I set out to follow the voice, and now I believe
it was God telling me to take better care of myself. I decided to stop putting
heat or harsh chemicals on my hair. However, as I was making plans to do these
things, fear began to rise within me. I realized I wasn’t ready for the
emotional part of embracing my natural coils. I went from being peaceful about
the decision to being afraid of what people would think when I cut off the
relaxed part of my hair. I was about to sport a tiny afro, but I decided to
simply get a texturizer instead, because a curly, short afro was easier to
handle emotionally.
But the thinning problem got worse. I knew I was
going to have to ditch the harsh chemicals altogether. I was also using harsh
dyes to keep my hair as dark as possible. It took six whole years to go
completely natural, using no chemicals on my hair at all. Slowly but surely, I
embraced my natural hair journey, researching and experimenting with foods, drinks,
nutrients, vitamins, and natural products. While doing that, I bumped into
products that would keep my skin, and my entire body glowing and much
healthier. What started out as a natural hair journey eventually transformed
into a “taking better care of me” journey.
In 2009, I was on YouTube constantly, taking
notes with the same fervor as an eager college student. The ladies on YouTube
(and natural hair blogs) became my professors as they carefully researched,
defined, and demonstrated how to nourish black natural hair. I learned about
the various oils that are best for tightly coiled curls. And that satin and
silk scarves help prevent breakage while sleeping. I learned that instead of
drying my hair with a towel, it is best to use a dry T-shirt. I also learned
that Shea butter and Shea butter products worked wonders for my kinky, coily
curls.
The bald spot incident is what made me spring
into action. But little did I know, by embracing a natural hair journey, I
would become healthier than I’ve ever been. Just a little food for thought—I
guess I just want to say thanks! I thank God and all the beautifully natural
sistas who helped me reached this wonderful place in my life (Naptural85,
CurlyNikki, NikkiMae, FusionofCultures, Alicia James, and many more). Love you
much and much obliged (tears).
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