So You Are Going Natural!! What You Can Expect? Is the "Big Chop" for me?

"Going Natural", "The Big Chop", and "Transitioning" are many of the terms you may hear when researching the this topic. "Going Natural" is the decision to stop chemically processing or relaxing naturally kinky, coiled, or curly hair to straighten it. African American hair in its natural state has many textures,from wavy or curly, to coiled or very tightly coiled. No matter your natural hair type going natural is an awesome experience and requires a great deal of discipline especially if your hair is very tightly coiled, like mine.

I decided to "big chop" my hair about 7 months ago. I had been pondering the idea for some time and doing a bit of research, but had not committed to the idea. I would wear braid styles and grow out the relaxer, then for lack of time or lack of proper braid stylist I would relax again. "Big Mistake!"

In October 2010 I had been wearing braid styles for 4 months when I decided to end the vicious cycle and do the "Big Chop". As I began to cut my hair I would feel this sense of "Freedom" and "Pride", then in an instant I would think "OMG!!! What have I done?" "Will everyone laugh?" What will my co-workers think or say?" Once all of my relaxed hair was on the floor or in the sink, I finally took a long look at "Myself". For the first time in many, many years I believe I saw authentic "Me", just as God had created.

So........What can you expect when going natural? First of all you can expect may gasps, stares, and really stupid comments. You can expect the ignorant folk in society to misjudge your intelligence, and under estimate your contributions. "Some" African American males will refuse to date you (because you are no longer trying to fit the European mold of beauty). Your family and friends may try to convince you that you "look better" with a relaxer and long straight hair. You may be passed over for promotions and job opportunities, etc.... You know this list could go on forever.

But if you have found the inner strength and confidence to wear a natural hair style you have tapped into a part of your soul, spirit, and culture that has been suppressed for many, many, years. The world doesn't know just how to approach you because you will have broken the mold and delivered some real "up in yo' face" kinda confidence. Your TWA (teenie weenie Afro), blow out Afro, twists, twist-out, wash-n-go, shingles, locs, or what ever style you are rocking will speak volumes!!! Since my decision to go natural, I have found that my style speaks for itself and demands respect.

So my "NAPtural Sistahs" expect to look into the mirror and see "you", the real you. You will probably be turned on just a little. Expect your man or woman to have some reservations at first and then all of a suddenly become totally encapsulated in the naturalness that is you. Expect total strangers to come up to you and tell you how beautiful you are, expect your non-natural friends to suddenly have this overwhelming urge to "go natural" also. Expect the unexpected!!!

Expect to ignore or educate the haters and expect to be as regal and elegant as your creator has made you. Be "NAPturally" exquisite!!!!!!!