First thing's first: decide if you want to transition long term or short term. Mind you, one is not better than the other. You're going natural-that's what matters. Anyone who says/thinks/acts like they're better than you because the Big Chopped earlier or later is crazy. Ignore them. The decision of how long you transition should be determined by your lifestyle (or lifestyle changes you're making in the new year). If you decide you want to run a marathon, Big Chopping earlier might be better for you because maintaining the two different textures while sweating excessively is not pleasant. If you want to focus on nurturing your hair and really learning it before taking The Plunge, long term might be right up your alley.
Next up: surround yourself with people who won't give you grief for going natural and have a response prepped for those who want to make your life difficult. We don't need to discuss why having a support network is good right? Right. Why should you prep a response? Because nothing sucks more than l'esprit d'escalier (staircase wit aka coming up with the right reply 10 minutes after something has already happened) and nipping the negativity bud in the butt is empowering. Few things are nicer than stunned silence when you tell people, "no, I'm not ok with these kinds of comments. Please stop making them immediately or else [fill in the blank]."
Prrraaddduuuuccctttss! Make sure you have a moisturizer you and your hair loves. Seal your ends with an oil or butter of your choice. Protective styling is your friend. Be extra, extra gentle with the line of demarcation. Remember to stare in awe (not horror!) at your new growth and how quickly it's coming in. Seriously, be nice to it unless you want it to come out swinging later.
But everything I listed above, that's common knowledge right? You're here for the key to a Box of Secrets. Which I'm going to give you. Right Now. And it's so basic that you're going to hate me. Here it is: know why you're going natural and commit to it.
That's it. That's the big secret we've been keeping from you.
Why is that the Big Secret? The key you've been looking for? Because when things get ugly, and they will, knowing the reasons you decided to do this will give you the motivation you need to stay on track. It will remind you that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel despite the fact your friends and family say there isn't. The bad hair days, weeks and maybe months are worth it. Because you're doing this For A Reason.
Are you going natural in 2013? Why? Share with the rest of us in the comments below!
Are you going natural in 2013? Why? Share with the rest of us in the comments below!
1 comments:
"know why you're...and commit to it" ~ that applies to so many different things and is a really valuable reminder. Thank you!!
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