She seemed to understand this and we began the relaxing process.
It was going okay for about 5 minutes before my scalp started to itch. I then asked the stylist if she could hurry up but as she did, it only became worse.
By the time she had completed applying the relaxer and wanted to comb it through, my scalp felt like it was on fire. I told her but she insisted to comb my hair.
I stood up and walked to the sink and although the stylist suggested giving the relaxer more time, I insisted that she washes it out.
We then blow-dried and styled my hair. I was so disappointed because my hair was very limp.
A week later, I could still smell relaxer in my hair and I decided to wash it. I still felt a little burning sensation as though the relaxer wasn't completely washed out.
A few days later while driving, I saw another salon. I parked my car, walked in and told the guy to shave it all off. I haven't looked back since.
-Kgomie
I thought going natural would be easy
I've always had what people called "good hair" - it was long, voluminous and most of all it was relaxed. But what people didn’t know was that my hair was damaged from root to tip.
The day I went to braid my hair at a salon, I realised just how unbearable the smell of relaxer is. I still don’t understand how hairdressers can spend hours, if not an entire day, stewing in a room reeking of that stuff.
I thought going natural would be easy because I thought it required zero maintenance. But I quickly learnt that I had to educate myself about my hair.
I learnt to appreciate living in my own skin and developed a whole new lifestyle.
I love my hair and although I haven’t figured out everything that my hair may need, I believe I've been doing a good job - although more advice wouldn’t kill me.
-Mmabyala
These articles were readers responses to Natural hair care 101: the basics of going natural
WIN!
Do you have an ‘I went natural’ story? Or maybe any hair issues you want to share? Email us and you could WIN a fabulous ORS natural hair hamper!
Inspired by these stories? Check these out:
Going natural: Dreadlocks, a shavathon and a blonde experiment
"My natural hair gave me a self-understanding I wouldn't trade for anything"
Joining the natural hair movement was important for my natural hair journey
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.