If I knew that going natural would mean years of heartache and losing my hair, I would have reevaluated my decision to ditch the relaxer. The plan was to take advantage of protective styles so that my hair could grow back. So far, it’s been more like operation fail–sort of.
Flashbacks of my straight hair flowing down my back have been taking over my brain lately. Please tell me why I decided to go natural! It ain’t nothin’ but work. All it took was a wash, set, wrap and go with an occasional deep conditioning and oil treatment. But, what I considered to be a no fuss no mess hair routine has turned into nothing but drama. Now that I’m au naturale, I have a whole slew of issues with my new old texture.
You’re probably so sick of me complaining about by barely there edges. But please understand that writing about it is like therapy for me. Hey, maybe my situation can help someone who may be tackling a similar issue. Who knows?
In any event, in my previous hair post I confessed the possible reason for my hair dilemma. I’ve been taking the necessary steps to get back my hairline, including keeping the area well moisturized and wearing a satin scarf underneath my wig. Recently, I discovered another problem–braids.
Since becoming a natural, I experimented with different dos from twist outs to braid outs. The former didn’t work so well for me. But I’ve had some pretty good results with the latter.
Braid outs are great at stretching and defining my curls. The plan is to continue wearing a wig until my grows out a bit more. I grapple with that decision sometimes because I like the idea of very low manipulation. My on-air job requires styling and whatnot. I don’t want to apply any heat and I don’t want to straighten my natural hair. However, after realizing a tiny bald spot in my head, I’ve been thinking a lot about just letting it all hang out.
Even though I’m extra careful not to pull too tight, the tension has cause some of my strands to go bye bye. I’ve heard it referred to as traction or tension alopecia. It’s frustrating. It’s annoying. But, I know this is all apart of the process. There are gonna be some bumpy spots along this natural hair journey, and I’m prepared for it. I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Whether you’re a natural or not, beware of weaves, extension, wigs, braids etc. All it takes is just a little tension for you to lose hair.
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Thanks a lot for this, I just transitioned after six relaxer-less months and I have trimmed of the remainder of the permed hair. I find this very useful as I have been learning as much as I can about caring for the natural hair.
Hang in there chica! My sister’s also had some tough times since going natural, but it’s worth the effort. Like her’s, your hair looks super healthy and beautiful! After 7+ years of locs/dreds, I’m also noticing some slight hair loss in front from constantly tying my hair back (and maybe from post baby hair-loss)? Def a combo of tension (mostly) and biology. I used to remedy the less-dense front w/ gel/jam, and shoooot, it was ka-yute 🙂 Sounds SO 80s/90s, but I was a sucka for the gel-enabled “baby hair,” hahaha! Yes, hair loss from tension is SERIOUS bizz 🙁
I’m sorry you’re havin rough times on the natural side of town. Hair isnt’ that serious. If you are daydreaming about permed hair, go head on and perm. You can always go natural again when you’re really ready. It’s only hair, don’t let it get you down!! The wigs may be what’s jackin up your edges btw. I hope you start loving your hair sitch soon. (hug)
Thanks Dani! Yea, I hear that a lot about wigs. Can’t wait to let it go completely. Ok, I may still wear it on certain occasions. But I look forward to rockin’ my natural hair on-air soon.