Going Natural

By Jeanine Crocker

September 15, 2006

I relaxed and ironed my hair for twenty-five years. I loved the way it looked—long, shiny, and healthy (so I thought). I took a break from relaxing every now and then to give my hair a well-deserved rest, but there was always the urge to straighten the new growth. I managed to withstand a nine-month relaxer-free period, however, I still kept it straight with a press and curl. I treated my virgin growth like it was something to be ashamed of, but I can now truthfully say that the shame lies in my denial of the beauty of natural, tightly-coiled hair. For so many years, Black women, such as myself, have been conditioned through the media, family, and/or friends, that wearing natural hair is aesthetically unacceptable.

 A week after my 37^th birthday (this year), I noticed severe breakage around my hairline and shedding. A one-inch patch behind my ear wasn’t the only thing that snapped! I became bored with my hairstyles and angry about waiting in salons for four hours on a Saturday. I finally came to terms with eliminating relaxers from my haircare regimen. I began seeing a good stylist and friend who trimmed my ends every six weeks, in addition to reading guides for textured hair. We flatironed for a few months, but the roots became thick and created volume. I tried transitional styles found in magazines such as roller, tube, and braid sets.

 During the Labor Day weekend, I decided to stop struggling with the two textures on my head. If I was going to go natural, I needed to go all the way and do the “big chop.” I was nervous after making the decision to cut my jaw-length tresses. I thought about possible comments from my husband, family, friends, and co-workers. How would I maintain it? What does my textured hair look like? What would a short afro look like on me?

I spoke with an older Black woman with a tiny afro during a July trip to Las Vegas. I asked her what her secret was, and she replied, “to be bold.” She also told me not to be afraid of my texture and style and keep my hair healthy. I took her advice and decided to contact a barber to cut my hair down and shape it. After seeing the photos on Khalif’s website, I knew I would be in good hands. I was reborn in his chair on September 2, 2006. I don’t mean to sound vain, but I couldn’t stop looking in the mirror! I was amazed at Khalif’s work and the condition of my virgin hair. I received so many compliments. One of my closest friends said that they liked my teeny- weeny afro better than my straight styles. I can tell that some people still don’t get it, but that’s too bad. I’m out of the darkness and wearing my little “fro” with pride. Thanks Khalif!!