Ultimately I was transitioning as a person…I felt like I wanted to start from scratch and not bring any old energy into that process.
More and more we see it happening–naturals who’ve been on a hair journey for years are big chopping for the second or third time.
Sometimes it’s due to damage; at other times it’s been “just because”. Whatever the reason, they show us that we need not be afraid of a fresh start. Mel, known online as @rockyorizos, recently decided to start her natural hair journey anew and shared a bit of her past, present, and future with us.
I have been natural for a long time.
My last relaxer was when I was 13 years old; the catalyst behind me starting a natural hair journey was when the Spice Girls first came to the music scene (I’m telling my age now, lol”>. I saw Mel B jumping up and down with that beautiful curly hair and I wondered, why am I straightening my hair when it looks just like hers?
The length of my hair before my recent big chop was about shoulder length. My long hair regimen was pretty simple since I was a wash and go girl. I would wash my hair weekly with Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Anti Shrinkage Shampoo and deep condition with a homemade concoction of olive oil and mashed avocado. I used a mix of Sebastian Potion 9, Eco Styler Gel, and either jojoba or grapeseed oil to style. I’d air dry as often as I could, but when I was pressed for time, I diffused my hair with low heat until it was dry and blast it with cold air to finish the process.
I downsized my apartment, I edited my circle of friends, made an effort of being more considerate to my family members and giving them quality time, and finally, chopping my signature curls.
I decided to chop off all my hair because it was time to start over.
I was experimenting with different hair colors–which damaged my hair–but also, ultimately I was transitioning as a person. I felt like I wanted to start from scratch and not bring any old energy into that process.
The meaning behind my #iamlettingo hashtag was after the realization that so many people on social media are constantly going through transitions, whether simple or life-changing. I wanted to create a platform to encourage sharing of those intimate stories.
Due to my busy schedule, I did not realize that I was in the middle of my own transition.
During that time I shared how I downsized my apartment, I edited my circle of friends, made an effort of being more considerate to my family members and giving them quality time, and finally, chopping my signature curls. I was extremely grateful that it was well received, but I noticed that so many women and men were going through similar situations and they related it to their hair!
I’ve received so many heartfelt emails and messages from those that did not want to share publicly and they all expressed how I had inspired them to finally let go of things and situations that have held them back for years! To this day, I am humbled and I quickly learned it’s OK to be vulnerable and share your story–you never know who you are influencing.
Coco Chanel once famously said “a woman who cuts her hair, is about to change her life.”
Are you in need of a change? Let go of the hesitation and fear that are standing in your way. Hair will grow back, but cutting it might just be the start of the new beginning you seek. This is the time to let it all go.
Follow Mel on social media
Twitter @rockyorizos, Instagram @Rock_yo_rizos, blog RockYoRizos.com
photos courtesy of Naz Freidouni
