I did it. I cut all of my hair off with no regrets... Surprisingly, I cried while it was being cut, but I'm all good now. I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I've made in my life! Here's why I cut my hair...

1.) I was "under the influence"...

It was my Junior year of high school, when one of my good friends decided to do the big chop for herself. I loved how it turned out! It wasn't a style that I was too familiar with until after seeing hers, and I was truly inspired... It only took me four years to actually cut mine. Better late than never?

2.) I felt very insecure...

After a while I got tired of looking at myself in the mirror because I looked "plain". SOMETHING needed to change.

3.) My hair was a mess!!!

I simply needed to start over. I wore hair clips from my Sophmore year of high school up until my first semester of being a Sophmore in college. A REALLY long time. The clips gave me an "excuse" to not take care of my hair as well as I should've been, and they caused a lot of damage (unwanted kinks/knotted hair). Also, I was in the process of transitioning to natural hair anyway, which left me with two separate hair textures.

4.) The fight against social standards...

I no longer wanted to be tied down to society's standards, that claim having straight hair is the ideal style for being successful (which is complete bullshit). People with naturally curly hair can be just as successful and I'm here help to prove it.

5.) Natural hair is becoming more popular!

The natural hair community is growing and it's beautiful! Everyone in the community is fully supportive and it's great. Relaxed sales have been declining over the past couple of years, and more women are staying away from harmful chemicals. Come join the natural hair community!

6.) Hot & humid days are my new best friends...

I live in Missouri, a state known for having wet air. Having wet air mixed with heat is a force stronger than Yoda's. It causes heavy humidity, and humidity and straight hair DO NOT mix well. Now that I have natural hair I no longer have to worry about it frizzing after being straightened. I can now plow through humidity with confidence.

7.) Just keep swimming...

Going to the pool was a struggle in itself! As an African American female, I found it hard to enjoy swimming. I always had to worry about tying my hair up or taking my clips out, and it just sucked the fun out. Now, I don't have to worry about what I'll have to do with my hair when diving in the pool! WOO!

8.) Natural hair requires no heat...

NO HEAT, NOT DAMAGE. What else is there to say...?

For those of you considering going natural, go for it! You may shed a couple tears at first but you will get used to it. If you don't like your natural hair it's safe to say that it'll grow back with proper care and patience. Try new things and you'll be surprised how much more confident you'll feel.

#teamnaturalhair