I spoke to my sister about how lucky we are to live in an era where the likes of Beyoncé exist and the Avengers series. It also hit me that we also live in a time where we truly celebrate individuality without being put into different factions. We no longer have the naturalist’s on one side and the ‘fake’ on the other. No longer does the way we look, the way we do things or the way we feel about appearance or style translate to whether if are we in touch with our roots or not. Identity today, is a blank canvas you give yourself every day to paint however you want too. Our appearance is no longer a measure of intellect, character or thought and judgment. We sang to Indie Aries- I am not my hair year’s back loud and proud, and it’s truly liberating to live out the message of that song in reality…
The big chop
If you know me, you would probably know I have always had issues with every inch of my body. I did not like my skin, my pigeon toe feet, my chubby face, crooked teeth and the list was endless. My hair, was just part of the mess. I felt the hair line was too far back, it was too thin, it was brownish in color, and it just wasn’t the hair I wanted. For years I tried to keep it a certain length because who would think I look cute if I had short hair? I Pressed it, relaxed it, did very tight braids, put on weaves and did leave outs, not for once did I stop and consider the amount of stress and strain I was putting my hair and scalp through. At some point, I really believed maybe it’s a generic thing, maybe just maybe my mom’s ‘jeans’ weren’t tight. Being exposed to the world of social media and influence's, I came across a few influencer(s) who spoke about natural hair namely @thegalwithafro (twitter) and @beautyonTapp (twitter). I was immediately drawn to them and wanted to know their secret. I couldn’t comprehend that growing good natural hair was also possible for me! I read through comments, watched YouTube videos and did research on products until I came across the scariest step to starting your hair journey. THE BIG CHOP. I knew my hair had gone through the most so transitioning probably wouldn’t work for me. I decided to lay off that topic for a while and really step back and just think about (I’ve always been an impulsive person, this was good character training). My eldest sister and my two boys were waiting for me to come back home from work. I stood by the door and asked her “do you think short hair would look nice on me?” , she replied, “ you’re a mother of two and you always look a mess, short hair will not only look good on you, but it will also take off the pressure and you’ll have one less thing to worry about”. That evening I went to bed for the first time in my new haircut.
The journey
Next month marks a year after I did the big chop, it’s been a long journey but honestly it doesn’t feel that long. The biggest lesson I learned was to leave my hair alone and let it do what it was design to do. No amount of coconut oil, protective style or liquid can make it do what you want it to do. Just like how your body is able to carry a baby and prepare for birth. Your body also knows how to make your hair grow the right way. Ill share the guide on how to TAKE CARE of your hair enabling you to have the smoothest hair journey.
Here my personal Guide with Ndo to help you get an idea of what to expect:
Wash
Keep it simple and chemical free. Identify the main reason to wash your hair whether it being your regular wash or a wash after taking out braids. My favorite wash products are the Auntie Jackie’s oh so clean and Knot on my watch to wash and detangle my hair. It leaves my hair so soft and moisturized.
Condition
I personally love leave in conditioners as they are very moisturizing. I have low porosity hair, meaning they don’t retain water that long and often become dry and prone to breaking. After a wash I use the Olive oil leave in conditioner. I also use it in my spray bottle mixed in with water to spray daily before I style my hair. This has done wonders for my edges. I spray that mixture and mix cream and oil to massage my scalp stimulating hair to grow on my edges.
Dry
I use an old t-shirt to dry my hair. It’s been a game changer. Less hair loss and it’s easier to untangle or remove knots.
Moisture
While my hair is semi dry, I base my scalp with coconut oil and hair balm. I then use the Dark n Lovely Au Naturale moisturizer on my hair strands.
If you still thinking about whether to go natural or not, take it from, it’s the best thing you could do for yourself. Not only will it fun and worth celebrating but you’ll also feel very proud of yourself. So take the plunge and snip away into a new you!
Happy Afroversary!