Rene Syler on Her Natural Hair at 2.5 Years!

by Rene Syler of Good Enough Mother

FOLLICLE UPDATE! 2 ½ years natural!

For those of you following along at home, you know what a big deal hair is to me. I would say it’s a pretty big, damn deal to most women. But when you’ve gone through the madness I went through with mine, it’s an even bigger, even hairier (no pun intended). After losing my hair from illness and chemicals, I decided to stop straightening it and wear it closest to it’s natural state. What I didn’t expect was to learn to much about my hair and me in the process.

MORE DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN BETTER: I’m talking about product AND time. In the days before I went natural, I spent ungodly amounts of time on my hair, using all sorts of goop, yet I was rarely happy. I gave up shampoo and now, co-wash a couple of times a week. I do my own deep conditioning treatments at home, use minimal product, all of which has cut down on the amount of prep time I need to get my hair presentable.

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE COSTLY: Since I don’t use shampoo, I typically co-wash with VO5 CONDITIONER (not the shampoo), one of the least costly conditioners out there (less than a buck with my Rite Aide Wellness card!). I moisturize with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and use Jane Carter Solution as well. A little Curly Whip by Hair Rules and I’m done. I let it air dry about 75 percent then blow dry the rest to add volume.

SHARE, SHARE, SHARE: It’s so lovely to see how much women are willing to help each other through this journey. We share secrets, tips and knowledge and are better for it.

I LOOK BETTER WITH CURLY HAIR: I once read that people look best when they wear their hair closest to its natural state. I would have to agree, at least in my case. I can’t quite put a finger on it but I think it’s because what I have on the outside, now matches who I am on the inside; carefree, non-conformist, slightly twisted. Yep, that’s it.

BE HAPPY WITH WHAT GOD GAVE YOU: Oh much easier said than done. I fought my hair for so long, trying to conform to a standard of beauty that was accepted in the industry I was in. It’s hard for me now, not to lament the years I lost over that. But it does me no good to look back so I move on, with a head full of healthy hair and full acceptance of myself.

So here it is, 2 ½ years of growth condensed into about two minutes. And if you have any questions about natural hair, styling, products or general questions, hit me up!