Your story: “What happened when I stopped relaxing my hair”

There’s a lot to figure out when you decide to go natural. Do you do the big chop? Do you transition with different textures? Which products do you use? We chat to three women who’ve made the change.

Surprising advice from a hairdresser

“The only reason I stopped relaxing my hair was because my hairdresser didn’t want to relax my hair anymore - and this was long before I even thought about going natural. She didn’t think I needed to relax, but I disagreed. She eventually convinced me that my hair was perfectly fine without the relaxer. Honestly, after going natural I was tempted relax my hair again, but didn’t go through with it as I was too scared that it would damage my hair.” – Megan

Setting a positive example for my daughter

“I stopped having Brazilian treatments shortly after my daughter's birth and she’s turning six soon. There have been times when I wanted to go back to my chemically treated hair, but then I look at my hair and I see how my curls pop and how healthy my hair is and realise I made the right decision. I also don't want my daughter, who has beautiful curls, to think that straight hair personifies beauty.” – Maygene

A slow, but exhilarating journey

 “I remember that I had just come home from work, after seeing my editor who was on a natural hair journey at the time. She was so confident – we’re talking Kanye levels of confidence here - and I was so inspired by how she had managed to accomplish so much and not be judged for wearing her hair in its natural state. I vowed that I wasn't going to straighten my hair again so that I could see what my natural hair looked like - because despite being 21 at the time, I had had my hair relaxed since I was a toddler, and did not know what my curl pattern looked like.

My transition was slow but exhilarating. As my hair began to grow, I could see curls forming at my roots - the first night I went out with my natural hair, my friends were really surprised, but they supported me. While my family wasn’t quite as positive or supportive, I was determined to ride out the experience and explore this part of me that I had never met. Now my hair is a way for me to represent my ancestors, and encourage people who look like me to follow an unrestricted path.”- Robyn

While all these women are now happy and confident with their natural hair, it did take time to come to terms with their decision and their new, natural hair. Going natural is a journey and it can be tough, but it is worth it if you persevere.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com