My Natural HairStory #LoveYourCurls

This post is sponsored by Dove Hair.

I’d be lying if I said I loved my natural hair right off the bat. In fact, my natural hair journey almost ended before it even began. When I had my pixie cut, I used to keep a jar of relaxer in the fridge for touch-ups. While taking out my braids in preparation for the big chop, I threw the jar of relaxer in the trash since I knew I didn’t need it anymore. I had researched natural hair for months and was ready for the big chop. No turning back. At least that’s what I thought. So I finished taking out my braids and proceeded to go ahead and chop off all of my hair. After I cut it all off I was completely in shock. I hated my hair. What had I done. It looked nothing like I thought it would. There were no curls at all. It felt rough. I looked like a boy. I immediately dug in the trash and recovered that jar of relaxer that I had threw out. I told myself that I could just put the relaxer back in since I still had enough hair for an ultra short pixie cut. I contemplated the thought for a few minutes before I took a long hard look in the mirror and threw the relaxer back in the trash. I told myself that this is you, the real you… so deal with it. I figured I’d wear a head wrap to work until I could get to the barber after and get a taper. Then I said no, you’re going to be bold and rock this hair. So I created brush coils on my teeny weeny afro and headed to work. I didn’t feel confident at all. When I arrived at work, everyone loved my hair. Everyone but me. After I got the taper cut, I really hated my hair. The barber messed up and didn’t give me what I wanted. I should have followed my gut and cut it myself like I usually do, but I went home and fixed it. I looked in the mirror and thought “this is kind of cute”. Then I felt a little better about myself. That is how my natural hair journey began.

I was off to a rough start but I am now totally in love with my natural hair. I had to realize that my hair is unique to me, and will not look just like anyone else’s. Through trial and error I’ve learned what products and methods work best for my hair, and I’ve developed a routine that’s been keeping it strong, healthy and flourishing. I love that my texture allows for versatility in styling options and I’ve been very creative- Finger Coils, Finger Shingles, Bantu Knot Outs, Twist Outs, Perm Rod Sets… who knew that you could do so much with a TWA?! I’m approaching my one year natural hair anniversary and I’m so glad that I stayed the course. I feel like a brand new person since chopping off my hair and joining team natural, and I’ve never felt more in touch with myself. I’m more confident and comfortable in my skin than I’ve ever been. My, how the tables have turned.

Dove Hair encourages all women and girls to love their curls. Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emoji for free in the App Store and Google Play, and show us how you #LoveYourCurls to help inspire the next generation. Standard data rates apply.