On the Couch With Catherine

Meet Catherine… loving her natural hair and the accompanying boost in self-esteem!

Both of my sisters and my mother were already natural and I was the last to convert. I would ask them questions on how to transition and what steps I needed to take. So at age 19, I finally decided to go through with it. I was such a big baby- – too scared to do the BC, I decided to take the alternative route and transition with braids and half wigs. During the school year I would go to the braiding shop to get my braids done. Each time I took them out I would notice my amazing growth. My new growth was exploding through the braids ready to be freed from all the weave but I still wasn’t ready to let go fully. I went on and on transitioning with braids and half wigs until Christmas 2009.

It was Christmas Eve 2009 that I knew that I really needed to come into my own. I needed to stop being afraid of my natural beauty and stop worrying about what others may think of my new look. At that moment, I knew I had to do it. It wasn’t until Christmas day when I finally chopped off my remaining relaxed ends. I had so many emotions rolling around in my mind.

My family loved my new look and quickly embraced it with open arms. It made me feel so good and I knew that I had made the best decision. Since then I have noticed that I have gained more self confidence and my self-esteem is through the roof! I have let go of caring what others think of me. I no longer want to look like the beauties in the magazines with long, silky straight hair. I want to look like ME and nobody else. To go with my look I have also gone back to the things that I really enjoy doing which are photography & creative writing. I wake up each day with a greater appreciation for life.

My favorite natural hairstyle are two strand twists. They help me retain length and are a great protective style. I don’t use too many products on my hair. I use Cantu Shea Butter weekly along with some coconut oil and water. I also make sure to deep condition my hair at least twice a month. Simplicity is what I’m all about!

I hope others are inspired by all of our stories and keep moving to become their own person. Don’t be afraid to go against the norm. Sometimes, things are better that way. Enjoy being a natural beauty!!

Here is the link to my blog which I update weekly about tips and advice on the road to going to college: