Yesterday at Whole Foods a young man complimented me on my hair and then asked how long have I been natural. And it hit me, it's been eleven years. Well eleven years in August.
I can't believe it's been that long. Wearing my hair this way is so natural (heehee) and a part of me that I forget I even rock a natural. I guess that's the beauty of having carefree hair, you're not concerned about the weather or certain activities so you don't even think about it.
Life is funny though, because now that I'm not thinking about it someone always happily reminds me about my hair. Whenever I'm out I get questions and compliments about my natural 'do. I've had so many great conversations and have met so many awesome people because of an initiated comment about this halo of coils. And vice versa, I too am so intrigued when I see a fly natural that I have to say something or at least smile.
I've had lengthy convos in grocery store lines, at the post office, gas stations, at fleamarkets, and recently at a M.A.C. counter. Even when I was contesting a ticket at the Parking Authority in Philly, the officer looking over my ticket had questions. The conversations are about hairstyles, the process, products, salons, etc. And I never ever get tired of it. I think that is the best thing about going natural. This process has allowed us to smile and speak to one another with no hesitation and with an openness and sincerity that is so refreshing. It's given us an easy way to meet someone new and make a connection, even if it is just for a few minutes.
That connection, that opportunity to share a positive dialogue with someone you don't know is always beautiful. Acknowledging a similar journey in someone else makes you automatically connected and uplifted. It's a sweet nod to say, "I know what it took to get there, cheers to you."
That's how I feel about the mini-documentary, Transistion, by filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa. She shared her own journey to going natural which opened her eyes to the other natural hair stories happening around her. I watched thinking, wow I remember being in the barber's chair, I know what she's thinking. Then feeling so excited for what she's about to experience.
I've watched this video five times and get goosebumps every time. It's so beautiful visually, and the content is effortless. I love the story and definitely recommend a watch if you haven't already seen it.
Have you gone natural? If so what's your favorite part of the process?
