"You Looked Better When Your Hair Was Straight"

Why do people feel the need to voice an opinion on your hair when it’s natural? I got no questions or recommendations when I was going to the beauty shop every 6 weeks over-processing my hair so every section of every strand was straight. Even when I was transitioning and I wore micro braids, crochet braids, straight weaves, curly weaves, and cornrows with interchangeable pony tails (you know how we do – with & without highlights), no one said a word. Now, I get:

“Your husband let you wear your hair like that?” . . . Excuse me? LET me??

“Wow! You have a lot of hair. When are you going to straighten it?” . . . . I have a lot of hair, because I STOPPED straightening it.

“Ooooh girl, your hair is so nappy!” . . . I know it’s been a while, but do you remember what YOUR hair used to look like before the relaxer??

“You’re naïve if you think this will not affect your career.” . . . You’re misinformed if you think it will.

“You looked better when your hair was straight.” . . . That’s just your opinion. A friend once told me an opinion is like a butthole (although he used another word), everybody has one. ‘ nuff said!

I learned a long time ago that if you change the way you see things, then you can change the way you feel about those things. I no longer see my nappy hair as an unattractive thing or something that I need to correct through chemicals or excessive heat. These kinks and coils are my crown of glory and I wear it proudly. Yes it is only hair and I hear people say you shouldn’t take it that seriously. To some extent, I agree with that, but it became more serious when those whose natural texture is the same as mine felt the need to invoke such negativity. When I learned about the numerous misconceptions that are out there about natural hair, that’s when it became more than just a styling option for me. I’m not trying to convert, but I want to share my experience for those who are going natural or seriously thinking about it. Life is a journey – enjoy the ride!

All the best!

Why I'm Blogging

I've shared so many tips and experiences with friends, especially on facebook, so I finally decided to take a dear friend's suggestion and start a natural hair blog.

I went through a two year transition after getting fed up with a hectic travel schedule that took me to humid places after I spent 4 or 5 hours at the beauty shop and after having several curling irons break in my suit case. Initially, I didn't plan to go natural. I only wanted to wear braids to minimize the maintenance. As my hair grew out, I was impressed by the thickness and I decided to grow it out completely to see what I was working with :-) I've been wearing my hair naturally for 2 1/2 years now and I will share some of my trials and errors and some of my success stories. I will try to help put an end to some of the crazy myths - like you can't be successful in Corporate America with natural hair - and I will share some of my styling tips and favorite products. I named this blog "Learning to Love Me Naturally" because I was brought up believing that our natural hair was ugly. I was the one in the family who didn't get the "good hair," so I had to learn to love my natural texture.

My disclaimer - I am not a hair stylist and I had no formal training or education on this subject. Everything I've learned has been from my experiences and talking with other natural ladies. Also, I'm new to blogging, so I'm open to any suggestions.