As many of you may know, the new trend in African American hair right now is going natural.
As for myself, I've always been one of those people who said, "I will never go natural! I need my perm!" As a matter of fact, I can't even remember life before I had a perm. That's how long I've had one.
But for the past few months I've been thinking extensively about going natural, the whole process and the outcome.
The whole reason why I've been afraid to go natural was because I didn't know what my hair was going to look like. I didn't think my hair was soft enough to curl and I didn't want to walk around look like I was living in the Seventies. But as I began doing my research and talking to people who are natural I began to see things differently.
They taught me:
1. Your hair is not nappy. That is what society has told you to make you straighten your hair.
2. Your hair will curl. If you train your hair and use the right products, there is no reason for your hair not to turn out the way you want it to.
Hearing this made me consider going natural more seriously.
The icing on the cake was when I started thinking about all the stuff I would no longer have to worry about if I didn't have a perm.
I wouldn't have to miss out on playing basketball with my friends because I didn't want to sweat my hair out.
I wouldn't have to worry about wrapping it every night.
And the BIG one: I COULD GO SWIMMING WHENEVER I WANT! I wouldn't have to sit on the side of the pool while everyone else is splashing around having a good time.
The thought of it all amazed me! I almost couldn't even imagine it!
In further reflection of the whole concept of relaxing hair, I realized how unfair it is!
White people get to wear their natural hair. Latino people get to wear their natural. Asian people, Indian people... Well... actually Indian people cut their hair off so we can wear it on our heads but you get the point!
How come everybody else gets to wear their natural hair and feel beautiful, but as soon as we try to do it and be who we really are society says, "No! Don't do it! That's ugly!"
Come on! Does that make anybody else mad?!
So I've decided that I am going to try to go natural and chronicle my progress through my blogs. I haven't had a perm since late July and I'm still going strong. It's getting a little tougher but I'm going to do my best to stick with it. I'm gonna need a lot of help and support because I honestly have no idea what I'm doing.
NATURAL SISTAS! I NEED YOU!
So keep reading and feel free to comment and tell me what to do!
I havent had a perm in four years, and I don't regret it. It is a tough road, but the reward is healthy, strong hair. Stick with it... The most important thing is that you keep it moisturized (especially since your in transition) and get a trim at least every 6 weeks. Your permed hair will break off if you don't do those two things (ask me how I know LOL). Also if there are times when your not diggin your natural look, I suggest you color it. It can add new life to your 'do.
ReplyDeleteThose are really good tips. And yea i've come to see how u need to keep it moisturized because whenever I wash it and comb it out the permed hair is so weak and comes out so easily. Thanks a lot! I'll keep that in mind.
ReplyDeleteIn agreement! Especially the part about how everybody is natural except us. Smh! Nice job on this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna!
ReplyDeleteI know I'm a guy, but I feel like I have a say on this also. I don't mind either route, however, seeing a woman going natural always had a strong, positive impact on me. I wish that more Black Women would do that. I would recommend any black woman with hair to watch the Documentary "Good Hair" It will change your thinking.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend you purchase Thank God I'm Natural by Chris-Tia Donaldson you can find it on amazon.com. This book is a natural girl's bible on everything transitioning, styles, coloring, maintenance etc. I have been natural for 11 years and my hair grew the longest and healthiest w/o a perm. Much success ;)
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts. Yes, you are right, everyone else's natural hair is accepted except ours. Instead of us changing because of our differences, we should BASK because of it. We deny ourselves of the total extent of a FULL AND ACTIVE life, because we are preserving our hair.
ReplyDeleteIt's really silly once you think about it. And the perm actually WEAKENS OUR HAIR, and your hair is supposed to be your crown and glory.
It's really a lot deeper than just a perm.
But, the best thing for me was to be outside in the rain...I didn't run, I didn't budge. i just stood in the rain...because, I could.
(smile)
Natural since November 2009
RRR
@Renee I will definitely look that up and thank you very much!
ReplyDelete@Cliff thank you my brotha! One of the reasons I feared going natural was because of the negative reaction I thought guys would have but you as well as other guys encourage me to stick w/ it. And yes, Good Hair did change my thinking.
@Anonymous I agree with everything you just said. It is soo much deeper than a perm and I don't think 10 of my blogs could fully explain just how deep it goes. And the rain thing was so beautiful! I cant wait to have the same experience! :)
brenda i love this entry & im glad you made the decision 2 go natural i remember whn u were debating. i like where u tlkd about a fear in goin natural waz that ull lk like ur frm the 70s thats a rumor ppl nd 2 get ova quick!!! natural is so much healthier my hair grows sooooo much faster, plus no chemical burns, u loose the risk of cancer hair loss or thinning all of whch cumz wit a perm. one bit of advice is to find a stylist who is willing to wrk wit natural hair. So 4 those dressy times u decide u wanna wear it straight u wnt feel pressured, my 1st attempt 2 go natural i had a dressy event 2 attend & my stylist refused 2 straghtn my hair so aftr 8 months i gave up & permd it, i h8d it so i promised myslf neva 2 perm it again, itz bn 1yr & 4months since my last perm i cut the last of my perm out & my hair 2months ago, my hairs iz dwn 2 my shldrs. that waz the moment ive waited so lng 4 whn u get there ull b so proud of all the wrk u put n 2get there. Kp up da gd wrk & im here4 ya.
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