In talking about “Back to Natural Basics” for today’s post, I thought it’d be on point to discuss a topic that I’m surprised I haven’t previously explored here at Degrees of Maternity. Surprised, because it, quite frankly, was one of those pivotal turning points in my life — almost a mindset shift about the beauty of being authentic and true to who you are. The particular topic in question has everything to do with returning to my natural roots, or my transition back to my natural hair (from an almost lifetime of presses and perms).
Now, I can’t take credit for initiating my natural hair journey, because my daughter was actually the impetus for getting me going in this direction. But, I can state that, once I started putting one foot in front of the other while on this hair care road trip, I’ve never had a desire to look back or take any steps backward to where I started from. Returning to my natural hair, after decades of perming it, has been one of the best health-related decisions I’ve ever made in my life.
In fact, my mindset shift about embracing my natural hair initiated a spark within me to explore other areas of naturally healthy options life has to offer. And, having a husband that is an “all-natural” proponent has definitely played a crucial role in turning my health perspective around for the better.
When I look back on the draw that pressed and permed hair had on my psyche, I have to own the fact that I’m very low-key when it comes to hair etiquette, hair styling, hair accessories, hair health — basically all things hair care. I’ve never been one to spend a lot of time on my hair, except for the primping, prepping, teasing, and taming I might have done for special occasions. Otherwise, you probably would have seen me conveniently pull my hair back in a ponytail or top it on my head in bun form. I’ve always preferred hair routines that were simplistic and low-maintenance. I don’t want to say that I’m lazy or lackadaisical about my hair, but it definitely wasn’t a time-suck in my daily grooming routine. I preferred to be in and out, when it came to the amount of time spent on my hair.
And even to this day with my natural hair, most times I keep it braided or covered with a beanie. (Yes, I’m into head coverings). On days that I totally don’t feel like messing with my natural hair, I conveniently slap on a beanie or a baseball cap and go out and about to conduct my business. No attention is drawn to unkempt hair and I consequently save a few minutes when I’m rushed for time or am simply not in the mood to hair style. There’s no shame in the game. Bad hair days don’t have to be exposed. I’m all for the hair cover-up. That’s my story anyway, and I’m sticking to it.
Now, I almost sound like I returned to my natural roots (pre-press/pre-perm), because I was looking for an easy way to keep up my hair (since I don’t like to spend a lot of time on it), but that’s not the case. If I wanted ease and convenience, I would have stayed with the treated version of my hair. Perms rule when it comes to being user-friendly. In my opinion, there’s less operator error involved in hair styling. The all-natural look tends to be the one that may take a bit more preparation. (But again, I’ve learned to perfect the ease of the all-natural hair taming through the head covering and hair braiding techniques. Work smarter, not harder, folks.) Anyway, one of the luxuries of wearing my hair naturally that I noticed immediately is the fact that getting my hair wet was no longer a problem. As a matter of fact, it’s now a welcomed occurrence.
Previously with my treated hair, a $65 perm treatment could quickly go awry by exposure to wetness from a passing rain shower, or a shower shower, a hair wash, or a swim. So, I had to be very protective and calculate the timing of when my hair could get wet; or else, I could easily learn a very expensive lesson in wasting money and a perfectly good hair straightening. But with my natural hair, I welcome water. It’s absolute life to my hair. And, I often spritz my hair with water in order to style it and revitalize it when it’s looking a little lackluster. I even use it to help straighten out my edges by combining it with some raw shea butter and applying to my hair. Oh how the tables have turned!
Up to this point, I’ve just let my thoughts about my natural hair journey organically flow — no rhyme or reason or going in on the real health benefits of going natural. But, I plan to let you in on a few positives to the whole natural hair phenomenon, which is really not a new thing. It’s the way black women’s hair started out from their birth — the way God created it. I love my natural hair and will never go back. And next week, my plan is to share more of my journey with you as well as the health and general benefits of switching from treated to natural hair. Stay tuned . . .
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