Going natural because you think it's popular

[Killahkurlz]

I really don't see how girls can do that. I've been procrastinating all day "wash day" & thinking about how I was going to procrastinate around doing my hair since yesterday.
I'm about to start though.

 

[GreenBloodyShoe]

I think some people just do anything as long as its in style. I went natural because my hair was totally over processed, crispy, dry, nasty, thin, life less hot mess. There was no way for me to salvage any of it so I said I might as well go natural. I have the kind of hair that hates chemical processes like relaxers, dye and bleach and even excessive heat. As long as I don't do any of the above, it grows long pretty fast. As long as my hair is natural it stays long. Also I find natural hair is cheaper and low maintenance. I can just wash and go.

 

[SuchaLady]

I'm not natural because everyone else is. When naturals start rerelaxing maybe I will consider it

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[LexiDior]

I was thinking about this the other day. So many family members ask me why Im not natural. They think of it as a trend, I see it as a hassle and not for me.

 

[APrayer4Hair]

This question/ topic is always very baffling to me too.

1. I don't see how Indian Remy, and the likes, aren't just as much, if not more, of a "fad" as natural hair.

2. I'd really like to believe that people aren't running around shaving their heads or transitioning for years because somebody else is.

The decision to BC for me was impulsive. I had some damage from a braid experience so I felt like it was as good a time as any. I'm in my late 20s and had never truly experienced my natural hair. So far, so good, yet if it doesn't work out I'd relax again. Simple as that.

 

[Atdow71]

I've been natural since '99 so it's not a trend or fad for me. When I decided to go natural, there was no youtube or much info on natural hair on the Internet.

 

[ronie]

This question/ topic is always very baffling to me too.

1. I don't see how Indian Remy, and the likes, aren't just as much, if not more, of a "fad" as natural hair.

2. I'd really like to believe that people aren't running around shaving their heads or transitioning for years because somebody else is.

The decision to BC for me was impulsive. I had some damage from a braid experience so I felt like it was as good a time as any. I'm in my late 20s and had never truly experienced my natural hair. So far, so good, yet if it doesn't work out I'd relax again. Simple as that.

The decision was made for me. I join the forum and decided to do a long stretch, and started hairfinity to boost my growth. 7 months later I could literally count my relaxed ends, lol. Breakage and shedding city was all i can recall. So I had to BC at 11 months. Enjoying it for now ( a lot), but planning to relax next year.
I think a lot of people are just happy to have yet another option for their hair.
Like you said I doubt people are going around shaving their head, spend hours twisting and re twisting 3 inches of hair just cause others do too. I did not expect to enjoy it, but I have never taken such good care of my hair in my 30 years of life.
And besides it is ok if someone decides to go natural cause someone else is natural. How many times we see someone wearing an outfit, and you wish you knew where they got it from. When you find out, you get it, and you wear it YOUR way. We all do it. In the summer I see all these girls running around the park sweating their a$$ off, and I get excited to get my work out on.
I remember when I went to college majoring in nursing. Lots of my friends were like: huh everyone wants to be a nurse! But I knew I had it in me, and I saw the potential of a stable, rewarding, and timeless career. Now a lot of these people are STILL struggling to settle or find a job after jumping from major to major and obtaining multiple BS degrees. Not saying they too should have been nurses, but maybe they dismissed something that could have made them happy. Meanwhile, I have been growing strong and happy in a wonderful field for 7 years. So when I see young girls majoring in nursing I say go for it. So yes following a trend is ok as long it fits your needs and lifestyle.

 

[discodumpling]

I don't care how you get here just get here if you can! If even ONE person transitions for kicks & giggles and learns something new about their natural hair or decides to keep it then it's all good!

 

[BraunSugar]

Is natural considered popular yet? IRL they still aren't the majority or even close (at least in my area). I do see the occasional one or two but for the most part, I see a lot of weave & wigs.

 

[APrayer4Hair]

ronie


I totally agree with ur post. Actually I'm studying nursing now (never too late right!).

My main thing i think people don't understand is that natural hair is a trend, not a fad.

 

[RngdeCurls]

I know a few girls who've tried to go natural because they thought it was easier. Like they'd be able to just walk out the door without doing anything to their hair by calling it natural. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the idea was only acceptable because it is so popular nowadays but I can't help but think there are other circumstances that come into play.

 

[ronie]

ronie


I totally agree with ur post. Actually I'm studying nursing now (never too late right!).

My main thing i think people don't understand is that natural hair is a trend, not a fad.

Never too late girl. Psst; been trying to get my mother (55 years old) to do it. She was an elementary school teacher for 25 years back home, but now she prefers to take care of her grand kids.
Good luck, and you will not regret it.

 

[mz.rae]

Is natural considered popular yet? IRL they still aren't the majority or even close (at least in my area). I do see the occasional one or two but for the most part, I see a lot of weave & wigs.

This what I was thinking, I hear a lot of talk of natural this and that on hair care boards. But in real life not that many people are going natural like I see, I see still mostly weaves (though they could be natural underneath) and relaxers.

 

[Cattypus1]

I'm relaxed-texlaxed...what difference does it make why someone chooses to make a hair decision? A bunch of us chose to get curls back in the 80's...because it was popular. As much as I hate to admit it, I was one of those people. Why would anyone other than the person making the choice even care? I love to see ladies with beautiful hair, relaxed or natural or anywhere in-between. You do you!

 

[EnExitStageLeft]

I'm relaxed-texlaxed...what difference does it make why someone chooses to make a hair decision? A bunch of us chose to get curls back in the 80's...because it was popular. As much as I hate to admit it, I was one of those people. Why would anyone other than the person making the choice even care? I love to see ladies with beautiful hair, relaxed or natural or anywhere in-between. You do you!

I concur !

 

[Killahkurlz]

And besides it is ok if someone decides to go natural cause someone else is natural. How many times we see someone wearing an outfit, and you wish you knew where they got it from. When you find out, you get it, and you wear it YOUR way. We all do it. In the summer I see all these girls running around the park sweating their a$$ off, and I get excited to get my work out on.
I remember when I went to college majoring in nursing. Lots of my friends were like: huh everyone wants to be a nurse! But I knew I had it in me, and I saw the potential of a stable, rewarding, and timeless career. Now a lot of these people are STILL struggling to settle or find a job after jumping from major to major and obtaining multiple BS degrees. Not saying they too should have been nurses, but maybe they dismissed something that could have made them happy. Meanwhile, I have been growing strong and happy in a wonderful field for 7 years. So when I see young girls majoring in nursing I say go for it. So yes following a trend is ok as long it fits your needs and lifestyle.

I never said it wasn't ok. I just says I didn't get it. Its a big commitment

 

[Killahkurlz]

I'm relaxed-texlaxed...what difference does it make why someone chooses to make a hair decision? A bunch of us chose to get curls back in the 80's...because it was popular. As much as I hate to admit it, I was one of those people. Why would anyone other than the person making the choice even care? I love to see ladies with beautiful hair, relaxed or natural or anywhere in-between. You do you!

It doesn't make a difference. I was just sharing my thoughts, my wonderments of going through the whole upkeep just for a trend. I was complaining about doing my hair as well. It's human nature.to wonder things. I think u took this post a little to personal. And trust and believe im doing me, but that doesnt stop my brain from thinking.and processing information

 

[brownb83]

I think a lot of relaxed youtubers did. But it's their business.

I'm textlaxed natural is not for me.

However some new naturals act like new Christians lol.

 

[SmilingElephant]

This what I was thinking, I hear a lot of talk of natural this and that on hair care boards. But in real life not that many people are going natural like I see, I see still mostly weaves (though they could be natural underneath) and relaxers.

I guess it depends on your location. Here in Orlando there are naturals EVERYWHERE! However i notice more 4a-4c's than anything. So in a sense i still feel like im in the minority. But a day never goes by without me seeing at least 5-10 naturals.

 

[Stormy]

Tons of naturals here in Atlanta too! I would say daily at least every 5 out of 10 AA women I see are.

I know someone like you stated OP. Now, she "says" it's because she just thinks going natural will be better for her hair. However... she complains all the time about how it takes 3 hours or so to do her hair. She's been transitioning for over a year, and appears to be 3C. She complains about tangles and everything. When I asked if she's ever had problems being relaxed she said no, none at all. So... well anyway it's up to her, it's her decision. If she is just doing it because it's popular she'll get tired soon enough. In the meantime I just give tips to help her. She seems to appreciate them.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

Hmmm the only naturals I know are on this board. I dont know any IRL.

 

[BostonMaria]

I live in the Boston metropolitan area and I see natural hair everywhere. I went natural because my hair couldn't take the chemicals. My hair was pretty thin. I can't imagine relaxing my thick, long hair for thin, dry, and brittle hair that doesn't retain length.

Maybe for some ladies it's a fad but for me a relaxer will never be an option.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[crimsonpeach]

I tried everything I could think of before I went natural. Researched different relaxers, went to stylists that did great hair, stretched my touchups, limited heat, protective styled, tried product after product, hennaed, lurked on this board. Never could maintain healthy growth when my hair was relaxed. Couldn't get past SL. Going natural was my final resort. Lol

I was scared of going natural because I was sure if I was failing at maintaining relaxed hair I would surely fail at natural. Thank goodness for hair boards and YT! After almost 3 years, my hair is longer and healthier than its ever been. I'm still struggling with it (detangling and breakage are still issues) but I always see progress. My hair just couldn't take chemicals and heat. I don't foresee myself returning to relaxers.

 

[overtherainbow]

I know many people who went natural because it's a "trend". They seem happy enough about their decision so far. I'm even hoping that they would influence my mom.
I went natural because I hated my relaxed hair, and I hated getting relaxers because they affected my work out schedule. After making the stupid mistake of going on a short run before a TU, I was DONE. Even if I stopped working out, I would never go back because I just can't deal with the mainatanence and I despise straightening my hair anyway. I rather toss on a straight wig and keep going.

 

[reeko43]

I hardly see women with just permed hair anymore. The majority that I see arw women sporting poorly done weaves so thwi own hair is a mystery. I see some permed and a lot of naturals. The naturals seem to be increasing by the year. Almost 100% of the newly hired black women at my job have been natural

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[sunnieb]

I know lots of naturals IRL and all of them are type 4 and kinkier. I don't see any of them returning to relaxers. However, all of them (with the exception of my mom) gave up relaxers because their hair/scalp couldn't handle the chemicals. They burned easily and had thin relaxed hair no matter how long they stretched.

Matter of fact, they all don't say they 'went natural'. They say they 'gave up relaxing'.

I'm so happy to see my family and friends loving their hair! It's a blessing to have all of this hair info out there.

 

[reeko43]

I went natural because I relocated and couldnt find a good hair dresser. I would never relax my own hair. My hair is also thinning due to a hormone imbalance. I initially planned to be a straight haired natural but I fell in love with my hair. I have only straightened my hair twice since and dont like the look. I will never relax again. My decision was not due to a fad but for the health and look of my hair

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[Blessed&higlyflavoured]

I went natural 10 years ago because whilst the hair at the front was thick and strong, The hair at the back of my head just couldn't hack the chemicals. So after a year of perm i grew it out. It just wasn't working for me. I think with all my new found knowledge (thankyou lhcf), I'd be able to relax my hair safely now if i wanted but I honestly cannot be bothered. Maybe when i get a full time job and want to climb that career ladder (because lets be honest, assimilating doesn't hurt career-wise does it).

My two sisters went natural within the last year, again due to damage. I tried to suggest not overlapping and relaxing bone straight but.... (oh well). I'd like to think It was because of me and my gorgeous hair , but in my heart of hearts i know its because they couldn't be asked.

 

[janeemat]

I think there is some truth in the OP's statement. But then again on the hair boards, it varies. There were some beautiful healthy relaxed heads of hair that went natural. They achieved their goals of relaxed healthy hair and then for whatever reasons they went natural. I think a lot was due to stretching relaxers and getting a taste of their natural hair. Some reasons was because they saw how another member's head of natural hair looked and wanted the same. Sometimes, I want to be natural and it's only because I hangout on hair boards. It's certainly not because of the healthy natural heads in my neck of the woods....they are few are far.....believe me.

 

[grownwomanaz]

I see plenty of naturals, of all ages, on the daily in Tucson.