Still Loving My Decision!

It's been almost 4 years since I bigchopped and I tell you, it has been a journey and I've learned a lot. I've learned that you can't make anyone "go natural," but sometimes after seeing your journey they realize that they want to try it. At least two of my closest friends have gone natural since I big chopped. They both transitioned, but they now are no longer under the thumb of a relaxer and for that I am proud to have set an example for them. Now, back to me...and my hair! We have become one. My 4B, thick and course hair has been quite the committment, but I've committed to me and I have no regrets. My hair is very coily and tight, it took me almost 2.5 years to realize that I needed to stretch my hair to make it more manageable. I've stretched with twists, dry twists and the tension method. This helps me to be able to manage my hair and be more flexible with styling. I started with an inch and now my hair is over 11 inches long. I've tried a few things, notably color. I've colored my hair twice since I bigchopped and I love it. It gives me variety since I don't really like short styles and I wanted length. Products: I tend to mix Garnier and Aussie moist. I'm not stuck on any one conditioner because I always use more than one. I'm no product junkie but every now and then I like to try new things, if it doesn't work I give it away. My staple products are anything "Shea Moisture" and the following items mixed together after washing and before styling: Aloe Vera Grape Seed Oil Infusium 23 Leave in Condition Water I add either olive oil, almond oil, or avocado oil to my hair when it gets dry.