Should I Go Natural? 5 Things to Consider Before You Decide

If you're debating whether or not you should go natural, you might have some conflicting thoughts or fears about the issue. Many black women are thinking about going natural with their hair but often what stands in their way are misconceptions, myths or mindsets. I'm just going to come out and tell it like it is in regards to what you might be thinking.

Do I Have the Kind of Hair That Will Look Good Natural?

After talking to countless women about transitioning to natural hair, I find that what's really holding them back sometimes is a fear that they won't like their hair. At the root of this issue is the mindset or belief that there's "good" and "bad" hair and that women with "good" hair will look good natural and women with "bad" hair won't. I do not subscribe to the notion that there is such a thing as "bad" hair. God made you with what He knew would suit you best. Period.

Natural Hair Isn't for Everybody...Or Is It?

People that believe or say things like "natural hair isn't for everyone" are really saying that God didn't get it right when he made you with nappy hair. If you believe this about yourself then I recommend you change your own negative thinking. But here's something else you might not know; just because you have kinky hair doesn't mean you have to style it to look "nappy". Kinky-haired women can define their curls, slick it back in a beautiful wavy style that just a sleek and sophisticated as relaxed hair styles. Kinky hair is actually very versatile and can be picked out like an afro, stretched straight, twisted or whatever else you can think of.

There's no such thing as hair that won't look good natural. However, if your hair isn't healthy it's very hard to make it look good whether it's straight, natural, relaxed, long, short or whatever. Unhealthy hair doesn't really look good on anyone. If you've seen a woman with natural hair and thought it didn't look good on her then one of two things might be the case: 1. She didn't achieve the look she was going for either due to inexperience with styling or because her hair isn't in good shape due to neglect. 2. She achieved the look she was going for but you simply don't think it's cute.

I'm Not Sure If I Can Rock the "Natural Look"

I've heard people say this for a very long time and I'm still trying to figure out what "the natural look" is. If you're trying to decide whether or not to go natural, do yourself one favor and examine your thought processes to check for biases and assumptions. Don't assume there's a such thing as "the natural look", especially since lots of natural-haired women straighten their hair. I see so many women with straight, healthy, gorgeous hair and later I find out that they're 100% natural. Their natural texture might be kinky-coily or wavy but they simply elect to wear it straight without using chemicals. When you take that into consideration, the whole notion of "the natural look" gets crumpled and tossed in the round filing cabinet.

There is no such thing as the natural look just like there's no such thing as the pretty look or the black look. Every black person is an individual. Every pretty girl is pretty in her own right and in a unique way. The same applies to natural hair. Every natural-haired girl wears her hair in a different style, has a different curl pattern, different color and a different flair that she might decide to change every other week. Actually, that's the thing about wearing natural hair; you suddenly feel so much more stylish, confident, funky or sophisticated when you rock what God gave you and your hair is healthier than it's ever been. You start to get a little more creative and expressive with your style. You simply become more into you.

I Don't Have a Lot of Time to Fuss With My Hair

If you don't want to spend a lot of time styling your natural hair then that's just fine because you don't have to. You can choose a style that doesn't require blow-drying, curling or whatever else. As a matter of fact, it's best to choose protective styles when transitioning to natural hair from relaxed. Still, there are other options to help you minimize styling time such as up-dos, sew-in hair extensions, micro braids, Senegalese twists, the list goes on. You can also opt to see a stylist that specializes in natural and transitioning hair for styles that are healthy for your hair and easy to maintain. Wet roller sets or flexi-rod sets are some examples.

I Don't Have Extra Money for Hair Products or Stylists

A limited budget will not stop you from transitioning to natural hair. I know plenty of product junkies that would beg to differ, but I transitioned by using a few simple, but good quality products that made my hair as healthy and amazing as I've ever seen it. Also, many women transition to natural hair without ever seeing a stylist. You can make up for limited funds by investing a little more time into learning about natural/transitioning hair care and styles.