Naturals - Just tell me why did you do it?

[LunadeMiel]

It's easier to take care of if you take care of it in it's natural state - I don't consider the issue of reverting as meaning that natural hair is harder to take care of - that just means natural hair isn't naturally straight, so it's going to take a lot more effort to maintain that. *shrug*

ITA JustKiya...My natural hair is easier because I'm letting it do what it does naturally

 

[JustKiya]

Interesting POV.

For me, I rarely wear my hair straight, and my natural hair in all its glory is WAY harder to take care of than my relaxed hair. But it is healthier and more lush, so I deal with it. Although, everyday that goes by, it gets more and more difficult to fight the urge to try to "tame" it.

I really think that there are ways and means to make dealing with natural hair easier - but it also often involves style choices that aren't 'acceptable'.

My hair is super easy to deal with - but I don't wear it out, because I know that if I do, the curls & tangles will make it harder to deal with that I want it to be.

Not everyone is down with the protective/hiding styles as I am, and I fully acknowledge that if I wore a wash & go every day, I doubt that I would have made it two years as a natural - urm, no.

But, once again, that's taking - and dealing with - my hair as it is. There are certain - facts about my hair that I cannot - or, more precisely, am unwilling to change - and I have to figure out how to make my hair easy within those limitations/guidelines.

 

[Eisani]

I'm natural because no matter which relaxer i used or how long i left it on my hair was still curly and had to be flat ironed straight so i figured might as well stop wasting my money and time on getting relaxers and just go natural. I can flat iron it and get it just as straight now as i did then.

This is exactly why I initially started texlaxing and am transitioning to natural...trying to relax was pointless

 

[anon123]

I hate the salon. I hate it hate it hate it. I was mostly press and curl, which isn't any less hateful salon-wise than relaxing. Then I met someone wearing a puff and twists. And I realized it was easy to do on my hair and no more professionals were required. I never looked back.

 

[Vshanell]

I'm natural because no matter which relaxer i used or how long i left it on my hair was still curly and had to be flat ironed straight so i figured might as well stop wasting my money and time on getting relaxers and just go natural. I can flat iron it and get it just as straight now as i did then.

Wow! You sound just like me. There was no point in me relaxing cuz my hair never got straight and for straight hair i had to go through the same process then as i do now.

 

[anon123]

I really think that there are ways and means to make dealing with natural hair easier - but it also often involves style choices that aren't 'acceptable'.

I was saying to someone the other day that if I could just wear like 12 Celie braids I'd be straight. Not severe tangling and not hours spent putting it into a protective style. But I can't really walk around with 12 Celie braids, and all other options take time, either in the styling or in the detangling.

 

[justsimply]

For me it's only because of the way it looks and feels. I had been relaxed for most of my life, then I had locs, cut and was natural for a while. But I had been loced for such a long time (3+ years) that I didn't totally appreciate the loose natural. With locs I could always be ready to go in 5 minutes (lol). I relaxed again in Dec 2006 and almost instantly regretted it. Although my hair was healthy and grew while relaxed (because Dec 2006 is also when I found this board) I missed the feel of my natural hair and the look. I lasted less than a year in the relaxed world.

Is it healthier... no. I think that there are a lot of natural unhealthy heads out there. To me health is taking care of your in whatever state it is in.

Is it easier...no. Both in the relaxed and natural, I've had quick days and long days. I could Wash, bun and/or wrap twice a week while relaxed or wash and condition while natural and they take about the same amount of time. But the deep conditions and twists can take up a chunk of change in both states too.

So as stated... it's just a look/feel preference for me.

 

[BillsBackerz67]

I'm natural because no matter which relaxer i used or how long i left it on my hair was still curly and had to be flat ironed straight so i figured might as well stop wasting my money and time on getting relaxers and just go natural. I can flat iron it and get it just as straight now as i did then.

same thing with mine. you really couldnt tell the difference. Plus I really cant afford relaxer touchups at this time. Its really cheap to be natural once you find the right products.

 

[MekyakaKinkerbelle]

JustKiya,

(last off topic post from me...)

All I'm gonna say is I am so jealous right now. I wish it were that simple for me. Protective style (twists or box braids) - never been able to do them under 8 hours, and they ALWAYS tack on a lot more money when I go to a salon to get them done. Buns - can't really get my hair in a single bun - it's too thick and I end up with a HUGE headache. Wash n' gos - not on a regular basis - as my hair would dread.

What do I do? Fuzzy multiple-pinned up balls of hair. I basically look like the crazy cat lady these days And the longer it gets, the thicker it gets.

 

[BillsBackerz67]

I was saying to someone the other day that if I could just wear like 12 Celie braids I'd be straight. Not severe tangling and not hours spent putting it into a protective style. But I can't really walk around with 12 Celie braids, and all other options take time, either in the styling or in the detangling.

I swear if I could walk around like that and folks would like it my hair would be down to my *** by now Its not a cute hairstyle but my hair would be flourishing.

 

[BostonMaria]

Oh and OP I just wanted to add one thing...
I've seen people post things like "people that go natural don't know how to deal with relaxed hair. Their hair was short and never grew"

That's so far from the truth! I had beautiful, long APL relaxed hair. I went to the salon every week and my hair always looked good. Relaxing just wasn't for me. The little memory I had of my hair as a child were good ones. I actually remember really loving my hair, I'd twirl it all day like I do now LOL my mom would do those Pocahontas braids I love so much. I didn't want to go through life always daydreaming about how my hair used to be. So after yet another over-processing by a stylist that led to a set-back, I decided enough was enough. That decision was made 2 years ago and I haven't looked back since. I now have 11 inches of natural hair and I'm looking forward to seeing all it can do.

 

[JustKiya]

JustKiya,

(last off topic post from me...)

All I'm gonna say is I am so jealous right now. I wish it were that simple for me. Protective style (twists or box braids) - never been able to do them under 8 hours, and they ALWAYS tack on a lot more money when I go to a salon to get them done. Buns - can't really get my hair in a single bun - it's too thick and I end up with a HUGE headache. Wash n' gos - not on a regular basis - as my hair would dread.

What do I do? Fuzzy multiple-pinned up balls of hair. I basically look like the crazy cat lady these days And the longer it gets, the thicker it gets.

Dang. See, now here's another head I want to get into!!!

Okay, I'm done with the OT, for now.

 

[NikStarrr]

I did it because I like the way it looks and it's healthier. I have to admit, my texlaxed hair was easier, but it wasn't as healthy as my natural hair is, and I felt it wouldn't grow to it's full potential with the chemicals, no matter how mild I went with them.

 

[naturalgurl]

Oh and OP I just wanted to add one thing...
I've seen people post things like "people that go natural don't know how to deal with relaxed hair. Their hair was short and never grew"

That's so far from the truth! I had beautiful, long APL relaxed hair. I went to the salon every week and my hair always looked good. Relaxing just wasn't for me. The little memory I had of my hair as a child were good ones. I actually remember really loving my hair, I'd twirl it all day like I do now LOL my mom would do those Pocahontas braids I love so much. I didn't want to go through life always daydreaming about how my hair used to be. So after yet another over-processing by a stylist that led to a set-back, I decided enough was enough. That decision was made 2 years ago and I haven't looked back since. I now have 11 inches of natural hair and I'm looking forward to seeing all it can do.

WHAT??? I didn't know people said that. When I was relaxed my hair would grow to APL and then fall out. Sometimes I'd get bald spots. It wasn't that you don't know how to take care of it, it just kills some people's hair. Wow, I thought I'd heard it all!

 

[discodumpling]

I did because my hair & scalp told me to. I did it because I was ready to be ME; I needed to reconcile this BLACKNESS I felt on the inside with what I saw in the mirror.
I did it because the relaxer was beginning to sap my energy, my health, my confidence & my beauty. I got all that & then some just by not relaxing my hair. I did it because I wanted to offer my sons the ultimate example of WOMANHOOD...especially Black womanhood.

Relaxed hair was waaaay too much maintanance/time & money for me.

 

[Southernbella.]

Are you natural because of the way it looks?

I went natural to find out how it looked, because I had never seen my natural hair.

Because it is healthier? I do believe my hair is healthier, although it wasn't unhealthy when it was relaxed.

Because it is easier? Natural hair is definitely easier for me.

Please share with me. So many people are transitioning and I would like an idea of why. I am asking out of curiosity not controversy. Please, please share with me why you made this decision.

I needed to experience my natural hair. Now that I have, I realize I'm not missing anything by not being relaxed. If I want straight hair, I can flat iron. If I want waves, I can twistout. If I want kinks, I just leave let it be. There is literally nothing my hair can't do.

TIA. YW!

 

[Napp]

well im transitioning again and this is the last time. ive been natural most of my life until a year ago. i began to delve into the world of chemicals once i got on the hair boards.but no matter how much i take care of my hair it breaks off. i think if i had learned how to take proper care of my natural hair in the first place my hair would be to my *** right now. plus i do not like the way texturizers look. im very anal so the way the texturized hair looks natural but looks unnatural pisses me off. my only problem is that my hair very thick. im learing how to work with that. and if and when i get hair thats long i will put it in 12 celie braids and wont care because its all mine

 

[DDTexlaxed]

Being natural was a desire of mine and I kept relaxing because I was discouraged with my hair and length. This time, I've invested more time and energy in this transition. I found out why my natural hair wasn't thriving. I handled it wrong and didn't treat it with TLC. I have gotten many tips and plenty of You tube education videos. This has helped me to make a mental transition as well and I do believe this will be my very last transition.

 

[Ediese]

It sure isn't because it's easier because for me personally, it's not. I didn't know how to maintain my relaxed hair, and as a result it was badly damaged and very thin. Since I've been transitioning, my hair is much healthier and thicker.

ETA: I mentioned that it's not easier because I haven't found my staple moisturizer yet, so my hair tends to be really dry. Also, it tangles and gets knots really quickly. Detangling my hair is about 2 hrs worth of work.

 

[carib_n_curly]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? yes i love it nothing against straight hair i just love my halo and i never want to relax it.
Because it is healthier? it is

Because it is easier? been natural my whole life i don't know but i don't find it hard never had

Please share with me. So many people are transitioning and I would like an idea of why. I am asking out of curiosity not controversy. Please, please share with me why you made this decision.

Relaxing my hair was never anything my mum put on her to do list it was MY decision and if it ain't broke well you know
i've never being the type of child to be bother that the whole press and curl hype or obessed with wanting my hair to look like the girls on the relaxer boxes i was more interested in mangoes and mud

i never had a issue with relaxers it just seems like so much to think about and i have my regime down for winter why mess with it?
Most of the time i saw relaxed hair when i was young it was in a state the only time i was healthy looking relaxed hair was them people on relaxer boxes

it's only now i'm faintly bothered about getting my hair straightened a few times a year i never had a hot comb touch my hair until i was 16. some people love that straight swaning look and so do i but whether i get it or not i don't care.

i have never had a reason to relax my hair soooo i didn't
that's my answer and i'm sticking to it

 

[carib_n_curly]

Most of you say it is easier to take care of. How is that so? A long time ago when I was natural it seemed hard especially if I had hot combed it and then took a shower. The steam would revert it and I could never keep it looking good for more then a day. But I do agree that it was healthier.

simple you don't bother trying to get it straight i don't
i don't bother with even trying to hold a press
if you just let your hair be curly i find it's not to hard in my experience

i gues being natural is simplier for some from what i'm reading it's what kept me natural for so long .

maybe someone that was relaxed and now is natural could give you a better answer i'm bias i have nothing to compare with really

 

[smitmarv]

It's easier to take care of if you take care of it in it's natural state - I don't consider the issue of reverting as meaning that natural hair is harder to take care of - that just means natural hair isn't naturally straight, so it's going to take a lot more effort to maintain that. *shrug*

Sure you're right! I guess since it has been so long since I was truly natural (probably since I was 6 or 7 years old since I was always pressed by someone or relaxed a a later age) it is kind of hard for me to imagine what I would do with my hair to make look presentable besides a afro. But I do plan to go completely natural one day in the near future. It is great to read everyone's experiences.

 

[changedlife]

Because

• All healthy, long hair heads I've met were natural
• I got tired of hard work with no results

But after I did it I felt free, happy, like myself and very confident even though it's a twa

 

[empressri]

It's healthier, I love my own natural texture, and I can do so much more now!

And my hair doesn't smell like burned things or rotten eggs anymore. I just told my fiance that way back when I thought that all black people's hair smelled that way when we washed it.....little did I know WHY it smelled that way!

 

[SEMO]

I personally went natural because I initially started getting relaxers on a whim, and was curious about my natural hair. I also was tired of leaving the state of my hair in other people's hands (I didn't self-relax and was too scared to). Plus, I wanted to wear my hair as God had it grow out of my scalp (nothing against relaxers).

Finally, it was cheaper (for me). I was in undergrad and relaxers were getting pricier all the time.

 

[spacetygrss]

I went natural because it's healthier (and I make an attempt to be healthy all-around), it's easier and it's beautiful. If I were meant to have permanently straight hair I would have been born with it, IMO.

 

[nubiangoddess3]

Are you natural because of the way it looks?
Because it is healthier?
Because it is easier?



Because its healthier Well for me it is.. I have very thin, thin hair that grows extra slow.. Sooo Being Natural is is less manipulation for my very delicate strains

 

[frankie]

I like the way it looks, I think it's healthier, and you can't get any easier than a afro/puff.

I knew I'd stop relaxing at some point, I just never thought I'd transition this soon in life...I anticipated doing it as an older woman.

I honestly thought I'd be a press n' curl natural, but I have only straightened 3 times (4 if I count the day I chopped) since 12/31/07.

 

[Sugar Brown]

I love my texture & my natural hair is thicker and longer. For me it is not easier than my relaxed hair was.

 

[MrsQueeny]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? I am now
Because it is healthier? Yes that too
Because it is easier? It's easier right now but it wasn't in the beginning.

I honestly went natural on accident. My plan was to transition to natural and then back to relaxed. I went from a really humid climate in GA, to an extremely dry one in NM and my hair wasn't thriving. But after being natural for longer than I planned because I got pregnant I decided to just give it a go. Now I love being natural because for me my hair is healthy and I love the versatility. Q