PHOTO CREDIT: KESHIA
If the big chop wasn’t the route you wanted to take for a head full of curls and coils, you might have chosen to grow your hair beneath wigs, weaves, or extensions. In the meantime, people have grown accustomed to seeing you with a cascade of hair hanging below your shoulders and you might be feeling hesitant to change the image you have created.
Now, your choice may have evolved into a secret that you’ve been keeping to yourself for a while. Sure, your loved ones might know, but the rest of the general public has no clue. Maybe you feel a little sensitive about it. Perhaps it challenges your confidence because you’re afraid of what others may think about you after seeing your natural texture.
Making changes to your appearance — major or minor — is a step that dares us all to look into ourselves, but when it comes to your hair, there can be some overwhelming anxiety surrounding how others feel about it. Here are some tips to help while you mull over your resolution to come out the closet and proudly wear your natural hair.
Take your time
With common phrases like “just do it” and “rip the bandage off,” it can be difficult to really appreciate the value in taking your time. Resist the self-imposed pressure to reveal your natural hair just because others are doing it in droves. Do it when you are ready.
PHOTO KESHIA
Make up your mind
The key to making any decision is to do so with certainty and confidence. Nothing makes you feel less confident than when you are still secretly wavering about a choice you aren’t sure about.
PHOTO KESHIA
Face your fears
Think of the absolute worst thing that could happen and then laugh about it because it probably won’t. Your classmates will not point and stare. Well, maybe not point but remember that some are staring in awe and admiration. Your co-workers are not going to pass around poorly drawn pictures of you and snicker in the break room. There’s nothing like nullifying fear by conquering that hurdle that’s holding you back.
PHOTO KESHIA
Tap into your inner badness
When it comes to being yourself internally and externally, you must have the courage to live the way you want to. Dig deep and realize how awesome you are for deciding to do something new, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
PHOTO KESHIA
Compliment Your Curls
Saying good things to yourself is very important, especially if you’re feeling a little uncomfortable about the responses of others. You may not hear words of adoration upon your grand reveal but that doesn’t mean your hair self-esteem has to suffer. Do not forget to remind yourself of how beautiful you are.
PHOTO KESHIA
Call in backup
Do you have any friends that have recently decided to forgo the protective styles and started regularly wearing their natural hair? Go to them for advice and anecdotes about their transition from wigs and extensions to an afro and twist outs. It helps to know you’re not alone.
PHOTO KESHIA
Find some inspiration
In the age of the Internet celeb, there is an abundance of bloggers and YouTubers out there that can offer virtual support and inspire you to take the leap. Feeling excited and inspired will make a big difference regardless of if you have a TWA or bra strap length (BSL”> hair.
PHOTO KESHIA
Think ahead
There’s nothing wrong with alternating between wearing your natural hair and extensions, but if you told yourself that you’re going to set your kinks free for good then give yourself a chance to stick with it! If you think you’re going to get bored with your natural hair, plan ahead and have a few different hairstyles up your sleeve for when you run out of ideas.
PHOTO KESHIA
Get into yourself
It’s important to keep in mind that you are you regardless of what your hair looks like. Focusing your identity on what your hair looks like can be a slippery slope that leads to a lack of confidence and hiding your curls for the wrong reasons.
PHOTO KESHIA
Prepare for the impromptu interview
You know people are going to ask questions and the less knowledgeable they are about natural hair, the more likely their inquiries might seem weird or even offensive. You don’t have to answer anything you don’t want to, but definitely be prepared for the curiosity.
