Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Amala, and I have been loose natural for about 5 years now.
Me with a twist out
Previous to that I had my hair relaxed for most of my life. My mom has always said, she did not know what to do with my sister, and I's natural hair, so she used a relaxer. Right around the end of my undergraduate career, I started to grow it out. Truthfully I don't really know why, I think I was just tired of the pain and burning the relaxer caused on my scalp, and I just stopped putting myself through that torture, only to have straight hair.
My relaxed hair
Let me tell you growing out my natural hair was not smooth. I did not do the big chop, selfishly I wanted to hold on to as much hair as I could. As my hair was growing out, I would either braid it or create curls with Bantu knots, to help camouflage the straight ends from the curly roots. That worked for a while until my hair became long enough that I felt better about cutting it. By that time I had started a natural hair movement in my house, my sister and my mom had both decided to no longer get relaxers, after watching my beautiful natural hair grow out. It was nice not having to make this journey alone.
Fast forward to now, I find myself loosing joy in the process and maintenance that it takes to keep natural hair presentable for work, friends, life. I loathe the thought of getting a relaxer, so I looked towards locs. I think this will be the perfect transition for me. I will be able to keep my natural hair, but not have to worry about the stress of maintaining it every day.
I had a consultation with a loctician a few days ago, and I have been doing tons of research. Next month your girl will be loc'ed down, and I can't wait. I write this blog mainly for myself, so I can read back to these early days, and remember, I decided to make it public for those of you who are riding along with me. So let's make this journey together.
Much Love,
Amala
