Hey Guys,
I just wanted to let you all know that my "Hair Story" is featured on Going-Natural.com! They, of course, feature other beautiful naturals and their inspiring stories of their decision. Interestingly, the owner of the site, originally from Suriname, wrote the first Dutch-language book on natural African hair care. Very interesting.
I will post the interview below because you need to be a paying member of the site in order to view the Hair Stories section. So, if you are a member, awesome! If not, no worries, check out my story below:
When, why how did you go natural?
I have been natural all of my life, but I was not taking the best care of my hair (with frequent coloring, straightening and the use of drying hair products). I started to research how to care for curly hair, in particular, biracial hair. I learned that certain hair care products geared towards “ethnic” hair contained extremely harsh and drying chemicals that definitely proved not to be beneficial to the overall health of my hair. The first step to my journey was making a complete change in my usual products, by choosing products that contained friendlier ingredients. By making this small change, my hair dramatically improved in its health.
What was the hardest part of your journey?
And the best part?
The hardest part of my journey was when I did my own version of the “Big Chop,” getting rid of all the color treated and heat damaged pieces, which left my then bra-strap length hair to ear length. It was a big transition for me to learn how to love my hair at its new length. Frankly, I had a very hard time. I basically hated my hair short, so I retreated to putting my hair back, in the beginning. However, thanks to my continued research of different styling methods, I learned to diversify my look and have fun with it by adding accessories.
The best part of this journey has been the continued education of my hair and of our hair as a community. I love how our hair possesses a complex beauty that continues to teach and inspire me everyday. And I love watching it grow!
What did your hair journey teach you?
My hair journey has taught me first to be patient. It takes a lot of work to maintain healthy and happy hair. It has also taught me to be proud in my own skin and to love all the multi-faceted personalities of my hair.
Describe your worse hairdo and your best hairdo and please include a picture if you can.
A pretty bad hairdo was when I got a very bad haircut in Paris. I wanted long layers but it came out an uneven, stringy mess. My best hair is when I literally leave it alone.
Looking back, has your perception of your hair or black hair in general changed? Please elaborate.
My view of my own hair has changed in that I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. I feel the most confident when I have my hair big and wild. It is my lion’s mane. I think the beauty of black hair is the diversity of it. It can be manipulated in so many ways. But however we decided to celebrate our crown of glory, there is nothing more inspiring and positive than to see a confident and proud sister rocking her natural hair.
What is your favorite hairstyle?
Part in the middle or part on the side, big and out.
Can you please finish the following sentence: I love my hair because?
I love my hair because it comes with big personality!