When I first stated that I wanted to go natural, my cousin said to me “Do you know how your hair will look?” Ironically, he went on his natural hair journey months later after this statement.
But, he wasn’t the only one giving me sour advice. From my family pestering me about when was the next time I was going to relax my hair at the salon to even my mom’s senior patient doing the same.
And the Dominican salons showed no mercy when it came to criticizing my hair. It took me several attempts of judgement to finally go natural in 2018.
Compare Your Hair To Theirs
They say the bald-headed people talk the most crap about other people’s hair (no offense to my beautiful baldies). Or you have people with terrible damaged hair who are just oblivious to their harsh styling methods (mommy and tia I love you).
Seeing how my hair today is much longer and stronger compared to their relaxed dying tresses makes me feel bad for the childhood me. I can’t believe my hair was once in their fate. But now, I’m free.
Educate Them
My family for the most part was very supportive of my natural hair journey and they love my natural hair today. Interestingly, they make small remarks as to how much time I dedicate my hair, which is a lot of time.
I always tell them that natural hair is time consuming, but necessary. Despite some annoying remarks here and there, I try to ignore them..to an extent. If I find the comments overbearing, then yeah I will speak up. Sometimes, I go out of my way to even give my mom tips on how to take care of her hair.
Owning Your Big Chop
When I big chopped, I felt free. I was finally able to see my hair texture in years after relaxing my hair. I felt liberated and for the first time, I was 100% in control of my own hair.
I will say that the feeling short curly hair did scare me. Shrinkage makes it even worse, and I thought I would get the “you look like a boy” comments. Surprisingly nobody noticed I big chopped considering I stretched my hair out in puffs and still had some length. But, my pictures, and my shrinkage, said otherwise. Regardless, I received praise, but I understand not everyone appreciates a T.W.A.
Still, own your look. Your curls are a part of you. If your family or friends can’t get pass your new hairdo, avoid them, if you can, since it can hurt your confidence. There are always weaves and wigs to help out. But remember, cutting off those stringy ends is an amazing way to say f*** you to those know it all family members and so-called friends.