Still can’t believe it!

Two years ago, I did the big chop.

Since then, I’ve learned that a healthy hair journey isn’t always a straight line.

I straightened my hair once and ended up with heat damage. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it definitely made me more cautious. I trimmed those pieces off and kept focusing on healthy growth.

When I wanted braids again, I was so hesitant that I actually did them myself because I wasn’t ready to trust anyone else with my hair.

This time felt different.

I decided to take the leap, and @braidsby.lindaa absolutely delivered. My braids are beautiful, and I’m so glad I didn’t let one experience stop me from trying again.

No gatekeeping, if you’re in the Orlando area, Hair by Linda did these, and she did an amazing job.

Sometimes the biggest transformation isn’t the style… it’s having the confidence to trust the process again.

What do you think?

#NaturalHair #NaturalHairJourney #BraidStyles #ProtectiveStyles #HealthyHairJourney

7/25 Edited to

... Read moreEmbarking on a natural hair journey often feels like navigating a winding path with unexpected challenges and triumphs. When I first did the big chop, it was liberating but also meant starting fresh with my hair’s health. Along the way, I encountered setbacks—like heat damage from straightening—which taught me the importance of gentler care and listening to my hair’s needs. One of the most meaningful lessons I learned was about trust, both in myself and others. After heat damage, I was hesitant to try braids again and even hesitated to let someone else handle my hair. That cautious approach is common among many natural hair enthusiasts who don’t want to risk damage or discomfort. However, choosing a skilled professional like @braidsby.lindaa made all the difference. It reaffirmed the value of entrusting your hair to experts who understand natural hair textures and styles. Protective styling, such as braids, is more than a beauty statement; it's a crucial part of healthy hair maintenance. It helps minimize daily manipulation, reducing breakage and promoting retention. However, as I experienced, protective styles must be done properly—not too tight or heavy—to avoid scalp damage. This balance was something I appreciated deeply during my recent hair transformation, as featured by Hair by Linda in Orlando. Importantly, my journey underscored that healthy hair growth isn’t linear. It involves patience, trial and error, and learning from mistakes. Trimming damaged ends and embracing the natural texture helped me stay focused on long-term health rather than quick fixes. The phrase from the image, "This transition was worth the wait...," truly resonates, symbolizing how persistence and trust in the process bring rewarding results. For anyone on a similar path, I encourage you to honor your hair’s unique needs, seek knowledgeable stylists, and maintain confidence even when progress seems slow. Each phase of your journey contributes to your overall transformation, making the end result all the more satisfying and empowering.

1 comment

Shalynda Crawford's images
Shalynda Crawford

Beautiful