I have had a relaxer since I was 4 years old, so I never really had the chance to experience what my true hair texture feels like. I was trained to believe that a relaxer was necessary, a social norm that somehow made sense. Growing up, I was brainwashed to believe what is acceptable and what is not and “nappy” hair was definitely not acceptable. If you did not have a relaxer back in the day, you better have had “good” hair. How naïve I was to have sworn up and down by this as if being natural was a cardinal sin.
Fifteen years and 4 episodes of major breakage after my first relaxer, I see that the only cardinal sin is that I didn’t accept my hair as it was meant to be: natural. I decided to transition to my natural hair. Though I am only 4 months into the process, I am so glad that I made the decision to go natural. Much of my decision came from being here at Howard (and a bit of research). I was ready to liberate myself and my hair. I have been learning so much about how to properly care for my hair ever since I’ve started transitioning. If you are transitioning from relaxed to natural, here are some tips that have helped me so far in the process:
1. Keep your hair moisturized. Use natural products like coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and argan oil. Not only does it make your hair look healthier, but it also keeps your hairs strong to prevent breakage.
2. Avoid using excess heat. Let your hair air dry and use transitioning styles such as bantu knots and braid outs in order to blend your different hair textures. Trying to straight out your natural hair with flat irons will ruin your natural curl patterns if you do it too much.
3. Detangle your hair. Knots in your tresses will hinder your progress with damaged ends and weak strands. When detangling, remember to use a wide-tooth comb and detangle from tip to root to make the process easier on your hair.
4. Stay positive. Bad hair days happen, but don’t give up. Try to find your staple style that is easy for you to do and that makes you love your hair. Work with your hair instead of fighting against it.
5. Don’t let nay-sayers bring you down. Everyone is not going to love your hair (it’s not their job to anyway). As long as you can accept and love yourself as you truly are, you will be so much more pleased with your hair.