This page is dedicated to my natural hair journey.
A few Years ago India Arie coined the phrase ‘I am Not My Hair’ it was a GREAT SONG! Click here: I Am Not My Hair! for the video ft. Akon. I loved that song then and I love it now!
I believe I was about 14 when I received my first relaxer. My mom didn’t urge me to do it – I wanted it. I was SICK of the hot comb (and I think mom was sick of my drama too). lol
I mean really – that process was brutal. So I figured that the relaxer must be better – more manageable hair, quicker and better…I convinced myself of that for a long time…my mother would not let me get a relaxer prior to that anyway…oh if only I had asked why!
During those 20+ years I wore my hair, long, medium, short, braided, bobbed, short, super short and with weave an wigs. During my super short stages I would go long lengths of time without a relaxer. My hair was really short, so I would just throw some gel in it and wear it curly/wavy, it was so cute. I thought hmmm maybe this is my style. But then I’d make an appointment and go get my ‘edges straight’.
As the years passed, the routine remained the same however I grew dreary of the routine and sick of sitting in the chair at the salon or standing in my bathroom mirror – smoothing the creamy crack on my ‘new growth’. Finally in 2007 I started thinking seriously about not getting a relaxer anymore, I even mentioned it to my hair stylist as I was getting a relaxer…it was kind of a passing conversation, I was sick of sitting in the chair. Then came 2008 and I still felt the same way, so by the end of the year I had given myself my final relaxer.
I know that when a person hears the word “natural hair” there are often times negative connotations with the image that comes to mind. Well think again!
October 2008 I put a stop to the damage. NO MORE RELAXERS! Cold turkey – DONE! I transitioned for a few months by wearing wigs and braids and then in my bathroom in front ot my mirror – I did the BIG CHOP! Yes, that means I cut off every but of my hair that still had relaxer in it – my hair was about 2-3 inches long and I loved it! Talk about freedom – that was what I felt in that moment standing there with my hair gone and it feeling so good!
Going Natural was by far the best decision that I have made. I made the decision for me and I have not looked back yet! I love my kinky curly wavy hair!
Sometimes people have an image of black women who wear their hair natural. I don’t know every one’s reason but I can tell you mine.
What God gave me is perfect and I decided to OWN it!
I am working towards a healthier lifestyle as well…I doubt I will go vegan or even vegetarian but I for sure will continue to do whatever it takes to be the best me! I truly believe that making the decision to go natural was the catalyst to the next stage in my life. I am not my hair but it for damn sure feels good to love my hair naturally!!
