My Natural Hair journey of six years all began after I gave birth to my second child. As a wife and working mother of two busy boys, I no longer had the time to sit through lengthy hair salon visits.
My Natural Hair journey of six years all began after I gave birth to my second child. As a wife and working mother of two busy boys, I no longer had the time to sit through lengthy hair salon visits.
Lesson #1: FREEDOM! I am free to be me. No apologies, “kitchen” cover-ups, or touch ups needed.
I no longer have to shout… “IT’S BURNING!!!”… “IT’S BURNING!!!” and bare the scabs of relaxer burns on my scalp. No more curling iron/flat iron burns on my nape from trying to get every single piece of hair to lay down.
I stand out in a crowd amongst the multitude of chemically straightened, sewn in, glued in, and lace front masses. I am unique in my own right because I have chosen to wear the hair that I was blessed with.
Bring on the clouds, rain, and humidity! For once in my life, the weather elements actually work with my hair and all my curly creme products.
Lesson #2: The VERSATILITY of Natural Hair is Major!
For a shorter look, I can wash and go by applying a curly creme product and allowing my hair to air dry.
For length and texture, I use a curly creme product and double strand twist or braid my hair to stretch out my curl pattern. Once my hair is air dried, I take my twists or braids loose for volume.
The most fabulous thing about wearing my hair textured and loose…. no hair spray or gel required! My hair texture stands up on it’s own. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Lesson #3: NO EXCUSES NOT TO EXERCISE! How many times have your heard a friend or family member say, “I can’t get my hair wet!” or I can’t __________ (fill in the blank with any form of exercise), I will sweat out my perm!”
With natural hair, there is no fear of relaxer reversion or losing your curls. I typically exercise with twists in my hair and then wear them loose after a work out or wear a headband and rock an Afro.
Lesson #4: YOU CAN ENJOY DRIVING WITH THE CAR WINDOWS DOWN/TOP DOWN. Have you ever been in a car and the driver wants to put the windows or top down but you insisted they stay up because you do not want to get your hair messed up? Guess what?…. With Natural Hair you can enjoy feeling the wind of the open road with no worries of wind blown hair (See Lesson #2). Just beware of car head rests…it will flatten your Afro in the back.
My Natural Hair has taught me quite a few things during my six year journey. But one thing for sure, going Natural was the hair decision I have made in a long time!
Karla Thomas
