26th January 2021 marked 2 years since the last time I chemically straightened my hair. Being a natural babe is significant to me as I honestly don’t remember the last time I had natural hair. My mum initially relaxed my hair when I was young so that it was easier to manage, and it’s all I’ve grown up with. When I started my transition I had no experience whatsoever in looking after natural hair. To be honest, if it wasn’t for the first lockdown, I probably still wouldn’t have a clue. It’s been a journey. Trust me, I often have to hold myself back from running back to relaxer, or what I like to call creamy crack. This post is an ode to my natural hair journey and a reminder of how far I’ve come.
Disclaimer: This post does not contain affiliate links.
Deciding to go natural
So, back in 2018 I started toying with the idea of going natural. I knew that going natural needed to happen, even if not for long, for 3 main reasons:
- It would be good for the health of my hair and I was worried about losing what little edges I naturally have
- It was important to learn how to take care of natural hair, especially in case I have a daughter in the future
- I was curious to see how I’d look without straight hair and wanted to make sure I could live without it
My transition
I knew that I was not brave enough to do the big chop as I wanted to retain some length in my hair. The first few months of my transition were fine, because it was no different to growing out a relaxer. I would wear my hair out or add a faux ponytail, before moving to protective styling. A protective style is any style that keeps the ends of the hair tucked away and minimises manipulation of the hair.
After my regrowth became too much for me to handle and blend, I just did back-to-back protective styles. I avoided any contact with my actual hair. I went from mid-2019 to mid-2020 without even washing my hair myself, relying on my trusted hairdresser to wash my hair between my protective styles. She even teased me, saying she wasn’t sure how long I would last as a natural girl. She had been relaxing my hair for at least 10 years at that point. (FYI she also has natural hair customers so I was in safe hands).
I have experimented with different protective styles over the past 2 years, which has been fun. I had worn box braids before I went natural but had never worn a wig. So I decided to buy my first one in 2019 and have now built up a collection of 3 wigs. The wig life may not be for me. It’s a bit too high maintenance for me, especially when it comes to gluing down a lace front. I don’t know how the IG girls do it and the last thing I want is for people to clock my lace or to lose my edges. My top hacks were to wear a cap or a black hair band, but I still have a lot more learning to do in this area. I probably just need some more practice and a lot more patience.
One of my last photos with fully relaxed hair Box braids Crochet My first wig ft. my trusty black headband My second wig Bob braids
My ‘big chop’
Overall, my transition lasted for just under 12 months. I was in Lagos for Christmas in 2019. Therefore I went to a salon in Lekki to get knotless braids for the first time. But as the salon workers were undoing my existing set of braids, they noticed that my hair was breaking. I was in desperate need of a protein treatment. Doing back to back protective styles, coupled with leaving my braids in for too long probably did not help either.
I knew it was time for my ‘big chop’. I told the salon to cut off my relaxed hair. They asked me if I was sure and I really wasn’t but it was necessary due to the condition of my hair. I’m surprised I didn’t cry. I was finally letting go of my attachment to relaxed hair and to its length. One of the hairdressers reassured me by saying that my natural hair would be even more beautiful and healthy. This was a huge step for me, so I’m glad I was still able to get the knotless braids whilst I processed it all. All this emotion may seem silly but hair has a lot of meaning for me personally, as well as for many other black women.
Getting to know my natural hair
It got to March 2020 and I thought it was time to finally let my Afro out and let my hair breathe. (Disclaimer: I took my knotless braids out in early Feb and had been wearing a wig. I had learnt my lesson from before!) I had a week off work for a friends holiday and was planning on braiding my hair again once I got back. A week seemed to be a manageable length of time without protective styling. Anyway the holiday got cancelled and shortly after the UK went into lockdown. So I was at home, my hair was out of braids/cornrows and I had no access to a hairdresser. I can’t cornrow or braid my own hair and so I had no choice but to get familiar with the fro.
The first lockdown
Lockdown was the opportunity I needed to get up close and personal with my TWA (teeny weeny Afro). I didn’t need to feel self-conscious about my hair as I wasn’t leaving the house and the video calls hadn’t yet gotten into their full flow.
Trying to moisturise my natural hair was a struggle at first. I had dry hair when I was relaxed but my hair and scalp were even drier as a natural girl. The As I Am JBCO Hair Masque, my Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap, jojoba oil and natural shea butter have become my hair’s best friends. I’m also wanting to try out the Afrocenchix hair range and the Eden Bodyworks Deep Conditioner. Please send any other must-have natural hair suggestions my way.
I also barely liked wash day when my hair was relaxed, but wash day with natural hair is a completely different story. The shrinkage is real. Bear in mind I’d barely touched, let alone detangled fresh natural hair before 2020. Even waking up the day after wash day was a surprise to me. My afro usually shrinks further overnight and becomes somewhat squashed in the mornings. At least I have my Thick and Curly Tangle Teezer to help me reshape my hair in the mornings – my first #MelMadeMeDoIt. I was too scared to try blow dry my own natural hair in the first lockdown, and so a simple wash and go became my signature style. Sometimes I would spice it up with a headband and an attempt at a mini afro puff.
I was very proud of myself for getting through the first lockdown with my natural hair. Although I must admit, the first thing I did when I heard salons were opening again was to book a protein treatment and a braiding appointment. For the remainder of 2020, I switched between different styles of braids and my afro puff. I have happily been seen with my natural hair out in public. That’s a huge win for me. Even though my ends could do with a bit of work, my hair has also grown quite a bit.
Lockdown learning take 2
In November in lockdown #2, I decided it was finally time to step up and try blow drying my hair. My cousin recommended the Revlon Pro Collection Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Styler and it honestly wasn’t that difficult to use. It meant that I could switch it up between my mini puff and a faux ponytail, or even just tie my hair up, for a little variety without requiring salon assistance. Yes, I have come a long way!
First meal out with the fro Trusty Afro puff Fulani braids
What does the future hold for my natural hair?
I think this year I want to start swimming again and so will need to prep my natural hair for chlorine. I have ordered an Afro-friendly swimming cap from SOUL CAP so will see if I’m able to swim once lockdown subsides. In the meantime, I’ll continue on figuring out what my hair likes and what is best for it.
I think I’ve now graduated from Natural Hair 101 and I’m growing out of my TWA phase. I know natural hair bloggers say that natural hair isn’t difficult to maintain but I definitely don’t agree. And whilst I’m still tempted to go back to the creamy crack, I’m just happy I got this far. I’ve begun to accept the hair that naturally grows out of my head and I love the versatility that this affords me. I’m headstrong and looking forward to my ongoing natural hair journey.
Are you still having your natural hair, if yes, should be 3 years, few months now
Yes, my hair is still natural 🙂