My Natural Hair Journey: Five Things I Have Learned

     I remember the day when I said, "That's it. I've had it." Since then, I have learned Five Things About Transitioning to Natural Hair. Some lessons take a year to learn, but can be truly rewarding...
                           

Balding and thinning...

     At that point, I had a bald spot at the crown of my head from years of winding a weft of hair weave around my own ponytail, and securing it with millions of bobby pins to create another one that was longer. My own hair was dying underneath, because it was not getting air, and my solution became to continue wearing this diva ponytail while the rest of my hair fell out. My edges were beginning to thin because I had been pulling my hair back almost everyday, not to mention the throbbing headaches and dizziness from the pins' pressure on my blood vessels at the top of my head. All of this? To have someone else's hair attached to my head? Deep thinking about what we are willing to sacrifice at the cost of truth flooded my mind.

     I looked at myself in the mirror that day, and realized that my self image was not only important to me, but for my daughter; she had become addicted to wearing braided extensions, covering her short, beautiful, curly hair. I knew that as a mother, I had to be her example. She needed to see her role model embracing what God gave her. So that day, I just ... did nothing to my hair but let it out.

     It has been almost a year since I have made the step to stop relaxing my hair and allow my hair to be what it is supposed to be: Curly, thick clouds of free, unprocessed hair that is big and present.

Day One of the Journey...I just let it out and rocked it with confidence.

The first few days of letting my hair out were very interesting. It was not as much of an adjustment for me as it was for some of my friends and coworkers. Seeing me with long, straight, silky locks or a glamorous ponytail each and every day, they simply believed I was donning my own, true hair. When my hair made its authentic debut, I was greeted by one coworker who asked, "What happened?! Your hair is so...wild!" She said it as though she seriously thought I was wearing a costume or was joking. Not everyone had that opinion, though. For the most part, my transition was met with loving enthusiasm, and a sense of celebration for my choice to walk toward showing the world my true self. I was not alone, however: My daughter also chose to cast away her blonde, braided locks and embraced her beautiful puffs of 4c hair. A brave move, since she works for a high-end retail store in chic Santa Monica. We have committed to this change together, and have learned so many things about how to care for our hair, and the cultural implications of saying yes to who we really are.

     There are so many situations I have encountered in this past year, but five of those things are ideas and tips that may help anyone who is thinking of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. While I am no expert, I have lived the experience, and sharing what I know will give some information to someone who may be going through a similar situation.

Transitioning 

1. I did not do the "Big Chop" - some people recommend cutting off all of your relaxed hair to the new growth to begin your natural hair journey, while I chose to transition from straight to curly. I had already cut my hair short a year before, and wanted to keep the length. I just didn't want to start over. How you begin is your own choice. Just saying yes to going natural is what is most important. 

2. There is no such thing as a "Product Junkie"- Throughout this year, I have tried dozens of creams, oils, shampoos, conditioners and gels on my hair, many of them suggested by natural hair YouTubers who swear by whatever product they are using and highly recommend it to you. Some of them have been good, some awful, and others so great that they have become part of my hair care regimen. I would not have been able to determine what is right for me if I had not actively sought out the appropriate products, experimenting to find what worked and what didn't. 

     Another thing to bear in mind is that different products work for your hair at different phases of your transition, of your wear-out, and for different styles. For instance, one product may be effective with a "washngo", but may not even do your hair justice when you use it for a twist-out. In order to know that, you must try products to know what works for you. What other way is there? 

3. Following a natural hair regimen each and every day encourages hair growth.

"Be ethically conscious about purchasing hair for protective styles.  Remember: That hair used to belong to a fellow sister! "

• Braiding/Twisting, using liquid, oil and conditioner (LOC) before bed is the key to this whole process, in my opinion. In addition, I sleep with my hair covered with a satin bonnet so my cuticles are not rubbing along the cotton on my pillowcases, which causes breakage. 
• Liquid = Water - If anything, moisturizing and hydration of not only your hair, but your body, too. Drinking plenty of water is good for you anyway, but your hair will thank you for it. 
• I was not going to fall in to buying a hair steamer, but I did, and I now I know what I have been missing. Using a steamer has many positive benefits that stimulate hair growth and make your curls irresistibly beautiful and luxurious!
• I do not need to wash my hair with shampoo every week. Now, I co-wash once during the week, and wash my hair maybe every other weekend with a sulfate-free shampoo. 
• While protein treatments are necessary to maintain strong strands, protein-based products should not be applied daily, because they create buildup and prevent the hair shaft from absorbing liquid, which eventually leads to breakage. Beware of coconut oil and coconut oil-based products...I had to learn that lesson. See my video on how I solved the problem on my YouTube channel.



Braids to protect during winter

• Protective styles are not a sin. I had to be okay with putting my hair in braids for the winter to protect it from the harsh wind and cold. Just be responsible with how you choose the hair you use to weave and braid, and respect the fact that someone had to shave their head in order for you to wear it. See my article in my blog list. 

4. Vitamins make a huge difference. - They really do! If you are into blending, simply drop your vitamins in when you are making a smoothie. In addition to other supplements I take, the following  are ones that I know help with my hair:

• A multivitamin (which I take anyway) with folic acid and biotin
• Vitamin D
• Fish Oil
• B Complex and B-12

Smile! It's a washngo!

When I say vitamins help, I am not exaggerating. My nails and my hair grow like crazy because I take vitamins!

5.  Be your own hair crush. - This is my motto that I cannot stress enough! There is an exorbitant amount of material out there about the natural hair movement; videos on YouTube with tutorials, Pinterest boards, Instagram feeds...and every shot seems to have this girl with this super big, puffy locs that have flawless, perfect ringlets circling her face. Not everyone's hair is the same, and your hair is different and unique to you only! That is cause for celebration! If you are twisting and rolling to expect results you see on a Pinterest post, don't count on it. But DO look forward to seeing what YOU will look like. I have been pleasantly surprised with each phase of my transition, and for the first time, I can see my true curl pattern that I was born with. I look forward to looking at my big, beautiful hair and the way my hair curls into its little ringlets, or how it waves after a twist. I am in love with my own hair, and celebrate that I am part of a diverse community where beauty comes in all lengths, shades and textures.

I am not looking to straighten my hair anytime soon. A "length check" is not a priority for me right now. I am too busy enjoying the many ways I can wear my natural hair, sharing my experience with fellow naturalistas, and feeling the wind blow through my locks as I walk through life with pride and grace.

How long have you been natural? If you haven't switched, why? What are some things that you have experienced along your Natural Hair Journey? Leave your comments below...I'd like to hear from you!