I made a life changing decision to go natural with my hair. I actually shocked myself with the sudden choice because I never thought I would go natural. It wasn't because I am or was addicted to the creamy crack. Believe me I was not on that “Good Hair” bandwagon and still have not seen the documentary. That desire to be a “natural sister” just hadn’t knocked on my door, so I was content with my relaxed, easy to manage, cute and funky mane...or so I thought.
*Knock Knock* Natural came tapping at the front door of my mind. Willingly, I let her in and embraced the idea. I eventually agreed to a new found relationship with her and vowed that I would give my hair to her for better or worse. I said goodbye to Relaxer, with whom I had been in a relationship with since I was six years old (talk about history). Relaxer had always been there to help my hair bounce back quickly if I got caught in the rain or went swimming. On the flip side, she also caused my hair to thin out and break off as the years came and went. (You know how we do with relationships, embrace the good aspects and ignore all the red flags…I’m just saying)
The union between Natural and I started off like most relationships do when they are in that “newness phase”. It was full of excitement and butterflies every time I looked in the mirror, constantly imagining what life would be like once all the baggage from Relaxer was a distant memory. I was very attentive to her needs, being careful to keep her washed, pressed, and moisturized. After a few weeks it seemed that Natural was becoming too needy. In my previous relationship with Relaxer, I could pretty much do whatever I wanted and she would still look good, but Natural was different. She proved to be one of those high maintenance types who didn’t take well to rain, heat or humidity. I found myself pressing Natural out every other day. Something had to give because this was not the relationship I had in mind.
I decided to have a heart to heart with Natural to vent my frustrations with our situation. Come to find out, Natural had a few frustrations of her own. She informed me that I was treating her like she was Relaxer, and that was not going to work. She had her own way of doing things. She explained to me that all the heat that I was putting on my hair was giving her the blues so in retaliation she would give me the blues by puffing up every time I walked out the door. She told me that if I would only be patient and let her live up to her full potential, she would blow my mind. Natural assured me that we had only touched the surface of the possibilities that awaited me and my disgruntled mane.
With such a convicting disposition, I had no other choice but to commit whole-heartily to Natural. No longer having the desire to straddle the fence, I cut Relaxer out of my life for good…literally. I didn’t have any regrets as I looked in the mirror at the curly afro that reflected back at me. Natural sweetly whispered to me and said, “Look how beautiful you are”. I had to admit, I saw myself in a way that even I was in awe of. I was captivated by a texture that I never knew existed. Even my fingers had a new found love affair with the feel of my newly cropped and curly mane, thanks to Natural.
It has been six months since Natural and I have been together, and everyday is a welcomed challenge. There always seems to be some new product, technique, or style that keeps our union fresh. Natural never neglects to remind me that with her, my locks and I will always be protected. She truly has our best interest at heart. She has even brought me closer to her counterparts, Patience and Commitment. Some days we struggle to connect, but most days are amazing. Till death do us part, my hair and I are living are own naturally ever after.
LeaLiz Lovelea
