Everyone goes natural for different reasons. Some of us do it because we have had too much damage with relaxers, others do it because they are curious about texture, and for some, we want to be a part of this movement happening where black chicks are finally being more accepted for who they are...in their natural state. But with the choice of "going natural" comes a lot of side effects, for lack of a better term. For many it's quite emotional because we've been told for so long what looks neat, or right, or professional. Let's just say those words have never been used to describe a big curly fro.
Here are my confessions:
-I went natural because I wondered if my hair could look like Joan's from Girlfriends. Sad, but true.
-SEVERAL close friends and family told me not to do it
-Every time I've been on an interview, I wore a bun because I felt like potential employers wouldn't think my hair was professional
-The one time I didn't wear a bun, I didn't get a job that I really thought I deserved and I, along with others close to me, wondered if my hair was a factor
-Once every few months I want to slap a perm in this baby so bad! It gets crazy
-On the days I feel my hair looks the worst, I get the most compliments
-I feel weird that I'm identified by my hair since it hasn't been this way all my life ex. "You know her...with the big hair?"
-...On the other hand, I think my hair is one of my best features
-I will not go on a 2nd date with a guy if he obsesses over my hair. I think it's shallow and I know it can change at any moment...Don't mind a compliment though. Actually, let me dig deeper, I have had men literally try to touch, smell, downright molest my hair and they didn't even know me. It gets that weird ya'll.
-I am still considering doing a Texlax/Texturizer
-I love giving advice on everything, so giving natural hair advice really makes me happy ;-)
All I've got for today! XOXO!
Don't dare relax all that beautiful hair.
ReplyDeleteLol the thought runs through my mind on hot summer days when my hair is literally producing heat at the scalp. No worries though. It's just a brief thought I have at random times ;-)
ReplyDeletewhat is a textlax/texturizer? How does that differ from a relaxer? If you were to get a texturizer is that considered a chemical treatment?
ReplyDeleteHey Jen! Yeah it's basically when you apply a relaxer of some sort on the hair, but only for a few minutes so it's changes the texture and loosens the curls. Basically under-processing on purpose. It's definitely a chemical which is why I hesitate and most likely wouldn't do it. XOXO! Hope all is well girlie ;-)
ReplyDeleteP.S. If you're interested in more info let me know. I've done a lot of research on it.
I have been all natural for about 3yrs now. I went fully natural with no color or any other chemicals in my hair but I have a problem...the front center section of my hair is not as curly as the rest of my hair...it is more wavy. So when I wear my hair curly that section always has more of a loose curl pattern...I have tried to cut that section more and layer it to hope it will get curlier but it doesnt help! Do you have any suggestions? I need help!!!
ReplyDeleteHi!! What's up with heat? Oftentimes the top texture is a looser curl pattern and needs less heat to get straight. What happens is we use the same heat that we used for the curlier hair in the back for the front as well, causing damage.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, you, along with many naturals including me, may just have multiple textures. My front curl pattern is looser than my back curl pattern as well. That's the case for lots of natural chicas. For this you may want to rock different styles in the front to help the hair blend better (pinning hair back with bobby pins or maybe a cute funky twist in the front?) Hope this response helps!
Okay that is great feedback! You just might be right about that. My curl pattern in the back is tighter than it is in the front. And also when I do get a sew-in I normally leave a little out on the sides and that middle section out which is the part that only gets straightened, so that may be the cause.
ReplyDeleteI have been wearing my hair curly like the past 3 mths w/o straightening it and I have notice that the section there is starting to get more of a curlier pattern. Next time I get a sew-in I am going to get the curly weave like you suggested.
This is an awesome website, thanks for the great posts and pics!!!