A Hair Story: From Relaxed to Natural

I started going natural in 1997. I went back and forth between natural and a perm for years up until August of 2005. I haven't looked back since! It is indeed a deeper issue than just making a choice on how to wear your hair, the examination begins with why we make the choices that we do. For me, I toggled between the two for years due to poor self-image. To meet me you would immediately term me as confident but deep inside my confidence was based on how I thought people perceived me and my hair. You know the thoughts, 'men like women with straight long hair' or 'you can't wear that natural hair to work'. These were my main two reasons for the toggle. I have since been delivered from this type of thinking and learned to accept myself and not worry about acceptance from others. I love my natural hair and the freedom it brings (some already mentioned in other posts). I love the style versatilty! To all my natural sisters and those considering to go natural - STAY BEAUTIFUL!!!

Posted at 3:44PM on April 13th 2009 by JNatural

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories. I cut off several inches of relaxed hair in December '08, and truthfully, I had initial concerns that made me question my decision. But now, after nearly 4 months of natural hair, I love it! I enjoy being chemical-free and love the feel of my kinky hair texture. In other words: I love being free to be me!

Posted at 12:15PM on April 12th 2009 by Roxanne

Also you can use all natural conditioners, Such as Aubrey's Organics for your natural hair and they don't have a waxy substance in them. Like I said dude doesn't know much about natural hair.

Posted at 6:39PM on April 11th 2009 by Naturally Beautiful

YES! Finally a story on natural hair! Thank you ever so much!

Posted at 11:45PM on April 8th 2009 by Erin @ Scandalous Beauty

Congtratulations, Miriam on your natural do, it compliments you very well. I've been natural for about a month now and I decided to go for the Big Chop. Absolutely LOVE it! However, I do not agree with the hairstylist comment about not conditioning the hair. I think you should try different products and see what works for you, but definitely get some type of conditioner. Miriam, thanks for sharing your story and best wishes to you sistas who are thinking about becoming natural!

Posted at 5:45PM on April 8th 2009 by Bailey

I am happy to see Essence do an article about the movement of being a Natrual woman. I will say that the no conditioner information is waaaay off. When I went natural, I washed my hair everyday and tried using only oils and my hair was dry and brittle. I researched and decided to follow advise on Youtube and other hair forums that actually have tutorials, product suggestions, and etc.. My hair is now shoulder length and healthy. To recap: Very little shampooing + lots of conditioner + moisture on natural hair = head full of healthy, soft hair. Good luck!

Posted at 3:58PM on April 8th 2009 by Natural_and_Free

i'm au naturel :)

Posted at 12:42PM on April 8th 2009 by righton

Hi I have been relaxing since i was 18 (I'm 27 now) and within the last 2 years I have been back and forth between relaxed and natural simply because I love my curly hair but the relaxed tresses were convenient to comb in the morning without too much of fuss! But i have decided, finally, to go natural for good! It's been about 8 months now and I love my curly hair (I am mixed - Black and Indian). I must confess my hair never seems the same after relaxing all those years, but I still have a lot of curls...natural is definitely the way to go, I'm just loving it!

Posted at 12:01PM on April 8th 2009 by curlie_girlie

I first would like to say that yes, going natural is not for everyone. Some black women have a curlly type natural, and some have a thick bush that they have to constantly work with, lol. The key to being natural and loving it is you have to be comforatable in your own hair, and know which styles and products work best for you. For all the people who want to go natural without doing what is called the Big Chop, you can wear transitionals styles such as braids or twists. But it is not easy because if you are self consence about your "edges being nappy" then it might not be your thing. I kept braids in my hair a while and it was rough at times but it was sooooo worth it. I love my hair natural!

Posted at 10:57AM on April 8th 2009 by Tia

I agree that conditioner is essential for growth, but its not essential for that short fro she is rocking. if that's the way she wants to keep it, then his advice is on the money. but if she is looking for versatility, she needs both a great oil and a great conditioner. Natural for 10 years now, shouldn't have to be a hit or miss process. How sad it is we have to seek precise advice on our God given glory.

Posted at 8:56AM on April 8th 2009 by Adrienne