My Natural Hair Journey

Shining

Rhonda La' Cook, Huntsville, AL

I am a Super Confident Woman! But it hasn’t always been that way.

Ironically, my self esteem only skyrocketed when I received my first relaxer. I know, I know. I’m supposed to be speaking about my natural hair, right? Well, I have to start from the beginning.

You see, I’ve always had very thick, tightly curled hair and my mom didn’t allow me to relax it until I was a senior in high school. We all know children can be cruel….Well, I can remember girls in school actually asking me, “What is wrong with your hair?” So getting my first relaxer (in my 16-year-old mind) was a way for me to finally fit in!

Subsequently, it would take me 21 years to receive my “aha” moment! It wasn’t until age 47, after chopping off my relaxed hair that I truly discovered I was beautiful no matter what the trend or norm! My hair was now a half inch long, and for the first time, I had to shine.

Some friends and family members didn’t like it; others thought I was crazy or going through a difficult time. I wasn’t! I was simply tired of relaxing my hair. I knew it would be a drastic change, although I actually didn’t realize just how drastic until afterwards.

I got the strange looks, sideways comments and even some laughter. Wow, I knew my hair had to be TIGHT; you know, clean, neat and well groomed. But wearing my natural hair really changed the way people viewed me. I have no problems with sisters who relax, but now, for no reason at all, some of them have a problem with me. Why? Is it because I stand out in a crowd or because I am no longer conforming? Who knows?

Sadly, a large number of African Americans view straight hair as being most beautiful. Yet, being natural is the best thing that I have ever done for me.  My natural hair experience has been nothing less than life changing. This may sound melodramatic, but that’s exactly how it’s been.  You see, I believe I only loved elements of myself before, and now I love my entire self!  

Natural hair is both beautiful and liberating. What a difference a year has made!