Hi All, I have naturally nappy/curly hair. For nine years I've been wearing my hair this way. I've recently (just 2weeks ago) got the california press (which is a 4 week process) to help my hair easily go straight if I wanted to wear it that way. (Now it will automatically revert back to it's natural state nappy curlies whenever it get's wet. Now in the beginning I have always been adamant in not wanting to wear my hair straight in a neg way. But when push came to shove I did this for several reasons 1# Work related,2#I wanted to try something different, and 3# to trim my much needed split ends they were look atrocious..

I't's amazing the dramatic difference in my appearance cause most people didn't even recognize me, I looked like a totally different person. The Black Pocahontas i was called,lol I'm surprise how long it is (midback) and the different reactions from my family and friends, even people I don't know have been extra positive and just walking down the street people act like they ain't never since a black women with long hair confused3/ guyz wanna holla more(I'm pretty lo-key,not used to this type of atttention). My BF loves it either way(natural/straight) but I can tell he likes it straight more. Only two people say they like it natural moreso Me! and the other one them happens to my best friend who's Korean.

I myself have been going through this tug of war. Because I absolutely positively Love my hair natural more then anything! That's first and foremost...
I would never in my right mind get a relaxer.

Since this is a new experience for me, yet a weird one. I've observe the way people treat me. Black, Indian, and White folks have been extra nice and going outta of they'e way to do stuff for me. It almost seems, I'd normally wouldn't get that type of reaction when I wore it natural, which kinda angers me (My white boss was raving how long it is, and beautifully I looked, which I thought mad-moonie
But I can't be entirely too sure It's all that different because even when I was wearing it natural. I've gotten the very positive as well. I got 2 more weeks left and I'll be back to curly clp)


This is how it looks curly! unfornately don't have any straight pics.



Your Thoughts?

providing you diont relax you still have the option to switch your style

LadyDay wrote:
True, that's what cool about our hair being versatile, I was blessed to find a hair stylist who's against relaxing hair. she actually created the california press process..

LALIA! you should't even think about relaxing your hair; because like you said natural hair is so versatile and you can awlays straighten it when you want to, as long as you take care of it and it will always be healthy.

your hair looks gorgeus natural, stick with what you like. and just change it up if you want to now and again. as long as you're not damaging your hair, no problemo!

you're probably getting that reaction because long straight hair is more mainstream and the masses probably find it more attractive (espically other races). but your hair looks good natural!

Hi Lalia

Idon't know about the "California Press" so I can't talk abou that. But I wonder if there are any other reasons you want to straighten your hair.? I'm not judging just asking.confused3You mentioned that you don't want to straighten your hair "in a neg way" so I guess that youthink that some reasons aren't always as positive/neutral or practical as they seem

(saw the pic' your hair is beautiful!!!!!).

The reason I'm asking is because up until about 6-7 yrs ago I used to relax myhair but was really vexed with the results, not just 'cos of the damage to my hair, but somewhere inside me I was unsure why I did it or if i even liked it (even if other people said it looked nice). Still,I thought itwas convinient and adaptable and I could try lots of new styles.Eventually I stopped because I realised that for me, it meant that i was trying to aspire to a concept of beauty which did not include my natural "kiny"hair (image of straight European hair and all that goes with it for some Black womenre; self image & esteem), kept it cropped 4 awhile then put it in braids. Thats how it is now and I love it. I'm waiting 4 it to grow into a big afro!! blkafro

I don't apply my reasons for not straightening my hair to other women, we all have our reasons. You say thateven strangers respond to you differently, do you feel differentabout yourself?Are you expecting a more positive reaction than B4?

I'm not sure what you're asking in you message. If you're asking if you should straighten your hair thenhere's your answer: -

You say that you believe that you are one of the only two peolple who prefer you hair natural (are you sure ther aren't more? ).....but you are the only person, whose oppinion really counts!!!!(everyone else just put's in their 2 cents, even me)

Just a few things to think about, whatever you do I hope you're happy with results, experimentation is how we learn who we really are.

LOVE & PEACE

BLACK CAT wrote:

Thanks!

When I mention in a neg way. I meant that straight hair/relaxing the hair issue is something within itself has not always been a positive thang for me. I think I not only speak from myself but we as black women. I was taught since I can remember nappy hair is bad and straight hair is good, you have to get a relaxer that was just the thing you'd do. That sort of issue.
It took a while to get out of that mental struggle. I had to teach myself how to care for my own natural hair cause I had no idea. I was never taught when I was young my moms and grandma didn't have a clue.confused3

Now that I wear my hair natural I have different perspective on hair in general. I don't search for people's opinion's but only those who do care and love me, I do consider.

I don't feel the same way about wearing straight. Now since I've straighten it it's only made me more content on staying natural. I'm really happy with the options I have. I can wear it however I like it, which is a good thang for me.niceone.gif

Lalia,

I have straightened my natural hair on occasion and have also received that same kind of attention from people I know. However, for me, I don't think that they act that way because they prefer my hair straight; they still complement my hair when it is kinky.From what I have seen,people are just surprised when they see me with straight hair. They can't believe how long it is sinceitbarely reaches my shoulders when it is curlybutfalls tothe middle of my back when it is straight.I think that you should keep your natural hair, it is more versatile and healthier that way, and just straighten it on occasion.

If ur going to relax ur hair make sure u are doing it for the right reasons, and not just because of the comments u have been getting. At the end of the day those people are not the ones who have to fork out money to get it treated every2 weeks, and relaxed every 4-6 weeks. If u scratch ur head then get it relaxed ur scalp will burn like hell. Don't wanna put u off but I'm keeping it real, I've had the straight and I've had the natural. I know in the long term which one is better for my hair.