The more I dig into myself and connect with my desires the more I realize how important my hair is to me. Not because of any reasons related to vanity or ego, but because of the journey weave (lol) had together and how it links me to my culture.
Did you know that one of the original uses for the head wrap in America was to cover up the hair of black women as a sign of inferiority to white women? Did you know that this law was put into place as a result of white women concerned about the amount of attention white men were paying to black womens’ hair?
From the beginning, there have been efforts to cover up, manipulate, and damage our built in crowns. We are made to think our hair is inferior and as a result, refer to it negatively.
I was no exception to the rule of black hair. My mom gave me my first relaxer young, and I can remember getting them regularly until atleast 19. As I got older I started to get less relaxers but my hair was so used to the chemicals that my new growth came in damaged and thin. I had to stop. The thing thy finally made me stop was my edges and hair line starting to thin out.
I got my first weave at the end of my senior year in high school, and through college I had my fair share of sew ins, glue ins, and countless other methods that focused on covering my hair to get the European look.
I got so used to weave that I started glueing in my own tracks (terrible idea) and taking them out by myself (even more terrible idea). As you can probably guess, I damaged my hair greatly with the glue and the heat from flat ironing every day.
When I finally started loving my hair, sis started loving me back. When I stopped covering up, manipulating and damaging my hair, she started growing in healthier and stronger. When I finally took the time to find products that were made for me and my hair, she started looking shinier and curlier! It’s been almost 8 years since I’ve had a relaxer and I’m never going back!
I still have heat damage and my hair is still recovering from all the unhealthy choices I made. I do still get weaves but not all the time and not back to back. I also recently decided to go completely without heat for a while.
This post made me think a lot about the significance of a crown in a royal setting and how much it represents for the person wearing it. Then I started thinking about how incredible it is to have a natural crown. A natural crown for a natural queen! So, I decided to commit my utmost respect to my hair and all her kinky goodness.
As part of my self-love journey, I commit to loving my hair in her natural state. I commit to taking the time to properly tend to and take care of my hair as often as she needs. I commit to keeping her protected, keeping her natural, and keeping her uncovered on a regular basis. Most importantly, I commit to wearing her proudly and unapologetically, no matter where I go.
PRODUCTS
Here is a list of the products I’ve been using lately.
– Mane and Tale Conditioner to co-wash/deep condition (not pictured)
– Bella Curls Coconut Creme Curl Defining Creme
– Miss Jessie’s Original Leave In Condish
– Soft Sheen Carson Care Free Curl Gold
– Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Comeback Curl Next Day Curl Revitalizer
– Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel
What products do you use to take care of your hair? Tell me in the comments! I’m always looking for new products to try!
allthingsari511560586.wordpress.com 
Great post! Would love if you wanted to check out my blog! x
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Thanks love. I sure will!! Thanks for reading!
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Very good message especially to those that struggle with their inner and outer beauty. I love the natural look on our beautiful black women. I periodically wear my hair natural but weaves are addicting because for me they have been low maintenance with 4 kids! Lol
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I’m right there with you. Auntie! Sometimes that low maintenance choice is life saver! Sometimes you don’t have 3-4 hours for wash day! Lol thanks for reading !
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I loved this post. It’s always amazing seeing other women embrace their beautiful, natural hair. I got a relaxer when I was 10 and my hair eventually started to thin out and break as the years went by. I started my transition to natural hair in 2016 and just big chopped this past April. I’ve been embracing my natural hair for almost 5 months now and it’s been an amazing journey. I love how you finally have the confidence to rock what you were born with and you look beautiful doing it!
My favorite products for my hair would have to be Obia Naturals Cream and Curling Custard. Also Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave In Conditioner and custard.
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Wow thank you so much! Yes girl it has been a bumpy ride but it’s worth it! Im sure you feel the same way! Thank you for sharing your product recommendations I am really excited to try them out— and thank you so much for taking the time to read!
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Hey, I loved this post! I have been natural for almost 4 years now. Like you, I started using relaxers pretty young and realised much later on the damage I was doing to my hair. It took me a while to figure out what products worked for my hair but, I was grateful for the hair journey and the lessons I have learnt along the way!
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Yes girl it’s a long road but it has to happen! What products do you use most often? Thank you for the read and for the feedback❤️❤️
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I know Its rather unorthodox but.. As a man who used to rock the long hair I was told that I needed to get relaxers.. And i was so close to actually having one.. All because I wanted my hair to lay flat.. My hair was curly and kinky and it wasn’t untill I learned about my culture and the pride of my people that I realized my naturally curly kinky hair was a crown. Enjoyed the post sis 👌🏾
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