Natural Hair Journey

I can remember back in 2004, I was in undergrad. I fell in love with this girl on campus hair…I didn’t know what those styles were called she wore, but I was interested. After asking around, I found out she wore her hair in its natural state. Umm, I began to wonder, how in the heck do I achieve such a look? I was not properly educated on the health of hair. All I knew to do was comb my wrap down. I figured, as long as my roller wrap shines and has bounce, I’m good.  My stylist at the time spoke against natural hair, stating “Its too much work” and your hair is already healthy”. Therefore, I let the thought of going natural go because I felt it was not for me. I thought that only “mixed girls or people with good hair genes” were only meant to go natural. Now I want to just slap myself for feeling that way.

 

  In 2008

A few years later (2008), I noticed my hair shedding after receiving relaxers. Others didn’t think it was noticeable but I felt “I know my hair, and this is not what’s up”. There were various reasons to why the shedding came about such as me recently moving to Dallas, chair hopping, in search of a reasonable price stylist and other everyday stressors. After researching, I gathered an understanding of the harmful effects on the chemicals used in relaxers, and other hair products. I didn’t realized how something simple as a perm could cause damage to my body. I then decided to stop receiving relaxers and to transition.

                                              Last Relaxer and During Transition

My transition began in April 2009. I wore braids throughout the first 4 months and did random things(bantu knots, straw sets, etc) throughout the remaining months. I began to get frustrated with the two textures. Yeah I know a hot mess. Therefore, I called my friend over, and we went to chopping. My BC (Big Chop) date was September 2009. After my BC, I wore basic wash and go's on my TWA(teeny weeny afro). The more growth I had the more styling options I gained.

 2009

The year 2010 was a trial and error period for me. I was amped up about ALL these products that everyone was ranting and raving about, so I decided to try them out. I didn’t take the time to see what was and wasn’t working for my hair. I thought if it smells good and feels good, why not try it out. Especially if someone, who had hair like I wanted swore by it. Now take in mind, we all have different hair types, so just because one product worked for one, does not mean it works for all….I found myself not liking my hair at times because I did not know what to do with it, or how to maintain certain styles. Therefore, I wore small individual braids off and on throughout the year. Heck, I even tried a sew in. Ummm, BIG mistake. It was not for me. I did not like the "patting my head" notion or the look. I felt “fake”. So I then decided to take a step back and try understanding my hair.

 2010

The year 2011 has been my hairs BF (Best friend). I have taken the time to listen to my hair. I pay attention to its needs and wants. I know for sure it needs moisture, oils, a solid/basic regimen, etc. and it wants to be left alone the majority of the time. Having the support of other naturals has helped as well. My staples styles have been braid and twist outs. Im still struggling with protective styling, however, Im better at nurturing my strands. Im looking forward to seeing how my curlies will transform in the future.

 2011

Choosing to go natural has truly been a lifestyle change.