Natural Hair: 22 Reasons Why I Don't Need A Relaxer

Natural Hair Is Better 

Anything you can do I can do better.  I can do anything better than you. 

I discovered the natural hair community on Youtube in January 2011.  After observing that I can do everything with my naturally curly hair as my relaxed hair, I decided to save money and exposure to unnecessary chemicals, and go natural.  

I got 99 problems, but a relaxer ain't one!

  I listed 22 reasons of why I will never use a relaxer again in my life.

1. No chemicals
2. No protein treatment dependence
3. No"relaxer-caused" dandruff
4. No touch ups
5. Stronger hair
6. No high porosity issues
7. No color on top of relaxer chemicals
8. No heat on top of relaxer chemicals
9. No chemical burns, scalp burns or scalp damage
10. No combs: combing utensils are different for natural hair
11. No boar bristle brushes: brushing utensils are different for natural hair
12. No "new growth" worries
13. Know thyself.  Be the master of your own texture.
14. Diversity in styles like never before (The Big One for me)
15. Wash-and-wear hair
16. Water is your friend. 
17. Wet combing is good.
18. Curly to Straight = Possible ;  Relaxed Straight to Kinky/Curly = Virtually impossible or extremely time consuming if attempted as a style
19. No receding edges; issues common in relaxer/sew-ins
20. No consistent beautician salon expenses for touch ups or relaxers; no long waits or routine appointment for relaxers
21. Thicker hair stands
22. Knowledge of natural hair changes your vocabulary: words like "unmanageable" won't exist.

Are Hair Growth Products, Stimulants, and Serums Worth It?

I've included a two-part series of my hair regimen and skepticism towards the flood of hair growth products and practices in the natural hair market. I believe in simplicity and "knowing thyself" in relation to growing healthy hair.

My Hair Regimen

Natural Hair & The Big Chop: Negative Reactions

"If we don't get to know our hair we can't love it or appreciate it." 
Lisa Akbari

I Love My Hair

Yesterday, I couldn't believe the negative response I received from a relative about my short natural hair.  It takes a lot of restraint and desire to find opportunity in such negativity.  I chose to document my reaction in audio and video.  

When I first started my natural hair journey, I kept a picture file of natural hair inspirations.  It later progressed from Fotki photobooks to Youtube to Tumblr blogs.  I hope to educate my relative on the  versatility and options with natural hair.