I’ve been natural almost all my life. In
2004-2005 I used a texturiser much to everyone’s advice that my hair would
still remain “natural”. I know...***insert raised eyebrows and muffled chuckles
here*** Much like a relaxer, my hair became thin and broke off, leaving me with
the most pathetic ponytail. I BC’d in July 2005. I loved my hair, it was
spirally, coily, kinky and best of all, there was no more thin damaged
ends. It was the best of times and worst
of times (yes, I love a cliche); those early years were tough! I was used to
natural hair, but having 1 inch of hair was beautifully terrifying – the looks,
the stares, the questions were pretty overwhelming. A friend of mine insisted I
wear lipstick to “not look like a boy”. It was one of those moments where you
didn’t know how to react, except smile and take the L’oreal #329 and smear it
on your lips with fierce obedience. Big chopping takes courage and
assertiveness let no one tell you different.
From then on, I was the quintessential
natural; I joined every bandwagon, trend, challenge and bought almost every
product that was praised on the hair boards (well, except bull sperm and
miconazole nitrate; I had some sort of decorum folks). I was unashamedly
obsessed and desperate my hair to grow to pre-BC, pre-texturiser-disaster
length. I tried a huge number of products and never focused on health, ergo,
the Product Junkie. That is the top natural mistake: length over health. When
desperation seeps, you lose focus, intuition and protective skepticism in a bid
for 18 inches of natural hair.
I
don’t know when it hit me (2007-2008?), but after a while, I was bored with the
length hustle and wanted healthy, touchable hair (with no dripping wild growth
hair oils doe). My regimen changed and I’ve been a happier natural since. So
after that long winded prologue, I can tell you that my current regimen is
pretty fluid and tailored to what my hair needs. I wash once a week with Crème
of nature moisturising shampoo, deep condition with Aubrey organics or Shea
moisture and every 8-10 weeks I’ll henna with indigo (I’ve got grey hairs to
cover already). I moisturize my hair with Qhemet products, seal with shea
butter and style with Nothing But…Curl pudding or As I am twist crème. When I’m
in a bit of a dry-hair rut, I’ll do deep conditioning treatment with olive oil
and heat. In the summer months I’ll conditioner-wash almost 2-3 times a week.
My mom thinks it’s absurd to rinse my hair so often. I love to think of it as a
clash between old-world hair care practices versus modern day hair care. She
thinks I philosophize hair way too much.
I adore twist-outs, braid-outs and you’ll
always find me with a massive afro puff on my head. It’s my signature style and
I love it *snapz fingaz*. Of course,
when I have to be savvy and professional, a meek bun or banana clip ponytail
usually suffices. I’m still a bit of a
product junkie (I support small businesses hehe), but now I like to think I’m
more aware and find myself using my kitchen salon rather than pay $58 for a
product.
Looking back, I’m happy this entire journey
happened. Unfortunately I didn’t have a massive spiritual epiphany, but I
learned a lot about my hair and myself in the process. I don’t think I could ever be the girl with
long relaxed hair; I’m having too much fun watching my hair grow towards the
sun.
Thank you for the feature and many
blessings for Ida’s Child!
