Straight or Natural? My hair, My choice!

It’s been years since I wrote and while I would love to explain and apologise, I can only say Life Happened. That said, on to more glorious things!

Straight Hair (courtesy of treasuredlocs.com)

Natural 4C Hair(courtesy of knowdefinition.com

My natural hair has always been difficult. The wonderful sleek and tidy effect after a perm never lasted for more than fourteen days and thereafter, my problems started. If I got braids too soon after the perm, it would break my hair. If I left my hair out, then I would use too much heat to keep it looking neat; this also caused some sort of breakage. I struggled with this for years and then I decided to keep my hair in it’s natural form.

My first effort at this was in vain and didn’t last for more than six months. Though the breakage reduced considerably, I could not stand the pain which came with having natural hair and styling or braiding it so naturally (like most ladies out there who have no idea on how to take care of our hair type) I went back to perm. Up until last year.

I actually just found myself transitioning from permed to natural hair. This time, I didn’t set a goal or make a firm decision towards natural hair. Infact, I discouraged anyone who expressed desire to undertake this journey. MY own experience at this had been dreadful and I had no desire for a repeat.

In an effort to try to keep my permed hair healthy, I tried a deep conditioning treatment suggested by my friend and personal Hair care provider (E.Ks Hair Bar). She called me with a long list of Do’s and Don’ts and with an overwhelming list of ingredients. I decided to start with what little I had.

The deep conditioning treatment moisturises your hair and replenishes. At the time, I had just four things at my disposal: Honey, castor oil, coconut oil and conditioner.

I mixed all four together and followed the instructions.

1. Wash hair. It’s best to use sulfate Free shampoo most of the time. NB: Sulfate is not BAD for the hair. Too much sulfate is. You have to find out when it’s appropriate to use sulfate shampoo on your hair and when it’s not and this would be according to your hair routines.
2. Keep hair in a plastic shower cap for 1 to 2 hours.
3. Rinse out.
4. Let the hair air dry
5. Apply leave in conditioner
6. Apply a sealant such as shea butter

Natural Honey

Castor oil

Creme of Nature Sulphate free shampoo

Creme of nature conditioning treatment

Cold pressed castor oil

The first time I did this, I honestly felt no difference. But over time, I stopped feeling the pinch of new growth in my hair which usually indicated that I needed a perm. My new growth was soft, had a curl and didn’t hurt at all!! This got me on my transitioning path and thus, began my hair journey and I love it.

I love my new texture, the natural curl and the versatility of my hair. A lot of people don’t get it. They think it is too much work and pain with no gain. Some people even go as far as judging. It’s my hair and it’s my choice and it’s my journey. That said, I still love the idea of straight hair (my weaves would confirm this) and I respect everyone’s hair choice – well most. 🙂

I could go on and on and on but it’s a hair journey and this is a blog. I’ll probably always have much to share and I look forward to sharing it with you.