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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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Ladies, it is important that we do not condemn other women who do NOT want to wear their hair natural. It is ignorant to say, we wear our hair straight because we are succumbing to Eurocentric standards. I have several friends who have natural hair, but ALWAYS wear their hair straight. So what is the difference between that friend, and the women who uses a relaxer. At the end of the day, what's important is wearing the style that a women is most comfortable with, and genuinely likes. Going natural doesn't define "real beauty," nor does rocking the relaxer. Real beauty comes in the confidence you exude in yourself REGARDLESS of your hair style...and moreso, the array of styles African-American women can afford to wear...always remember TO EACH ITS OWN!
Posted at 5:20PM on April 2nd 2009 by Ms.B
I really like this article and enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I would love to try to wear my hair natural, but I don't want to cut it off. Is there any way to sport a natural do without having to cut my hair.
Posted at 5:00PM on April 2nd 2009 by lynn
Very inspiring article! I have had a perm since I was 10 & I am now 30. I've been wanting to go natural for some time now, but just can't seem to get up the nerve to cut my hair (it's past my shoulders). This article gives me courage because deep down I know what I have to do! I want to join my natural sistas & feel liberated too!
Posted at 3:50PM on April 2nd 2009 by tboogie78
Thanks essence. We need our magazines to focus more on natural hair. No one else is going to do it. Thanks again
Posted at 1:18PM on April 2nd 2009 by Tboi
Natural Hair Rocks!!!
Posted at 11:44AM on April 2nd 2009 by Foxy Loc
Natural in terms of hair does not mean you must resort to an Afro. I have long should length hair, with no perm. I have not intentions of cutting it, and it's easy to maintain. So, whatever suits the woman, by all means, who am I to say. Like Neyo sings, "Do You!"
Posted at 9:02AM on April 2nd 2009 by Keebeauty
It really bothers me to hear someone say that natural hair is just not for them. You were born with natual hair and nothing is more normal than thatl It is time for Black women to embrace the hair texture that you were born with. I had a beautiful thick head of hair that was beat into submission to make straight. I have been natural now for over 10 years and wish I could get my original natural hair back
Posted at 8:38AM on April 2nd 2009 by Nippy
Thank you Essence. We asked for more on natural hair and you've made the effort.Great!
Posted at 1:39AM on April 2nd 2009 by chzz
YEA! i love that she took the step to go natural. but honey one advice - go check out natural hair care forums and blogs.You will learn so much from women who are actually going through it. I WRITE THIS IN HOPE THAT SHE WILL C THIS CUZ SHE NEEDS 2 KNOW. Oh and by the way do not shampoo your hair often, especially with sulfate shampoos, your poor hair will be SO dry & also condition like crazy! That is something all naturals will agree on! get a great leave in conditioner and use olive or coconut oils NOT MINERAL! PLZ i beg u. last but not least every hair type is different!
Posted at 12:17AM on April 2nd 2009 by naturalladys
First, I'd like to congratulate Agwai on her decision to embrace her natural hair. Secondly, I'd like to thank Essence for addressing this issue. I myself have been natural for about 18 months. Through this process I have learned that there is a lot of misinformation in regards to black natural, highly textured hair. First, we must be extra careful and pay attention to the moisture level of our hair. The only way that we can moisturize our hair is by adding some type of water based product to our hair and sealing with a natural oil (read: not mineral oil or petroleum). Appying oils only to the hair or the scalp will not moisturize the hair. Also, conditioners are necessary in maintaining the moisture level of natural hair. I suggest that anyone who is interested in black hair care whether it be natural or chemically altered needs to do the research for themselves. One website that I would suggest for a newly natural is motowngirl.
Posted at 10:29PM on April 1st 2009 by Melissa