Deciding to “go natural” can be a hard decision for some. For others, it’s just a thought and “BAM!” it’s done. But even when you’ve made up your mind to go natural, there’s a mental process which is much more serious than the act itself. There are many reasons we decide to go natural; some of us go natural because that’s just what everyone else is doing at the moment; the process for these folks is usually an easy one. Then there are others who decide to go natural because they’ve discovered the relaxers are thinning and breaking off their strands, and/or causing other scalp and hair issues, because of new beliefs, understanding, awareness, or whatever the many reasons. Whatever the reasons may be, there’s a mental journey one must take to successfully transition and/or “Big Chop” to natural.
There are a lot of issues we have with our hair that we’re not even consciously aware of. What do I mean by that? Well, since I’ve begun my own personal journey, I’ve discovered that even within the natural hair community, there’s still a sense of competiveness that deals with the issues that come with “good hair” “bad hair” conversations. We’ve been programmed for so long, that even though we’re saying we’re trying to see and find the “real us”, we’re making comments and doing things that prove otherwise. Ok, stay with me on this one… Some of us are still concerned with what texture our hair will be or what “curl pattern” we’re going to end up with. And when it comes out “other than” what’s expected, we run and get other chemical processes done Come on folks, if it’s growing out of your scalp and it’s healthy, IT’S GOOD HAIR! Stop questioning what God has given you and what it should look like.
And the truth of the matter is, it’s really not that serious. People will always have something to say about something. Why give anyone the power to dictate to you what is considered beautiful or healthy or professional? We have to wrap our minds around the fact that our hair is NOT a mistake! I think we’re blessed to have such versatile hair, where we could go from curly/coily/kinky to straight, or from big to the little TWA (teeny weenie afro), all in a day’s work!
The hair journey is multifaceted and every facet of this journey should be embraced every single step of the way!
So, whether you BC or transition for years, you should allow yourself to feel each moment you’re in this journey. And listen to your heart; you’ll find you’re much stronger and more beautiful than you ever thought you were!
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