Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Why Natural?

I can't tell you how many people asked me, "Why are you going natural?", "What made you do that?", "How long is this going to last?" Well I can think of several reasons I decided to make the change. My number one reason was: I wanted to accept everything about myself in raw form, and that included the way my hair coiled out of it's follicles. I began to shed layers of things that were not truly a part of me.  I wanted to be more organic, more authentic, more appreciative of the way Our Father created me. Some would probably not take it so far/deep, but those were all reasons of MINE. Everyone has their own story of how they arrive at their own conclusions. Other reasons were the desire for more versatility, optimum health of hair and scalp, and total freedom from the bondage/captivity of having to get a touch up every 6-8 weeks! I can't even begin to tell you how much money I've saved. While in college, I would notice other races of women walking around with wet hair---not having to dry, wrap, roll, or flat iron--or casually going to the gym without giving a second thought about messing up their hair. At the time there was only one natural woman on campus that I TOTALLY admired! I WANTED THAT! Why couldn't I be carefree about my hair too? I thought to myself,  "Uh, I can!" So I did!


Are you natural? Transitioning? Want to be natural? What made you choose a natural vs. relaxed lifestyle?

19 comments:

  1. Thank you Ebony for sharing.

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  2. I enjoyed reading about lo poo, and I think I will run out today to find some! I also really enjoyed reading about the natural you. Every now and again it's nice to look a little different with straight hair, but it's nice we have finally grown and accept the hair we have. You are still as beautiful as you were 10+ yrs ago and yoour purpose is remarkable. Keep up the good work...i look forwrad to reading your blog. Amy d/v

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  3. its amazing that the question why are you going natural mostly comes from our own sisters/community. I had it when it became obvious that I was going natural.It was intresting that the "non black" community supported me more than our own black community. I believe we just dont see many natural beauties.

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  4. What can you say about your hair growth at the beginning of your natural hair journey? where there a time when you thought you hair weren't growing at all?

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  5. Living in GA I see a lot more natural beauties than I did before I moved here. My concern is: Is it a fad/trend? Or is it here to stay? I'm hoping for the latter...

    When I began my journey, I don't remember having an issue with growth. I had an issue with it not growing at an unrealistic rate! LOL. I had an issue with patience. That's why I went through the process twice. In 1999/2000 I wasn't educated or patient enough to learn how to take care of a new head of hair. So I relaxed again after only a year. :-(

    In 2004-05 after much reading, lurking on Fotki, and HATING that I re-relaxed I took the plunge. I transitioned for a year and did the big chop. Although my hair was growing, I wanted to see how much. I colored it to track growth. Big mistake! Then, I wanted my hair to be what it is now. My mom told me, "Honey, it don't work like that. You have to put in work. It's not going to be free! You have to work for it!" She was right. I'm so much more appreciative of the journey itself.

    Your hair is growing...I promise. I remember from BGLH you said you were having moisture issues? That an cause breakage and you'll think your hair isn't growing. Hang in there lovely lady.

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  6. Well I hope going natural is our way of life and not just a new fashion. I mean after giving so much work in your hair I wont imagine you would destroy it again by going back to relaxer?
    I just cant imagine putting that chunk in my hair again though my hair isn't far as long as yours.

    I was wondering if I have a bad/normal/good hair growth I had my last texturizer first week of Jan.2010 and been total natural since - hair growth about 4.7 - 5.1 inches I know acc. to hair growth researches it should quiet okay but I still wonder sometimes. The natural journey pictures of some going natural look like their hair growth is abt 1.9 inches a month - quiet devastating looking at those pics. Did you wrote down your average hair growth, what was it?

    I hope the moisture issues I have will get better after trying finding a great leave-inn.

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  7. The normal rate of growth is usually between 1/4" o 1/2" per month. Some say their hair grows a full inch, but I've never seen that. My normal growth rate is about 1/2" per month. That's supposedly the max. I'd love for mine to grow a whole inch per month (if it's really possible).

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  8. thx you did give me hope...my hair will be that long someday!!!thx girl!!!! I know we are unpatient sometime.

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  9. thx gives me much hope to achieve my desired length. Great new pictures by the way!

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  10. Who did your BC? I've been transitioning for a year now and ready for it. Its difficult to find a natural hair stylist where I live. Was thinking of trying to do it myself??

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  11. Thank you! ☺
    I did my own BC! LOL!...where do you live (if you don't mind my asking)?

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  12. Ebony! I'm so glad you have a blog now. I had to leave Fotki (it was giving my comp viruses!) so I'm glad to see you around. You were a huuuge inspiration to me when I was growin out my relaxer. :D

    I went natural b/c I grew bored with relaxers and thanks to Fotki, I saw gorgeous natural hair being styled and cared for like nobody's business! So I started feeling like if they could do it and they were sharing how they were doing it, then I could too. And I'm glad I did. I'm very happy with my hair now. :D

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  13. I live in Germany most of the stylist just only offer perm and stuff, sure for there aren't many here going natural. I'll reach home by next week and looking forward to my BC any advise on how to do it best?

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  14. Hey Ms Lady!!!! I don't even check my Fotki that often LOL!...I'm SOOOO glad you went natural and that I could be an inspiration. I know it can be challenging or maybe a bit rough, but it's very rewarding. Good to see you! :-D

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  15. @Marge: Oh okay! I was going to try to suggest someone, but I don't know anyone that lives in Germany. :-(

    The best advice I can give is: Make sure you're as ready as possible!!! If you're going to do it yourself, do it on wet hair so you can see where the two textures meet. That'll make it easier to know where to cut.

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  16. lol would be surprised if you would be able to recommend someone LOL! Yeah I'm really ready for the BC now. I have lovely curls, and my hair end doesn't fit anymore. I need to chop it off and start enjoying my curls!!!
    By the way great pictures on going-natural.com!

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