I will be 28 in October. I am from the Bronx, but currently live in Newark, NJ. When I was younger, there wasn’t’t any talk “going to the salon”, we did our hair at home. I got my hair washed out over the kitchen sink, and I had terrible split ends. I never got haircuts to even my hair out. My hair was always more of a nuisance for me more than anything. I will admit that it was nice getting my hair relaxed because it would be soft as well as laid down, but was short lived. I knew I would have to repeat the process again, sooner than later. With the creamy crack, I always fell victim to scabbing on my scalp and sometimes my ear. I have fairly sensitive skin, so every time I did it, I went into it knowing “there will be blood”. It just wasn’t worth the struggle.
I can’t say that I have a favorite product because I’m terrible at putting products in my hair. If I’m completely honest, I’m still pretty bad about hair care, so normally I just roll out of bed and go. Mainly because I just don’t ever have any (hair) usually. HA! If I do, it’s usually just some organic coconut oil. I wash my hair every two or three days, and let it curl up. I don’t usually brush it because I like when it starts getting curly. I’m a low maintenance kind of woman so this look suits my personality to a T.
My advice for those who want to go natural is to be gentle with yourself, and patient. There’s an adjustment period for sure where you’ll regret your choice, where things won’t seem to be moving at the pace you want, or the style you tried didn’t quite work, but trust the process. It WILL work itself out. And what you can’t do for yourself, you can find a stylist to do for you!
What’s really great about my hair, or lack thereof, is that I have two sons who are going to grow up with this as the norm. Their concept of beauty won’t be steeped in age-old standards. Also, I thoroughly enjoy changing my hair up every few months and coming into my office. It entertains me to see people’s responses to the fact that I’ll have a low fro one week, braids down my back for a month, and then a Caesar haircut with new color. I feel very free when it comes to my hair.
Kineatra Jones, MS founder & editor of NaturallyNex.com. She has a passion for educating women on all things natural: hair, beauty, and life. NaturallyNex.com was created in August 2015 to share and connect with women who have a passion for natural hair and beauty. Overtime NaturallyNex has evolved into a beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment blog. Kineatra is focused on discussing natural hair, beauty, fashion, and travel as well as providing encouragement to others.
