Going natural can be one of the most uneasy, stressful, rewarding and liberating phases any young lady could possibly go through. It’s true what they say; being “natural” is a lifestyle. You are literally going against all you know and trusting that decision enough to go out in public. And I mean come on, it’s already hard enough trying to get through every day teenage drama. But your hair should not be one of those unnecessary stresses. Take it from someone who had a different hair style every six weeks in high school. I guess you could say each represented a unique stage in life I was working through at that time.
Looking back I’m grateful because by the time I was ready to make my big change to going natural I knew it was definitely what I wanted to do. Now I will admit, it can be a tad overwhelming at first, but I’m here to shed a little light on the transitioning process for those younger ladies who are feeling a little uneasy, insecure, or hesitant about the big change to the natural hair lifestyle. You never know, maybe going natural could open up a whole new world of confidence deep within that you never knew you had.
Fortunately, I was able to experiment with several different hairstyles before deciding to pursue my natural hair pattern; actually returning back to my afro in the end. Looking back on it, I really appreciate having that time to try new things. The spectrum covered everything from long perm-straight hair going down my back, an asymmetric cut, wavy afro, and a short boy-cut.
Try new things before you go natural! It helps you get to know how your hair acts in different textures, lengths, and styles.
Try new things before you go natural! It helps you get to know how your hair acts in different textures, lengths, and styles. You become your own hair expert I would say. It also sort of prepares you mentally for not being afraid to test out new things, going against the grain, and knowing what looks good around your own unique face.
Luckily, when I made my big decision to go natural my hair was styled in a short boy-cut, finally illuminated any leftover perm I had at the ends. This made it easier for me to just start from scratch; a fresh start. I came to the conclusion that if I’m doing this whole natural thing, I might as well do it right. No heat. Not even a blow dryer in the winter. I wanted to get the healthiest result I could.
I would say it was probably best. This gave my hair a chance to form a natural, springy curl pattern. I would strongly encourage the no heat method! If you’re too hesitant about pretty much cutting all of your hair off, work in stages. Cut it into styles, getting shorter and shorter. But it is best when going natural to start with no chemical interference.
How I Experimented With My Hair During My Transition
It was difficult the first weeks and honestly got better as time went on. Most girls think, “Well what if I have a bad hair day? I’m stuck with this style!” But you’re just in luck! The internet is full of twist out tutorials, natural hair tips, and Curly Ambassadors like me there to encourage and assist along the way.
Use this chance to try new products, new twist out and finger roll techniques. The best part about changing up my hair style was the ripple effect it had on my attitude and self-perception. You can change up your style to a soft clean makeup face, with a wash-and-go hair style and a sun dress.
You can change up your clothes to a plad shirt, ripped jeans, and curly Mohawk hair style. Some days you may even catch yourself letting your hair do all the work while you rock jeans and a sweatshirt. Any natural hair enthusiast will tell you how far a decent twist out will get you. The combinations are endless! There is something about being in tuned with style. It natural brings out this confidence in you that radiates from within. Trust yourself that the way you look today, comes naturally.
By the time you can pull all that beautiful natural hair up into a bun or even a cute ponytail, you are an expert at not only your natural hair but an expert on accepting yourself in natural form. Believe and in yourself and you can do it!
