One Year Natural: A Journey in Pictures, Plus Two Life Lessons

March 6, 2011 By 7 Comments
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It’s been almost a year since I took the plunge and did the big chop! I can’t believe that just one year ago, I was getting dumped by my boyfriend for making the decision to change my hairstyle . . . which has turned out to be one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. My family tried to talk me out of it (saying I would look “ugly” and too much like an African) and I remember being so afraid that no man would ever be attracted to me again because of my hair. Boy, was I wrong about that LOL! I transitioned for a few months, but quickly got tired of trying to maintain two types of hair, so I just cut it all off.

I’ve had ups and downs with trying to figure what to do with my natural hair after wearing it relaxed since I was a kid, but overall the journey has taught me two really important lessons that I will take with me over the course of my life:

  1. I’m beautiful just the way I am. Long or straight hair doesn’t define beauty any more than expensive clothes do. It’s just an illusion that often holds us back from paying attention to who we really are.
  2. I can do whatever the hell I want. Not just with my hair, but with my career, my body and my time. This is MY life. Not anyone else’s.

For other ladies out there who are thinking about going natural, but afraid of the “backlash” . . . look, if you want to do it, go for it! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’re GROWN. And it’s YOUR hair. Just do the damn thang. If YOU want to change your hair (or anything else for that matter), that’s the only opinion that matters. Me? I love my hair. And I LOVE my life. I chose it and it’s mine. And I will never let anyone take that away from me.

So here’s 12 pictures over my first 12 months of being natural. I love seeing the growth over time, although that was never my goal, really. I just want to make sure I keep it healthy and cute. Much love to all the lovely sisters – online and off – who were so generous with their time in helping a natural newbie out! I’m still learning, but at least I’ve finally figured out how to style my ‘fro :)

For those new to the blog, here are my previous posts about my natural hair journey:

What lessons did you learn from YOUR journey of going natural? Has it been a smooth transition?

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Filed Under: Natural Hair, Self-Care

Comments

  1. Roschelle says:
    March 10, 2011 at 2:27 am

    Happy Nappy-versary! (only a natural diva can take that as completely complimentary!!!). Going natural was the best thing I’ve ever done!!! You look great :)

    Reply
  2. Nes says:
    March 8, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    I am sorry but I felt slightly insulted by your post. What do you mean by looking African? How does an African look? The last time I checked more and more Africans relax their natural tresses and wear weaves be it Brazilian and co. So I do not understand. Is it implied in your post that Africans are ugly?

    Reply
    • Happy Black Woman says:
      March 9, 2011 at 12:36 am

      By no means do *I* think that Africans are ugly. I think the entire diaspora is beautiful! What I was saying was that some people in my family have a negative view of what they think real “African hair” looks like and that’s why they discouraged me from going natural.

      Reply
    • Anilia says:
      March 12, 2011 at 5:14 pm

      I got the “why are you trying to look African” comment also (and Rosetta and I are not related lol). The African archetype, at least to black Americans, is darker skin, coarse hair, broader features. We don’t immediately think of Somalians, Ethiopians etc. Black is beautiful, so don’t be offended if people equate wearing your natural hair texture as something that Africans do.
      Read my latest blog post…A Shift In Focus

      Reply
  3. Anonymous says:
    March 8, 2011 at 2:20 am

    New style looks awesome! I knew you’d figure it out. Meanwhile I think it’s time to be all curly again for me.

    Reply

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