My Take: The Natural Hair Debate

I am personally natural and have been for over 10 years, but when I made the decision it was frowned upon! People that I love told me that I looked "thrown away" with my curly tresses or that I "needed to do my hair." Now that it has become popular and is often a trending hash tag (#teamnatural #curlyhairdontcare etc) people are more accepting of it; however, it is still not accepted as a lifestyle change, and many people do it for what I consider the "wrong reasons."

My reasons for going natural...

1. To make sure that my hair was healthy.
2. As I traveled on this journey, it was also a step to embracing myself in my rawest form.

Other people's reason for going natural...

1. "I wanted hair like Joan Clayton from Girlfirends (Tracee Ellis Ross)."
2. "I wanted hair like Freddie on A Different World (Cree Summers)"
3. "I had 'good hair' when I was a little girl before they permed it!"

When people go natural for any other reasons than healthy hair and lifestyle changes, it usually ends badly. Natural hair is AMAZING, but it does require work! If you don't moisturize, wear protective styles, comb from the ends (if you comb at all), and keep it moisturized (LOL), it's very difficult to manage! Then this happens...

1. "I can't walk around with no nappy hair on my head like that!"
2. "I tried that natural thing, and it was not for me! Those naps were too hard to deal with!"
3. "Girl, you DO NOT want to do that! That nappy hair is not where it's at!"
4. "If you do that, you can't get a good job!"
5. "If you wear your hair like that, you'll look too ethnic!"
6. "Mh mh, what is that? A bird's nest? Oh, a twist out... Mh, ok..."

Natural hair comes in many different styles!! The curly waves, ringlets, tight coils, loose coils, and the KINKY! Whatever kind of natural hair you have growing out of your scalp, be proud of it and who you are! If you get braids, wigs, extensions, relaxers, etc, be confident in your decision and don't put down another woman for choosing not to. If you choose to wear your hair in its natural state (curls, locs, shaved, etc), don't down other women who choose not to. Let's remember to support and uplift one another as sisters, NOT COMPETITION! After all, we are not defined by our hair but by the spirit in which we interact with our fellow sisters!

3rd big chop

~Shanta

Natural Hair Update

Prior to cut: front

Side view before cut

 Natural Hair Update 

 

 

 

1 week after cut

I CUT MY HAIR!!! On April 3rd I came home from a very long weekend at Children's Hospital and chopped off my hair. I put it in 6 tightly braided and detangled plaits and cut off all of the colored ends. My hair was in bad shape from general neglect, damage from the color, and super split ends. It was even breaking off where the color met the uncolored hair!!! I was trying to hold on to the length until I could get my hands on a Talavera Split Ender; however, the damage was constant, so I had to make a decision!

After cutting my hair, it felt AMAZING!!!! The strands are thicker/stronger, and it feels exceptionally soft and moisturized. I am pleased to report that my hair is thriving, and the virgin hair has been thriving with gusto!! I only use my products on my hair unless my mom brings some Shea Moisture home LOL I wash once with Castile soap or the Lush Bar followed by one wash with the Peppermint Mud Bar.

After the wash, I rinse thoroughly and moisturize my scalp with my Herbal Hair Oil and moisturize my strand with my Butter Creme Body Frosting. My hair loves this regimen!! I stopped using a comb in October of 2014, and it has given me a much more intimate understanding of my hair. I also deep condition and keep my hair in two strand twists (picture before the cut) throughout the week. I spray with water, detangle, and moisturize my twists once a week and wash on Fridays. This is what work FOR ME! If you are new to natural hair, you may need to try many different processes before you find the routine that works best for you. Remember, it's not just about how long your hair is. GOOD HAIR IS HEALTHY HAIR!!

To stay up-to-date with all things Blessed Body Brand and my natural hair journey, follow me on Facebook (Blessed Body Brand: All-natural Soaps and More, Twitter & Instagram (blessed_shanta), and on Pinterest ( Blessed Body Brand)!

~Shanta