People always ask me, “How did you get your hair like that?” and without I thinking, I proceed to tell them how I achieved the style I am wearing and it’s maintenance aspects. Some follow up with asking how to go about transitioning. And again, I just explain ways to transition with the end result being cutting off their processed ends and having a head full of natural hair.

I have never thought of starting off my natural hair ‘dissertations’ with what should be the very first opening sentence and should go something like; before embarking on the natural hair journey, you must first be in a natural state of mind. Being in a ‘natural state of mind’ is actually the most important part of the natural hair journey and this really determines whether you actually stay on the journey. You must first change the way you think about natural hair before transitioning or doing a big chop.

The first step to getting in a natural state of mind is to consider your hair’s texture. Some people decide to go natural with a particular natural hairstyle goal in mind, but later discover that the style they want really was not achievable with their hair texture. As you transition, study the texture of your hair. Seek out pictures of styles worn by people who have the same hair texture as yours.

Make sure you look for short and long hair styles, that will represent each stage of your hair growth. Create a hairstyle picture board or journal of possible styles you would like to wear and keep it where you can look at it each day. This will surely get you in a natural state of mind and encourage you to stay on the journey.

The next step of getting in a natural state of mind is surrounding yourself with like-minded people. These like-minded people can be in person or virtual, by way of the Internet. Join natural hair social networks (great places to find photos as well) and read other people’s journeys, which are very encouraging. Again, you can seek out members who have the same hair texture as you and browse their hairstyle pics, check out the products they use and ask questions.

Seek out members who are at the same growth stage as you are, as well as those who are at the stage of your ultimate goal. Having a network of like-minded naturals, is very encouraging and will keep you in a natural state of mind. There are tons of YouTube videos featuring natural hair styles, product reviews, etc. bookmark them and use them as resources and inspiration.

I also recommend to those who are transitioning, or even those at any stage of their natural journey, to keep a hair journal. Whether you keep a written journal or electronic one via blog, writing about your natural hair journey is very therapeutic. Taking pictures of your hair throughout it’s stages of growth is also a great idea. You will be amazed at how you may not be able to notice your hair is changing by looking in a mirror, versus the differences you will see by looking at pictures of it.

Another way to get in a natural state of mind is by expressing your naturality. There are several online shops like Zazzle, Cafe Press, etc. that feature natural hair stickers, tees, bags, buttons and more. Start collecting your natural gear by treating yourself to one item, every time you reach a hair goal. Sporting your natural gear will not only uplift your spirits and keep you in a natural state of mind, but oftentimes grab the attention from onlookers, and are especially encouraging when some stop you and ask you questions about your hair.

To summarize, before I really write a dissertation; considering your hair’s natural texture and setting realistic goals of styles you can achieve with it; surrounding yourself with natural hairstyles via a visual picture board/journal; building a support group of like-minded naturals whether in-person or virtual; keeping a hair journal/blog; and, sporting your natural gear all will help with getting in a ‘natural state of mind’ resulting in you having a happy, stress free natural hair journey.

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Tags: big chop, natural hair, natural hair support, transition

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 at 9:53 am and is filed under Encouragement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.