Why I'm Natural

Happy Friday Family!! It's going to be a great day in your neighborhood! Whoo!!

Today, I wanted to talk briefly about my hair journey and why I decided to let go of the 'creamy crack', in addition to one important tip to help get adjusted to the new you.

I started the process in October of 2007.. that was my last relaxer and for 7-8 months, I wore braids.. kinky braids and micros to keep my hands out of my hair. At the time, I had know idea I was transitioning.. I just knew I wanted to go natural. Now, let me first tell you that my hair has gone through every style you can think of.. braids, sew-ins, honey blond streaks, short and bobbed, long and wrapped.. you name, I've had it. Jeremy (my husband) had been growing locs for about a year at that time, so I would go with him to get his hair re-tightened and when I told his loctician (who eventually became my stylist) that I wanted to go natural she didn't believe me.. Jeremy didn't even believe me, either! And I went back and forth for a while.. until June, 2008..

We miscarried. I felt like my lifestyle-- weight, hair process, eating habits, caused us to miscarry. So, I took action.. I stopped eating red meat, exercised and cut the relaxer of of my hair.. And immediately after, I felt relieved. But the next day, I had a sorority event to attend and a soror asked me, 'Soror, why did you cut your hair?' I couldn't come up with a response and started becoming a little self-conscious as I started going out in public. Soon thereafter, I felt like a boy! I had to work an etiquette dinner and I felt like my hair was a distraction.. I tried on my suit 40 different times and cried for three days after that. I felt like I made the biggest mistake.. But I remembered something Anji told me when she cut my hair.. 'get used to the new you.. get used to seeing your hair in its natural state..' so I sucked it up and learned to love my hair.. the way it was. Fro and all.. Eventually, I added color, coils and it started growing..and growing.. and growing.

That wasn't brief.. at all.. but you get the point.. :).. If you are thinking about or just did the BC (big chop)--Remember one thing.. learn your hair without styling it first... run your fingers through it.. love your hair, naturally!

Shoot me some questions-- email me and check out my facebook Fro-to Album-- http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=6845599&aid=2683935. I look forward to your questions, thoughts, etc..

Next Friday, I'll be out of town.. but I'll post when I get back.. See you soon! :)

Fro'd Out,
Ash G.