Falling in love with your natural hair will be a lifetime journey.
Natural hair for Black women is hair in its natural state without being altered by chemicals. Most people of different nationalities wear their hair in its natural state. Historically, our hair has been considered unprofessional and unkempt for Black women in the United States. Using chemicals made Black hair appear more “appealing” to assimilate into White culture.
After having my hair permed for nearly a decade, I did my big chop in April 2010. I tried to let my hair grow out with the two different textures but eventually decided to cut it all off and wear a TWA (tiny weeny afro).
When I first went natural, it was primarily to save money. I was a poor college student tired of paying for box perms and styling. I had seen so many women wearing their natural hair and they looked so proud and confident. And I wanted to be that too.
But I didn’t anticipate that my hair had its own personality. I wasn’t about to tell my hair what to do. Instead, I learned what my hair liked to do and we built a beautiful relationship that works for both of us.
After being natural for more than 20 years, I wanted to share some tips that helped me in my natural hair journey. These are great for men or women considering their big chop or just starting their natural hair journey.
Here are some ways to help you love your natural hair.
Expect a learning curve
When I first went natural, I had unrealistic expectations. I saw many photos of women with beautiful curly natural hairstyles and thought my hair would look the same.
I was wrong because my hair had its own curl pattern. While soft, it is more curly in the back and straight in the front. There are also some areas of my head where hair grows faster than others.
Once I let go of how I wanted my hair to look, I began to embrace my hair’s personality. I learned how to give my hair a break in between protective styles and the best time of year to wear out my afro. Through trial and error, I found products that helped my hair stay moisturized and soft.
Your hair has its personality that you will learn to embrace. You will have your learning curve, but once you master your hairstyle, your natural hair will be more manageable and more fun to style.
Try something new
When I first went natural, I stuck to styles closer to my permed hair because that was what I knew. After some time, I began to explore new looks.
From bangs to different updos, I became curious about how I could change my look. I changed my hairstyle every few months, incorporating different colors and styles that felt fun and fresh. Some were quick and fun while others required more bobby pins and frustration than I care to admit.
Don’t be afraid to try something new regarding your natural hair. Explore the ways it can be twisted and braided into hairstyles you love. You may not like every look, but experimenting can be fun.
Don’t be afraid to network
Whether I was wearing an afro or braids, many Black women approached me to compliment my hairstyle and asked for tips. Not only was it a significant confidence boost, but it also allowed us to compare notes and products during our hair journeys.
When you’re out, compliment someone on their hairstyle and ask about the products they use or their stylist. You may find something new to try that works for your hair or can pass the information along to others.
Learning to love your natural hair is a journey, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you will have in your lifetime. Embracing your hair and everything it does won’t always be easy, but it is a personal relationship you will never regret.
