Transitioning from processed hair to natural hair has probably been one of the most self-defining acts that I have done. Through my process of transitioning, I faced many insecurities, but also learned a lot about myself through this process. I learned self-love and how to appreciate the natural way God intended me to be. Knowing that beauty is skin deep and your hair does not determine your beauty is very important, especially in today's society where your hair is only beautiful if it's hanging past your shoulders or if the curls are only from someone who is mixed with several different races.
Yes, weaves are flawless and the extensions have you feeling like Beyonce in one of her videos but learning to love and embrace what is under the weaves and hair extensions is far more important, love the woman you are, in EVERY way. So, to all my natural sistas I have a couple of tips for y'all that will help you learn to be comfortable and love your natural hair!
1. Forget the hair goals!
The unique part about being natural is that no ones texture or curl pattern will be exactly the same, embrace that! We are so focused on meeting those natural "hair goals", but fail to realize that we are our own hair goals, individually. Forget society's idea of how YOUR natural hair should look, embrace you, love yours, and enjoy the journey.
2. OK, I'm natural, so what's next?
Being natural is not easy and does require a lot of time and care put into your hair. Often , once you transition from processed hair to being 100% natural you are lost as to how to style your hair or what products to use. Well some recommended styles would be a twist out, braid out, or curling rods! Logging onto YouTube is a major key in learning how to do your natural hair with helpful 'how to' videos, and product recommendations. An amazing curling product that I have recently discovered through my natural sistas is a product called " As I Am". This product is amazing, it holds all curl textures defining them perfectly.
3. Be patient
Often times we get frustrated with the growth and management of our hair. We get discouraged when it is not at the length we think it should be or when those curls do not seem to be poppin' , but that's OK it takes time! The natural hair journey is a process of ups and downs, but it teaches you to appreciate your hair. The way you treat your hair and the time you put into it will determine the way it comes out, kind of the same with your career, health, and fitness.
