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Would You Go Natural?

I notice that more and more women are making the decision to go natural. There are a wide array of YouTube channels, and blog sites that are dedicated to women who have decided to take that step.

First and foremost, let me state the differences between natural hair, and relaxed hair.

Relaxed hair is hair that has been chemically altered in order to change the texture. Hair that is relaxed is usually less curly because the natural curls are chemically "relaxed" or straightened through the process of using a relaxer.

Natural hair is hair that has never been altered by chemical straighteners, such as relaxers. It is sometimes thicker and less easier to manage, which may require more work to style - depending on the texture.

I wore my natural hair until I was 13 years old, when I begged my mother to relax my hair. At first, my hair was long, and healthy. As the years went by, my hair lost its bounce and shine, and gradually became hard to deal with. In between going away for college, and changing hair salons - my hair regimen changed, and I ended up hating the way it looked! As a result, I made the decision to go natural earlier this year.

Going natural is a process, which requires a lot of courage, and patience! I had to start all over again, and figure out what my hair likes and how to properly care for it. Though watching YouTube videos, and reading the experiences of other women has helped me - I still have to figure out the products, and regimen that is best for my hair.

I cut all my permed hair off, so I am currently 4 months natural. There are days when I do get frustrated, and miss having a relaxer. But, I am staying strong. I have learned to accept my natural hair, and I love the progress that it is making.

I think that natural hair is what is best for me because my hair is healthier this way, and it also saves me time and money! To maintain my hair when it was relaxed required me to go to the salon frequently to touch-up any new hair growth, which was pricey. My hair also became damaged, which led to annoying hair breakage.

Whether your hair is long, short, curly, thick, natural or relaxed - if it is healthy and it makes you happy, then that's what matters most.

Would you ever make the decision to go natural? Why, or why not?

Tags: beauty, hair, natural, style

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Permalink Reply by Goddess on June 20, 2012 at 12:42pm

I haven't permed my hair in over a year and have been getting blow-outs which keeps my hair looking straight but in a much healthier way. I never cut off all my permed hair though. Do you think I should ? Or will my hair still grow naturally thick and healthy either way?

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Permalink Reply by Janiel Thomas on June 20, 2012 at 7:35pm

I think you should cut the permed hair off, and just go natural! The permed ends might not allow your hair to grow, and be as healthy as it can be. Your hair will eventually transition to being completely natural if you never get it permed again. Before cutting all my permed hair off, my hair was in the transitioning process where half was natural and the other was permed. I personally hated the way it looked, and the fact that it was shedding. Now that my hair is completely natural, I am able to maintain and style it properly because I find it easier to work with one texture. My hair has grown a lot, and has also become healthier. Best of luck in whatever it is you decide to do, but I think that cutting it and growing it out naturally will work best in the long run.

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Permalink Reply by Pink Poodle on June 20, 2012 at 1:22pm

Natural hair is hard to manage. And straight hair is expensive. What's a healthy median?

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Permalink Reply by Janiel Thomas on June 20, 2012 at 7:46pm

I'm not sure if there's anything in-between that I would personally do. Having your natural hair straightened at home can save money, and is also healthier when you use a heat protectant. I'm not sure if there is anything else I would do. I usually just wear my hair out and add Eco Styler Gel(Olive Oil). Because weaves can be a bit on the expensive side, there are also wigs that are also stylish, and inexpensive. Hope this helps!

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Permalink Reply by Keziah Gibbons on June 20, 2012 at 2:21pm

I have been thinking about going natural for several months now. My problem would be the thickness of my hair. Even when relaxed, my hair is extremely coarse. That is the reason why I got it relaxed in the first place because it was just too hard for me to manage. I would love to go natural if there was a reliable product that would give me the managability that I am looking for in keeping my hair looking good. I love the curly look but in this humid weather, my hair would frizz like a hairball on a cat! LOL! I am seeing a lot of products that are claiming to help you with the going natural process but I don't know how true they really are.

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Permalink Reply by Janiel Thomas on June 20, 2012 at 7:30pm

There are some products that I have been using since going natural again that leaves my hair extremely soft, and manageable. I use the co-wash method, which means using only conditioner to wash my hair. I use V05 moisturizing conditioners because your hair needs moisture in order to not get so thick and unmanageable. I use 4 simple products that have been working very well so far. I use V05 Silky experiences shea cashmere conditioner, V05 Silky experiences champagne kiss, Eco Styler Gel(Olive Oil) and Softee Hair Sheen. Those are my current staple products, that works for my hair! Natural hair can be a lot of work at times, but the process is truly rewarding. Best of luck!

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Permalink Reply by SweetSmile2 on June 21, 2012 at 11:09am

I've been natural for the majority of my life. I love it either way. Right now I do have a perm. Will go back to natural one of these days with no problem.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Davis on July 9, 2012 at 9:58am

Ive been natural for a year and a half now (transition for a yr then did big chop and been completely nat for 6 months). I did ALOT of research prior to transitioning, because i knew that i would want to straighten my hair all the time while having the perm part. So I decided to put in braids for a yr as a protective hair style til i felt ready to do the big chop.

And i couldnt been happier! I can rock the fro, or I can braid/twist my hair (mini-braids are awesome btw!), I can straighten it if i feel like, and im embracing my coils!

16 months is still a bit of an awkward stage since my hair still poofs out, its huge and doesnt sit quite as nicely as if it was to be longer, but I enjoy the journey, I've learned alot, and I can't wait til my curls passes my shoulders!

My regimen is similar to yours, but i decide to go more organic, such as using mostly oils and butters, and it makes one heck of a difference! The only thing not organic, but not so harsh either, is my cleansing conditioner I use to wash my hair (Loreal Evercreme sulfate-free cleansing conditioner).

But if anyone decides to go on this natural route, its hard and you need patience, but its totally worth it and I highly recommend it!

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Permalink Reply by Delicia Davis Burrell on July 9, 2012 at 11:37am

Im sooo at my breaking point and I feel like its time to perm my hair again. Its been a year and half and its so hard to blend my natural hair with th wigs and weave I like to wear. I never did the big chop though so I'm either gonna go alll the way and cut off any straight hair OR give in and get a perm... Im so confused though.. i dont know

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Permalink Reply by Janiel Thomas on July 9, 2012 at 12:20pm

You should have some natural hair growth since you haven't permed your hair in a year and half. Therefore, I think that since you've transitioned a bit - you should cut it! I'm all for natural hair now, so this might be a little on the biased side. Lol I am currently in my 5th month of being natural and I love that I made this decision. I love my hair, and the fact that I can see my natural curls again.

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Permalink Reply by Retina on July 9, 2012 at 11:54am

I personally do not think going natural will fit me or my style. i do believe you can save money and prevent hair damages that coloring and relaxers do. But i just love when my hair is permed because I like weaves, half wigs and i enjoy not dealing with my unnatural tangled, unshiny hair. i do appreciate seeing women going natural

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Permalink Reply by Janiel Thomas on July 9, 2012 at 12:23pm

Lol, I agree with you on "i do believe you can save money and prevent hair damages that coloring and relaxers do." However, I decided to go natural because being away at school without my usual hair stylist was taking a toll on my hair. I am super impatient, so styling it when it started having new growth was a bit too much for me. With my hair being shorter and natural now, it is so much better for me. Whatever makes you happy and suits you best is definitely what matters. Thanks so much for your input!

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Would You Go Natural?

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