Returning to my Natural Roots

WHY I RETURNED NATURAL

When I was 9 years old I begged my mom for a relaxer. I wanted that ponytail that moved from side to side when I ran. (Don’t make it seem like I was the only one.) Honestly, I called it the “white girl pony tail.” Why? Because white girls were the only ones who had hair that moved like that. Needless to say, at the age of 9, entering 4th grade I received my first relaxer. I was used to getting burned by the pressing comb so I the thought of a relaxer burning my head didn’t scare me. I tell you what, I should’ve listened. The burning sensation from the relaxer is torture!! However, I was amazed at the difference in my hair. It was so….straight. I have always had a fairly long mane so a relaxer didn’t change that as some have had in their experience. I did receive scalp burns, my edges wouldn’t grow in thick, and my hair was hard to keep moisturized. I liked my hair a lot but I didn’t love it. I had always wanted Chaka Khan hair since I was a little girl. (Which didn’t make sense to want a relaxer in the first place.)
Fast forwarding my life: Twenty two years later, I found out I was pregnant with our 4th child. I already had three boys so I thought for sure God wasn’t going to give me my heart’s desire and bless me with another boy. I thought I would have a little girl. One of my first thoughts were about her hair. My husband and I tell our boys to be proud of the skin color, their thick lips, their nose and their hair. How could I tell my daughter those things when I look opposite of how she looks? She would have natural hair and mommy with relaxed hair? No, that doesn’t seem right.
I had a decision to make. I made the decision to return natural. I did not do the BC (big chop) but instead I cut little by little because my hair was long. I made the decision to return natural because I realized it was BIGGER than just hair. It’s about confidence in my children and how they view themselves. Needless to say, our 4th child was another boy. Thank God!!!
Since I have returned natural, I know that I am a more confident woman. My children know it too! My two oldest sons who are now 9 and 10 wish to grow their hair longer. I’m happy with their decision and their confidence.
I’m proud of who I am and how my hair looks. I’m on my way to Chaka Khan status.
NATURAL GIRLS ROCK!!

Sunday pin up.

Twist out Day 3…

Twist out Sunday 2/23/14

My Little Sis Tay with a braid out. I have a twist out.

My first twist out.

Twist out day 1 and 2!

A throwback of my Dad with a present day pic of my little Sis Tay and I.