I probably shouldn't even bother starting a timeline when my baby dreads are less than a week old. But truth be told, I could use the support. I love dreads. I know my hair wants to be free. My husband is incredibly supportive. But it stops there - my hubby and my hair are the only ones happy or supportive at this point. Not that I expected my conservative family and friends from Alabama or Texas to really jump on board. Here's what I've got so far.

Before:

Not my favorite picture, but it shows a typical day of struggling with my hair. I've battled this head of curls my ENTIRE life. I've wasted so much money on products to tame frizz. Straightening was a nightmare. I believe my hair has been refusing to behave because it wanted to be left along to do what it wants.

Day 1:

Last picture before I started tnr. I'd spent a few days researching. Thought about going to a salon, but my scalp is so sensitive, and I didn't feel comfortable with the idea of backcombing or wax. Stumbled on some forums here and was encouraged that I didn't have to do either. I was just going to stop brushing, but the be honest I didn't have that much patience. :P I chose tnr, because I didn't want to lose all my length. My hair grows SO slow.

I spent all day by twisting by MYSELF. My arms were so sore and weak I could barely lift the camera. I was still pretty scared at this point, but I'd been looking at others posts on this site and taking encouragement from them.

Days 2 and 3:

I posted this on facebook and still have received ZERO responses. Not much support. I don't know if I did it right or well, but it's done, and I'm content.

Went on work errands with my husband, so I needed something "presentable", and this was what I came up with. I like the curly ends. I have no clue if it's okay to have curly ends, but that's what my hair wanted and that's what it got.

My beloved pomeranian, Woobie. He travels everywhere with us, and I love him dearly. This is my tam I created in a day. I'd crocheted scarves before, but this was my first attempt at anything not long and rectangle. I was very pleased with myself and the pattern I found online. http://mssunflwr.blogspot.com/2009/05/level-beginner-materials-one-skein-red.html

Any comments and tips are welcome. I used aloe once, and I liked that it helped tame some of the frizz at the beginning. The tops and bottoms are very loose, because I was working by myself and didn't make them as tight as possible, but I've been reading others' forums on the subject, and I think that's okay? My plan from here on out is to let it be, shampooing with Dr. Bronners 2-3x/week.