When, why how did you go natural?

I started my natural in June 2011. The change had a lot to do with discovering who I really was on the inside. Uncovering the woman that I had subsided for so long. I grew out my roots from June – September, wore braids, went to get regular trims. Then one day I was schedued for a trim but I told my stylist, JUST CHOP IT ALL OFF! I NEVER looked back.

                                                                            

When and why did you start locking.     
What method did you choose and why     
What was the hardest part of your journey?

For years I always feared what other would think when they looked at me and saw I wore my natural, nappy locs. But I grew past that – my natural hair has taught me how to love every part of me and to stop caring about what others think of me so much.

And the best part?

The BEST part of this journey is I never grow tired of my natural hair! I can style it however I want and never get bored. Even moreso I enjoy being natural because it sends a positive message to my daughter – she’s 3 years old and has the cutest curls. And when she sees me she always says “Mommy! I looove your hair! Mine looks just like that.” That makes me smile, it teaches her to love herself.

What did your hair journey teach you?

I think I already kind of answered this one but the journey taught me to love myself! Every single part of me, not to be afraid of what other things. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that includes my natural hair.

Describe your worse hairdo and your best hairdo and please include a picture if you can.

Haha, I love to let my curls be free but sometimes they don’t cooperate. I would say my worse hair do are those in-between days when I really haven’t done anything to it, I didn’t twist it up the night before I just tried to get away wearing it and waking up to whatever! My best hairdo is probably a twist out – I’ve worn twists for about a week and then decide to let it be free. I love just letting my curls go!

Looking back, has your perception of your hair or black hair in general changed? Please elaborate.

Yes, my perception has changed dramatically. I feel like I was silently taught that straight hair is the only way to wear your hair because no one wants to deal with combing through “naps” or having your hair look “out of place or fuzzy.” But I’ve learned that your hair doesn’t define who you are it can only compliment your personality. I’ve learned not to hide behind my hair – I think it’s definitely a reflection of my personality now but I don’t let it define me. Now all women have the right to choose to wear it in it’s natural or relaxed state and everyone has their reasons. But overall, my perception is do what you love and makes you happy on the inside not what society has defined for you.

Most girls loved their first perm. Do you remember yours? Was it a special occassion, how old were you and how did you feel about it?

I don’t remember receiving my first relaxer but I’ve been told by my mother that I received it at the age of 3. Yikes, right? Yeah, my thoughts exactly when I learned this information. So no, it wasn’t exciting or memorable for me. I didn’t even learn about my first relaxer until I made the decision to reverse my hair back to it’s natural state. That made the journey that much more special for me because it really was my first time experiencing my natural hair. I learned things about myself that I never even know I liked or had an interest in. That’s quite an amazing feeling.

What is your favorite hairstyle?

I’m a simple girl. A protective style or a simple twist out are my styles of choice.

How long have you been a member and how did you find going-natural.com?