Greetings!
I have been “Natch” (lol) for 11 months now…. I’ve wanted to go natural for the past 5 years but I was too afraid of my natural state (WHIMP, LOL!). I had always been told that my hair was too thick and that I “needed” a relaxer because without it my hair was too uncontrollable. (I’m a 4b/c-h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o,p!) But I felt like I was being a slave to the salon! Granted, I love being pampered and the girl talk that comes with being around other women in the salon, BUT ALL DAY AND A BURNING SCALP? Nine in the morning til three in the afternoon… and broken ends, brittle hair, that can only be “bouncified” by the beautician. Try to re-create the bounce at home if you want to… FORGET IT!!!!!
In my opinion, we as women get so attached to our hair and the significance or lack thereof that it may hold… I felt like my hair defined me. If my hair wasn’t on point or the weave wasn’t whippin’, then I wasn’t pretty! (Crazy, I know)… We all have insecurities that we must face or that we mask in the form of something else… Mine being my bone straight hair since I was told that “nappy” wasn’t cute….
Moving to Atlanta, I have been surrounded by so many beautiful, confident, natural women… They, in turn, gave me the confidence to do the Nike… JUST DO IT! Granted, I wore my sew-in for 10 months before actually wearing my hair out (I’ve been wearing my hair out for 3 weeks now.. YAY ME!)
The natural hair community is such a warm and supportive circle of people that I never had the chance to know in my life’s travels…
I feel so relieved… I feel more confident now than ever before… This is my “Take me as I am, You don’t like it, oh well, you can kiss it, free for all” attitude! I always told myself I didn’t want to be one of those “I’m going natural because I’m trying to find myself” people (no offense to anyone at all. All love&hugs here). But, in going natural, I found strength, I found calm, I found power, I found me….
CharriseRenee
www.sweetheartconversation.
www.twitter.com/CharriseRenee
I been natural for 2 months, and loving my spiral curls. I saw them peaking out in betweens perms and always wonder what it would really look like. I can't believe I use to pay money for a jerri curl back in the day and had spirally natural curls. Roberta
Awesome story and you look great diva!!
Great story and Great hair! I notice larger cities have embraced the natural look. In my city, I'm the minority lol
Scarf from local BSS! I got em in all colors! LOVE IT!
I spent much of high school being a wimp about my hair, and trying (and failing!) to give my limp and damaged strands some life. I could related to this post. 🙂
I wonder where she got that lovely scarf? I need to get my collection going. 😀
Great story – Congrats on the journey! I went over to your blog and OMG I'm in love! Great post and you keep it real and put it out there – LOVE IT!
Do your thing girl, you look beautiful!
Awwww…go head now! Lovely hair. ~KF519
Thanks so much for the love and support! You all and everything on this site inspire me so much! I am in love with the natural hair community and how everyone is so supportive! Love you all!
Umm wow….my name is Sherisse Renee…what a cawinky-dnk!!
good for you!
you look fabulous!
your hair is gorgeous!
I can totally relate!
I'm in transition and I'm wearing braids. I'm so excited about this "new chapter" of my life!
I feel so free!
I love this and can totally relate to the whole story. I have been natural for about 3 months and am loving my hair!! Im just madder I didnt do it sooner…;) Great article…
Pretty! Love the hair. I am now following on Twitter 😉 (@1KeetaRay)
WOW, great post. I'm glad your finally wearing your hair out now, it looks amazing on you, and thats besides the fact that you're already so beautiful 🙂
Wonderful story and you are very amusing..Congrats on your natural..It is definitely a wonderful feeling and a breathe of fresh air.
Great story and message. Confidence is key. There is something very powerful about going natural. I felt empowered.