My Reasons Why I Embraced Natural Hair, Essay Example

My hair represents more to me than the follicles show. My hair is a symbol of who I am and what I have been given by the generations of my heritage before me. While some of those close to me, such as family and close friends, do not understand why I want to wear my hair in its natural state, but for me it is an outward expression of my inner beauty.  My hair is different and exciting and that is a direct reflection of how I feel inside. Those close to me make disparaging remarks such as “You remind me of Chaka Khan or Pam Grier reject”.While these remarks are not deep in regard to the intent of their hurt they are hurtful due to the fact that they are coming from those that are closest to me in my life.  I often wonder if they are venting their frustrations against my appearance or if they are truly upset with themselves for not allowing themselves to be as free as I am. While I do not always pay as much attention to the comments they still reach their intended point. Throughout my life I have learned a necessary defense mechanism to mitigate the comments but in reality I want them to stop.  It is a simple expression of who I am and I love my hair.  It is mine and it represents me. The comments are not degrading my hair; they are degrading me as a person.

Along with my hair representing who I am there are other opportunities that presented themselves when I moved away from changing my hair, chemically, to allowing it to return to a natural state.  Health factors played a major role in the move to not only allow my hair to grow naturally for short time but to embrace my new outward appearance and make it a more permanent fixture in my life.  After a lifetime of physically and chemically changing my hair, I decided that I needed a break from chemical relaxers.  Nine years ago, after returning home from the hair salon, I looked into the mirror and took immediate notice at the horrific condition my hair has transformed in to.  During my time with chemical treatments, I was trying to pursue my hair to transform into straight and silky follicles but in reality it looked like I had contracted mange from the stray dogs in the area.  What was once a head full of thick,strong, and curly hair changed into a shell of its former self; my hair wasnow,volume less, disheveled and dry strands of brittle hair.  The damage from the chemicals, theconstant heat, and the weaves had wreaked havoc to my lovely locks, all for the price of beauty.Now at this point, I was so disgusted with my hair that I immediately picked up the scissors and starting snipping away.  After the emotional toll of changing my outward appearance, I needed the guidance and instruction to grow back a healthy and resilient head of hair.  As I began tonurture my hair back to ahealth state, Ihad to change the way I was treating my hair.  I had to relearn the proper care and treatment for my new endeavor.  I joined natural hair care forums, purchased bookson growing and managing afro-textured hair; viewed hair care tutorials on YouTube, and held plenty of conversations on the streets with many natural-haired women that I came into contact with. Today, my hair is much longer, much stronger and much healthier than ever before.

Second reason for embracing my natural hair is all aboutthe freedom to partake in everyday activities. Asanatural hair wearer, I have the luxury of not having to worry about environmental factors and physical activities ruining my hair. For example, when I’m walking in high humidity or getting caught up in a rain storm; I don’t concern myself in what condition my hair is going to turn out.  It has become as resilient as I am.  Running from obstacles is not something that I do in any part of my life and now with my hair in its natural state, small changes in the environment becomes an opportunity as opposed to a threat.  When I had a relaxer, I use to runfrom the rain to prevent it from getting wet. During the hot summer months, swimming is more enjoyablebecause I don’t have to worry too much about the harsh effects that salt water or chlorinatedwater has on my hair. Whenever my family has family events near water; some of my family memberswho are so concerned about getting their hair wet, cannot simply enjoy a cool swim during the hottest points of the summer. My final example is partaking in physical activities. Wearing my natural hair does not hinder me from working out in the gym.When I had chemically relaxed hair, I use to avoid going to the gym because I did not want to sweat out my freshly styled hair. In fact, I wanted my hairstyle to last a couple of days. I think it’s very dangerous to have your mindset on your hair instead of your physical health.

The economic benefit is a hidden treasure. Embracing my natural hair has allowed me to save a larger portion of my budget. Prior to the transformation to natural hair,I had to budget salon visits that would cost $300.00 a month.  While the financial burden was easy to measure and was directly reflected in my bank account, there was also the wasteful use of my time.  During my treatments, my beautician would charge me about $80 dollars for a monthly relaxer retouch and $40 dollars for weekly blow dry and style.  This included a hair cleanse and sitting under the hooded dryer for about 30 minutes.  This was just the beginning.  I wasted another hour sitting and waitingon the beautician to break from another client to restart on my process. Once I’m back in my stylistseat, there’sabout another hour just to style my relaxed hair. The entire process evolved from a simple beautician appointment to an all-day event.  Near the end I was spending 3-5 hours per visit depending on the needs of my hair.  Despite the weekly visits to the salon, my hair was extremely damaged. Since going natural, I am now able to do my hair at home,save money and time for other things to enjoy.

Thegreat health benefits, freedom to live life and not be hindered by the restrictions of my hair coupled with the savings in time and money have pushed my belief that my natural hair is an affixed style in my arsenal of beautification tools.  My hair represents who I am and what I feel, free, natural and exciting.My hair is much healthier, longer and fuller, reminiscent of when I was a child with natural hair. And I will not be shamed by those, including family members, who lack the knowledge or the will to go natural.I will not hide what is “naturally” growing out of my scalp to be victim and succumb to society’s idea of beauty.