Growing up with thick coarse hair, I was the butt of plenty of jokes in elementary school. My mother would not let my sisters and I apply a relaxer to our hair no matter what. After moving with my grandmother, and having no one willing to do my super thick hair in tiny plaits every week, I finally got my dose of the creamy crack. I was either 13 or 14. I'm 21 now.
As an adolescent, it seemed like everyone had a "perm" (a relaxer). And when I got older, weaves were thrown into the mix. Being different, I felt that I wasn't cute and I didn't fit in. But as an adult, it seems that what everyone was trying to achieve (i.e. long, silky smooth, euroccentic locks, baby hairs included) they no longer want it. What I'm saying is that I'm becoming more aware of the natural women around me.
A few months ago one of my sisters shocked my whole family by doing a BC (Big Chop). Now her hair is less that 1inch short. What made her do it was her desire to stop putting chemicals on her hair and scalp because it's not healthy for her hair or her body. Fine.
Now another sister of mine grew her hair natural, cutting off the relaxed ends and wearing box braids, for 2 years. When her her afro was a certain size, she relaxed it. Her goal was to "start over" with the relaxer, taking better care of her hair this time around. Ok.
I just presented you with two people who went natural for two completely different reasons. And I can relate to both. But ultimately, I think I'm going to have to stick with #teamrelaxed.
Honestly, I don't have the courage to leave my house with my own hair in it's natural state. And I'm just going based on my experience from the past. [Note: My hair is natural and has been for about a year, however, weaves, wigs and box braids has been covering up my light brown 'fro]
Solange Knowles, Chrisette Michele, even my big sis Tosha took the plunge to go out in the world au naturel. But would you? Am I making a debate out of nothing? Hmm..
Stay tuned for Pt. 2
