Is natural hair a "statement"?

I went natural since everyone else hair was growing like a weed even those with "nappy" hair. I really was ignorant to the whole natural hair care regimen. I wanted my "nappy" hair to grow too. Once I started taking care of my hair it grew to almost bsl when it never grew past sl. My mother didn't even like the " natural" look but she is now natural too. My daughter is natural too.

I went natural because I had a beautiful head of thick bsl hair all the way until sophomore year in high school then relaxers began causing my hair to be extremely thin and causing breakage until I was a thin nl senior year. I then transitioned for 5 months my freshmen year if college and big chopped. Since then I've been in love with my hair. :)

For some people it is. I relaxed my hair because I wanted it to be 'manageable'.  I just ended frying it away. When I relaxed, I did not attempt to imitate another race's hair, I just wanted easier to manage/style hair.

I grew my hair in braids to bra strap length and then relaxed and it would break and I would braid up until I liked the length... this cycle continued for years. I have tried literally EVERY relaxer on the market, searching the one that did not fry away my hair. Many would not work, most would burn -  I had an ah ha moment...  Inspired by tumblr, you-tube and the natural section here, I big chopped 6 months ago.

I never 'loved' my hair like I love it now. I am not quite comfortable with the length, but I do love the texture. I am trying natural ingredients and homemade products too.  When I see ladies with natural hair I smile, I stare and I love it. I feel proud. I wouldn't say it is a statement, but there is an aspect of embracing identity and being unique. Some days I feel it is celebration of our beauty.

Edited by lovelybrown - Mar 04 2013 at 10:24am