Thursday, February 17, 2011

Is natural hair really for me?

Many people are considering going natural...but the question is...."is natural hair really for me?" Going from chemically processed hair to natural is a tough desicion for some. You have to consider your lifestyle, your hair texture, or will you make it through the transition phase. Being natural is a beautiful thing, but it does take a lot of time, patience, and dedication. Most clients come to me asking, "do I have to shave all my hair off to go natural?" and the answer is no! You only have to cut all your hair off if you make that choice to do so. I always tell my clients to try growing their relaxers out before considering chopping it all off, due to the fact that the client may change their mind, and if they have chopped it all off then they have to work with a short hair cut and grow their hair back to the desired length. I recommend that you wait at least 6-8 months before making a desicion to chop it all off. You don't have to cut your hair just to go natural. You can grow the relaxer out and just have the relaxed ends trimmed off over a course of time. I recommend that you educate yourself about the process so you can be prepared for potential challenges and obstacles. Find a stylist that specializes in natural hair. All stylist do not agree with the change from relaxed to natural, so you have to find a stylist that will support you with your desicion for the transtition. You must use moisturizing products in between your visit to the salon. It is best that you visit the salon weekly, and receive deep conditioning treatments at least twice a month. It is very important to keep the hair moisturized especially at the line of demarctation. The line of demarcation is the line where natural hair meets the relaxed hair. If not properly cared for this will cause breakage to the hair. Last but not least, just because you go natural doesn't mean that you have to wear your hair in a afro, or in braids. Natural hair just means that you don't have a harsh chemical changing the natural curl pattern to make the hair straight. Therefore, you can wear straight hair, or any hairstyle you would normally wear with relaxed hair, you now can wear it and be 100% natural.

6 comments:

  1. Going natural was a challenge for me at first. The transition phase was like WOW! I was always 2 naps from going for the creamy crack..it was frustrating at first, but once I got used to it, it wasn't bad at all. I've been natural for a little over a year, and don't think I will ever go back. I normally wear my hair straight, and most people don't even know I'm 100% natural, and I feel my hair is more healthier than before when I was getting relaxers. I really thank my stylist(*wink*) for suggessting I go natural, and taking me through the whole transition!

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  2. Hey chaz! So if I wanted to make the transition to natural hair for college, how would I go about that? I want to be able to style my hair in many different ways and am afraid that I can't do that without the added length and flexibility a partial weave gives me. How would I keep my hair healthy being so far away from my stylist?

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  3. I myself have been natural for over 2 years now! When I was getting relaxers I would only get 2 or 3 a year. Therefore, the transition for me was fairly smooth. I have found that a good stylist with expertise in natural hair is def the key to maintaining a healthy and natural look. I love the fact that I don't need chemicals to make my hair look good. Embracing this new journey has been joyous and I would NEVER go back to that monster better known as a PERM! :D

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  4. I've been without a relaxer for exactly a year now. I must admit, I was very skeptical about the transition, but after a few months, I became adapt to it. I have to say, I don't miss the relaxers at all. Even the most so-called sensitive relaxers, made my scalp burn and irritated weeks after getting the perm. Now, I don't have to worry about it. I always thought being natural meant, just being plain nappy but it's not, i feel more beautiful than ever. A great stylist is definitely the key. Someone you can ask anything about hair, and will also be honest with you.

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  5. I have been natural for about a year and I LOVE it! What was most surprising for me was the new growth I had around my hairline. I had no idea that I grew hair there! If you are thinking about it - don't think - just do it. My complextion is clearer and my hair is 100% stronger.

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  6. Hi Sis!
    Now that I have made the decision to go "au naturale", I need some help with choosing the best products to use during this transition phase. As you know, my hair is quite thick and sucks up everything! I want to avoid breakage, too. It's quite hard to handle after I have washed it and trying to comb it out. Help! (how about you just fly your little self up here and hook me up!!)

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