Four years ago, I decided to stop relaxing after mass frustration from planning relaxers around holidays and special events, not being able to work out for days after a fresh do, and pain in the you know what routine maintenance had just broken a sista DOWN! A relaxer on my hair had become an exercise in futility. My hair had built up a tolerance to the creamy crack that was so intense, 20 minutes AFTER smoothing it still came out looking like a Jheri curl. That was just too much! It became clear to me that my hair did not want to be straight, so I set out on a journey to get back to my roots (pun intended) and haven’t looked back since!

As it stands right now, going natural has been one of the most liberating experiences of my life! I love the versatility of it and that my hair is healthier than it’s been ever before. I don’t have to worry about it getting wet in the rain, or how it looks after the gym, and even though I complain about frizz from time to time, I know it’s the nature of the beast, so I’ve come to accept that too. I just love my natural hair!

I also know there are a lot of ladies who are thinking about going natural but don’t have a clue about how to begin. While having natural hair may not be for everybody, if you really want to give it a try, it helps to have a little information so your effort won’t be in vain. I am asked about my journey all the time, and to be honest it’s too much info that a five minute converstaion with a stranger would allow so I decided to put together a high level “how to” on getting started. I hope it helps!

1. Do your research!

There are TONS of online resources for ladies contemplating the transition to natural hair. Do your homework! Websites such as Happy Curls, Naturally Curly, Nappturality, and Long haircare Forum are excellent resources and provide a wealth of knowledge from veteran naturals.

2. Decide how you want to transition!

Patience grasshopper! I chose the big chop method because 1.) I don’t have any patience, 2.) I don’t mind short hair, and 3.) I knew that was the best option for me; but there are TONS of methods that can make it a little easier on you while you grow out your natural hair. Some favorites of other naturals have included braids, sew in weaves, straw sets, roller sets, rod sets, wigs, twist outs, braid outs, you name it they run the gambit!

NOTE: You will eventually have to cut all the relaxed hair off so decide if you’ll do it gradually or all at once, but for those with “short hair issues”, I don’t know what to tell you, because eventually that hair will come off whether by breakage or by scissors.

3. Get your mind right!

There’s no right or wrong way to be natural. The decision to transition is a journey, a process, and it continues even after you’re completely natural. If you haven’t resolved to accept and love the hair God gave you, then your journey will be one of angst and agitation. Understand that no two textures are alike, and what techniques and products that may work for some, may not work for others. I really can’t stress this enough. It is what it is.

So there you have it. I know it was pretty basic, but I warned you it would be high level. In the coming days, weeks and months I’ll be going a little more in depth and by the time I’m done with you, you won’t have a choice but to be convinced NATURAL HAIR ROCKS!!!!

TS