by Rene Syler of Good Enough MotherFOLLICLE 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!
Great article! I wholeheartedly agree that curly has resulted in exuding a carefree, non-conformist air about me. Something about straight hair always took away from the image I wanted to project of waking up and being naturally cool, amazing and low-maintenance, though I sure ain't! Trying not to sweat out a meticulous flat ironed style or getting 6-week touch ups isn't very bohemian or rock star, lol!
"I fought my hair for so long……It’s hard for me now, not to lament the years I lost over that" — I occasionally sigh thinking about this too.
OMG your hair has grown so much, I feel like I'm apart of your journey because I remember reading your first post on CurlyNikki
GORGEOUS! You look so young with natural hair! Can you tell us your routine as far as styling is it a twist out? It's so fierce!
Definitely beautiful hair. Wish my hair would act that way.
Simply beautiful! you r a stunning natural. i miss u on television. Blessings as you pursue other avenues of journalism. As a mother of two i enjoyed your book Good enough mother. Keep up the good work!
Thank you ladies! @Anon 9:02, I agree! I look younger now with my natural hair than I ever did with my relaxed hair! I'll be 50 in less than two years! AGH!
Your hair looks fabulous and so healthy! Thank you for sharing these photos. I have yet to use the blowdryer on my hair since my Big Chop, but winter is on the way and airdrying isn't always possible. I think I'm a bit timid about using heat on my hair now that I'm natural. I just had my hair trimmed yesterday, and I've learned that I need to handle my hair with more care and work harder at maintaining moisture, particularly at the ends.
By the way, red is truly your color. Peace and blessings.
It's so funny how some people (me included) look a bit older with straight hair and when they go natural, they look 10 years younger.
The Late Soror President Dorothy Height- Social work Pioneer
WOW! Such an inspiration for me and my 3 inch twa! Thank you!
You're hair is absolutely gorg! I love it! thanks for the post!
First! Lol.
Awesome growth…thanks for sharing. So glad that you've recovered. Love the pic with Dorothy Height.
Much peace