My Natural Hair Journey

I've done several "Big Chops" in my life time, where I've gotten completely bored after coloring my hair as many shades as I possibly could and growing it to shoulder length or longer, over processing it with relaxers, etc. It wasn't until Fall of 2012 that I had gotten serious about my hair and being more conscious in caring for it.

At this time, I had colored my hair at least three different shades in a three month span, on top of my relaxers, that I felt I had to touch up every six weeks. My hair was FRIED! It looked great on the outside, but it was horribly damaged. It began shedding a lot and just did not respond to any products or styles as it should have. After serious thought and contemplation, I decided to do a "Big Chop", cutting my hair down to almost nothing, leaving barely an inch of hair on my head.

This was nothing new to me, cutting my hair very short; the issue would be staying away from the "creamy crack" that is better known as a relaxer. However, I knew that if I could get past three months without applying a relaxer to my hair, I had reached a very important milestone. And guess what? I did it and have been relaxer free since September of 2012. That was one of the best decisions I had made in my life.

Returning to your natural state and texture, as it relates to your hair, is often referred to a "natural hair journey" and that is exactly what it is, a journey. While on that journey, you  learn to love and embrace your natural texture, whether it is wavy, curly, coily or kinky - which can be challenging for some, especially if for most of your life, you wore a relaxer or some type of texturizer in your hair. But as you travel on your journey, you also learn so much about yourself during the process. For me, not only did I began researching more natural ways of caring for my hair, but it also awakened the desire in me to do the same for my health; mind, body and spirit.

I did use some of the store bought hair products for awhile and still do occassionally. But the more I conducted my research and found that so many harmful chemicals and ingredients were added to hair (and skin) care products, it prompted me to begin experimenting, coming up with formulas for making my own hair and skin care products, using virgin/organic butters, natural oils and essential oils.

One of my staple ingredients for almost everything that I make, is coconut oil. Coconut oil is great and has a wide array of uses, which includes cooking/baking, hair care, skin care, health benefits, etc (I'll post a separate blog soon about all of the benefits that coconut oil offer). My skin and hair respond to it so well, I absolutely love it!

Coconut oil can be used as a PRE-poo (deep conditioning prior to shampooing) for your hair, scalp treatments and hair moisturizer when used in moderation. And for the skin, so many benefits coconut oil offers - it also moisturizes the skin, has natural antibacterial agents and when used regularly, leaves the skin silky soft and smooth. When applied to the skin, your skin absorbs it with gladness. As mentioned, I will include an additional post, about all of the awesome benefits, uses and maybe even recipes, of/for coconut oil, at a later date.

My hair is much more healthier than ever before, thanks to the decision I made to return to natural almost three years ago. Yes, I do still color my hair but I will never use relaxers in my hair ever again, a personal choice. However, whether you choose to relax, color or just embrace your natural hair, just make sure that it's done in love and kindness. Nurture your hair, keeping it moisturized and conditioned well at all times, and keep your bodies hydrated...trust me, it makes a difference with your hair and skin. The health of our hair is just as important as our overall physical health. Show it LOVE!