In 1993, I transitioned straight from permed hair to sporting Dreadlocks. Getting your hair to lock is an extended, arduous course of that requires an amazing quantity of endurance and a focus. I needed to always re-twist and minimize my hair. As effectively, I needed to apply pure merchandise just like the cactus plant Rachette and Indian Hemp that have been very unusual and unique to me on the time. After a short time of this pure processing, my hair emerged and it was stunning! I had this huge, twisted-up Afro that was so distinctive, all over the place I went folks would stare and gasp in amazement at how tight my hair regarded! Between 6 months and a yr later, I lastly achieved actual Dreadlocks. I need to say nonetheless, that when that point got here, I didn't suppose my hair regarded pretty much as good. I used to be completely happy that I lastly had my locks, however they weren't as distinctive wanting as my curly fro.
My locks grew lengthy and naturally (like Bob Marley's), as a result of I didn't consider in going to lockticians to get my hair groomed. To me, sporting your hair Dreadlocked isn't a coiffure, its a mind-set and I needed to put on my hair as nappy as attainable to display my love for pure African hair. Additional time nonetheless, though I cherished my locks, I started to fantasize about that funky Afro I had after I first began locking and I spotted that I didn't must put on Dreadlocks to symbolize. So, on New 12 months's day 2002, I minimize my locks off! It wasn't exhausting in any respect and I used to be ecstatic!
My first non-locked, pure type was a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro). I used to be self-conscious and apprehensive about sporting my hair so quick in spite of everything, I went from Dreadlocks virtually right down to my knees to actually quick hair. From that time on, my hair grew out to round 5-6 inches lengthy, nevertheless it wouldn't develop any longer! I began making an attempt totally different merchandise and braiding my hair in extensions to get it to develop out, however I by no means achieved any actual size. In reality, one of many final occasions I braided my hair, half of the size of my hair broke off behind my head! It took a very very long time, however I lastly realized I didn't know tips on how to deal with my hair! I used to be so confused. Why did my Dreadlocks develop so lengthy and so quick, however not my Afro? So i jumped on the pc and began researching. Quickly sufficient, I stumbled upon the pure African hair care movies on YouTube and my thoughts was blown!
I used to be doing EVERYTHING unsuitable! I discovered that everyone's hair grows about 1 1/2 inches a month, but when your hair is breaking you’ll by no means see the expansion. I believed my God, each time I wash my hair, I blow dry it and the sink is all the time stuffed with hair. I additionally discovered we aren't alleged to comb, brush or manipulate our hair an excessive amount of, as this causes breakage as effectively. Once more I believed to myself, my hair grew so lengthy after I had locks, as a result of I mainly left it alone.
I gained such a wealth of information from the web, pure African hair care group, that I used to be utterly overwhelmed. Every thing we’re taught as Black girls about hair care is unsuitable! EVERYTHING! No surprise so many people appear to be relegated to the identical quick hairstyles and consequence to sporting weaves or wigs to know what it appears to be like and feels prefer to have lengthy hair.
I’ve nothing however respect and nice admiration for Madame CJ Walker for innovating in hair take care of Black girls, however that was 100 years in the past. Whereas a few of her innovations served us effectively prior to now, others do nothing for the true well being and development of pure African hair right now. It's time for Black girls around the globe to step into the 21st century and get educated within the Science of Natural African Hair Care. Now get with this system and Develop Your Natural!