Steps To Going Natural

Good Morning Beautifuls!

People often inquire about my hair and going natural. I honestly can say that it was not an overnight decision. I had toiled with the idea for almost 5 years prior to cutting my relaxed locks off. (I did my BC in August '07.) I was so concerned about not knowing what to do w/it, not knowing what it would look like, and thinking that people would hate it. In retrospect, all of those concerns are kind of funny to me because I love my hair, I don't care what people think of it, and I'm open to learning how to maintain and style my hair. My viewpoint is totally different.

If you are at the point where you are considering going natural, my first suggestion would be to do a lot of research. There are tons of websites and blogs concerning natural hair, two of which I highly recommend. They are www.motowngirl.com and www.nappturality.com. Motowngirl really breaks it down. She shares her journey and offers insight into the process of going natural among a wealth of other info. that includes product reviews and hair how-to's. Her sight was the first one that really caught my attention and helped me. Nappturality is an excellent sight also. They have a thread dedicated to those who are in the process of going natural. This site also has an abundance of info. regarding hair health, how to maintain it, and so much more. Not to mention, the ladies (and gents) on there have some great input from personal experience that can assist you.

I think another no. 1 thing that I would say to anyone considering or wanting to go natural is to accept your hair for what it is. Don't expect anything more. It hurts my heart to hear people say that they won't go natural b/c their hair is nappy. What?!...As if there's something wrong with that! There is absolutely nothing wrong w/nappy,kinky,coily,curly, and wavy hair! Absolutely nothing! We have been conditioned to think that there is something wrong and ugly w/our hair (and our overall physical appearance - but that's another post). Goodness!! Then we get caught up in categorizing what we may think "good hair" is. Why do we continue to participate in dividing ourselves?! Sometimes I think that we need to sit down and have some therapy sessions to deal with this issue which affects our self-esteem. And ain't nothin' wrong w/therapy! (That's another post.) Hell, maybe that should've been included w/the "40 acres and a mule" reparation. Do you all realize that we are all made in the image of God? And I know God is beautiful so of course so are we! All of us! No matter the texture of your hair or your skintone for that matter. We are all beautiful. You are beautiful.

And please hear me on this.. good hair equals healthy hair and vice versa. No more. No less. So please keep this in mind if you are on this journey or are contemplating it. Hair texture is irrelavant to having healthy hair. Embrace that that makes you the individual you are. And do you! Love you for you. For how God made you. Not how you think you should be based on some airbrushed model you may see on tv or a magazine. Love you for you because you most definitely are beautiful!