I have been natural for around 15 months. Prior to that, I had noticed a few sisters with natural hair and I really liked the look. I was also frequently blow drying and flat ironing my 7 year old daughter’s hair and noticed it seem to be getting shorter. She then began asking me when she could get a relaxer like me. That was the turning point and when I knew I had to make changes. I then started doing research online looking for natural products and I stumbled across YouTube videos for natural hair care. From my first video, I was hooked. I made up my mind to stop applying heat to her hair. But it was not enough to tell her that she was too young for a relaxer and how damaging it can be, I had to set the example. So I made up my mind and in June of 2011, I cut all of my hair off. It felt wonderful and liberating. I had cut my hair off twice before, but this was different. Back in the day, I thought I either had to keep it in extensions until it grew out or grow locs, both of which I had done. But now I had knowledge of how to care for my hair in its natural state and man was that knowledge powerful! I had options.
I remember the day I big chopped, I was on cloud nine and couldn’t wait for people’s reactions. Now for the most part, the response was positive. I think my two biggest haters were my husband and daughter! My husband made it clear from the time I told him I was going to cut my hair, that he didn’t like short hair. He said if he had wanted a woman with short hair he would have married one. My daughter’s reaction was the one that surprised me the most. She had also said prior to my big chop that she didn’t want her mother to be bald headed. Then the day I came home after cutting it, she cried like a baby. I mean this child cried like I had run over her puppy! I just didn’t get it, but I knew that I was on the right track, because at the end of the day, I wanted her to understand that it’s just hair.
Since then it’s been an exciting, interesting, and at times frustrating journey. I have been a YouTube and product junkie. I have even started making my own YouTube hair videos, because there are so many good reasons to go natural and I am loving the versatility of our hair. Also, my daughter’s hair was heat damaged, so I am focusing on growing her hair to healthier and longer lengths.
I terms of products I am ever evolving in what I like and use. Currently I use KeraCare Natural textures cleansing cream, leave- in, and twist and define cream. For deep conditioners, I alternate between Shea moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Masque and Aubrey Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner. I also adore using Henna every 4 to 6 weeks.
Overall, this has been one of the best decisions of my life and I thank God for opening my eyes to the possibilities and helping me appreciate all of me.
Sincerely,
Miatta
Youtube channel “kangeecard” www.facebook.com/miatta.kangee
