Navigating the Journey of Natural Hair: Embracing Your Curl

For many, your hair type is more than just a physical characteristic; it's a form of self-expression and acceptance. Do you like your natural hair or has it been a struggle? We often hear stories of people's experiences with their hair, from embracing a curl they once deemed a struggle to finding joy in their natural texture. This journey is unique to each individual, and it's important to hear these stories to find solace, inspiration, and acceptance.

Embracing Your Natural Hair

For those of us with curly hair, the journey is often a bit unconventional. I, for example, went three years without straightening my hair and only wear it straight twice a month for a few days. While I do occasionally wish my hair was straight, I take pride in cutting, styling, dyeing, and using products to enhance my curls. The idea of constantly straightening curly hair on a daily basis seems daunting to me.

My Natural Hair Journey

My experience with natural hair is one of both love and struggle. With wavy Type 2A hair, I confronted challenges that many with different hair types didn't experience. My family, on the whole, has straight hair, so my wavy hair made me feel different and often unwelcome. When I discovered that my wavy hair is of French Canadian heritage, it only added to the complexity of my feelings about it. Growing up with the notion that French Canadians were bad, I also felt disconnected from this part of my heritage and didn't understand my wavy hair within that context.

I was not allowed to use a hair straightener by my mother, as she worried it would damage my hair. Unfortunately, the iron I had at my disposal led to significant damage. Within a year, I had burned and thinned out my hair, forcing me to cut off what was left. It wasn't until I realized that my hair wasn't something to be ruined but rather something to be celebrated that I began to accept it.

The Journey to Acceptance

What truly shifted my perspective was the realization that my wavy hair had an advantage that not everyone could enjoy. I discovered a story about a girl with straight hair who wished for wavy hair that could easily go either way, offering the freedom to experiment with various looks. I thought, "Hey, my hair does that naturally! This is cool; someone else actually wishes they had my hair type!"

It took years, but I ended up truly preferring my hair in its natural, wavy state. Not only did it make my hair look thicker, but it also brought a sense of self-acceptance and uniqueness. My journey can be long and sometimes challenging, but it's ultimately rewarding to embrace and celebrate the beauty in my natural hair.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Natural Hair

Whether you're struggling with your natural hair or celebrating your curls, remember that your hair is a beautiful and unique part of you. Take the time to nurture it, learn about it, and find joy in it. Embrace the journey and the stories it brings.