It has been one emotional week, and I’m so glad I made it to Friday.  I wanted to end the week on a light note, something that doesn’t require me to think or stress me out.  It’s my hair, I just wanted to share updated pictures about my hair journey.  I cut off all my hair on March 9th, I took the scissors and did an Angela Bassett move like she did in “Waiting To Exhale”.  Two days later, I was at the barber shop so early, let’s say I beat him there and waited until he showed up.  He was so nice, and fixed the mess I brought to him.  Four months later, I am happy with my progress.  I’ve learned so much by watching videos, different support groups and I also belong to NaturalSunshine.com, a community for women who are wearing their hair natural.  It’s a great support system, we bounce ideas off each other, tips, and support each other.  It’s not easy for black women to cut their hair off and grow it in it’s natural state.  We have been taught from the time we are able to understand about how beauty is represented, and for a lot of us we identify with our hair.  I wore relaxers for years, but several times starting from 1993, I have cut off all my hair and wore it natural and short.  I would grow it back, and do the process all over again, several times in the last 19 years.  I loved my hair, very rarely had bad hair days.  When I did, I would pull it back in a ponytail and keep it moving.  Then after I had my hysterectomy, my hair started to thinning and shedding.  I wasn’t taking any hormones or any other medication.  That’s when I finally decided I was going natural and this time it was for good.

In December of last year, I decided I wasn’t going to relax my hair any longer.  As a matter of fact, I am going chemical free for this year.  Boy, the gray is taking over, so after my one year no chemicals challenge, I may consider some form of coloring, not sure what I’ll do.  I’m researching that option now.  Needless to say, the reaction I got from my husband and children wasn’t exactly what I wanted.  Glad I didn’t let that stop me from this journey with my hair.  It’s so liberating to me, I’ve learned so much, wished I had known this 19 years ago when I started cutting my hair off.  There are so many products now made for our hair, whether you are wearing chemicals or not.  The hair care industry has really stepped up their game and produced products without sulfates, parabens or other harmful chemicals and additives. 

I know this move isn’t for everyone, and I can respect your opinion.  I just wanted to share my journey with you.  My husband still looks at pictures before my “big chop” like I was a different woman!  He has a running joke that he has the longest hair in the house!  He’ll be ok….pray for him everyone.  Two more days for my challenge.  Whew!  Have a great weekend.