In my previous article, I discussed the history and impact of the term “good hair.” One important aspect that was discussed in the aforementioned is the movement of “going natural." This is a subject that is discussed quite often amongst black women and some men. Therefore this is a topic that should be examined further because of its relevance within our culture today.

Whenever natural hair is discussed, the main idea that is debated is what exactly is considered natural. Are you natural if you wear weave? Are you natural if you used to relax your hair, but now you are growing it out? Are you natural is you add color your hair? What about if you flat iron your natural hair? These are all valid questions that help you determine what stage you are in on your hair journey and when it is appropriate to claim yourself as a natural.

One of the most important things to remember when you are trying to determine if your hair is natural is to examine the texture of your hair. Natural hair will coil up on its own and it has not been permanently altered in any way to keep it straight. Therefore, if you add color to your hair, but your hair still coils, then your hair is natural! This may not be your natural hair color, but most people would agree that your hair is in its natural state.

So, are you natural if you wear weave? This always seems to be a topic of contention when discussing hair. However, in my opinion, if the hair that is beneath your weave is in its natural state, then you are natural. There are some people that will disagree with this idea. People seem to have a similar issue with people that always flat iron their natural hair. I have been natural my entire life. When I say this, I mean that I have never relaxed my hair. However, I do flat iron my hair and wear it in a sew in or other protective styles as well. However, I do wear my hair in natural styles frequently, as well. Therefore, my views may differ from a naturalista that always wears her hair in its completely natural state. One thing that can be an issue is whether or not you are wearing a weave as a protective style occasionally, or whether or not you are wearing a weave to hide your natural hair. Technically, you would still be natural, however, to claim yourself as a “naturalista” when you never show your coily kinks, is a whole different story.

I can not reiterate this enough. However, it is important to remember to love and enjoy your hair in all styles. It is unnecessary for you to flat iron your natural hair every two weeks or every week. Take time off to give your hair some TLC and experiment with styles with your truly natural hair.

For those that have decided to stop relaxing their hair and grow out their natural tresses, first of all—congratulations! This is a huge step in your hair journey. Most people who have relaxed their hair have not seen their hair in its natural state since their childhood. Pretty crazy, right? So if you are deciding to start over and celebrate your natural hair, this is a great decision that will be worth while. At the beginning of your journey, you would be considered to be in the “transitioning” stage. Not quite natural, but you are on your way there! Keep up the hard work and fight through all of the frustration, because when you finally reach your goal, you will be happy with the healthier decision that you made for yourself.

The natural hair movement is certainly something that we should celebrate. It does not only show that more women have decided to turn towards a healthier lifestyle, but we have essentially made the decision to accept ourselves as we are. Discovering and appreciating your natural beauty is truly a liberating and fascinating experience. So if you are considering “going natural,” all I can say is go for it, because it will not be a decision that you will regret.