I went natural because I wanted to stop my hair from thinning, especially since I was getting older. I wanted to protect my hair as much as possible. It wasn’t an easy decision but one I knew was necessary. I hope this blog post inspires you if you are thinking about making the natural hair transition! Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
My perm hair was long and healthy but it was getting thin. I even had a bald spot at one time and my hairdresser didn’t even tell me. That’s when I really started thinking about going natural. In 2005 I started noticing and admiring women who were rocking their natural hair!
I didn’t know where to start. I had plans to do it in 2007 but never did. Luckily for me, a colleague spent several months sharing her knowledge and coaching me through the process. She gave me two natural hair books that truly helped me with the transition. In 2010, I got my last perm.
2011 - The Big Chop and 7 years wearing my hair out
I did the big chop in 2011 and the real journey began. I loved my natural texture. It felt amazing to touch my hair and learn about my curl pattern. I stayed in the store looking for products to use, which was a lot of trial and error. I learned how to do a wash and go during the summer which amazing. I never knew my hair could do that. Just a little product and I was out the door. I was free!
I had a few friends, family and colleagues who weren’t supportive at first! It was hurtful but I knew what the end result would be and I didn’t let negativity get to me! Instead of focusing on negative comments, I surrounded myself with positive women who were natural and could give me the support I needed. The same people who didn’t understand my natural hair journey and questioned it are now natural and loving it.
I had strangers approach me in parking lots, at traffic signals, restaurants, work, the mall, church, on the metro, and on social media. Most of them wanted to know what products I used and who did my hair. Some women told me they had been watching me on FB and how I inspired them to go natural!
Second Big Chop in 2017 – This was the length before starting my locs. What I discovered over the 7 years of wearing my natural hair out, was there were so many women and men who loved my natural hair styles and would always give me compliments. I couldn’t believe the response from total strangers. There were days I wasn’t happy with my hair and then someone would tell me how they loved my hair. On the days I thought it was a “bad hair day” I would still get compliments. They blessed me and inspired me not to give up. I also enjoyed sharing what I learned regarding products, styling techniques, and my natural hair salon with anyone who stopped me on the streets and wanted to know about my hair. I realized my struggles with going natural was part of the process so I could share my testimony and help others.
2017-2018 Locs started
October 2018 - Celebrating 1 year loc anniversary
2018-2020 I wore my hair black and mainly flexi rod sets. Most people told me my hair didn’t look like locs. I would get them done every 3-4 weeks. Eventually i was able to go every 2-3 months! Yes and I love it.
In 2020 I went from black to golden brown highlights and I’ve been wearing my longer locs down, twisted to the side with flexi rods, up in bun and now with pipe rods. All fun and easy styles to go with my changing fashion styles.
2021 - Pipe Rod Set for a new spring style
I love it. Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading my post.
Nancy, thank you for this segment. It was great to see the evolution of your hair journey. I am sure many of your followers will find this informative and thoughtful!
Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Nancy, thank you for this segment. It was great to see the evolution of your hair journey. I am sure many of your followers will find this informative and thoughtful!
Keep up the great work!
absolutely a beautiful/stylish ‘HAIR’ journey……..
FABULOUS pics!
Thank you so much I’m glad you enjoyed the post.