Speaking of Hair...Going Natural

[olliepop]

I am ready to take the plunge and go natural as far as my hair is concerned. No more relaxers, hot combs, texturizers, etc. Any tips on how to get started? So far I've put in braids to help w/the transition but once my hair grows out a bit, then what?

I've had a short haircut before, but I used a texturizer and dyed it blond, red, and everything in between -- far from natural, I know.

Any advice?

[kimiij]

If you haven't already, I would suggest you visit www.nappturality.com. There are loads of resources there- it has a large forum of black women who have or are in the process of going natural. Make sure you visit the online photo album section of the board to see how other women are doing their hair. There is also a transitioning board for women who are currently trying to go natural.

My favorite sites:
http://kimikonappy.blogspot.com (my blog that I haven't updated in like two years )
http://www.roshini.net
http://motowngirl.com/content/

Other sites (not my favorites but I found them in a quick google search)
http://going-natural.com/
http://www.naturallyyoumagazine.com/

As far as suggestions on what to do with your hair. For my transition, I wore braids for two months, then I did a big chop and my hair was very short (like a man's cut). I was so self-conscious but I felt better after getting some (usually unwanted) attention as I left the salon and walked to the metro station.

This was during the summer so I just washed it every morning with conditioner (no shampoo!) and let it air dry as I walked to work. As it grew out, I did several styles like twists and bantu knots.

The hardest thing about going natural is knowing what you can do with your hair. That's why I suggest you join nappturality and look online at different websites to get ideas and connect with like-minded sisters.

Good luck!

[shayinme]

Go to nappturality as the previous poster suggested, hands down the best board for natural hair. That said I went natural 8 years ago, basically I stopped relaxing for a few months and eventually just cut it all off. I went from almost shoulder length hair to about a 1 inch twa, it was dramatic. It was the best choice I ever made as far as my hair, as I was a hair shop junky. I am talking every Friday at the shop for my wash, every 6 weeks for a touch up.

By the way when I cur my hair down to a inch I did dye it since I felt like I needed a little pizzaz. Good luck!

[purplegirl]

I think it is a process that you have to be mentally prepared for. That feels so weird saying because natural should always mean better, right? I wished it were that simple for women of color. Make sure that your self-esteem and image are solid. Be prepared for the comments; people are likely to say the stupidiest things and question your judgment. I have found black men to the ones who did the most questioning. That was hurtful because I needed to feel acceptance from them; that my beauty was appealing regardless of the texture and length of my hair. That said, I went natural a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. The questions and comments came but I endured and what made me determined was my strong sense of self that occured after years of self hate and poor self-esteem.
I wish you well in your journey! It is one worth considering!

[Phantaja]

I have no advice, but you are my hero. Everytime I try to stop straightening my hair, I somehow end up with a relaxer. I just don't get it.

[olliepop]

A big thanks to you all. I am definitely ready. Just the act of relaxing alone is exhausting -- not to mention the chemicals and the big production afterwards, blowdrying, curling, etc.

I hope maintenance is much lower and healthier once I go natural. From the pics I've seen (thanks for the great links) it looks very versatile.

The transition and the (eeeek!) "big chop" look difficult, but I'm up for the challenge. I know this will benefit and free me in the long run. Thanks again!

[RainCoastMama]

I just wanna say that I think natural hair is absolutely gorgeous, especially on grown women When I grew up in the Caribbean, it was before people started processing their kids' hair, and it was so beautiful!

[shayinme]

Originally Posted by purplegirl

I think it is a process that you have to be mentally prepared for. That feels so weird saying because natural should always mean better, right? I wished it were that simple for women of color. Make sure that your self-esteem and image are solid. Be prepared for the comments; people are likely to say the stupidiest things and question your judgment. I have found black men to the ones who did the most questioning. That was hurtful because I needed to feel acceptance from them; that my beauty was appealing regardless of the texture and length of my hair. That said, I went natural a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. The questions and comments came but I endured and what made me determined was my strong sense of self that occured after years of self hate and poor self-esteem.
I wish you well in your journey! It is one worth considering!

ITA w/this.. going natural is a journey, when I changed my hair in some ways I changed my mindset. Its been 8 years and in that time, I have made lifestyle changes that were just a natural evolution from becoming natural.

It was hard because while my dh supported me, my Dad was a real UA violation, couldn't understand why I cut off all my "beautiful" hair : to have a inch on my head. Even now he still throw a comment here and there but now I just brush it off, since he is the one with the issues, not me.

There was also the fact that in a simple act it was like I became invisble, but in becoming invisible by this society's standards of beauty, I have found myself.

Good luck on your journey!

Shay