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Naturals - Just tell me why did you do it?
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]Are you natural because of the way it looks?I love my kinky coily curly texture
Because it is healthier? If taken care of properly, definately.
Because it is easier? When the right techniques are used, definately, you just have to find your groove. I'm in autopilot now, so for me, it's very easy....
WHAT SHE SAID
KinksnCurlz
New Member
I decided to go natural b/c I loved the way my newgrowth felt. Plus, I've seen plenty natural heads online and in person and just fell in love with the versatility of natural hair.
prettybrowneyescutie
New Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks? In the beginning yes, but not now
-I have alway admired women with natural hair and wanted to go natural for the longest time. I pick up a few books and read on the subject and I found out that it was little more than just a style. Natural was a state of mind and well being. I don't want to go out the deep end, but after reading and educating myself I jumped in head first.
Because it is healthier? Yes.
-I wore my hair relaxed for over 14 years and I was tried of all ups and downs with my hair. I was tired of my hair breaking off and having to cut it off and start all over. I was tried of paying $80 for a touch up and style and half the time I wasn't happy with the end result. I was tired of my thinning edges. I was tired of my thinning hair. I was tired of the slow growth. My edges have now grown in and my is thicker. IMO I think my hair is as healthy as it was when I younger (before relaxing)
Because it is easier? Yes
-Wash and go.
-I have alway admired women with natural hair and wanted to go natural for the longest time. I pick up a few books and read on the subject and I found out that it was little more than just a style. Natural was a state of mind and well being. I don't want to go out the deep end, but after reading and educating myself I jumped in head first.
Because it is healthier? Yes.
-I wore my hair relaxed for over 14 years and I was tried of all ups and downs with my hair. I was tired of my hair breaking off and having to cut it off and start all over. I was tried of paying $80 for a touch up and style and half the time I wasn't happy with the end result. I was tired of my thinning edges. I was tired of my thinning hair. I was tired of the slow growth. My edges have now grown in and my is thicker. IMO I think my hair is as healthy as it was when I younger (before relaxing)
Because it is easier? Yes
-Wash and go.
NappturalWomyn
New Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks?
~Yes.When I did the BC, I just felt better. I looked at the wave pattern and I realized this is what my hair is. It is my hair. There are many other heads look like this, but this hair is mine. It would fight any perm I paid for (dumb) or put in myself (dumber), and that should have been a BIG sign...
Because it is healthier?
~Yup.I have finally found a regimen that is growing my hair. I enjoy finding new ways to make it look good. I have found so many black owned companies online (the UPS guy knows my name-it's pretty bad), and it feels so good to just drive by the BSS and not support the syndicate.
Because it is easier?
~It is not necessarily easier. Natural hair poses its own challenges. It is a labor of love to work with my natural hair. I had natural long hair. When I got plugged into the matrix, and I thought I needed to have a perm; it just ended up looking bad and I just felt miserable. It wasn't me. It might work for some chicks, but I ended up looking like a dude with a bad weave. No more. I love my hair now, and I refuse to put another chemical in my head again.
~Yes.When I did the BC, I just felt better. I looked at the wave pattern and I realized this is what my hair is. It is my hair. There are many other heads look like this, but this hair is mine. It would fight any perm I paid for (dumb) or put in myself (dumber), and that should have been a BIG sign...
Because it is healthier?
~Yup.I have finally found a regimen that is growing my hair. I enjoy finding new ways to make it look good. I have found so many black owned companies online (the UPS guy knows my name-it's pretty bad), and it feels so good to just drive by the BSS and not support the syndicate.
Because it is easier?
~It is not necessarily easier. Natural hair poses its own challenges. It is a labor of love to work with my natural hair. I had natural long hair. When I got plugged into the matrix, and I thought I needed to have a perm; it just ended up looking bad and I just felt miserable. It wasn't me. It might work for some chicks, but I ended up looking like a dude with a bad weave. No more. I love my hair now, and I refuse to put another chemical in my head again.
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Bunny77
New Member
This is how it started for me. In my first year with a relaxer, my hair looked amazing.
Then it just started breaking off, bit by bit. And even when it wasn't breaking, it just didn't look all that great. I was thinking, "Shoot, I should have kept it pressed." All I did was wear my hair in a ponytail or baseball cap anyway, so I was like whatever.
Then I moved to Florida. I LOVE to run and there was absolutely no way I was going to keep up a press and try to run 3-4 miles a day and get all sweaty... so that pushed me to be natural most of the time.
Since then, I just find that I like it better. I think the style fits me, makes me look younger, makes me look unique and is just more attractive on me. This isn't to say that I won't get a press here and there just to change it up, but the default style for me will always be natural from here on out.
naturalgurl
New Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks? YES!
Because it is healthier? YES!
Because it is easier? YES!
Because it is healthier? YES!
Because it is easier? YES!
Lucky's Mom
New Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks? - I love my own hair.... Relaxers were death to my hair.... No matter the type of relaxer ( I had no idea which ones were being used), the stylist ( I had a couple of good ones - if fact, my last stylist was AWESOME) or the technique....They were death to my hair.... period.... If I ever went back to one ( highly unlikely) I would have all the ladies here to help me. I had NO help on the outside.
Because it is healthier? My hair is much healthier now.
Because it is easier?
NO - it SHO ain't easier.
Please share with me. Ten years ago, I had NO idea how to deal with my hair. When I was about 18 - used to Rollerset every week. My hair was doing VERY well, for about a year..... That is the only time I remember any success during the HORRIFIC perm Years. After reading about all that goes on with relaxers, and understanding my hair type Better.... I understood why my hair was in HELL. I had individuals for about 6 months.... and that was when I realized that my hair line had dissapeared due to relaxers.... November 1998 was the last perm..I have never looked back..
ETA: This is also MUCH cheaper than going to the shop and spending LOADS of money. I really cannot afford a hairdresser now. So I am glad I did what I did.....
I always felt tortured in a Shop.....
Because it is healthier? My hair is much healthier now.
Because it is easier?
NO - it SHO ain't easier.Please share with me. Ten years ago, I had NO idea how to deal with my hair. When I was about 18 - used to Rollerset every week. My hair was doing VERY well, for about a year..... That is the only time I remember any success during the HORRIFIC perm Years. After reading about all that goes on with relaxers, and understanding my hair type Better.... I understood why my hair was in HELL. I had individuals for about 6 months.... and that was when I realized that my hair line had dissapeared due to relaxers.... November 1998 was the last perm..I have never looked back..
ETA: This is also MUCH cheaper than going to the shop and spending LOADS of money. I really cannot afford a hairdresser now. So I am glad I did what I did.....
I always felt tortured in a Shop.....
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Well first I'd like to say hello as this my 1st post on LCHF.
I'm relatively to the board in that this is my first post. I've been lurking for few months now.
I've been natural for well over 10 or so years (however I've been loc'd for over 7 years now). I was never comfortable with the process of relaxing my hair. EVER. But I gave into the pressure of wanting to fit in with the other girls who all had relaxed hair, when I was going to high school.
My first relaxer was WAYYYY back in the day, with that big jar of Revlon lye relaxer. OMG I will never forget that 1st time, that burned the crap out of me and all the other times. Every touch up for me was torture, burnt scalp and dealing with the scabs. Granted, I know realize that I was using the incorrect techniques for relaxing as well.
I started questioning why our hair isn't good enough as is. I was always the type to go thru a longtime between touch ups anyway, I so I just stopped and never went back. I wore my hair in modified 'fro, and would occasionally press & curl and soon after that depended heavily on extensions.
I'm really thinking about combing out my locs and if I do that, I felt that I need to re-educate myself on how to deal with my hair sans braids and press & curl. Thats why I find this forum so helpful.
Are you natural because of the way it looks? partially, I love the waves and kinks, especially when washing my hair.
Because it is healthier? To a degree. I realized that it can't be to good to put all those chemicals on your scalp. But I've also colored my natural hair using typical Loreal brands. I also figure that I ingest far more chemicals on daily basis thru food than thru hair care products. Its like I'm all for natural but if you aren't carrying it thru to other lifestyle choices, how much healther is it really.
Because it is easier? Its not easier, at least for me its not. Natural hair takes just as much effort if not more so than relaxed hair
I'm relatively to the board in that this is my first post. I've been lurking for few months now.
I've been natural for well over 10 or so years (however I've been loc'd for over 7 years now). I was never comfortable with the process of relaxing my hair. EVER. But I gave into the pressure of wanting to fit in with the other girls who all had relaxed hair, when I was going to high school.
My first relaxer was WAYYYY back in the day, with that big jar of Revlon lye relaxer. OMG I will never forget that 1st time, that burned the crap out of me and all the other times. Every touch up for me was torture, burnt scalp and dealing with the scabs. Granted, I know realize that I was using the incorrect techniques for relaxing as well.
I started questioning why our hair isn't good enough as is. I was always the type to go thru a longtime between touch ups anyway, I so I just stopped and never went back. I wore my hair in modified 'fro, and would occasionally press & curl and soon after that depended heavily on extensions.
I'm really thinking about combing out my locs and if I do that, I felt that I need to re-educate myself on how to deal with my hair sans braids and press & curl. Thats why I find this forum so helpful.
Are you natural because of the way it looks? partially, I love the waves and kinks, especially when washing my hair.
Because it is healthier? To a degree. I realized that it can't be to good to put all those chemicals on your scalp. But I've also colored my natural hair using typical Loreal brands. I also figure that I ingest far more chemicals on daily basis thru food than thru hair care products. Its like I'm all for natural but if you aren't carrying it thru to other lifestyle choices, how much healther is it really.
Because it is easier? Its not easier, at least for me its not. Natural hair takes just as much effort if not more so than relaxed hair
Isis77
New Member
Woa!!! That's what happened to me!!!!!! Porosity huh? That explains a lot!
(I was really confused when this happened to me too, so thanks SO MUCH for posting this reply! ) But yes, this is my reason also for transitioning, and also due to my finding out that the natural hair that is growing in just so happens to be the hair that I've always wanted all my life!
naturalgurl
New Member
I found it harder to try and maintain straight looks. Maintaining my natural look is easy, the question is, do other people like looking at itAre you natural because of the way it looks? - I love my own hair.... Relaxers were death to my hair.... No matter the type of relaxer ( I had no idea which ones were being used), the stylist ( I had a couple of good ones - if fact, my last stylist was AWESOME) or the technique....They were death to my hair.... period.... If I ever went back to one ( highly unlikely) I would have all the ladies here to help me. I had NO help on the outside.
Because it is healthier? My hair is much healthier now.
Because it is easier?
Please share with me. Ten years ago, I had NO idea how to deal with my hair. When I was about 18 - used to Rollerset every week. My hair was doing VERY well. That is the only time I remember any success during the HORRIFIC perm Years. After reading about all that goes on with relaxers, and understanding my hair type Better.... I understood why my hair was in HELL.
.
TIA.
spritex
New Member
I love the way natural curlies look, not yet sure I love the way MINE looks but I am still a work in progress (or my hair is) so we shall see what regimen building, a flattering cut and healthy growth will do for my hair.
I don't know about the healthier part - I think relaxed hair can also be healthy, its all about knowledge - research, the right tools and patience. When I had relaxed hair I did not know sites like this existed so in essence my hair was not healthy. When I went natural it was covered up with wigs, weaves etc as I had no idea what to do - so again it was not healthy either! It was not until I discovered hair boards that I started working my way into healthy hair...as I said it is still a work in progress but for the first time in years I am positive and excited about my hair.
I do not think it is eaiser than relaxed hair - both types have to treat the hair with lots of TLC or it will rebel.
I don't know about the healthier part - I think relaxed hair can also be healthy, its all about knowledge - research, the right tools and patience. When I had relaxed hair I did not know sites like this existed so in essence my hair was not healthy. When I went natural it was covered up with wigs, weaves etc as I had no idea what to do - so again it was not healthy either! It was not until I discovered hair boards that I started working my way into healthy hair...as I said it is still a work in progress but for the first time in years I am positive and excited about my hair.
I do not think it is eaiser than relaxed hair - both types have to treat the hair with lots of TLC or it will rebel.
honeycomb719
New Member
For me, it was unnecessary to keep putting chemicals in my hair cause I never wore my own hair. Im always in a weave or braids or something, plus I retained very very little growth in relaxers. Also, I already hair naturally thin hair and relaxers made it thinner.
rhapsdyblu
New Member
This past Feb. when my hair dresser took down my weave/sewn on wig, all my edges were gone. This had happened a couple of years ago (the loss of my hairline) after a medical crisis. We could only figure a couple of reasons: I have extra sensitive skin & she had made me a wig by gluing the hair to the cap & then sewing the cap to my head. We think I was allergic to the glue. One hint was the severe itching I had but like a fool, did not have the hair taken off. 2. My vitamin, mineral, & protein numbers on my labs were low, so we knew that was connected. It is something I have to watch closely since my gastric bypass surgery. 3. We then cornrowed my hair & did a regular sew in but my head hurt so much from the braids we had to take it down a couple of weeks later. I seem to not be able to tolerate cornrows at any tension at this point. She then told me she thought I should not put any more chemicals on my hair nor wear weaves or braids. I had a wave nouveau in my hair at the time.
Just had not ever considered wearing my hair natural again. Did that in the 70's (the "I'm Black & I'm Proud" era). I was actually upset when she suggested I go natural. I knew nothing about the care of my hair in its natural state. When i did wear it natural, I know now I was caring for it all wrong. I lived in Tokyo for a year & a Japanese friend asked me where did I manage to find a salon to cut my hair in Tokyo. I did not know how to explain that I was there for a year & never had a hair cut but my hair was always the same length. Obviously no retention.
My stylist then told me that she honestly did not know what to tell me on how to deal with my hair. She suggested I just get it pressed and stay away from chemicals.
So I began to research hair care, found LHCF & tried to learn how to deal with my wrecked hair. It has been over time that I am learning to love my natural hair. I never knew you could so so much with it. I was also unaware of just how much damaged there was. Right now it is in a gazillion different lengths all over. Not sure if it is breakage or breakage plus my poor BC. I have decided to just keep caring for it as I have learned here. I will not cut it until I have some length (maybe SL or APL). For now, my front & crown are short & thin & back is thick & neck length. I kinda have to walk around looking crazy until I get some length & thickness back at the hairline & top of my head.
But...it is soft and healthy now. So we just gotta wait 'til it fills in. I hope that in a couple of years I will be a feature of the month when everyone sees what an amaxing transformation my hair has made. Right now it is a lot of work, but work I love and enjoy as it is getting me to healthier hair.
I praise God for the ladies of LHCF.
Just had not ever considered wearing my hair natural again. Did that in the 70's (the "I'm Black & I'm Proud" era). I was actually upset when she suggested I go natural. I knew nothing about the care of my hair in its natural state. When i did wear it natural, I know now I was caring for it all wrong. I lived in Tokyo for a year & a Japanese friend asked me where did I manage to find a salon to cut my hair in Tokyo. I did not know how to explain that I was there for a year & never had a hair cut but my hair was always the same length. Obviously no retention.
My stylist then told me that she honestly did not know what to tell me on how to deal with my hair. She suggested I just get it pressed and stay away from chemicals.
So I began to research hair care, found LHCF & tried to learn how to deal with my wrecked hair. It has been over time that I am learning to love my natural hair. I never knew you could so so much with it. I was also unaware of just how much damaged there was. Right now it is in a gazillion different lengths all over. Not sure if it is breakage or breakage plus my poor BC. I have decided to just keep caring for it as I have learned here. I will not cut it until I have some length (maybe SL or APL). For now, my front & crown are short & thin & back is thick & neck length. I kinda have to walk around looking crazy until I get some length & thickness back at the hairline & top of my head.
But...it is soft and healthy now. So we just gotta wait 'til it fills in. I hope that in a couple of years I will be a feature of the month when everyone sees what an amaxing transformation my hair has made. Right now it is a lot of work, but work I love and enjoy as it is getting me to healthier hair.
I praise God for the ladies of LHCF.
DMJ's Mom
Well-Known Member
I went natural because I love my hair wild and free. For years I used relaxers that never really took after that first shampoo i had a full afro and was back to breaking combs. So i finally woke up and asked myself "why keep wasting money on something thats going to last me a week?" So I quit relaxing
When I was in college I was in my 1st cousin's wedding. She had this GORGEOUS curly hair when I got there, and I watched as someone pressed her hair straight, put a few curls in it, and added a tiara. I was amazed! Who knew that hair could be so flexible!!!!! And I had been though a series of disappointments with hairdressers. So, I decided to grow out my curls. Granted, I have abused my hair with color, but overall, my hair is healthier and I have more good days as a natural than I did with a relaxer. So for me, it's about vanity, and flexibility. It's not political - although I do like to make jokes about "creamy crack"
So, I decided to grow out my curls. Granted, I have abused my hair with color, but overall, my hair is healthier and I have more good days as a natural than I did with a relaxer. So for me, it's about vanity, and flexibility. It's not political - although I do like to make jokes about "creamy crack"
Irresistible
New Member
I did it cause my hair was always jacklaxed!
so YES, for health , and IT IS much healthier now
so YES, for health , and IT IS much healthier now
Leeda.the.Paladin
Well-Known Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks? That is part of the reason. I did it also because I hated a part of myself (ie my new growth) and I wasn't comfortable with that. I started looking into the reasons why I hated it.
Because it is healthier? Yes
Because it is easier? Hmm, easier in some ways, harder in others. Once I learned how to care for it, it was easier, but that learning period was hard.
Because it is healthier? Yes
Because it is easier? Hmm, easier in some ways, harder in others. Once I learned how to care for it, it was easier, but that learning period was hard.
that_1_grrrl
New Member
My reasons are all of the above.
I've always loved curly hair, and the older I got, the more I hated how flat relaxers made my hair. When I started college, I could afford to get relaxers anymore. After a few months, I started to fall in love with my healthy, natural texture as my relaxed hair was looking crappy and breaking everywhere. So... I did the big chop. The person who did it messed it up. She gave me a man's haircut.
From 2005-2007, I was natural on and off. The last relaxer I had was in November 2006. I'm never going back.
I've always loved curly hair, and the older I got, the more I hated how flat relaxers made my hair. When I started college, I could afford to get relaxers anymore. After a few months, I started to fall in love with my healthy, natural texture as my relaxed hair was looking crappy and breaking everywhere. So... I did the big chop. The person who did it messed it up. She gave me a man's haircut.
From 2005-2007, I was natural on and off. The last relaxer I had was in November 2006. I'm never going back.
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shae101s
New Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks? Yes I loved my hair, that three year relaxed stunt I pulled ran its course and was time to go..lol
Because it is healthier? Sure is, I love the versatility! and the Health of my hair is better natural because I am able to manage and maintain my hair better (was used to doing my hair for 10 years, the relaxed rollercoaster was fun for a year and half then it sank)
Because it is easier? Yes! Love the styles and the simplicity of it!
Overall I love that I can be curly, wavy, straight, twisted, plaits, braids whatever, whenever and still rock it out looking fly...I missed my hair a lot and I don't see me gong back, though a lot of times u relaxed long hair ladies make me miss my length but I shall withstand! LOL.
Because it is healthier? Sure is, I love the versatility! and the Health of my hair is better natural because I am able to manage and maintain my hair better (was used to doing my hair for 10 years, the relaxed rollercoaster was fun for a year and half then it sank)
Because it is easier? Yes! Love the styles and the simplicity of it!
Overall I love that I can be curly, wavy, straight, twisted, plaits, braids whatever, whenever and still rock it out looking fly...I missed my hair a lot and I don't see me gong back, though a lot of times u relaxed long hair ladies make me miss my length but I shall withstand! LOL.
Kay.Dee
Well-Known Member
I hated my limp hair. I'm not that found of stick straight hair to begin with.
I think I have a sensitive scalp. I always had scabs after my relaxer. It may have been the stylists' fault but I'm not sure.
I like the look of natural hair.
It's easier for me to straighten my natural hair than give relaxed hair as much fullness and texture as I'd like.
I do think it is healthier in some aspects, but I can't claim that's the reason I did it. I still eat like a dumpster so I'm not claiming to be a health freak! I'm working on it though.
and multiple other personal reasons
I think I have a sensitive scalp. I always had scabs after my relaxer. It may have been the stylists' fault but I'm not sure.
I like the look of natural hair.
It's easier for me to straighten my natural hair than give relaxed hair as much fullness and texture as I'd like.
I do think it is healthier in some aspects, but I can't claim that's the reason I did it. I still eat like a dumpster so I'm not claiming to be a health freak! I'm working on it though.
and multiple other personal reasons
ToyToy
Well-Known Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks? Partly, yes. But mainly because I was getting tired of getting relaxers.
Because it is healthier? I thought it would be healthier (and it probably is), but now I have never had as many split ends as I have when I became natural.
Because it is easier? I thought it would be easier, but it's not. I think natural hair is very high maintenance and needs a lot of care. Plus there's that shrinkage factor.
But with all of this, I've never looked back. Best hair decision I ever made.
Because it is healthier? I thought it would be healthier (and it probably is), but now I have never had as many split ends as I have when I became natural.
Because it is easier? I thought it would be easier, but it's not. I think natural hair is very high maintenance and needs a lot of care. Plus there's that shrinkage factor.
But with all of this, I've never looked back. Best hair decision I ever made.
LongHairDreams
New Member
Im natural b/c i wanted a change. I went natural years ago b/c i wanted a change, and relaxed b/c i got bored. Im enjoying my natural journey this time. i.e. im not bored
Are you natural because of the way it looks?
To be honest, I had ZERO desire to go natural - nada, was not interested
Because it is healthier? NOPE
Because it is easier? MAYBE. I am still natural because I ended liking my natural hair, most of the times anyway. I do not have to worry about decarnation line or NG. I do not have to worry about going to the hair dresser to relax, nor do I have to fork out money to a stylist for hair expenses. My hair is much longer than it ever was relaxed, and the greatest incentive for staying natural is that I achieve more length paying less attention to my hair. The only time I stuggle with it (about once every 2 months) is when I want a great style and the process takes my whole morning, and my hands get tired. I minimise this by braiding my hair for 3-4 weeks at a time and just leave it along. When I get to BSL, and start wearing it out more, if it takes up too much of my time, I will go back to using phyto index 1. However, my ultimate goal would be to have MBL natural hair.
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graceunderfire
New Member
I can't maintain a relaxer. Plus, I am ridiculously sensitive to a lot of things so it just works out better for me.
jkamiel
New Member
Are you natural because of the way it looks? Yes. I went natural because I realized I didnt like bone straight hair and that I like thick voluuuuminous hair..
Because it is healthier? Yep, that too.. I didnt know how to properly nurse my relaxed hair back to health so I went natural and learned how to care for natural hair. But I do not believe that one has to be natural to have healthy hair.
Because it is easier? Nope. I think taking care of hair will be a little work whether you are natural or relaxed. It ALWAYS can be low-maintenance though.
Because it is healthier? Yep, that too.. I didnt know how to properly nurse my relaxed hair back to health so I went natural and learned how to care for natural hair. But I do not believe that one has to be natural to have healthy hair.
Because it is easier? Nope. I think taking care of hair will be a little work whether you are natural or relaxed. It ALWAYS can be low-maintenance though.
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