From Chemically Permed to Natural Hair

If you are a woman of color, and you want the option to wear your hair both natural and straight, without the use of chemicals, there is a way. The very idea that you wish to try is a great start. With the help of my stylist I started my process in June and by the winter months, knew that if I could make it past the "touch-up" stage, I would keep going. It has been about two years since making that decision, and there have been no regrets. The process was not easy, but it was easy enough, thanks to research, the right stylist, and the right products.

My advice would be to start researching. Take your time with it. Only you know if and when is the right time to go natural. Before starting, here are several questions that need to be answered:

How do you figure out hair type? Your hair type determines everything from the styles possible, to the length of time it will take it to get there. It also tells you how to expect your hair to react in different climates. Simply visit long haircare forum (www.longhaircareforum.com) and click on the "hair type" tab across the top. (www.longhaircareforum.com) You can also visit kinky curly (www.kinky-curly.com) for a more detailed description of hair types.

What length do you wish to achieve? You must be realistic in your expectations and patient during the transition. It may not grow as fast or as long as you think it will. Also, curly hair tends to look shorter than straight hair. Can you deal with how your hair will really look?

How will you style it as grows out?
Options for growing hair out are: ceramic irons, braids, weaves, and the big chop.

The ceramic straightening iron is a good choice if you want to grow it out as you trim it. This is also an ideal option if you prefer not to add braids or weaves. There are many companies that sell them in stores and online. (They have become so popular now that I recently purchased one at a Korean beauty supply store for an impromptu trip for only forty dollars!) If you are unsure which one to purchase, I would recommend having your stylist instruct you on what she uses and then purchase that brand. Also, if you can buy it directly from the stylist, she usually gets commission, and you get a discount.

Braids can help your hair grow because you are not heating and pulling it everyday. Your own hair can be braided by itself, or adding more (real or synthetic) hair can be used for more fullness or length. It is important to learn to properly wash and oil your scalp, and wrap your head in a silk scarf at night. And do not leave them in longer than two months at a time. This can cause serious breakage.

Weaves or (hair weaves) is also a great way to grow out hair while still maintaining a style you can manage. Having talked to people who regularly wear them, they say the sew-in is preferable to the glue-in types. This is because hair is often braided in a circular pattern around the scalp. The weave is then sewn into the braids. With the glue-in, hair is often parted and weave glue is used to attach the weave to the hair. Breakage happens when the weave is improperly removed by the wearer.

Braids and weaves are good options if you can afford to buy hair regularly, and to pay the stylist. Otherwise look at these two options as a special treat, or a change to break the monotony of watching your hair grow.

The Big Chop. Otherwise known as The Only Option after a perm gone bad, this is the quickest and easiest way to create a natural style. It is also a great way to avoid paying a ton of money on products that will only be used once before giving them away. If you look good with short hair, have an active lifestyle, and won't have to sue your employer to keep your job, this choice is a no- brainer.

What styling products will you need to purchase?
There are many more companies that cater to natural hair than there used to be a few years back. With many people embracing the look of a natural style, products can be found alongside the relaxers in most stores. Quality online shops have sprung up everywhere. Beauty shops also sell a variety of products in most major cities.
Make a list including shampoos, conditioners, combs, and don't forget the accessories. You will need to pull, clip, and wrap your hair with something, after all. Have an alternate in mind in case a particular brand is not available.

Do you have the right stylist?
Luckily I had the right stylist. Otherwise I would have had to look for another. (It wouldn't have been the first time.) Don't be afraid to talk to your stylist about your hair goals. Tell her or him what you want to achieve and ask if they can help you. If so, listen to their ideas and give it a little time to see what happens. Make sure to tip them well for their work and even take it upon yourself to recommend them to anyone who compliments your hair style.

On the other hand, if he or she gives you fifty reasons you should stick with the chemicals, get your regular wash and set, tip nicely and disappear. Your 'do' should last a good week or two--long enough for you to find a shop or stylist that specializes in natural hair.

In the end, it is really up to you to decide that natural hair is best for you. Once you deal with your own doubts then you are prepared to deal with the doubts of others. This is a chance to enjoy the freedom of spending less time trying to make your hair behave like someone else's. So many more things can be done in the time you save. (For example, running errands when the weather threatens rain will no longer influence your plans.) So go ahead. Look at it this way; if you want to wear it straight from time to time, there's always the ceramic iron.