Thinking About Going Natural?

Embarking on the journey to natural hair is a wonderful experience. Embracing your natural hair is a liberating and refreshing experience. I have been natural for 1 year and I transitioned for a 1 year before that. I loved the whole process. Of course I have had some ups and downs in my journey but I don’t regret my decision and I will never go back to relaxed hair. My hair has never been healthier or stronger than it is now. For those of you who are thinking about going natural, think about the pros and cons of your decision. First of all, who are you doing this for? Hopefully you are at the point where you are doing this for yourself and no one else. You should be to the point that you don’t care what anyone will think. I have had so many people be negative towards the fact that I wanted to go natural. I was actually surprised at some of the comments I received. On lady asked my mom “Why did you let her come out of the house with her hair looking a mess”? Another girl told me that I needed to get a perm. Ever since I was young I was self-conscious with myself and I cared about what people though. My natural hair journey has allowed me to gain so much more confidence in myself and I made up my mind that I wouldn’t care about what people thought about my hair. It’s hard to tell someone to just be confident but if you are going to go natural you are going to have to be able to handle some negativity. People are always going to have a problem with something you do but they don’t matter. Do what you feel is best for you. When I did my big chop after transitioning for one year my hair was 75% shorter than it had ever been. People thought I was crazy for cutting most of my hair off just to go natural. They thought my hair wouldn’t grow back and they failed to see the bigger picture. My hair is almost back to its original length a year after my big chop. My hair is healthier and stronger. I can also do so much more with it. All of those people who were negative are now asking me what I do to my hair and how is it growing back so fast. The bottom line is don’t be afraid to make big changes in your life. Hair is just hair and it will not change who you are. Natural hair is not for everyone even though I truly believe everyone should embrace their natural hair. Some people are not willing to learn the information they need to know to take care of their natural hair properly. In return they will end up frustrated with damaged hair. If you don’t like having natural hair you can always go back to a relaxer or straighten it. Natural hair is not easier than relaxed hair. They both require proper maintenance and up keep. I personally believe that it is easier for me to take care of my natural hair rather than my relaxed hair because now I don’t hair to worry about it getting wet or keeping it straight. I also don’t have to worry about constantly getting a relaxer every 6 to 8 weeks. Your personal happiness is the most important part of your decision to go natural. I can tell you that I have never been happier. I encourage any and everyone who is thinking about going natural to go for it!