I've had a lot of people ask me about my natural hair journey and I thought I would share a few things that I've learned about my own hair along the way. I know I'm newly natural but perhaps someone will find these tips helpful.
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
1. Transitioning is hard.
I tried to transition five separate times and each time, I couldn't deal with the two different textures. It was harder for me to comb my hair. It just flat out made it nappier which made me think that it was my natural hair causing all the problems and I would give up and relax it. My suggestion is to cut it off.
2. You get a huge boost of confidence after the big chop.
They say that when a woman cuts her hair, she's about to change her life. When I big chopped my hair (cut the remaining relaxer off), I had so much confidence. You couldn't tell me nothing. It was freeing!
They say that when a woman cuts her hair, she's about to change her life. When I big chopped my hair (cut the remaining relaxer off), I had so much confidence. You couldn't tell me nothing. It was freeing!
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The Big Chop! May 2017 |
3. You might get stares and looks from others or not as many.
You may get more looks from people who are curious about your natural hair. Sometimes, people stare and that's okay. You know you look good. You might even notice that you don't get as many looks as you used to. But seriously, who cares? You didn't go natural for the attention right? You did it for you.
You may get more looks from people who are curious about your natural hair. Sometimes, people stare and that's okay. You know you look good. You might even notice that you don't get as many looks as you used to. But seriously, who cares? You didn't go natural for the attention right? You did it for you.
4. Natural hair is manageable.
This was an epiphany. For years I had thought that my hair was unmanageable and just nappy. I honestly had no idea my natural hair was full of curls and waves.
This was an epiphany. For years I had thought that my hair was unmanageable and just nappy. I honestly had no idea my natural hair was full of curls and waves.
5. Nowadays it's easier to go natural than you think.
It's not like it was decades ago when all you had was grease and water. There are so many companies putting out natural hair care products, you are bound to find something that works for you.
6. Coloring your natural hair will make your curls pop.
I liked my natural curls just fine but when I colored them, I loved them even more. You can see the definition so much more. Just make sure to take good care of your hair so it doesn't get damaged.
It's not like it was decades ago when all you had was grease and water. There are so many companies putting out natural hair care products, you are bound to find something that works for you.
6. Coloring your natural hair will make your curls pop.
I liked my natural curls just fine but when I colored them, I loved them even more. You can see the definition so much more. Just make sure to take good care of your hair so it doesn't get damaged.
7. Your hair is not like anyone else's.
I have had many failed attempts at trying curly hairstyles on YouTube and Instagram. I would follow all the directions, buy products and do the exact steps and it would not work for me. Why? Because my hair is different from theirs. Plain and simple.
It's all trial and error. It takes a lot of practice and tons of hair care products to find a natural hair care regimen that works just for you.
All in all, I love wearing natural hair and don't have any plans to change it. I relaxed my hair for 32 years! It was time for something different.
I have had many failed attempts at trying curly hairstyles on YouTube and Instagram. I would follow all the directions, buy products and do the exact steps and it would not work for me. Why? Because my hair is different from theirs. Plain and simple.
It's all trial and error. It takes a lot of practice and tons of hair care products to find a natural hair care regimen that works just for you.
All in all, I love wearing natural hair and don't have any plans to change it. I relaxed my hair for 32 years! It was time for something different.
How has your natural hair journey been? Are you relaxed or transitioning? What do you think is stopping you?
Thank you for sharing your transitioning experience! I agree with so many of the points you set out here... Findinf your own unique path to healthy hair is important
ReplyDeleteI wore my hair natural for about 7 years. I'm sure that I will eventually go back to it. I like that I can flip back and forth for different looks.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea coloring your hair could make it pop. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. The struggle is real, girl!
ReplyDeleteI am natural and you are right, it is trial an error. I'm still learning but enjoying the journey.
ReplyDeleteMy natural hair journey has been pretty good. I can't see myself with straight hair, but I look forward to chopping it off again and doing something fun.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been natural for over 14 years and as hard as it is, I LOVE it! It gets easier as you learn your hair’s natural pattern and behavior! Welcome to the club 🙅🏽♀️💋
ReplyDeleteI have been natural for about 6 years (this is when I did the first big chop) I felt like I loved it then I went through an ugly phase and then back to loving it! I dont know if it was only me but if not I would've loved to hear more stories like this!
ReplyDeleteI went natural in 2005 and Youtube was not an option and NO ONE was going natural. It was so many things and products I wish I had access to but its a whole new world now. I am so happy we have options and access to managing our hair better.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I went natural. I did my big chop straight out of high school and there are so many things that no one tells you when you decide to go natural.
ReplyDeleteI think people have different experiences on their natural hair journey. I didn't do the big chop, I just let the relaxer grow out. I'm still, 5 years later trying to figure out what works best for my hair.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree that it's easier to go natural now! For so many years growing up I was led to believe that my hair was the nappiest of the nappy. While it is now partially color treated, I know the techniques that work for me! I have been natural several times in life but haven't touched a relaxer since 2012.
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