This Revolution WILL be televised. In Fact It's Already On the Air!!!

All you need to do is open a magazine – one that caters to African Americans like Essence or to the mainstream like People – and you’ll see it.  Turn on the TV or hang out at your local Target or Walmart and you'll see it. Google it and see how many articles, blog posts, and pictures, come up. There’s even a YouTube community.  Black women everywhere have decided to ditch the relaxer and wear their natural hair. On nearly every other page, in every other ad, on every other commercial, if it features an African American woman most of the time she’s rockin’ a natural (or natural looking) hair style.

For me it’s so refreshing to see natural hair being embraced by the mainstream.  No longer is natural hair a style choice that only the few, the bold wear with pride.  Our naps are no longer our “dirty little secret” but a natural and beautiful part of who we are and we're wearing it!

But that was so not the case 8 years ago . . .

Me & VP rocking out flat twist-outs in '07!

Hellooo?  Anybody here? That's how I felt in 2004 when my homegirl VP and I decided that we were going to grow our relaxers out and wear our natural hair! We made a bold declaration.  We were accepting our natural beauty and freeing ourselves of society’s stifling definition of beauty!  It was on!!!

But it wasn’t that simple . . . .

First off, let me just let you know, I don’t have naturally wavy, buttercream textured hair.  I got some naps! For the most part, mine is a think, kinky curly texture that definitely requires some maintenance for manageability, from what I can remember.  It has been 26 years since I have seen a full head of my natural hair.  That right there is a lot of relaxer!

Back in ’04 transitioning for me was difficult.  Even though I had the courage, the determination and a great stylist, when I went home, I was on my own.  My friend and I were both going through a transition, but we were more like the blind leading the blind! I would wake up each morning with fear in my heart as I walked to the mirror to see if my nighttime hair routine had left me with enough style to take on the day - sometimes yes, sometimes HELL naw!

It was hard. And I realized I wasn’t so brave after all. I had chosen to grow my relaxer out as opposed to just cutting it all off and starting fresh like some women do – I was too chicken.  I did, however, experiment with new styles and techniques. It always looked great when I left the salon, but managing the two textures of hair (one natural and one relaxed) alone at home was a challenge.  I didn't know what I was doing and I didn't have very many friends to ask.

But that wasn't the worst part.

What I hated the most was that it was ALWAYS ABOUT MY HAIR.  At the time I was teaching on the Northside of Chicago in a pretty diverse and progressive neighborhood.  From the first day I walked in with my flexirod set (a favorite style for transitioners), it was on.  My students, my coworkers, the lunchroom staff – everybody –  offered everything from compliments to questions and even suggestions and opinions about the look. Not just on the first day, but EVERYDAY! I heard things like “Ms. D! I like your curls!” “Oh, you look so artsy” to “Ooh Ms. D. you need a perm”, “You know, I really like your old style better” (yes – someone said that).  Even, the cleaning lady!!! One afternoon she walked into my room with a sheepish grin and a knowing look in her eye.

CL: I know your secret.

Me: What secret? (I really was curious. Good Lord, what did she know?)

CL: I asked myself, how could her hair be straight one day and curly the next.  You're wearing a wig aren't you? (She smiled widely as if she had thought long and hard before she arrived at the answer.)

I just took a deep breath and used it as a teaching moment.  She looked so disappointed and a little confused.

Why my hair was of such interest to people was a mystery. Truly there have always been and will always be Black women who choose to wear their hair natural.  But even as late as 2004, myths, misconceptions , stereotypes, and questions about them still prevailed – she’s radical, she’s militant, she’ll call you a “Sucka” and a “Jive Turkey”, she’s going through some things, she’s depressed, she’s a lesbian, she’s a man hater, she’s a hippie, she’s looking for the gunja!!! Her hair musta fallen out!!

India.Arie said it best, I am not my hair!! And contrary to what some may believe about my Sunshiny  (and sometimes theatrical personality), I don’t really like the conversation to be about me, and I definitely don’t want it to be all about my hair.  I realized that I didn’t possess that Armor of Confidence needed to be on frontlines of the Natural Movement.  That armor that keeps people from saying crazy stuff to you or that allows you to have it just roll off your back.

I didn’t want to be bothered with it. From trying to figure out how to style my hair, to the constant conversations about it, I was spending too much time thinking about HAIR! So much so that nine months after the start of that journey, I made an appointment with my dealer and asked for another hit of the creamy crack.  And just like that, I was back on that stuff!

In the 8 years since my first attempt, things have definitely changed.  Newly natural celebrities like Kim Coles, Raven Symone and Solange have made their journey to natural a very public thing, adding themselves to the growing list of celebs like Jill, Erykah, Esperanza Spaulding, and Corrinne Bailey Rae who are known for beautiful natural hair. Even on the Disney Channel you can see little Skai Jackson on “Hey Jessie” wearing beautiful braid outs and ponytails.  And yes, even Cher was photographed wearing an Afro wig.

Today, with so many woman going natural and with so many styles to choose from there is no ONE image of the natural woman. She could be rocking braids, locs, an afro, kinky curls, or wearing it flat ironed straight and for the most part, no one really bats an eyelash.  Call me late, call me a chicken, call me a band wagoner, whatever!  I wasn’t on the front lines, but I’m ready to be a soldier!  I’m down with THE MOVEMENT!!  And I now have all I need!

Ammunition - Products

Donna & Stephanie showing off free productsts!

Today there is a dizzying array of products for naturals, from $50 deep conditioners to home recipes for moisturizers on the internet.  Companies recognize that Black women are going natural and they are cashing in.  Even brands that were leaders in the relaxer game have added products for naturals to their roster.  For example Crème of Nature now has a Roots of Nature line (is this funny to anyone else but me).   Benefit: The upside is that many of the products are good and reasonably price and you have so many to choose from, you're sure to find what works for you. Back in the day you’d have to spend a grip, pay shipping and handling, or make it yourself.  

Allies and Support

Me with Titi and Miko founders of Miss Jessie's Products

YouTube – There is a YouTube Community full of experts and newbies all giving advice, tutorials, and product reviews. They have their own language; using terms like TWA, BC, PJs (teeny weeny afros, big chop, product junkies).  They have their own regimens and routines (hydrate, moisturize, and seal) that they are willing to share.  They have become my support system for style ideas and transitioning solutions.  WHERE THE HELL WERE THEY IN 2004!!!! Some of my favorites are africanexport, kimmaytube, simplyounique, nikkimae, aliciajamesmusic, ninapruit and mahoganycurls.  Benefit: Many allow you to see how a style is achieved from start to finish and with so many out there you’re sure to find someone with a similar hair texture and/or style sense as yourself.

Natural Hair Blogs – There are tons of bloggers out there too that provide education, product reviews and a safe space to post your own vent or rant.  A few popular ones are Curly Nikki, Naturally Curly, and Afrobella. Benefit: Many of the best sites feature articles from stylists, chemists, respected gurus, as well as regular peeps.

Chicago Natural Hair Expo - My People!

Meet Up Groups and Natural Hair Expos – I recently joined the Chicago Natural Beauty Meetup - a groups that provides a forum and hosts events for women interested in natural beauty in my area.  I recently attended the Chicago Natural Hair Expo sponsored by Miss Jessie’s and found myself in a sea of naturals. It was as if the clouds parted, the angel started singing.  These were my people! The event featured a fashion/style show, tutorials, vendors, and Fantastic SWAG BAGS that featured full sized products from Miss Jessie’s! The event was coordinated by Rachel O. a natural beauty expert and make-up artist. Benefit: I have found my people!!!

Armor

Back then, when I would tell me friends I was growing my relaxer out they’d say, “Good Luck with that!” Today, they say “Really, me too” or “Good for youl, I’ve been natural for about 4 years now! ‘Bout time!”  Times have certainly changed.  Thanks to all my forebears who boldly and proudly pushed the envelope (or rather Kicked In the Door) chickens like me can now proudly join the movement too without all the fuss. 

Donella & friend showing off their SWAG bags!

I’m not sure yet  if I’ll be a curly natural or one who straightens (sans chemical) or some kind of hybrid of the two, but I do know that crack is whack (even the creamy kind) and it’s coming out! It’s been 26 years since I’ve seen a head full of my natural hair and it’s high time we got reacquainted.

What are your thoughts? Have you noticed this trend? Are you down with The Movement? Do you think it will be a passing thing?