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A Hair Story: From Relaxed to Natural
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Root Awakening
A low-maintenance type of sister, Miriam Agwai has sported braids, relaxed her tresses, and ultimately got a root awakening when she decided to go chemical- and extensions-free. The New York film student enlisted the help of celebrity stylist Eugene Smith from the Ted Gibson Salon New York, who took her back to her natural locks. ESSENCE.com chronicles Agwai’s switch and explores how she maintains healthy hair.
As told to Qianna Smith
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Congrats to you Agwai! You look great with your natural hair!! I too have stopped relaxing my hair for the past 10 years. I am a sista with naturally curly hair, so I wash, CONDITION, and gel my hair and go. I have been doing this ever since I have gone natural. My hair is now down to my shoulders. Some mornings I only just wet and CONDITION my hair instead of washing it. Thank you Essence for featuring a story about natual hair. Keep up the good work.
Posted at 10:57AM on April 1st 2009 by Bronxgirl
Congrats to you. I go back and forth between relaxed and natural hair. My preference is natural so when i am tired of wearing my hair permed i just go to the barber shop and cut it back off. I like to dye my hair so when it is natural i don't have to wait two weeks after getting a perm before i can dye it. I have scalp issues so i find that when i don't have a relaxer in my hair i don't have the problems with my scalp that i do when i have a relaxer. Now when i relax it i only get a mild relaxer so i can get it wrapped or i can wash it and put moisturizer in it for a curly look. People say your strength is in your hair i tell people i find more strength when i cut it all off and wear it natural it is so liberating.
Posted at 10:36AM on April 1st 2009 by love2BNatural
I've been relaxing my hair when I was 15. I stopped at 46. It's the best thing I could've done. It's natrual and easier too. So I say go for it, because cheimals are harsh on your hair. Happy with dreads in Philly
Posted at 10:32AM on April 1st 2009 by 51 with Dreads
Nice. Job
Posted at 10:08AM on April 1st 2009 by jw
You go girl!!! At the end of 2008 I also decided to go natural and I chopped off all my relaxed, damaged and breaking hair. It's been 3 months and I absolutely do not have any regrets but wonder why I didn't do it sooner.
Posted at 10:07AM on April 1st 2009 by Nike Alli
Yeah to Essence for featuring a beautiful woman with beautiful natural hair! As a natural woman myself for 10 years it is the most liberating thing knowing you are exactly the way you were intended to be. Enjoy getting to know your hair and congrats! There are many cool natural blogs out there so check 'em out for products, styles, and other good info: naturallyleslie.blogspot curlynikki blackgirllonghair.blogspot and more!!
Posted at 9:35AM on April 1st 2009 by Leslie
Congrats, Agwai! As a natural sista as well, I can tell you it's liberating!!! No more worrying about new growth, relaxers, and all the fuss of doing your hair. I just love being able to wash my hair, oil it, and go. I hope your article inspires other like you and I to go natural. Your cut fits you perfectly!
Posted at 9:04AM on April 1st 2009 by naturalsista2