Why Going Natural Takes Patience…

 

So you’re thinking about going natural; or perhaps you’re transitioning or coming up on your first year as a self-proclaimed naturalista… Well let me be the first to tell you this journey will be a true test of patience; & if you are an impatient person you better learn how to have some…

After chopping off my hair shortly after graduation 3 years ago I just knew my hair would look like “iknowlee’s” beautiful twist out or I would have the volume & fullness of “Taren Guy’s” afro within the first year, maybe by the 1 & 1/2 mark I would for sure be their hair twin… hmmmm… Welp my hair plan didn’t quit work out that way.

I would be lying if I told you that after that first year I was not thinking about that creamy crack, or if I didn’t look at photos of my Rihanna esq mo-hawk & my tapered bowl cut that channeled the 90’s hip hop era & not think about going back… And lets not talk about the insecurities with the opposite sex because I felt “unattractive” w/ my mini fro (maybe the truth is my insecurities with my hair were so obvious I scared men away) either way It was rough…

Those first 2 years were difficult & it took me this long to truly begin to understand my hair texture & the truth is I still don’t have it all figured out (my hair texture that is) I swear I have at least 3 different textures of hair growing out of my head. But I’m more confident, have learned a ton about curly/kinky hair , I get countless compliments, & love what I see every time I look in the mirror. I have reached the point of no return (to the creamy crack) & would never want it to be any other way. I’m truly in love with my hair & am truly happy I stuck it out through the rough times so that I can now reap the benefits of the good times. So to all of you newly natural chicas out there contemplating returning to that creamy crack “Just Hold On We’re Going Home” (Drake Voice) LOL! Stick it out the best is yet to come! You need to have patience in order to be successful on this natural hair journey! Oh & remember to do your research & read, read, read!

[contributed by Desiree H.]