A Hair Story: From Relaxed to Natural

Glad Essence posted an article of this nature buuuuut, to any other sisters who may be considering going natural please do not use this article as your only point of reference. conditioner is the natural haired sisters best friend & also,some shampoos do more than just clean, they strip hair, so if u see a ton of suds ( which doesn't really indicate if a shampoo is actually cleansing ur hair or not)it is imperative that u add the stripped moisture back to ur hair with a conditioner.. helps detangle & keep splits & knots away & helps soften it.. as u see the sisters hair looked PARCHED as hell in the end ( no diss to the woman in the pictorial). there are so many blogs & forums with so much more helpful information that has been tried & true tested by women who have been natural for years

Posted at 10:25PM on April 1st 2009 by goldenladyjaime

I too have finally gone natural....Its great and I can't wait for the swimming season to really appreciate it, thanks for the article, it helps to know so many women have finally gotten the messege...

Posted at 6:59PM on April 1st 2009 by J MONTA2

Going natural is not for the faint of heart. I did the big chop June "08" and I dont regret it. Im still in the process of finding out what products work best for my natural hair but I basically wash it weekly and twist it at night and untwist in the morning. I love the natural texture of my hair although there are mornings I wake up and I dont feel cute I have to remind myself that having my hair relaxed does not make me beautiful. I get alot of compliments from the brothas and my white women. My sistats usually say they want to do it but just dont think they ever could. We have been taught from very young ages that straight hair is beautiful hair. The ultimate test of ones confidence in self is to wear your hair natural. Its a process that you will struggle with but its so worth the transition

Posted at 5:17PM on April 1st 2009 by Ericka

Amen Sister! After years of braids and perms, took them out, cut off the perm and now have four inches of natural hair. I have found an excellent African hairdresser, a brother, Guy Diallo, in Basel, Switzerland´s AVEDA hair salon who has truly hooked me up. After 20 years of residing in Europe, I have finally found a stylist who understands, appreciates, and nourishes my hair in all its glory. The product all sisters with naturals should try is Aveda´s Curl Enhancer. Awesome!

Posted at 4:38PM on April 1st 2009 by Anna Dell´Era

I have heard a relaxer refered to "hair crack" and it's true because whenever you need to touch up your hair, it itches really bad. It's like your scalp is on drugs and then once you relax it, it stops itching. That's how you know relaxers aren't healthy for you. To each their own but I wish more sisters would embrace their natural beauty. There are so many options for natural hair.

Posted at 3:53PM on April 1st 2009 by Foxy Locs

If your profession isn't sensitive to different cultures, then there is a serious problem. Plus, just because you go natural doesn't mean you can't straighten your hair. I know a lot of black women wear natural hairstyles, because they're going against Eurocentric ideology; but a lot of women with naturals press their hair. I like to switch it up between the twists, afro and straight look; but I won't switch up my look to appease someone that may not understand or like my natural look.

Posted at 1:57PM on April 1st 2009 by Denise

I love it, I went natural about 8 months ago!!!!

Posted at 1:57PM on April 1st 2009 by Carol B

This article makes me a little sad I had been natural for six years, wearing braids and natural fro. I recently relaxed my hair because I succumed to pressure and self doubts about my natural fro because it had become very course and hard to comb. I also long to "feel my scap" and the "smoothness" of my hair. Sidenote: I don't know why one would spend money on going to a stylist if you are not getting braids, twisting or getting a trim.

Posted at 1:43PM on April 1st 2009 by Regretful

BTW, Afros are not the only natural hair styles. Braids, twists, twist outs, wraps, buns, updo's, etc. Many many styling options with the right tools and info. Check out nappturality dot com.

Posted at 1:39PM on April 1st 2009 by Erika

Sistahs, let me just add that if you believe that your hair just won't look right natural or that your profession won't allow it or it just looks nappy, please reconsider. You have been brainwashed into believing straight is the only acceptable hair medium. It isn't! I don't care what texture your hair is, how kinky you think it is, you CAN go natural. You need to find the right tools and a hair care professional who cares for natural tresses. NOT A STYLIST but a hair care professional. Peace & Blessings.

Posted at 1:37PM on April 1st 2009 by Erika