Natural Hair!

So my natural hair is back! In October 2009, I had relaxed my hair and during that time I learnt a lot about my hair. The one major thing I learnt is that you don’t really need to relax your hair every 6 weeks or as often as “they” tell you to. I had not relaxed my hair in a year and two months and everyone was ‘none the wiser.’ With a flat iron to straighten out the new growth, I was contented.

When I had relaxed my hair (after being natural for 2 years) someone asked me if I missed my natural hair. And my answer was no. To me, hair is hair…and the best time to play/experiment with it is when you are young and actually have hair to play with! Because there will come a time when your hair may thin out or start to disappear. So why not try new things with your hair? Cut it, it will just grow back…Relax it, you can always cut it…Dye it, your natural color will eventually grow out…it’s just hair!


I was neither here nor there when it came to my hair. You see, unlike some, I have not joined the ‘natural hair cult.’ I defined that as those who are hard core about being natural…It almost comes across as a religion of some sort…They frown on those with relaxers, and almost want to beat you up if you go from natural to relaxer (as I did in October 2009). The natural hair cult members would never put another relaxer in their hair, because that is the “creamy crack” as they call it. They “embrace” their “natural” beauty to the n’th degree!

I however wear my natural hair almost like another style. When you see me and it’s natural, it’s not because I all of a sudden hate chemicals and take a vow never to “go back.” It’s simply because I am ready for a change, a new look…Bored with one look and ready to try another. I consider myself equally as beautiful with or without the chemical.

The one thing I don’t understand about people who are members of the natural hair cult is that there are some who never actually wear their hair in its natural form…They have weave, braids, wigs, dye or even flat ironed hair. They embrace so many looks that are NOT natural, yet call themselves hard core members of the natural club. Strange… How is that any different to someone who does the exact same thing but with relaxed hair?? Are they anymore “naturally” beautiful that they other sister who is not “naturally” beautiful. I am confused.

One thing I would say is that I think everyone should experience their hair in its natural from. I have learnt that each time I go natural (I have done it about 5 times now – go between relaxed hair and natural hair) is that I have often limited my hair by my limited knowledge of my hair. For instance, when I went natural in 2007, I wore my hair curly…But that was the first time I ever did that! I didn’t even realize my hair was curly! As a matter of fact, I have a picture with my hair in jerry curls and its looks almost the same with my hair when wet! I always thought I had to twist my hair, or braid it up…I never wore it out…Having natural sisters around has really shown me the different ways to embrace hair. I appreciate that. This time around I am going to experiment with some natural hair products to see how that affects my hair…along with some different hair styles that I have not tried before. I am excited about that!!

So, when you see me with my natural hair ‘whipping it back and forth’ just know that I am not a member of the natural hair cult…And therefore don’t be surprised if I chose to get a relaxer in the near future!