Hair Ye, Hair Ye! Emancpendence Day has Arrived!
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein's quote resonates with me from a personal (and professional) level. My Emancipation Day is one that was not only inspired by nature, but one that pushes me far out of my comfort zone to a territory I've never ventured to explore before.
Since I was in 2nd form (grade 8), I have been using chemicals in my hair, ie, relaxing it. That is over 20 years of using these chemicals as a way of better managing my hair. I started out using the relaxers that the hairdressers chose. I then migrated to the box relaxer kits with "no lye". Most recent of the products was a plant-based relaxer and so was supposed to be among the most environmentally friendly ones out there. But the truth is that as time went on, I was more and more convinced that switching relaxers wasn't really the answer to leaving less of a footprint.
In early 2015, I decided for the first time to go back to my natural hair. I tried it for several months and gave up. It was too much to handle. I wasn't ready. Fast forward to 2017...I decided to go this route once again, and this time I've stuck to it. My last time using a chemical (albeit plant-based) relaxer was in December 2016. I can't say exactly when I decided that was my last time, but it's a decision that brought many periods of excitement and frustration and trepidation up to this point. I spoke to many people, I did research online. I did what I could to prepare myself for this transition. I even bought many hair products, spending more on my hair in six month than I did in the previous year.
Perhaps the biggest struggle of all was deciding what my path would be. Should I grow my hair out without the big chop or should I cut it off? I opted for the former...until I didn't. My plan was to grow it out so I can always be able to comb it in one. Only one problem - that's way easier said than done. The more my hair grew, the more challenging it became to manage. I struggled with washing it and I couldn't seem to find a way to look as well-kempt as I wanted. More and more it became clear that my original plan could not be sustained. I tried products to help, but they seem to fall short.
After much prayer, research, and encouragement, I finally made my move. I did the big chop! I was terrified to think I would make such a bold move, one I've never done before and one that could not be undone! But having done it, I have no regrets (and will choose to have none in time to come). Though only a few hours in, I like my hair texture and the look isn't as bad as I conjured in my head. I could definitely grow to like it (more).
I started out 2017 with a belief it will be an incredible year. July 15, 2017 marks another milestone on this journey, one I dub my Emancipation Day. It's more than just "the big chop". It's reflective of finally let go of my hair hang-ups. (And to think there was a time when I didn't even want my hair ends clipped!) Just as important is that my lifestyle is more in-step with nature.
Inspired by nature to go back to nature...I say cheers to that!
Since I was in 2nd form (grade 8), I have been using chemicals in my hair, ie, relaxing it. That is over 20 years of using these chemicals as a way of better managing my hair. I started out using the relaxers that the hairdressers chose. I then migrated to the box relaxer kits with "no lye". Most recent of the products was a plant-based relaxer and so was supposed to be among the most environmentally friendly ones out there. But the truth is that as time went on, I was more and more convinced that switching relaxers wasn't really the answer to leaving less of a footprint.
In early 2015, I decided for the first time to go back to my natural hair. I tried it for several months and gave up. It was too much to handle. I wasn't ready. Fast forward to 2017...I decided to go this route once again, and this time I've stuck to it. My last time using a chemical (albeit plant-based) relaxer was in December 2016. I can't say exactly when I decided that was my last time, but it's a decision that brought many periods of excitement and frustration and trepidation up to this point. I spoke to many people, I did research online. I did what I could to prepare myself for this transition. I even bought many hair products, spending more on my hair in six month than I did in the previous year.
Perhaps the biggest struggle of all was deciding what my path would be. Should I grow my hair out without the big chop or should I cut it off? I opted for the former...until I didn't. My plan was to grow it out so I can always be able to comb it in one. Only one problem - that's way easier said than done. The more my hair grew, the more challenging it became to manage. I struggled with washing it and I couldn't seem to find a way to look as well-kempt as I wanted. More and more it became clear that my original plan could not be sustained. I tried products to help, but they seem to fall short.
After much prayer, research, and encouragement, I finally made my move. I did the big chop! I was terrified to think I would make such a bold move, one I've never done before and one that could not be undone! But having done it, I have no regrets (and will choose to have none in time to come). Though only a few hours in, I like my hair texture and the look isn't as bad as I conjured in my head. I could definitely grow to like it (more).
I started out 2017 with a belief it will be an incredible year. July 15, 2017 marks another milestone on this journey, one I dub my Emancipation Day. It's more than just "the big chop". It's reflective of finally let go of my hair hang-ups. (And to think there was a time when I didn't even want my hair ends clipped!) Just as important is that my lifestyle is more in-step with nature.
Inspired by nature to go back to nature...I say cheers to that!
Congratulations! You have come far way. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the new look! :D