Happy To Be Nappy Michelle Joseph Learns to Love Her Hair By Michelle Joseph Most females are preoccupied with their hair – Should I cut it? Should I color it? Should I grow it out? Whatever the dilemma is, we spend an obscene amount of time trying to make the best possible decision. I am no exception. Since birth I have had a major fixation with my hair. I truly believe that my obsession began when I noticed that my hair was different from my classmates. I wished that I had long straight hair that bounced in the air like theirs. Unfortunately, my hair did not do that. It was always tightly fashioned into tiny braids which did not create the movement that I so desired. I wanted to secretly drink a magic potion that would instantly make my hair long and silky. Believe me, I am embarrassed to admit that, but it was the truth. My wish was somewhat granted when I turned 13 and my mother decided that it was time to perm (* chemically straighten) my hair. I was elated! I couldn't wait to run my fingers through my hair and not get stuck in my braids. ______________________ I couldn't wait to run my fingers through my hair and not get stuck in my braids. ______________________ Just moments after my hair was straightened, I found myself perched in front of a mirror admiring my new do. I couldn't believe that the process was over and I had manageable hair. I shook my head and watched my hair dance in the air. Yes, I did take the transformation a little too far, but I was happy! Not only did I love the new me, I was complimented by one of the most popular guys in my class. I felt beautiful. But who would have thought that the one thing that I wanted so badly would have caused me so much pain? After years and years of chemically straightening my hair, I noticed that my hair was becoming weak and brittle. It no longer looked healthy and it was starting to fall out. It was getting so bad that my hairstylist constantly asked me what I was doing to cause the breakage. Holding back the tears I would say, "I'm not doing anything different." After months of dealing with the breakage, I knew what I had to so. I needed to stop torturing my follicles with chemicals and give it some much-needed rest. I considered braiding my hair and letting it rejuvenate itself. I made this final decision when I saw clumps of hair in my hand when I gently ran my fingers through my hair. I always thought about braiding my hair, but after that scary episode, I knew that it was the best solution. The transition from chemically processed to chemical-free hair was quite easy at first. My hair was carefully braided (with the aid of extensions), and the maintenance was practically non-existent. I washed it regularly and put products to keep my scalp healthy looking. I felt reborn! No more chemicals and no more fear of breakage. The only problem that I had was finding someone to braid my hair at a moments notice. Braids made me feel and look great! As my natural hair grew in, I felt better and better. I loved that it was natural and that I could see the kinks and curls in my hair. I fell in love with the texture. Natural hairstyles were in fashion for so long, I almost felt ashamed for waiting so long. ______________________ The transition from chemically processed to chemical-free hair was quite easy at first ______________________ Even though I was transforming into an all-natural gal, I still held onto my straightened hair. For some reason I wanted it to break naturally instead of chopping it off. So you could only imagine how traumatized I was when I made the appointment to cut off the straightened hair. It wasn't something that I wanted to do, but there was no reason for me to hold on to it. I wasn't going to put chemicals in my hair ever again, so I might as well get rid of it. So in a blink of an eye, the old me was gone and the new me emerged unscathed. I was a little sad. As I sat in my stylist's chair, I remembered the rush I felt after getting my hair done. How straight and nice it looked. As much as I liked the "new me", I felt like I was wandering into the unknown. True, I did have natural hair before I was 13 years old, but I could always rely on my mom to comb my nappy hair. Now I have to tame my nappy hair. (My mom, on occasion, still helps me out!) I was a little reluctant at first to let my Lenny Kravitz-ish afro take center stage, so I continued to braid my hair. Since you already know that I am a hair-obsessed girl, you know that I had some fun with the braids. I experimented with every style know to man. But my favorite was sporting very funky cornrows. Having done the braid thing for a while, I felt the need to truly let my natural hair have the spotlight. I was ready. With the insistence of a friend who twists her hair, I decided that I would also twist my hair for a change. I liked it, but my friends loved it. I loved the fact that all I had to do was two strand twist my hair and that was it. It looked nice in a ponytail, under a funky hat or wrapped in a scarf. I found a million ways to do my hair. The best part of this back to basics hair decision is that it seems that most women are adopting this look. In some circles, it is almost impossible to see a sista with straightened hair. Not that there is anything wrong with it. It is also very cool for me to see men and women of different races wearing their hair in braids, cornrows and dreads. I know that if my hair wasn't damaged that I would still most likely straighten my hair. So, in a weird way, it was a mixed blessing because I love returning to my roots, so to speak, and discovering that I love every single nap and kink on my head. Michelle Joseph is self-proclaimed bohemian girl who loves to write, talk and laugh. She currently writes for a general interest e-zine called happygrrls.com, and co-hosts a call-in radio show on college radio. Michelle welcomes your feedback on her article. Please feel free to e-mail her at michiejoseph@yahoo.ca. This website: Copyright © 2003 Dream World Media, LLC. / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Urban Mozaik Magazine are not necessarily those of Urban Mozaik Magazine and the publisher cannot be held responsible for them. This website/publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.