“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Luke 12 v. 7
Throughout my childhood and early adulthood, I struggled with my hair. Society taught me that straight hair was the only way to be considered beautiful, while natural hair was seen as unkempt and unprofessional. At age eleven, I received my first perm and continued the process until my mid-twenties. During my teenage years, I felt immense pressure from my peers to conform to these beauty standards. Looking back, I now realize that not embracing my natural hair had a negative impact on my confidence, self-image, and self-worth. However, since beginning my natural hair journey, I have regained my power and learned to appreciate my natural beauty.
My Natural Hair Journey
The natural hair journey is different for everyone, but the process is the same: learning to love your hair in its raw form. This meant a lot of trial and error, YouTube tutorials, researching the best products for my hair type, and creating homemade hair products.
I had to learn how to care for my hair in a way that allowed it to thrive and be healthy. This included regular deep conditioning treatments, protective styles, and minimal heat styling. I also had the freedom to decide on my hairstyle. I could style it in my natural curl and texture or blow-dry it as needed to make it work for my needs.
Rewards
One of the greatest rewards of my natural hair journey was the sense of community that I found. I connected with other women on the same journey as me, and we shared tips, advice, and support. I realized that I was not alone in my journey and that many women were also learning to embrace their natural hair. This community helped me to stay committed to my hair journey and reminded me that it was okay to be different.
Although my natural hair journey was initially about my physical appearance, it ultimately became about something more profound. It was about learning to accept and love myself just as I am without conforming to societal norms. It was about recognizing that my authentic self is beautiful and that there is no standard of beauty I need to meet to be worthy. As a result, my natural hair journey helped me develop a sense of self-confidence I had not previously had, and I am grateful for that experience.
Challenges
Despite seven years of experience, I am still learning about my hair. Its texture changes with the seasons, diet, and products I use. It took me three years to realize that I had three different hair textures.
When I decided to transition, I opted for a keratin treatment instead of the big chop, which meant I only added products to my hair twice a year instead of every other month. I also trimmed my hair slowly every month. However, I went through five different hair stylists in the first three years, which was not ideal. Each one had their own philosophy and treatment options, and unfortunately, some of them left for different reasons. Now, I style my hair myself since it decided that I needed a break from the different philosophies and treatments.
Natural hair can be challenging to manage, as it has a life of its own. Some days it turns out as you planned, while other days it does not cooperate no matter what you try. That’s why I have found box braids, ponytails, wigs, and hair wraps to be useful tools to help me navigate this journey.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Self-Love
My natural hair journey has been a journey of self-discovery and self-love. It has helped me to embrace my authentic self and to recognize that true beauty comes from within. I have learned so much about myself in the process, and I am grateful for the community that has supported me along the way. To anyone considering starting their natural hair journey, my advice is to be patient with yourself, embrace the process, and find a stylist who can work with you throughout the journey. It can be challenging, but the reward is worth it. Your natural hair journey is not just about hair. It is about learning to love and accept your authentic self just as you are.