Naturals - Just tell me why did you do it?

[Jetblackhair]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? No

Because it is healthier? Yes, well let me clarify. My edges were thinning, my nape was short and the relaxer did not seem to be benefiting my hair. But, that was all before I joined LHCF. I transitioned before finding the site as well. I wish I had found the site during my relaxed hair period. I'm sure I would have learned to take better care of my hair.

Because it is easier? Actually my relaxed hair was easier since I was familiar with it. I'd been relaxed for 20 years, my last relaxer was in Aug. 05. The year or two previous to that I was only getting a relaxer about 4 times a year.

I've improved though for caring of my natural hair and the texture has been good for giving the appearance of thick hair but sometimes I do miss my straight hair.

 

[Rei]

I'm transitoning becasue...i'm curious! i've always been relaxed, and my hair has never grown long. (although this is probably because I never knew how to take care of it)
I'm going to try this thing natural just to see how my hair texture looks. And man am I saving money on relaxers xD;

 

[Akemi]

Hmmm....
In 2006 when I was relaxed (I hadn't discovered LHCF yet), my hair had been over-processed from both the relaxer and color. I went from SL to NL in about 3 months. I decided to give my hair a break from relaxers for a while. I had planned on relaxing again after maybe a year when my hair would be healthier and longer. In the meantime, I began toying with the idea of going natural. I started looking up info online and found LHCF. I saw beautiful, long and healthy heads of natural hair on here and fotki and decided that I wouldn't relax after all. So my reasons are:

-- More versatility- I can do much more with my hair. Twist-outs, fros, straighten, and much more.
-- I like the way natural hair looks. I've fallen in love with big hair and i can't wait until my hair gets bigger/ longer.
-- I'm tired of straight hair. I feel like natural hair matches my personality more. And many people around me have relaxed hair and I want to stand out.
-- My hair is much healthier.
-- I hated getting touch-ups. i felt like I was a slave to the relaxer because I had to keep touching it up.
(Managing my hair is much more difficult, but It's worth it and I'm getting the hang of it.)

 

[GodMadeMePretty]

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

No, I'm not natural because of the way it looks.
I do believe it's healthier but that's not why I transitioned and then stayed natural.
It's definitely not easier. I had long relaxed hair that I always got relaxed and put in a ponytail. That's how I wore it 99.9% of the time - kid you not.

I fell into being natural. It started out as stretching when I found this board. Last relaxer was July 2003. Then I found out I was pregnant in January 2004 and knew from experience that a touch-up wasn't going to take. And even though I miscarried, I just carried on with my transition. Not really thinking about it because I still wore my hair the same way. I would wash it; put it in a ponytail; put on a scarf; go to bed. Wake up and never comb it again until I washed it. Just put on a scarf and go to bed. But I did that when I had a relaxer as well. It was just easier to get through straight hair than curly. September 2004, I found out I was pregnant again and due in May 2005 and by then it had been so long since I had a touchup. April 2005 is when I cut the last perm out because I had so much new growth that the the permed ends looked anemic and I've been natural ever since. I believe the last time I straightened my hair was when I was April 2006.

Detangling is hard for me. I have a lot of hair. It's not easier for me to maintain natural than relaxed. It was actually easier. But I don't miss relaxing one little bit - at least I don't miss the chemical part of it.

 

[lollyoo]

Exactly what she said, my hair was never quite straight. Now that I am natural i think it is because i have the tightest type 4a curl pattern, as my hair coils up quite a lot with massive shrinkage to go with it as well.
Having said this I may relax in future, when i am tired of been natural.

As per it been healthier, I actually lean more towards natural hair products, as i usually relax every 3 months no will only have to deal with lye 4 times a year, and there is a lot of products we use more regularly that filled with junks and chemicals. So in my opinion to stay healthier you need to use junk/chemical free products particularly for skin.

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.

 

[kblc06]

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

Are you natural because of the way it looks? Yes, despite its trials, I love the texture of my hair, especially in buns or updo styles

Because it is healthier? I would like to think so. The only thing I'm ever plagued with are splits but that's usually due to my own laziness (not moisturizing)

Because it is easier? I believe this is subjective because my natural hair is easier depending on what styles I do, and my relaxed hair was easier with others. If I could ever learn how to wet wrap my natural hair like Pokahontas or like I could when I was relaxed, it is ON! My rollersets turn out great, and with a silk wrap it pretty much looks flat-ironed; but the process takes to long for my liking)

 

[cottoncoily]

Reasons why I went natural (and did the BC):

1. My nape and both sides broken off (sister's fault) and I didn't want to continue to relax the breakage

2. My cousins said natural hair makes someone look dirty and nasty so I felt like I had to prove a point

3. I never had short hair before

4. I used to always were curly styles with my relaxed hair so why not wear my real curl pattern without effort

5. I always liked the look of kinky twists but I don't do weave.

6. My relaxed hair was not as thick as it used to be.

7. I hated getting scalp burns in the same places every time I would relax

8. I loooooovvvveee Big hair!!!!!!!!!!!

I think that's it for now.

 

[klowdnyne]

I went natural to gain healthier hair. My nape would not grow very long at all. (My hair is VERY soft there and did not like relaxers. That area still gives me trouble.) I only intended to give myself a tear or so of "naturalness", but it's been over 5 years and I don't think I'll relax again.

Initially, I didn't think it looked better, but now I love the look and I still have the option to straighten on occassion.

 

[Auburn]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? Yes and because I hated getting relaxers.
Because it is healthier? Yes
Because it is easier? YES!!! and YES!!!

ETA: where did you get those hair toys?

I agree with her answers plus I was hoping to have thicker hair. Well by gosh I do.

 

[Finally Free]

BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

 

[SouthernTease]

My hair is thicker now...
and fluffy and bouncy plus I like in the summer I can wash and go...

 

[KEWLKAT103]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? Yes, that's one of the reasons.

Because it is healthier? Yes. I try not to put chemicals in my body or on my skin, so I'm definately not putting it in my hair.
Because it is easier? Yes. I can wash and wear my hair everyday. I also don't ever worry about humidity or my hair getting wet.

 

[Auburn]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? I am transitioning now because i never knew that you could go back to your natural hair state. I never liked relaxing my hair because i would end up with scalp burns. My hair got thinner and i couldn't retain length. I must admit that i am in love with my natural hair.

Because it is healthier?Definately!!! No chemicals on my hair...more growth and faster growth.
Because it is easier? With time hell yeah. At the moment because i have relaxed ends is a little hard.

Another good point for me. I loved playing in my niece's curlies, now my hair is somewhat like hers I always wondered what mine would look like too.

 

[Wildchild453]

For me, its just more interesting. As much as it pains me my hair never looks the same twice and I can do much more things with it. I won't say its easier per se mostly because I know how to take better care of it

 

[Vinyl]

My Mom never relaxed my hair. During Freshman year I got two relaxers - none of which took and burned my scalp pretty badly. I found LHCF somewhere around then and the amount of work it took to maintain relaxed hair turned me off. I do have ample amount of time to do it but I'm too afraid that if I don't do it right my hair will fall out.

Also when I tried to get a relaxer I had crazy breakage for months.

 

[lilsparkle825]

i discovered dominican blowouts and figured heat > chemicals...

...then i realized i forgot what my hair looked like curly.

 

[Evolving78]

yes i like how it looks
it is more healthier, easier, and cheaper.

it doesn't take a lot of tools to get the looks i wants.
all i need is my fingers, a comb, and a brush sometimes.

 

[ghanja]

My HONEST response:

I went natural because of an ended relationship. Went to a stylist and literally got a fade. I looked like a dude and it took some serious inner/self reflection to get through it (the natural hair AND the relationship). I was previously that chick that always had the long, fly hair with a weekly standing appointment at my stylist.

I stayed natural because it is simply healthier. It's definitely not easier, but it's me and I own it and it's not for anyone else (which I do believe my previous hair was).

It's slightly changed my "lifestyle". I try to eat and live in a healthier manner as well. For ME, something about being natural makes me want to embrace a better, healthier overall me.

Omg, Your hair is so beautiful especially the color variations

 

[Netta1]

Are you natural because of the way it looks?

I like the way my natural hair looks, but I don't think thats why I'm natural.

Because it is healthier?

I know my natural hair is healthier then my chemically processed hair was, even though my processed hair was "healthy" for relaxed hair.

Keeping relaxers out of my hair is good for my hair, my body, my scalp and my self image.

Because it is easier?

For me being natural is 100X easier and more fun. I enjoy just being me. I don't worry about my hair "going back" because I am already their and I have fully embraced it...:0)

I transitioned because I questioned why I started relaxing in the first place. For me I was hiding behind what I thought was the only form of beauty. Then I found the real me. I have been natural for five years now and I do not regret my decision...not one bit. It takes time, patience and love of self-just like anything else worth having in life
:0)

I wish you well on your journey.

peace and love,
Netta1

 

[msa]

Since I've been natural my whole life I know I wasn't your target with this question, but I thought I'd put my 2 cents in anyway.

I'm natural because that's just the way I've always been. I didn't even know what a relaxer was until high school, everyone I knew with straight hair (including me) had a press-and-curl. I asked my mom about it recently and she said she was against relaxers because she saw what they did to her and her sisters hair when they were younger.

I guess you could say I've stayed natural because getting a relaxer was just never an option for me. I never liked getting my hair pressed because of the heat, so I stopped using it a few years ago. I don't like my hair straight. It wasn't until I found the board that I really began to understand what relaxers are. Before now, I just knew they made you're hair straight and then it fell out (seriously lol). I definitely can't imagine doing all the things women with relaxers have to do. And just the thought of that chemical anywhere near my scalp makes me cringe.

My natural hair is easy for me. I just put it in some celie braids and go on about my business. It's healthy and it doesn't require much at all, just some water and some oil or butter. I love it. And as soon as I learn how to do really nice styles it'll be even better.

 

[jada1111]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? Yes. I love the look of natural hair.
Because it is healthier? Way healthier than its ever been.
Because it is easier? 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.

It really wasn't anything major. I didn't have a problem with relaxers. I chose to go natural, because natural hair just "looks right" on us. I have never seen a black woman that hasn't look good natural. No matter what style she had. Natural hair enhances our look. Period.

 

[Mimi22]

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

I was natural for 18 years, then for 1 year only I decided to relax. Boy oh boi!! The first couple of months were fine, then I completely ignored the whole "relax every 6-8week" thing

Needless to say, my hair broke in a hundred pieces and i was left with strings of hair with tons of new curly growth. My mom and I agreed it would be best to return to my natural state. That was 3 years ago and I'm much happier. I wished I hadnt relaxed, but by going back to my natural hair, I learnt to care for my own hair

For me its become easier to maintain. In regards of health, natural hair can be unhealthy if you're not cautious.

So happy hair growing!

 

[IrisDaVirus]

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

I stopped using chemicals in my hair for two health reasons:

• I got tired of what they were doing to my hair and scalp. Even the so called mildest relaxers irriatated me badly after a while. One day a light went off in my head and I said F**K THIS. I just stopped cold turkey and I haven't looked back.
• Allergies. I bathe/shower and rinse (usually conditioner wash) my hair daily to keep airborne allergens from building up on my hair and body. That way I don't itch and sneeze nearly as bad as I used to. After a while I figured if I'm wetting my hair daily there's no way I'm doing much to it afterwards in terms of styling. So no chemicals, no heat and no setting of any type. I'll just enjoy it in its wash and wear state and call it a day.

 

[Ebony Majesty]

much less work for me
plus I wanted to see my true texture
I was never satisfied with my hair when I was relaxed

 

[Evolving78]

much less work for me
plus I wanted to see my true texture
I was never satisfied with my hair when I was relaxed

look at your hair! it is so big and pretty!

 

[glamazon386]

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.

I guess it depends on your hair and what you were doing to your relaxed hair. I don't find my natural hair easier than my relaxed hair or vice versa. It's like apples and oranges.

 

[pringe]

hmmm good question. I went natural because i was tired fighting and tryin to make my hair look like this one's or that one's instead of just accepting my hair. I'm not gonna lie to you. It takes more time now to do my hair (washing, styling) but once it's styled i don't have to comb my hair for like a week or two!!! lol
I love the versatility. I think all of our hair gets on our nerves at different times but i do love and appreciate my texture and my styles. I LOVe how people in the beginning where like what the hell did u do to ur head and now they want to touch my hair all the time and love it!

 

[nakialovesshoes]

Are you natural because of the way it looks? Not initially - I had no clue what my hair was going 2 look like all natural. Now that I do know, that will probably b the 1 & only thing that prevents me from ever permanently straightening my hair.
Because it is healthier? Not necessarily. If I had've known what I know now, I would've never transitioned. I would just have a head of healthy relaxed hair.
Because it is easier? I think natural hair is a lot more work.
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.
TIA.
Basically I went natural b/c I thought that it was the only way 4 me 2 have really long healthy hair. Now I know better but I actually like my texture so...I may flat iron, may even do a BKT but I will never permanently straighten my hair again.

 

[InNeedofHairapy]

I initially stopped b/c I was pregnant and had stretched for 6 months by then anyway. Then I got to thinking: I stopped relaxinbg b/c I thought the chemicals would be harmful to my babies, but if it's harmful while I'm pregnant, that doesn't change once I'm no longer pregnant...it is still potentially harmful. SO I just kept transitioning.

Plus I love the look of my natural curls. I stretched for long periods of time when I was relaxed anyway, and I just didn't want to be a slave to relaxers anymore. I still had to use heat to achieve straight styles, and I hated the limp bone straight look right after a fresh releaxer.

And when I straighten my hair now, it looks straighter than when I relaxed, but much fuller. I have the best of both worlds. I can rock my curls or be straight.

 

[MissMarie]

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

I went natural because I hated relaxers. Point blank. My initial choice wasn't really 'going natural' but rather to stop relaxing.
I got to the point that I hated salons. I hated the smell of the chemicals and the slight burnt hair smell from all the heat tools. I hated sitting for hours waiting to get my hair done. I no longer trusted anyone to touch my hair. I hated the salon bill. My scalp was a dry itchy mess.
And on top of that I really didn't like how my hair looked. I was scared to rock my natural texture but I felt it was worth a try. My hair always felt too limp and wimpy and I only really liked it week 5-8 post relaxer, and most stylists would freak if I waited that long.

I remained relaxer-free because I like the way my natural hair looks better than me relaxed, its way easier and cheaper for me to deal with it, and my hair and scalp seem so much healthier than before. Plus I think it fits my look and lifestyle better