Creamy crack, sodium hydroxide, perm, relaxer, no matter what you call it, most African American girls have heard of it and used it. Starting at a young age many girls decide to change the texture of their hair from their natural hair to a straighter and sleeker look, but is it really worth it? Many girls these days are saying no.
For the past year the idea of going natural has captivated the minds of many girls. These days many African American girls are doing the “big chop”, which is cutting off all of their relaxed hair and starting new growing their naturally curly locks. Many say it is because they are learning to embrace their natural hair and others say it is because it is healthier for their hair in general.
In some cases that it true. Sodium hydroxide is a chemical that of course has the power to chemically alter the texture of your hair, but it does not stop there. Sodium hydroxide can also harm the scalp and has the ability to burn its delicate skin; therefore, hindering your hair growth. Along with hindered hair growth, the hair shafts are in a fragile state making hair breakage a more prevalent. Third year Kimani Burney, who has made the transition, said, “My hair was thinning and slowly but surely falling out. With the medication I had, and still have, to take, the chemicals from relaxers were just far to strong for my strands. I had a literal breakdown in my living room, boo hoo crying and all–my mother was unable to do my hair because of how brittle it had become. I felt so ugly and I knew returning natural was my only option.”
While going natural may seem like the answer to many girls relaxed hair issues, the transition is not an over night process and is not always easy. Changing your hair means changing your image, and sometimes that comes with greater consequences than simply an altered physical appearance; it can also come with emotional pains as well. For example, many girls who make the transition will often struggle with how they view themselves and that can lead to greater self-confidence issues.
Who knew that so much self-confidence and self-worth could be found in hair? Kimani went on to say, “My biggest struggle during my transition period was probably learning how to feel beautiful without hair. I did everything, from wearing makeup to always wearing fancy clothes and jewels, but at the end of the day it’s about looking within and realizing that hair is just an asset and it does not define beauty. I learned to own my hair and to be proud of it and its progress.”
Going natural is more than just a physical health adjustment for some, it is a mental one as well. It teaches girls to appreciate and love themselves for who they are and for more than just their outward appearance. For the girls who are on the fence about the decision, take the advice of the ones who have been in your shoes before and “Just do it”! Not only will you learn to love your natural hair, but you will also learn more about loving yourself and establishing true self-worth.