My hair has been in its natural state for almost eight years. I have not consistently taken great care of my hair, throughout the years; I do not like the feel of wet hair, and washing my hair is very time consuming.  ‘Wash day’ has literally become an event, which needs to be planned in advance, because of the time constrains.  I have recently been washing my hair weekly.  The tangles are a real thing!  I am not sure I am time-saving significantly, but it does make me feel better.  After cutting the relaxer (chemically treated) hair in September, 2009, I periodically also cut off the knotted or matted ends, whenever I deem it necessary. 

A number of factors went into allowing my hair to revert to its natural state.  In 2009, I realized something; I did not feel good about myself. I was overweight (although my darling husband insists I was beautiful, thank the Lord for a great man), spiritually, I was stagnant (which really means I was lukewarm; neither hot nor cold, the Lord hates that!) and my hair; my crown was in a limp and lifeless mess! Change was obligatory! I did what any sane person would do; I drew near to the Lord, lost weight and cut the relaxed hair out!  My hair had been chemically treated since I was ten years old and throughout the years had seen many trials and too few triumphs. ‘Neat, current and cute’ has always been my thinking with regards to my hair, so whatever that took, I did it.  More often than not, my hair, when relaxed was kept short. Very rarely, if ever, did my hair make it past shoulder length. I got tired of styles quickly, which lead to another style and the madness continued until I almost burned my scalp off (there is a story there). I have tried weaves, braids and even wigs, but I love best, my hair in its natural state.

Although, I think relaxed hair is easier to manage, definitely it is faster; my hair has thrived in its natural state.  It is unquestionably longer than it has ever been and although it can be a challenge, it is fun to style. From the beginning, after the ‘big chop’ (note the vernacular words to describe the natural hair) immediately after washing my hair, I habitually two-strand twist it. It stays in this manner until it dries, then I usually style.

In order to prevent this blog post from becoming too long, this topic will be broken down into parts. Stay tuned for the other segment.