After two months of becoming acquainted with my natural hair, I realize that several notions about natural hair and its care just aren’t true. I’m woman enough to admit when I’m wrong and thank God I was wrong this time.
Before I went completely natural, I had a few ideas of how my hair and beauty routine would be different, even easier certain ways. But my now beautiful natural hair proved many of those ideas to be totally wrong.
After getting off relaxers, I thought I would:
1. Wake up feeling free and liberated…
Although having natural hair is liberating in it’s own way and has its perks, initially I missed my longer, straight hair that falls to my shoulders. After all, it’s been with me for so long. It literally was who I am. They eve ued to call me “the woman with the long hair.” So now, I had to find a new kind of confidence. Ultimately, what I found is that I, myself, need to feel liberated on the inside before I can feel it outwardly.
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2. Just wash and go…
Whoever came up with this saying forgot to name a few steps in between. I must wash, condition, apply leave-in conditioner, oil, and styling product, then go. And because my hair is so thick, I have to wait 2-4 hours for my hair to air dry completely. There’s nothing wrong with it, just with MY personal hair and the style that I want sometimes. So it sometimes takes me longer to do, but I schedule accordingly.
3. Look like a boy…
I’m so relieved that I was completely wrong about this one. As soon as I went natural, this thought proved false for me! At first I was worried that my pronounced bone structures would be more masculine and only thought women with more soft feminine could balance a short, somewhat bold cut. But I learned that rocking my natural hair is sexy, feminine AND I feel the same, if not more like a woman!
4. Wouldn’t look as professional…
Women who rock a natural, work in many professions ranging from teachers to lawyers. As long as your hair is tidy, and you feel confident, it’s professional. Straight hair does not always equal neat and curly, natural hair does not always mean messy. I’ve learned that natural hair (just like any other hair) can be presentable, beautiful, and professional.
5. Walk in light rain without an umbrella…
Sprinkles and sparse showers seem harmless enough, but my hair is moisture sensitive. So if my hair is already dry, even a few droplets turn my cute curls and coils into fuzzy frizzies.
At the end of the day, you need to be comfortable with whatever hairstyle you have. As long as you don’t look down or frown upon any other person’s hairstyle, love your own. And you may not want to listen to what “they say” and form your own opinion.
I’ve been natural now for over 8 years and I love it! Love YOUR hair journey, no matter where it takes you!