nappystorm
Well-Known Member
Feb. 2005 I made the big chop after transitioning for 5 months. It wasn't easy I've went through ups and downs and several setbacks. I've reached my first LT goal of full APL/BSL-ish natural hair. I've learned several things since going natural...
1. Going natural involves making a mental transition as well. I guarantee if you don't change your thinking, naturalness will not last.
I see women getting distressed and frustrated b/c their hair won't swing, shine,etc, or at the time and effort they have to put into making their hair look like that. There's nothing wrong with wearing straight hair but realize that black hair isn't designed to do that. When you are making your hair do something it isn't designed to do, it's going to take hours, chemicals, and heat. Think of all the trouble it would take for a type 1 or 2 haired woman to get a 4b type hairstyle.
Therefore, I view straight hair on AA women the same way I veiw makeup, waxing, body shapers etc. It's beautiful and fun but not a necessity.
2. Hair is hair is hair is hair. I may be able to wash and go. My hair can handle a little more heat and manipulation. However, it's still hair. It still needs to be cleaned, conditioned, and handled with TLC. Many naturals think you can slack up on caring for your hair (I did too). Neglected hair will break, shed, etc no matter if it's nappy, relaxed, texlaxed etc.
3. No matter how I wear my hair some people are going to like it and some are not. I had long hair when I decided to go nappy. Believe me, I heard it all: You're ugly with short hair, that doesn't fit you, you need to comb your hair...When I wear my hair straight, I get: Where's the fro??? I liked your hair, you don't need to straighten your hair. Bottom line, do what you want with your hair.
4. Water is your friend. Why our people think water dries out hair out, IDK. Our hair needs moisture...water is moisture...umm...
5. Do what works for you and your hair type...I have lost the most hair jumping on bandwagons, listening to other people, and following regimens of people with different hair types. If you are stuck, find a hair twin. If you have 4b relaxed hair, don't try to follow the regimen of a 3a natural. I guarantee you will regret it...
6. The two key ingredients to remaining natural: Confidence and patience. You will need confidence because there are some truly ignorant, cruel, miserable people that will go out of their way to put you and your hair down. At first rude comments used to bother me but now I simply smile and say, "I like my hair", shrug my shoulders and walk away.
You will need patience if you want long hair. I would suggest taking pics to track growth. And find someone's fotki to stalk whose hair is about your length. Focus on health and cute little ways to style your hair the way it is at the moment. Trust me your hair will get there before you know it.
Good Luck and HHG
1. Going natural involves making a mental transition as well. I guarantee if you don't change your thinking, naturalness will not last.
I see women getting distressed and frustrated b/c their hair won't swing, shine,etc, or at the time and effort they have to put into making their hair look like that. There's nothing wrong with wearing straight hair but realize that black hair isn't designed to do that. When you are making your hair do something it isn't designed to do, it's going to take hours, chemicals, and heat. Think of all the trouble it would take for a type 1 or 2 haired woman to get a 4b type hairstyle.
Therefore, I view straight hair on AA women the same way I veiw makeup, waxing, body shapers etc. It's beautiful and fun but not a necessity.
2. Hair is hair is hair is hair. I may be able to wash and go. My hair can handle a little more heat and manipulation. However, it's still hair. It still needs to be cleaned, conditioned, and handled with TLC. Many naturals think you can slack up on caring for your hair (I did too). Neglected hair will break, shed, etc no matter if it's nappy, relaxed, texlaxed etc.
3. No matter how I wear my hair some people are going to like it and some are not. I had long hair when I decided to go nappy. Believe me, I heard it all: You're ugly with short hair, that doesn't fit you, you need to comb your hair...When I wear my hair straight, I get: Where's the fro??? I liked your hair, you don't need to straighten your hair. Bottom line, do what you want with your hair.
4. Water is your friend. Why our people think water dries out hair out, IDK. Our hair needs moisture...water is moisture...umm...
5. Do what works for you and your hair type...I have lost the most hair jumping on bandwagons, listening to other people, and following regimens of people with different hair types. If you are stuck, find a hair twin. If you have 4b relaxed hair, don't try to follow the regimen of a 3a natural. I guarantee you will regret it...
6. The two key ingredients to remaining natural: Confidence and patience. You will need confidence because there are some truly ignorant, cruel, miserable people that will go out of their way to put you and your hair down. At first rude comments used to bother me but now I simply smile and say, "I like my hair", shrug my shoulders and walk away.
You will need patience if you want long hair. I would suggest taking pics to track growth. And find someone's fotki to stalk whose hair is about your length. Focus on health and cute little ways to style your hair the way it is at the moment. Trust me your hair will get there before you know it.
Good Luck and HHG
ON ALL POINTS MADE! ITA!
Your hair is absolutely gorgeous!
praise da LAWD......
