Newly Natural: Accepting Your Natural Hair

Returning back to your roots can be a scary process. It takes guts and confidence like no other. Some people aren’t ready for the looks and stares. Some aren’t ready for the time and patience it takes to maintain natural hair. Some just aren’t ready to accept their own natural hair, but rest assured I am here to help you through it. Below are 4 helpful tips on how to rock your natural hair proudly!

Accept YOUR Natural Hair:

When I went natural I religiously watched YouTube videos of other naturals. I learned helpful tips and tricks and most importantly how to do my natural hair. What I didn’t realize is that I was expecting my hair to come out exactly like the people I was watching. I didn’t understand at the time that your type and even the health of your hair makes a difference. What I’m trying to say is, when you watch these different tutorials, just know hair type matters. You need to accept your hair type and understand your hair before you are going to be happy with your results. Try new things, through trial and error eventually you will figure out what works and what doesn’t. This process isn’t easy, but I’m telling you, it is worth it.

Ease Yourself In:

When I first big chopped, I HATED IT. I tried rocking a fro for the first month and almost cried. I just could not get myself to accept my natural hair. I eventually went back to sew-ins because I didn’t know what else to do. I came to realize there’s more styles then just a simple fro. You can try a braid out, twist out, bantu knots, flexi rods, really anything that is going to get you more comfortable with wearing your natural hair. Now, like I said before, this will take trial and error. It took me 3 attempts before I was able to get a successful braid out, but honey…once I got it, they couldn’t tell me nothing. After a few braid outs I noticed my hair started growing and 3 months later I was rocking my fro, PROUDLY! So, it’s okay if you don’t love your natural hair instantly. Give yourself some time because eventually you will come around.

Rock Your Natural Hair In Your Workplace:

Many naturals have experienced some type of discrimination towards their natural hair in the workplace. I’ve heard stories of people being told its unkempt, unprofessional, and many people have even gotten fired over it. We don’t think about it, but when we have interviews we stick to low buns, straight hair, or some type of style that is normally “accepted.” I am guilty of this myself, but I am done. Do not let ignorance convince you into thinking your natural hair is anything but beautiful. OWN IT! And if they can’t accept it, they simply do not deserve you.

Talk To Other Naturals:

There’s nothing like having a strong support system you can go to when you are feeling down. I haven’t met a nicer or more supportive group than the natural hair community. We are here to lift you up and help you in times when you are struggling with your hair. Your twist out didn’t come out right? Reach out to a natural and I promise you they will guide you in the right direction. We want everybody’s hair and confidence to flourish. We all deserve to feel confident and beautiful in our skin, no matter what grows out of our head.



Have any advice for newly naturals? Comment below!