So, I thought a brief hair history would be an appropriate first blog update. Here we go. . .
Earlier this year, in a moment of sheer frustration with my hair ironically, it struck me that 2010 will mark 10 years since I have applied a chemical relaxer (texturizer included) to my hair.
First, I can't believe I'm old enough to remember anything from a decade ago! Second, it's kind of a cool milestone. I was fortunate enough to have the support of my natural-haired friend, Kimberly, and of my then boyfriend now husband while I transitioned. Seven to eight months later I look the plunge and did the big chop (BC - cutting of one's chemically relaxed hair leaving a teeny weeny afro or TWA). What a cathartic experience!
I am thankful that I worked in an artistic environment where expression of personal style was encouraged. As a fledging natural, I don't know if I could have survived the transition period in a traditional corporate environment. My confidence grown, I'm now proud to rock natural hair in my now traditional corporate position.
What's also great are the number of resources available now to assist with transitioning and maintaining natural hair. Youtube is just. . . awesome. Like, really, awesome! While you can't trust all the information provided, combined with your own research, Youtube has proven, for me, to be invaluable. My current fave Youtuber is Kimmaytube. Be sure to check her out!
I got a second BC in May 2006 but this time the goal was to revel in a super short TWA complete with fade. Those three years served to increase my confidence even further. It's not just a hairstyle. Living natural, in all its stages and forms, is not the norm and bucks societal trends. You can't help but feel confident, powerful and sexy all at the same time!
In August 2009, I started to grow my hair with the intention of loc'ing, i.e. dreadlocks. That's the last natural hairstyle I have to try so I'm going for it!
Hmm. Who knew a ten year journey could be summarized in 5.5 paragraphs?
Stayed tuned. The journey continues.
- kareen
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
