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What I thought was "good hair”, I didn't have. The only way I knew how to tame my “Bossiekop” was by using relaxer. I can still clearly hear my aunt's words ringing in my ears "suffer for beauty, baby."
When my GHD addiction followed, my curls decided to pack up and left me with nothing but dead-end strands.
I compulsively cut my hair short - at the time I had no idea what the big chop was. I also refrained from applying relaxers and excessive heat. Ever since, I have been natural and my curls have grown back, healthily.
This became a stage in my life when I realised who I am, where I was going and who I was becoming. It was a process of growing up and growing into being me rather than conforming to everyone else's ideals or perception of beauty is.
Being natural suits me and making this decision came at the right time. I've come to appreciate my hair in its natural state.
Understanding my natural tresses rather than forcing it to be anything other than what it became a symbol of self-love and liberation.
I've have now been natural for more than a year and I'm grateful for my God-given crown.
Being natural requires just as much maintenance, but ultimately it’s choosing a healthier alternative in styling for the well-being of your hair.
Image: Abigail
For more natural hair stories:
My trend obsession basically destroyed my hair
Going natural: Dreadlocks, a shavathon and a blonde experiment
Joining the natural hair movement was important for my natural hair journey
"My natural hair gave me a self-understanding I wouldn't trade for anything"
I walked into a salon and told them to chop all my hair off
