The truth about nappy hair is that it is A LOT of hardwork maintaining it, but so worth it in the end. Growing up, my hair was natural and I hated it! It was hard coarse, thick, long and annoying. I didn’t know what to do with it, so I just ignored it. There were no blogs to read or vlogs to watch, to educate us on what to with our kinky hair. And there was hardly anyone around me with a natural hair too.
I cut my hair very short a number of times whilst growing up. It was easier to manage the nappy hair once it was short.
Some of the lucky ones are blessed with soft manageable hair, like my daughter. Her hair is so beautiful. It is soft and curly, and a lot more easier to manage than mine. People like me with the very coarse hair have to struggle to manage our natural hair, and when we can struggle no more, we texturise the damn thing! Back in the day, texturizing/relaxing the hair was the only way to manage it. If only I knew then what I know now, I would have kept my hair free of chemicals.
My hair has been chemical free for over 2 years now; the struggle has been real, but I won’t have it any other way. The reason I decided to stop using relaxers/texturisers on my hair was because my hair became extremely unhealthy and I needed to bring it back to life.
I like the way my hair is looking now, there is no more hair breakage and my hair is the healthiest I have seen in ages, but it comes with a lot of work.
The hair products I use can be expensive and my hair routine can be exhausting sometimes but I try to keep it simple. I have reviewed most of the hair products I use, so have a look at the review posts if you missed any of them.
If you are contemplating going your hair natural, I would advise you to go for. It is the best thing I ever did for my hair, and I am 99% certain you won’t regret it as long as you are happy and ready to put in the work. If you are not ready to dedicate the time and money, wait until you can.
Another thing I have noticed about the natural afro hair community is that it seems to be the norm to have a big chop. I didn’t have a big chop because I didn’t want the crop hair look and my nappy hair grew out just fine. It did take a while to fully transition but I got there in the end, so please don’t think you must have the big chop.
Are you rocking the nappy hair? How are you finding it? Please share your tips or secrets ย in the comments section.
Sounds so difficult to maintain… but you look so good in it!! I hope you can keep it up ๐
I hope so. Thanks Kath.
Your posts are always so interesting to read! I always remember my Ghanaian friend telling me to shut up when I complained about my thick “white girl” hair ๐๐๐ Your hair looks beautiful in anyway! My mum has ringlet curly hair- it’s so unusual for an English women! She uses products made for black ladies hair and swears by conditioner! When she went to India on holiday strangers we’re stopping her in the street to touch her hair and take her photo she looks so unique! My hair is so thick and bouncy- I do my best to flatten it and thin in ๐๐
Thanks Amy. Your mum’s hair sounds lovely.
You’re welcome x she is beautiful x
You look amazing hun. I have always had admiration for anyone who has to maintain afro hair. I am a wash-and-go kinda girl and if I had to do any more than let it dry naturally I’d pull my hair out (if you’ll pardon the pun). I also admire you for going chemical-free. It must have been a hard decision but you are obviously reaping the rewards now!
Thanking you..
Love your hair! My son is 17months and mixed-race. His hair is very coarse with super tight curls. We are letting it grow but I need all the help I can get!! Thank you for sharing this and I have a small understanding of the difficulties – only a small understanding. Rock it girl!
Thank you. It can be a bit of work to maintain.
My mother would love that article. I will send it to her as well. Nice read:)
Oh great!
I would struggle with hair that needed too much care, I love to just be able to wash mine and go! However I have been trying to look after my hair a little more, and use nicer products it.
I know right. My hair is a lot of work.
My hair during my teens was really bushy then when I went on the Pill it thinned out and became more manageable.
Ah lucky you..
Hey girl it’s great how more people are becoming aware about the bad side to using chemicals – relaxer etc in their hair. I just started my blog a couples of hours ago which will be focused on hair I would love a follow back if possible and please do check out my blog if you can ( just to remind you I’m new ) x
Thanks for stopping by. Off to check out your blog x
Your welcome and thanks a lot x