The Hair Shift for Black Women
The very first time I went natural by choice was around 1994 (ish). I decided that I would grow my relaxer out and give natural hair a try. I don't remember having a plan or much knowledge about natural hair back then. Knowing what I know NOW, I didn't have a clue.
The second time I cut all the relaxer out of my hair (or big chopped), I used Jam (O_O) and Queen Helene's pink gel to coil and bantu knot my hair and wore it like that until I committed to locing my hair. I wore locs for six years before I big chopped (or BC) again. Then I committed myself to growing a fro.
I usually get a lot of compliments on my natural hair. I think I always have. Relaxed-haired sisters say to me that they wish that they could/would grow their hair out and get rid of the perm. They also note that they are hesitant because they either don't know what to do with their hair or they don't want to go through the awkward phases of growing their hair out. I never really transitioned so I don't know what that experience is like but I imagine it's a testament to a woman's commitment to having natural hair at that point in time.
I've heard some women say that they haven't seen their hair in its natural state for most of their lives. I thought about that. If your mom relaxed your hair at 3 years old (because it happens) you probably can't even imagine what your hair is like. You can't begin to fathom the texture. You just imagine that it's something unmanageable and challenging. Unmanageable is a reality until you learn and master your hair texture. Challenging is a reality until you meet the challenge of learning and mastering your hair texture. I think I'm fortunate because I can style my own hair. I did even when I had a relaxer.
I was on Facebook today shooting out friend requests to women with natural hair. I actually got tired of clicking. But this is a good thing. SO MANY WOMEN are embracing their natural hair. So many of us have decided to abandon the relaxers. (I can't bring myself to say creamy crack because I think it's insulting to women who choose to relax. I don't want anyone to feel bad about hair choices. I definitely don't want to be a hair snob. *Although I am currently OK with being a music snob but that's another blog*)
I know women go through hair trends. I'm wondering if this is a trend for a lot of women. I feel comfortable saying that this is not a trend for me. I don't see myself relaxing my hair ever again. I wouldn't judge a woman who did but I'm just wondering. It would be awesome to see women keep their natural hair for the rest of their lives. For now, I will be completely happy with the fact that so many of us are doing it now....for whatever reasons. Making the decision to be natural, growing your hair out, and maintaining healthy natural hair are definitely teaching experiences. And I'll watch to see what happens over the next 5, 10, and 20 years!
The second time I cut all the relaxer out of my hair (or big chopped), I used Jam (O_O) and Queen Helene's pink gel to coil and bantu knot my hair and wore it like that until I committed to locing my hair. I wore locs for six years before I big chopped (or BC) again. Then I committed myself to growing a fro.
I usually get a lot of compliments on my natural hair. I think I always have. Relaxed-haired sisters say to me that they wish that they could/would grow their hair out and get rid of the perm. They also note that they are hesitant because they either don't know what to do with their hair or they don't want to go through the awkward phases of growing their hair out. I never really transitioned so I don't know what that experience is like but I imagine it's a testament to a woman's commitment to having natural hair at that point in time.
I've heard some women say that they haven't seen their hair in its natural state for most of their lives. I thought about that. If your mom relaxed your hair at 3 years old (because it happens) you probably can't even imagine what your hair is like. You can't begin to fathom the texture. You just imagine that it's something unmanageable and challenging. Unmanageable is a reality until you learn and master your hair texture. Challenging is a reality until you meet the challenge of learning and mastering your hair texture. I think I'm fortunate because I can style my own hair. I did even when I had a relaxer.
I was on Facebook today shooting out friend requests to women with natural hair. I actually got tired of clicking. But this is a good thing. SO MANY WOMEN are embracing their natural hair. So many of us have decided to abandon the relaxers. (I can't bring myself to say creamy crack because I think it's insulting to women who choose to relax. I don't want anyone to feel bad about hair choices. I definitely don't want to be a hair snob. *Although I am currently OK with being a music snob but that's another blog*)
I know women go through hair trends. I'm wondering if this is a trend for a lot of women. I feel comfortable saying that this is not a trend for me. I don't see myself relaxing my hair ever again. I wouldn't judge a woman who did but I'm just wondering. It would be awesome to see women keep their natural hair for the rest of their lives. For now, I will be completely happy with the fact that so many of us are doing it now....for whatever reasons. Making the decision to be natural, growing your hair out, and maintaining healthy natural hair are definitely teaching experiences. And I'll watch to see what happens over the next 5, 10, and 20 years!
I'm right along with you! I'm personally happy with the choice I've made to go au' naturel;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that you're happy Lakia!!!!!
ReplyDelete