start locs a year ago. Truly feel like i should’ve started them sooner. Do locs 🙌🏾
I understand how you feel. Although I never considered going back to relaxers, I've gone through similar frustrations about how high maintenance my hair is. A lot of people think it's just a styling thing, but my biggest issue is detangling. Styling for me takes minutes while detangling takes days because my hair likes to stick together. But as I thought on it more, I realized the issue wasn't just hair, it was the fact that I didn't feel like I had any control of my life. Things just seemed to go wrong out of no where, and my hair became easy to hyper focus on because it's the one thing I can control.
Youve done enough for the natural hair gods. Give it a try just to have a change you want to try
I really relate to this video. While I am not thinking of relaxing my hair, I have been thinking of cutting my 4c, almost shoulder-length hair. I just want something low-maintenance in my life right now. The only thing is to figure out how short I want it.
I totally understand where your coming from with all your points. Only 4c girlies will truly understand the struggle it can be and how frustrating it can be. Try mini twists before you do chemicals! mini twists are easy cute and versatile. Def do what’s best for you❤️ it’s possible to have healthy processed hair!!! ( texturized / relaxed / colored )
I've been a straight natural for a year and a half now after being no heat/chemicals for 9 years and I don't care to go back. You do you boo! ❤❤
I relaxed my hair this weekend. My hair now takes half the time to wash, I can detangle in 5 minutes or less, I didn't have any crazy breakage, and the texture is still giving kinky straight blowout with a curl. Just moisturizer and 4 braids overnight for a gorgeous braid out that I prepared in less than 10 minutes. Correct decision for me ❤. I use deep conditioner on schedule, I always oil and butter MY ENDS, I slathered coconut oil all over my hair and scalp the night before, and I washed the relaxer out like 15 times with silk elements neutralizing shampoo which is probably why my hair stayed so healthy. I was prepping like a hawk hunting for fish
Here just giving you support. I save so much money being relaxed myself it’s insane. My arms are thanking me to but do what’s best for you and your hair
@@lashawnbrady7156 my research and preparation really did save my hair from damage yeah. It's still shining and smooth and flowing, I didn't get too much breakage like I expected, and I made sure to get everything I needed beforehand (especially a good quality neutralizing shampoo, silk elements is the goat)
@@far6311 I love that! There’s a new age of relaxed girlies and more information than ever b4 these days for relaxed and natural hair. I past bra length cuz of the academy of RUclips lol hairlious put me on after starting my relaxed hair journey after my big chop
@@lashawnbrady7156 RUclips grew my hair like a magic recipe!!! I don't know what I would do without my RUclips research 🎉❤
love that for you. but relaxed hair has damaged the bonds. oils and butters do nothing for it 💔
I’ll follow you and fluff nugget through permed hair, heat trained or natural girl 🙌🏾 adore ya !
This is tough. I’ve been natural for many years now too and I’ve been feeling the same urge for change recently. With pretty much the same pros/cons list. So I feel your pain. Perhaps the best path is the middle ground? Something like the Beautiful Textures Naturally Straight Treatment? It’s a chemical process, but not as severe as an actual relaxer and does leave some texture in your hair (so you may still have volume when you wear it curly) while also brilliantly preventing reversion in humidity when you wear it straight.
Looking forward to your commentary videos! This video is so timely for me. I've been having similar reflections. Like you, I love long hair. My 4b/4c hair also has 80% shrinkage, and I live in a humid location, so half of the time I wear box braids. But I would like to just wear my own hair, you know? Lately I've been wearing twists with no added hair. I keep them stretched and can make some cute styles, but I wish I didn't have to spend an entire day every few weeks retwisting. So relaxers come to mind, but I'm always discouraged by the health risks, and like you said, after all this work it would feel like a step back. Personally I don't want straight hair, I just want hair that doesn't shrink. I know locs are a good option but I would miss having the option to wear my curls out. I guess ultimately, the solution would be to just accept once and for all my hair in its natural, shrunken state.
I think the answer is do what works for you in the end. However, just thought I woul let you know that you inspired me to start passion twists. I will be wearing them all throughout my first semester of nursing school. Wish me luck for both because I have never tried either before. That being said I normally style my hair in twists, so adding extensions to prolong the style seems safe enough to me.
It's your decision, but I dunno why locs aren't on the the table. That's what I ran to when I got tired of dealing with my loose natural hair, and it's been a really good decision so far. Also, yeah, relaxer literally kills us over time soooo....
I have fine natural hair too. The spinach analogy is spot on.
I think locs with added hair could be a great option for you. The additional hair upon application would give you more volume and help with the thin appearance of your natural strands. You would also be able to begin the journey with the length and density you want rather than having to grow into it over time. Sounds like it could be the ease of the passion twists without the need to remove and reapply them over time. I believe they are called instant locs.
I think atp we all know relaxers aren’t good for you, but a lot of us do this with ourselves; going back and forth until we ultimately make a decision, and unlike our mothers who just slapped a relaxer in our heads without any concern, she’s taking the decision seriously and is weighing the pros and cons. At the end of the day, I’m not going to force someone to decide to do something I wouldn’t do because people are going to make their own decisions afterwards. Do what makes you happy. At least we know what happens if we choose to go that route and thanks for even sharing something this intimate while having to tackle so many opinions.
The way chemically straighting my hair crosses my mind daily. what it is like to have straight every day. I want to do it, but i want my scalp to be healthy.
Don't give in, it isn't worth it.
Try being a straight hair natural.
Heat “train” it
Hair is such a delicate subject for black women and I will not tell you what to do with your beautiful tresses. However, the health dangers of relaxers is worth considering before you decide. Personally I’d consider being a straight hair natural versus relaxing that way I can still rock my Afro or curly hair when I want to or also twist it if I was a loc look etc. The most versatile and healthiest way to go is staying natural but whatever you decide sis, we’ll support you 🙌🏽 ❤
I’m a natural hair woman and I use heat now. I don’t care. I only style my natural hair when it’s blown out and for the most part I wear protective styles. I’ve noticed I like to deal with my hair more when it’s blow dried out. So I keep my hair in braids, wigs, or sew ins when I can. I’m apprehensive about locs and I won’t get them because it’s too permanent for me. Great video!
Maybe you can get a silk press in the fall and/ or winter to cure the straight hair itch.
It can be risky with relaxers because they are notorious for causing and exacerbating scalp issues. Because of the history of Alopecia, it is important to keep scalp inflammation under control. Relaxers make this much harder to do. I think locs are a better solution in this situation.
If you like your wearing hair staight or it's easier for you. Try being a straight hair natural first or heat train. Ever since I started being a straight natural my hair has be the best it's ever been in my opinion, it's has finally grown past my shoulders after being stuck at neck length for 4 years. Praying for you to find whatever works best for you and your hair. Do your research and don't worry about the negative opinions of others.
Girl, I adore you regardless. I think you're beautiful inside and out. With a head full of hair or bald. Your energy is just so infectious ❤
Keep being great ❤
For those suggesting locs, they make alopecia worse so it might not be a good option. Either way, Danielle, do what makes your heart sing!
Exactly 💯 theres a lot of tension used to install & retwist locs, definitely not good for alopecia. She's constantly bombarded with loc comments but for those who missed her last live, she already stated she doesn't want locs & likes the versatility of loose hair. Locs are nice but they aren't for everyone.
Your hair your choice.❤😊. Also wish my 4c hair was low maintenance 😖 was going to relax it too but ended up cutting it off.😢 Just don't love the stress it gives me right now. Maybe next year I will be able to ❤ it again
I got microlocs in Feb. It's so easy daily. I just wake up and spray water. I have thin hair too. So far, so good. I get to do all the styles i never got to do, like putting my hair in a ponytail, waking up and going. No more hair products. Also my hair is now growing, previously falling out and breaking due to stress.
I’m a straight natural. You don’t have to wrap it at night, I keep my hair straight and haven’t wrapped in so long that when I did try to wrap it, my hair asked me who I was talking to 😂 I think you’re also thinking that you’d have to blow dry or straighten, which isn’t necessarily the case - especially if you had a texturizer, Texlax (which is what I did pre-transition) or relaxer, fluff nugget would already be pretty straight so you wouldn’t need to add heat to straighten it with a blow dry or even flatiron. You could air dry and do heartless curls or try the heartless straightening methods for even straighter hair. Straight hair doesn’t have as many options as coils but it’s not as limited as it used to be. But I’m here for whatever you decide, just giving some advice ❤
Y’all disappoint me every time
You would be great at commentary and video essays, you’re so naturally funny! I’m excited
What's going on with these wash routines that take HOURS you guys? I have natural hair, it takes me about an hour to detangle, wash, condition, moisturize and style.
My hair is very long and dense, and every time I wash it it's out of a protective style so there's lots of shedding. I can't even detangle my hair in 4 sections, I have to use 8 😭 So it's 8 sections for washing, 8 sections for conditioning, 8 sections for blowdrying, and I usually do braids which takes god knows how long. My wash day takes days lol
@@tiannna yeah I remember the hell of doing my own braids. I would leave them in for months because the dread of having to take them down and reinstall them was intense. My go to style right now is a low bun. Takes like five or six minutes every morning. Comfortable. I look cute and chic whether I'm in jeans or a cocktail dress. Life is better. I recommend every type 4 girl learn to master a simple bun, it's life changing.
The actual wash takes me about two hours, factoring in conditioning time. Styling takes me anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
@@jodammerungii6134 ok, I completely understand that depending on what kind of style you're doing it can take a lot of time to style. But I'm still so confused about the washing and conditioning. How is that taking two hours? I swear I'm not trying to be slick or funny. I'm genuinely curious because that sounds horrible and we need to be putting our heads together trying to figure out how to cut this down to something more manageable.
Honestly I had the same desire a few years back. I ended up impulsively relaxing my hair. To tell you the truth when it's super straight it boring too. I found a happy medium which is texlaxed. I can still do natural hairstyles while my hair is easier to manage. And it I wanted to do straight hair hairstyles I can easily use heatless methods and get great results. I love a twist out on my texlaxed hair currently. Hope you can choose what's best for you.
Texlax gang gang 😎 💪
I went natural during Rona because the salons were closed. I missed my relaxed hair so much. I am going back to the creamy crack at some point.
Two thiiings got me 🤣8:39 - WOULD I CONSIDER?! I think not. And the reference to fine natural hair being like fluffy greens shrinking to nothing 😂😂 friend. I feel you .
I support whatever. Some people really do benefit from relaxers. But I would also suggest locing it up too. I’d watch Keke J here on RUclips. She’s been loc’d for a few years now and her locs are so cute and are thriving. I think you’d look really cute with locs.
Sweetest danielle, a huge con is uterine and ovarian cancer, I really recommend u try out locs, it will kinda be like the passion twists you rock so well ❤❤❤
Girl, I’ve been there!!! Nothing seems to work so relaxing starts to look like the best option. I will support you in whichever direction you choose for your hair! Just remember to write out your decision in a journal before jumping the gun! Such as: will you be okay with starting over with a TWA if you wanted to go back to natural? Have you looked into Beautiful Textures treatment where you can have straight hair AND be able to wash it out to have your natural hair, maybe a baking soda texturizer once every 6mo/ to loosen your texture mildly?
You have a lot of options to consider but whichever way you choose you will always be beautiful inside and out. Praying for you & your journey 🥰😘