The Conversion: From Straight to Curly

The conversion from chemically treated relaxed hair to natural curls is a BIG DEAL for most women.  How the conversion or transition happens depends highly on your comfort level.  I didn't feel comfortable chopping off all my hair so I let my perm grow out, then cut it off.  During my conversion I wore braids and had my new growth straightened.  I finally cut off the perm when I had about 4-5 inches of new growth and I haven't turned back.  That was about 12 years ago!

Based on the survey results many of you guys did the same thing I did. 

• 11% - always had natural hair
• 22% - had a rough transition
• 67% - let the perm grow out first
• 11% - did the big chop (BC)
• 22% - did something else (other)

The conversion or transition is always a sensitive, life altering experience....why?  Because you are TOTALLY changing your overall look,  your hair styles (which could add time to your morning routine), and creating a totally new hair care regime (which can take time to establish).  Natural hair can be tricky and finding the right look can be overwhelming. It takes time and patience to land the right products and techniques to get the look you are satisfied with.  I saw a friend today who just did the big chop! She looked gorgeous to me...but still felt unsure about how to handle her new curls.  I will also mention, some men are not in favor of natural hair (especially the big chop)...so getting your man on board may be an issue as well. 

The following is a real life account of a beautiful woman named Taraja who has been converted and fully transitioned into a naturalista.  Enjoy!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TARAJA'S STORY (in her own words):

All my life I was exposed to beating my hair into submission with a hot comb and then the creamy crack.  That's all I knew.  With my thick unruly hair I always turned to straightening my hair.  I struggled with combing through my extremely thick hair, so the only solution I saw was to chemically straighten my hair.

 

Relaxed days

WHAT CHANGED....

Knowledge is power.  That statement was what started my natural hair journey.  After realizing that I've been trying to manage my hair all wrong and that my hair could actually be combed through in no time, there was no turning back!  With the birth my first child, I also wanted to show her by example to love her natural curls, not naps.

 

Faux natural

Cut short

Transitioning

BC DAY...

First off it didn't start off as a full Big Chop.  I just wanted to cut off my relaxed hair.  So I took advantage of a trip to Maryland and made an appointment at a Natural Hair Salon!  My friend came with me and documented the entire process.  It was an exhilarating experience, I had no fear, just shear joy.  During the whole time I was either smiling or laughing.  Once my relaxed hair was cut, I could only see an afro puff. To make the styling process easier for myself I decided right then and there to just cut it all off!!! 

 

Hair before the big chop (BC)



Hair during the big chop (BC)

All off!!! I'm a new woman!

TODAY...

I feel like I'm seeing my hair for the first time.  The versatility, the richness, the possibilities are endless and it hasn't even been 1 full year after my BC!  Not only am I in love with loving my curls, but I'm exploring home made products...shea butter, raw black soap, essence oils, etc, are among my current arsenal.  Oh! I'm also teaching myself to flat twist.  All that I am learning on myself, will be applied to my precious daughter <3

First twists



Exploring natural styles

Great coiling method

Great example for daughter

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I'm sure Taraja's story has resonated with most of you like it has with me!  The conversion process is exciting and the new hair adventure you accept along with the process is EMPOWERING!  I think the choice Taraja made is indeed an excellent example for her daughter!  I'm looking forward to seeing her progress!

I want to give a HUGE thanks to Taraja for being so candid and sharing her hair journey with us!!!!!

What was your conversion/transition process like?

Peace and blessings!

 

Twisted Sista...Mixed Chicks...Shea Moisture....what happened to Blue Magic?

It's still hair month on The Natural Journey For Life.  Today I want to talk about what YOU use to nourish your natural coils.  The hair care product industry is BOOMING and has been since before the days of Annie Turnbo Malone and Madame CJ Walker.  These women created hair care empires that reached the homes of millions of black women who just wanted to feel good about their hair in the early 1900s.  I don't care what texture or ethnic background you have.  Hair care products are important and most of us will spend LOTS of money to make sure our hair is looking good.  I think the Jheri Curl of 1980s fame was the highest grossing hair style ever....all the products needed to keep those curls juiced up could do serious damage to your pocket book!! Millions of dollars were spent on maintaining The Curl. 

From the big brands like Tresemme to the niche brands like Mixed Chicks, there is something out there to suit everyone's needs.  From shampoo to curling smoothies to reconstructive serums, you can find it.  Ever been in a beauty supply store?  If you don't know what you are looking for it's easy to get lost in the wide array of products. The survey results definitely support my personal hair care product exploration. Some products use all natural ingredients and some don't.  I try to use all natural products as much as possible.

Here's what the lovely ladies that spilled their hair guts use:

1. Entwine
2. Oyin Handmade Products

3. Biolage

4. Shea Moisture

5. Olive Oil Black Jamaican Castor Oil

6. Echo Styler gel

7. Kinky Curly Knot Today

8. Liquefied Raw Black soap

9. Flax seed gel

10. Oils mixed with raw shea butter

11. Aloe vera

12. Apple Cider Vinegar

13. Home made products

 

Entwine products

Kinky Curly Knot Today

Apple Cider Vineagr (ACV)

What happened to  Blue Magic?? None of the ladies said they were using this anymore!

 

 

On my new hair journey these are the products I've used:

• Kinky Curly Knot Today (shampoo and conditioner)
• Tahlia Waajid curling crème (for enhancing my curl pattern)
• Dr. Miracle (for scalp treatment)
• Aloe vera gel (for conditioning and moisture)
• Apple Cider Vinegar (for scalp cleansing)
• A host of oils (tea tree, jojoba, grape seed, rosemary, eucalyptus, coconut)
• Shea butter (for locking in moisture)
• And most recently Beautiful Curls Shea Butter gel (for enhancing my curl pattern).  It was just okay.  My curls were defined, but a white flakiness appeared after my hair dried and my curls were hard.  By far Tahlia Waajid's curly curl crème is my favorite.
• I used the Shea Moisture curling smoothie when I had longer hair and didn't like it.

I like making my own products which tends to be more cost effective.

What are YOU using on your hair?

Peace and blessings!

 

Does this look okay for work?

Would this look be acceptable in the workplace??

Have you ever asked yourself that question?  I have.  I tend to wear less conservative hair (and clothing) styles outside of work.  I was taught that you have to look professional in the workplace.  But what does that actually mean? Especially in 2013 where I've seen silky straight perms to mo-hawks on men and women to huge twists outs, locs and  micro braids - all in the workplace.  I've questioned the eccentric nature of my hairstyles for the workplace and I have been surprised by getting compliments on the styles I felt were too radical and slightly inappropriate (More Coping Skills.....).

Would bantu knots fly in the work place??

 

In the 1950s and 1960s, a Black person who had an afro was considered radical.   That's what the afro was at that time.....radical.....a symbol of freedom and of getting back to our roots. It started out being a huge political statement.   Braids, afros and other "ethnic" styles were considered un-professional.  There were even cases in the 1980s of women being fired from their jobs for having cornrows or other forms of braids. Society's idea of beauty impacted what was considered professional.  At that time straight hair that mimicked European culture was the ideal.  It was all about the press and curl and later on the chemical relaxer.  This history has influenced my view of what "professional" means in the workplace.  I'll say it again: I have felt a bit nervous about sporting my various faux hawk styles at work.  But at the same time I feel like I've been brainwashed to believe that my natural tresses need to be trained for the workforce.  I DID make it a point wear twists (a typical style for me then) for my job interview.  I only used to straightened my hair once a blue moon anyway and I wanted my employer to see the "real" me....twists and all!

When I look around my workplace these days I see women of all hues with curls flowing, locs dangling and natural vibes dripping from their tresses!  I love it and feel encouraged.  Being neat and presentable is still important and key to maintaining a professional vibe.  I know for certain that trends in society influences my work environment.  Societal trends are the bread and butter for MOST industries.  From my vantage point - the fact that natural hair is all the rage promotes acceptance from corporate America.

Here's what women who took my "Spill your Hair Guts" survey had to say about society's view of natural Black hair:

"Society's view of natural black hair has changed....unless you live in the hick-hock country."
 

"I think right now it's a trend to be natural. People are doing it because everyone else is. Only time will tell if this resurgence in natural hair will continue. I am seeing more natural styles on mainstream commercials. Its kind of exciting. Not everyone I see is light skinned with curly hair either. I think its great."
 

"Within the black community in certain areas - yes society's view has changed. I found that natural hair is not as common place in the South than it is in the North East. I do find that non-Black people are not as critical of natural hair and express appreciation for it more then some in the Black community. I also live in a very liberal area, so the non-Black community is more open minded."
 

"I think society's view is changing, but more importantly our view needs to change also. I know people who second guess what they feel comfortable wearing in corporate America. Once you have inner confidence and take care of your hair everyone else will accept you, no matter what the style. Also we are always wanting another person's hair curl pattern, instead of our own. We need to learn to appreciate and love our hair."
 

"Actually I don't care how society views natural hair because I cannot live in someone else's reality - only my own and as far as I know I was born perfect, so should I change who I am for society? Ha! Never that!"


66.7% of respondents said that their natural hair was accepted at work.  16.7% felt that they were sometimes accepted and 16.7% said that even though their hair was accepted they still received comments about it.

In summary Naturalistas  are in a good place when it comes to society's changing view of natural hair and how it's being accepted in the work place! We still have a long way to go to accept our own beauty, but we are well on our way! I want to give a BIG thank you to all those women who paved the way for professional self expression!

Thanks again to all the beautiful women who shared their time and thoughts with The Natural Journey For Life! Big up!!! :)

What are your thoughts? Please share!!

Peace and blessings!