The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Natural Hair Journey
As a curly/natural hair wearer, you are likely no stranger to the ups and downs of your natural hair journey. From the decision to go natural to the struggles with finding the right products and techniques, every step of the process comes with its own set of emotions. Here are some reasons why natural hair can be so emotional:
The Decision to Go Natural
One of the first emotional hurdles of a natural hair journey is making the decision to go natural. For many people, this decision is a deeply personal one that can be fraught with feelings of uncertainty and fear. Will my hair look good natural? Will I be able to manage it? Will others accept me with my natural hair? These are just a few of the questions that may swirl through your mind as you contemplate making the switch.
Learning to Love Your Natural Hair
Once you’ve made the decision to embrace your natural hair, the next step is learning to love and appreciate it. This can be a challenging process, especially if you’ve spent years trying to conform to societal standards of beauty that do not celebrate natural hair. It takes time to unlearn these harmful messages and embrace the unique beauty of your curls, coils, or kinks.
Dealing with Setbacks
Even after you’ve learned to love your natural hair, there will inevitably be setbacks along the way. From bad hair days to failed styling attempts, these setbacks can be frustrating and demoralizing. It’s important to remember that every setback is a learning opportunity and a chance to grow in your natural hair journey.
Finding the Right Products and Techniques
One of the biggest challenges of a natural hair journey is finding the right products and techniques that work for your hair. This process can be overwhelming and expensive, as you try product after product in search of the perfect combination. It can be disheartening when a product that works for someone else doesn’t work for you, but it’s all part of the journey to finding what works best for your hair.
Dealing with External Criticism
As if the internal struggles weren’t enough, many natural hair wearers also have to deal with external criticism from friends, family, and even strangers. Comments like “Why don’t you straighten your hair?” or “Your hair would look so much better if you did X,Y,Z” can be hurtful and frustrating. It’s important to remember that your natural hair is beautiful just the way it is, and to surround yourself with people who support and uplift you.
Celebrating Your Progress
Despite the challenges and emotions that come with a natural hair journey, there is also immense joy and pride in celebrating your progress. Whether it’s finally mastering a difficult hairstyle or seeing your hair grow and flourish, every small victory is a cause for celebration. Remember to be kind to yourself and acknowledge how far you’ve come in your natural hair journey.
In conclusion, a natural hair journey is a deeply emotional experience that can be both challenging and rewarding. From the decision to go natural to the struggles with finding the right products and techniques, every step of the process is filled with ups and downs. By embracing the journey and learning to love and celebrate your natural hair, you can find empowerment and confidence in your unique beauty.
