mariahulove: July 2013

So I made the change guys. I've taken the long awaited step. After being on my relaxed hair journey for 1 year, I decided it was time to go the natural root. I've been transitioning since January meaning that's when I did my last relaxer.

What made you make the change?

I decided to go natural when I was looking through YouTube trying to find some videos on relaxed hair journeys when I came across some videos with the topic: The Big Chop. I was not about to do that but I was interested in what these girls went through. I went further and learned why these girls decided to go natural and what it really meant to them. I learned that going natural is only a big step because women put way too much meaning into it. Hair does not define any women. It also came to my attention that many of us black women think that straight hair is more attractive than kinky curly hair. Society has engraved this into our head for so many years we don't even realized that our hair in its natural state is the most beautiful. Our hair was not meant to be straight... The unique texture of our hair is one that can not be duplicated by any other ethnicity. We can, of course, straighten our hair with heat anytime we'd like but all we have to do to get back to our curly natural state is wet it ;)

What products do YOU use?

I use many different products: ORS, Herbal Essence, Elasta QP, Cantu Shea Butter, Shea Moisture and the list goes on. I also use a variety of oils: coconut, olive, jojoba, grapeseed, avocado, Moroccan argan, and shea butter. I will elaborate in a future post when I create an actual regimen.

How long will you transition for?

I plan on transitioning until I can put my natural hair into a ponytail. I must say I still have a little bit of the "my hair is very important to me" mentality but I have drastically improved. Hopefully by my one year of transitioning, I can remove all of my relaxed ends and finally be able to say "I'm natural".

What do you do to make the transitioning process easier?

Transitioning is very hard. Dealing with two different textures has been a struggle but I think I've found a way to make it easier on myself.

1. Detangling when your hair is wet/ damp. Trust me, it makes life much easier. Add a moisturizer or conditioner. This will create slip and help your fingers or wide-tooth comb to glide through your hair.
2. After you wash your hair, MOISTURIZE! It is very important that your hair is moisturized.
3. Use protective/ low manipulation styles. Box braids have been my best friend during my transitioning period. Buns, twists, braids all help with transitioning.
4. Use a silk or satin scarf before bed. Wrapping your hair with a scarf keeps the moisture in your hair and off your cotton pillow.
5. Wash your hair often. Washing your hair once or twice a week will make your hair more manageable.
6. Less heat! Try air drying. Maybe cut back to straightening your hair once a month.

Any cool and interesting tips for those who are transitioning or natural?

I learned this trick that saved my life. I know this is a problem that many girls face: getting them edges to lay! Here's my tip: gel down your edges with your favourite gel, use a toothbrush to really get those baby hairs together. Then, tie your edges down with a satin or silk scarf while you finish your style, get ready, put on your makeup, whatever! When you are ready, remove the scarf and voila! Laid edges!

Going natural is a choice I made for myself, no one else. Don't let anyone tell you what you should do. Your health and happiness is priority. Have fun with it. You only have one life. Live it to its full potential. Try new things. You'll never know if you'll like something unless you try it!

Love, love, love and peace

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I've Gone Natural... Well... Almost

Passion for Fashion- Solange Edition

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