Chavon

HI!

I have been bleaching my hair since I was 14, luckily I didn't end up loosing too much or having a ton of damage. Last December I woke up one morning and just decided to chop it off. I figured since I wore wigs anyway if I didn't like it I could wear a wig. Since I didn't perm my hair I figured I knew how to maintain it somewhat and that I would learn as I went in regards to not blowing it out. I was in for a huge shock when I sat in the chair and my friend just started cutting. I've never had my hair this short and it is a huge change, but I'm learning to like it. In the beginning of May I got it braided. It is easier to manage and something I know how to deal with.

That's my story!

Before

After

Piper

I started my natural hair journey January 9, 2012. I decided to have the big chop because I was at a

 point of my life where I really just wanted something different. I wasn't surrounded by many natural haired women growing up in life. I don't even remember my first relaxer, I'd had one for so long. My hair was noticeably D A M A G E D. I was so embarrassed that I didn't know how to keep my hair healthy.  My hair was permed, flat iron and looked choppy. How I longed that my hair was as beautiful as the weaves I wore. I didn't have the slightest idea how to maintain my hair once it has been returned to its natural state. Luckily we live in the day of age where any and everything is at our fingertips, and in our search engines. I spent countless hours just researching things I could do to my hair. I immediately fell in love with my jet black hair and the shine my hair radiates. Gaining a new best friend I gave my luscious tresses the name Selene. A year into my natural journey I have my own regimen that works for me and my hair. Still learning more and more as time goes by.



My hair type is MINE. There is none like Selene.  My hair is thick and can be very drying. My coils are tight so shrinkage is nothing out of the ordinary although I don't view shrinkage as a problem. With my hair being thick it loves oils. Coconut oil, Olive oil and Avocado oil work best in my hair. Castor oil works well too, I just find it to be a little thick. Shea butter is my secret lover but love is too beautiful to be hidden so I often sing its praises. Whipping your shea butter and adding a mixture of your favorite oils will go a long way, It seals the moisture in my hair for days at a time.



I love my hair! Since I've started wearing it back in its natural state I feel so much more beautiful. A new found confidence that I never had when I was wearing my relaxed ends. I can't lie, I love the attention I get from people when they admire my hair. My hair has such versatility. Rocking a fro, wearing twists, braids anything you can thick of. Our hair can manipulate patterns and its simply amazing. Wearing my hair natural has opened my eyes in such a different light. Not only am I striving for healthy hair, but also a healthy life style. Eating clean, working out and being happy.



I honestly never hear too many crazy things concerning natural hair. Except for when I had the big chop. a lot of people were telling me how bold I was for cutting my hair, or being natural is too expensive, what if your hair isn't good. That's what I find most ignorant. People labeling hair as 'good or bad'. smh come on ladies. I thought we were doing better. Whether the hair is tightly coiled or falls more loosely our hair is beautiful. Healthy hair is beautiful hair!

The only thing that I would even remotely consider to be a shady area of being natural is the amount of time you dedicate to your hair. I personally have a good relationship with my hair. I know what works for me and what doesn't. So I don't mind spending the time being generous, patient and gentle with my tresses. I've learned how to help my twist outs last. I cleanse my scalp, deep condition, style and leave her be. I do my thing and let my hair do hers.



There are no rules to wearing your hair in its natural state. If you like to wear flat irons, Rock a flat iron. If you enjoy dreads, loc it up. If you don't feel the need to wear protective styles, rock it out. As long as your hair is healthy that's all that matters Get to know your hair. Figure out what it likes and what it dislikes. It won't lie you. Its your hair, wear it however you love it.

Demetra

I transitioned for about a year before I decided to Big Chop, and like many naturals, I did it myself after I got tired of dealing with the two different textures.  I big chopped on September 8, 2012, and it has gone well even though it has taken me some time to get used to a specific routine. So far, my BC was one of the best decisions of my life; it scared me but not once did I have any regrets. It was an extreme change, so of course it took some getting used to, but you should challenge yourself and do things that scare you.

Now, when it comes to being 100 percent natural, most of us battle with natural versus non-natural products. We all have to find out what our hair likes, and it takes time. I, on the other hand, am actively replacing all the products I use with natural products. I am against using products with harmful chemicals, preservatives, and additives, and Chemical agents in shampoo strip and dry hair while the non-soluble (not dissolvable in water or easy washed away) silicones in conditioners coat hair making it appear shiny while preventing moisture from getting in. I make everything that goes on my hair and skin myself and support natural products and would advise anyone else to do the same. Everyone knows that natural products benefit our body’s the best because they contain vitamins and nutrients that our skin and hair absorbs and uses. Our skin is our largest organ protecting us from the sun's harmful rays and it absorbs everything that we put on it. Why use lotions packed with chemicals and preservatives that do nothing to aide in the health and protection of your skin? Natural products are just a better choice.

When it comes to the products I use on my hair, and like all of us, I used to find a lot of my products on YouTube by other naturals and two of my favorite gurus are Naptural85 and HeyFranHey.  HeyFranHey has a series of DIY videos, and Naptural85 makes this hair and body oil mix that I've remixed, and a Shea butter leave in that is a little too heavy for my hair. I use mango butter instead of Shea butter. It's lighter and my hair loves it.

As for my own natural hair product line, I haven't decided if I'm doing a line yet. I do make products for friends and friends of friends but as far as drafting a business and finding a logo, It hasn't happened. I'm working on my blog and developing my writing. If I see that there aren't a lot of quality natural products for an affordable price I might have to jump in and save the day. I'm hoping to share small business owners with my vision. I want everyone to know it doesn't have to cost so much live a healthier lifestyle.”