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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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hi thanks for the refrences and tips. however i have been natural just 13 months now. and i am still learning. i do use carol's daughter products but i need help getting the straws curls. i was not one to ever fuss with my hair. so this part is hard for me the fussing. i do the two srand twist.my hair when perm is chin level i need help to get other styles. and yes i love natural no worries about sweat at night messing my perm. or shower steams
Posted at 12:06PM on July 31st 2009 by carline
what a nonsense that somebody cannot wear natural hair just because they will look bad oh holly crap ?you are born with your natural curl whether texture 2a to 4b even 5a if there is any ,instead somebody will hide their hair under weaves and braids or flat iron your hair .oh ladie who told you thats your curls are not beautiful .whatever reason given to justify the continous relaxing,pressing,perming,flatironing is just crap and brainwash there is no other reason .show up with your well kept natural hair and see if you will be fired .if fired protest
Posted at 7:39PM on July 29th 2009 by mzuri
I wish essence would do more articles on natural hair, especially for women with locs like myself!
Posted at 1:06PM on July 15th 2009 by REY
You ladies should also try "Curlisto" in nYC. They specialize in curly hair--from spirals to kinky curls! Its pricey but its worht having someone who knows how to do curly hair!
Posted at 2:34PM on June 9th 2009 by Angie
She looks 9x better & younger in a natural! Good for you girlfriend!
Posted at 2:31PM on June 9th 2009 by Angie
It is wonderful someone else is doing the big chop, but just FYI you can use conditioner. I use suave conditioner as a leave in when I wash my hair. Avoid shampoos and conditioners with silicones, and be sure to do some research on the web about natural hair, you don't necessarily need a stylist to go natural. There is a wealth of resources, way more than what I had when I went natural 9 years ago.
Posted at 12:54PM on June 4th 2009 by siditty
I have relaxed my hair and I regret my decision. My hair feels and looks fine after going to the hairdresser, but once I go to the gym I have to put too much energy into wrapping it and ensuring it is not frizzy. I hate the work i have to put in that why I have decided to grow out my hair. After reading these comments, I feel more confident about my decision. Thanks
Posted at 11:40AM on June 2nd 2009 by Katina
I love weave!!
Posted at 5:55PM on May 21st 2009 by lalala
I want to go natural. I've been relaxing my hair all my life and i'm 30. I currently have my hair braided up and i'm wearing a sew-in weave. What's the best way to go natural without havin to chop off my hair???
Posted at 10:27PM on May 20th 2009 by Kim
I've been wanting to go natural for sometime now but I a little timid because I'm not sure what to do with it once I cut it, if it would fit my face or who others will take it. This article really helped me to be more receptive to going natural. We should take pride in it, and I think she looks much prettier with her hair natural. Not to say everyone will look more beautiful with natural but I do believe its something we should all embrace. : )
Posted at 1:34PM on May 14th 2009 by Bernadette