Sometimes having natural hair sucks! It gets frizzy easily, some parts curl more than others, and it's too thick! My hair is so thick if you stick pencils in it, you'd lose them (this is tried and true). When I was younger I prayed that my hair would be curly, but I guess I forgot to mention that I didn't want my arms to fall off when I have to brush through it.
As a child many young girls get relaxers because our mom's can't handle doing our hair without them. It's a harsh chemical that straightens out your natural curls for at least six weeks. If you've scratched your scalp before, or leave it on too long it can burn your scalp, face, or neck. However we seem to forget about all of the pain when we see the final result-slick, straight , flowy, beautiful hair.
I wouldn't get them too often, but when I would I remember my scalp burning and the strong smell that I always hated. I also remember getting it flat-ironed afterwords and letting my hair whip around because it was so silky and light. In my eyes, the temporary pain was worth it if I could wear my hair down like the other girls.
One day I decided I wouldn't get relaxers or "perms" anymore. My hair was always thick, but once I stopped the relaxers it got super thick! My hair was growing strong and healthy because it didn't have any chemicals to constrict it. The thicker hair continued growing out and the straight processed hair began to fall off. When my hair was too hard too flat iron every week I had to make a very tough decision.
I could either go through the pain of combing it out and flat ironing it week after week (which is also bad) or -dun dun duuuuuun- cut off the straight parts aka the "Big Chop"! I chose the latter and I hated it for a while. I found every fault in my new style. My head was too big (which it always is), my hair looked nappy, and I couldn't do anything with it.
I had to get used to it, and it took a while, but now I seriously love my hair! I learn new ways to style it all the time, and I like to play around with them. It's true sometimes, most times, that it's a hassle and doesn't want to cooperate. Sometimes I'm even tempted to go back to relaxers, only for a second, but then I remember how bad they are and come back to my senses.
It all feels worth it when people compliment my hair or ask for advice on going natural. I honestly encourage everyone to do it. The sooner the better!
Say no to chemicals, and embrace your curls (no matter how fine or course they are)!
