Back to Natural

Hi All!  I'm super excited about today's post.  We have all heard expressions like, "hair is just hair" or "your hair is your glory" or "long hair, don't hair"......but what happens when your hair is on the floor, rather than on your head? What happens when your ponytail is a 'fro? Or fade? What do you do? Who do you sue? (No pun intended)  If these thoughts are racing through your mind, in the name of Natural, I ask you to stop....and read this post.

Meet Jasalyn, a curly girl, who tresses to impress.

How long have you been natural?
Since July 9, 2010

Why did you decide to wear your natural hair texture?
After my aunt's breast cancer returned and began spreading throughout her body, I decided to chop it off and make her a wig. But the Lord called her home before she could see my big chop. I had done the same big chop two years prior for my mother.

What reaction did your family and friends have to your natural hair?

There were definitely some mixed reviews. My family was upset, shocked, and surprised. My mom's exact words were "you're definitely a rebel!!". My sister thought it was cute but masculine. Keep in mind I did a total chop, low fade with red coloring. My father didn't like it at all. My stepfather thought it was nice and eventually fell in love with it. My male friend at the time, actually stopped seeing me. (Hold on, I think my jaw just dropped) He was definitely against me cutting my hair. He told me if he wanted to date a girl with boy-short hair, he'd be gay..My male friends were shocked and upset. I never noticed how much attention guys paid to women hair. They idolized my beautiful long tresses, and I totally didn't know that. Overall it was a very liberating moment. To go from beautiful relaxed hair to now short curly hair, was quite an experience.

What is your favorite natural hairstyle?
My favorite natural hairstyle was definitely the short fade. It was very convenient during these 100+ degree temperatures in Alabama.  (I miss the weather in the South, *sigh*)

Some of my readers live in areas that have harsh winters, like NYC, so how do you wear your hair during the winter months?
Well given the everchanging weather, during the colder months, I wear crochet bonnets or hats. I love to two-strand twist my hair and wear hats. I seldomly wear a fully extended afro.

Have you found a a hair routine that works for you?
I wish....unfortunately even with the time I've been natural, I still haven't mastered any regimes. I am still researching various products. Currently I am experimenting with Finger Coils.

 Are you anti-heat? Not anti-heat unless it's not well protected with oil-based serums...I personally don't use liquid based heat protectants, only because it wets the hair folicles. This damages the hair...permed or natural, because it takes it to its weakest state..wet!!!  I am thinking about asking my mom to straighten it for me this weekend...we shall see..I'm still considering because my childhood memories still taunt me. (*cringes at the thought of the pressing comb and Blue Magic hair grease*)

If you could describe natural hair in one word, what would it be?
Liberating

What's been your best natural hair compliment from a man?
"I'm loving your natural swag...you have to be a beautiful and confident person to rock a bald head." Now keep in mind all the male friends have come back around to apologize for their initial reactions. I guess they were caught up on the cosmetic appeals of permed hair.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about natural hair?

Many people still believe in order to be beautiful you have to have silky, straightened hair. Now keep in mind my hair is curly and wavy, both natural and permed. I would go through a year with 3 or 4 perms. So I naturally knew perms only relaxed my curls. Various races are still receptive to natural hair. I've got mixed reviews from various races while being natural. One day I wore my hair straight to work, and several coworkers complimented me on my hair quote on quote looking "more professional". Whatever in the heck did that mean....I'll let the readers respond to that...But as I journey through this hair phase, I've enjoyed, regretted, missed, praised, fell out and back in love with my hair. I've even come to the point of perming it, but thankfully haven't....



The Pre-Natural Days



What advice do you have for newly naturals?

Don't give up...it is a very time consuming and stressful process. Natural hair doesn't mean less management. Instead it means more, because you're forcing your hair to do something it was designed to do but has become accustomed to something else over the years.


Do you have anything else to share with the readers?
Thank you for taking the time out to share with me during my natural hair journey, hopefully something inspires you.