My Natural Hair Is an Accessory, Not a Statement

Natural hair has been the "It" girl in hair forums, on social media, and even on red carpets, with stars like Lupita Nyong'o, Kerry Washington, Solange, and Tracee Ellis Ross letting their curls flow freely, ultimately inspiring Instagram and YouTube tutorials. Companies have followed suit to cater to the demand for natural hair-care products, as the shift to so many women "going natural" has made relaxers the beauty-aisle pariah, according to market researcher Mintel. Sales of what some call the "creamy crack" fell 18.6 percent from 2013 to 2015.

I've always understood natural hair to be whatever hair grows naturally from anyone's head (don't kill me natural hair nazi's), but with marketing machines and the historical implication of activist movements, it has become specifically synonymous with the kinky, coily, or silky-curled styles of women of African descent. Just Google "natural hair" for yourself and check out the coily-haired beauties.

---

More stories on natural hair-care:

1. Victoria's Secret Models Embrace Their Natural Hair
2. Selena Can Pull off Wearing Bangs
3. Here's Why Solange's SNL Hair Took 50 Hours

---

I get it. But, that's not my story.

For me, going natural has never been a movement or even a decision I take seriously. My hair is like a loyal bestie who's my plus one through a life crisis, travel adventure, or dating exploit. It transitions with me through career changes, new relationships and those frivolous I-just-felt-like-doing-something-different-this-week impulses. I don't like the term "going natural" because, to me, I am who I am—naturally—regardless of how I choose to wear my hair. Over the years, I've noticed an ugly, somewhat cliché side to categorizing natural hair that creates separation from women who choose to use chemicals on their hair. The separation isn't a vehicle for empowerment, but something divisive—something that, in some circles, almost ostracizes another group based on what's ideal. Don't get me wrong: Being true to yourself and creatively showcasing elements of yourself that mainstream society has deemed ugly, unsuitable, or even illegal is awesome. I'm just pointing out another not-so-pretty but very real side of the natural-hair-movement coin.

Here's my story: After going back to my favorite short tapered cut a few months ago, I'm now growing out my relaxer because, I simply just want to. I'm loving the idea of curls I can wet, add product to, and go. (OK, maybe there's a bit of air-drying in there as well, but you get the point) I've enjoyed this almost-carefree routine many times over the years. And no, I don't believe in the 3c, 4a, insert-number-and-letter-combo-here curl-type hype. Who cares? It's curly. It's yours. Do you.

Typically, when I'm in grow-out mode, I keep the grooming and maintenance process very simple, and I rely on protective styles that satisfy the hair chameleon in me. I minimize the product use, combing, brushing, tugging, fussing, and heat applications, and as a result, my hair is quite amenable.

Since I'm not big-chopping this time, my hair has grown from a short, tapered cut to a textured, curly-in-some-spots-straight-in-others pixie that I can almost put into a struggle ponytail (yes that's a thing. Again, Google it). At this awkward length, I usually slick my hair back with a moisturizing gel like the Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel or , or I'll wear it in nine neat cornrows, made a bit more sturdy with added hair, that run from the front of my hairline down to the nape of my neck. These are perfect style options for a flat base for the wig or extension install of my choice.

Before styling, of course, I use the same brand of shampoo and conditioner my mom and granny used on me as a bushy-haired child: Creme of Nature or another tried-and-true favorite that has stood the test of time: the classic .

Deep conditioning treatments are also great, especially in colder months, so I use heftier products like Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask or a hefty dose of African Royale Hot Six Oil with a plastic cap under a hood dryer (at a medium setting) at least once a month to boost the moisture.

For daily grooming, I treat my scalp with the ORS Hair Repair Intense Moisture Crème and Antillean Coconut Oil (you can find it at your local beauty supply store or online). The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil is great for keeping an itchy scalp at bay. And the old wives' tale that if your hair itches, it's growing might be true because my scalp itches like crazy during the first few weeks of growing out my relaxer. Who knew?

The bottom line is, I'm looking forward to switching things up a bit until I feel like changing my look again. At the end of the day, whether it's kinky-curly, straight and Rapunzel-like, dyed blonde, red, or green, or shaved completely off, I'm still naturally me. Being a hair chameleon is natural for me.

Now learn how to keep your hair healthy: