A Hair Story: From Relaxed to Natural

I'm so all about the natural hair. I actually converted from a loyal lye fan to el natural about 4 years ago. It's the best thing I could of every done for my scalp and hair. I currently get my hair dry pressed(no old school pergamont grease allowed) and curled with those wonderful Marcel Irons. For those of us who swore by the wash and set the press is a much better way to go, you get better bounce, body and hold to your hair style. For all u ladies in the Greater Atlanta Area please check out Dry Press and Curl extraordinaire/stylist Atoya Davis of Ella Boo's Hair Studio in Smyrna GA....she can be reached at 678-508-8026..thanks in advance for your patronage

Posted at 2:40PM on April 3rd 2009 by Candise in Atlanta

Erika: Carol's Daughter products are all natural and do not contain any type of paraffin. carolsdaughter has so many wonderful hair and skin products and it's in some stores too, so check out the website. Before I found carol's daughter, I thought beauty supply products that listed something as being good like coconut oil was ok, but it's just a dab and the rest is just garbage that makes us lose our hair, clogs pores (think in terms of putting wax or alcohol on your face & imagine that's what you're doing to your scalp which is skin that has to be nourished so the hair doesn't break).

Posted at 10:20AM on April 3rd 2009 by toni

Natural sista or not, women of color are the most beautiful women in the world. White women kill themselfs laying out baking in the sun, crazy or what. Relaxed, natural, long or short african american women are QUEENS!!!!

Posted at 10:15AM on April 3rd 2009 by Stacey

I think Miriam looked fine before she went "natural". Why do African American women is so wrapped up on hair? Why can't we have a hair style and enjoy it? Long or short who cares. Just be happy with yourself.

Posted at 9:36AM on April 3rd 2009 by Stacey

As someone who has worn natural hair for last 20+ years (only permed in high school), I just cannot imagine any other way. Ignorance of options is what I believe scares so many away. Also, many make excuses about why they can't (job, career blah blah blah). If you don't find it attractive, then sobeit - all of that history & culture that doesn't praise OUR beauty will keep many stuck. Natural hair is not synonimous with un-kempt. Essence is doing a fine job of exposing options for natural hair - offering information, products, & stylists available out there. Keep in mind the style possibilities are as vast as they are for permed hair if you truly look. One can't disagree with a particular product because what works for one may not for another. Everyone's hair (texture, elasticity, growth) is different - you have to find what works for YOU just like everyone did with their permed hair regimen.

Posted at 5:53AM on April 3rd 2009 by Jennifer

Braiding your hair every night in big blocks really helps my hair grow. I already have shoulder length natural hair. just by braidng it every night and using real african shampoos . Such as swazi secrets made from african marula nuts. Its soo good for african natural hair. Jesus is great and loves us

Posted at 5:41AM on April 3rd 2009 by Dumile

Congrats on going natural!! There is a whole world of kinky curly girls out there that have walked away from weaves and relaxers. And a big community to - check out sites like NaturallyCurly, BlackGirlLongHair, CurlyNikki, Mane and Chic -even my own CherryLola. There are so many more options with natural hair. I love it! Stay Curly!

Posted at 3:15AM on April 3rd 2009 by Cherry Lola

do you think that if i stop perming my hair they will become naturel or do i have to cut my hair

Posted at 12:42AM on April 3rd 2009 by lala

Please, please, please know that both conditioning your hair and applying oil is equally important. I have been natural about 20 years, and I use a nice thick cream conditioner AND a leave in conditioner EVERY SINGLE time I wash my hair. It is the best thing to do to ensure a beautiful, breakage free natural head of hair.

Posted at 8:57PM on April 2nd 2009 by Nell

I've been natural for 7 years now, and I am so glad that more are going natural. If you want to continue with perms, I don't knock you; I just know that it is not for me. I agree with Bernadette; there are practices in this article I have come to know do nothing but strip the hair of moisture and its natural oils. If you are considering going natural, please stay away from products that contain alcohol. ~happy 2 b nappy

Posted at 5:23PM on April 2nd 2009 by Z