I’ve made a vow to myself: I will not be heat styling my hair for 30 days.
The only exception will be if there is a very special circumstance (a wedding, a fancy work event, etc.). If I do that, then I will be using very special shampoo to make sure I don’t get extensive damage during these few exceptions.
The goal of this is to hopefully have hair at the end of 30 days that is rejuvenated, healthy, and all-natural. At that point, my natural texture will be completely back and heat styling my hair will probably be pointless because it looks so good without it.
I’ll be updating frequently with pictures and tutorials on curly styles I’m trying, my hair routine, and all that jazz. Keep reading for a few more personal details on why I’m embarking on this all-natural journey.
Me with my extensions (left) versus my natural hair (right):
I tell my friends to love themselves for who they are. I share articles on social media about loving your body and embracing curves. I’ve talked endlessly with my peers, friends, parents, teachers, and mentors about what a negative influence the media has on women’s self-image.
But how can I complain about people conforming to media’s standard of beauty when I do it myself?
I am a hypocrite.
As many of you know, I have struggled with my hair for a long time. Between it’s lack of growth to it’s weird natural texture, I’m never quite satisfied with it. I straighten, curl, and blow-dry it nonstop. I put extensions in because it refuses to grow. (hmm… there’s clips pulling at the roots of my hair and I wonder why it won’t grow…I’m dumb) Doing all of these crazy things to my hair has become an addiction.
I know this may seem silly to some but I hope this resonates with at least a few people reading. I think we all do things for other people – whether we dress a certain way or buy certain brands. When we take a step back, we realize it’s not really for ourselves as much as it is for other people. When you ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and you’re brutally honest, the answer may surprise you.
I’m not saying that every person who heat styles their hair or wears extensions is self-conscious or conforming to society, no. For some, it’s just a fun way to change up their look. I wish that was the case for me (although I kept telling myself it was just for fun).
When I really took a step back to reflect, I realized I was doing all of this crap to my hair because I genuinely thought people liked me better because of it.
Realizing that, I felt stupid. Why do I even care about the opinions of people who would prefer me to be something I’m not? Why don’t I value those who love me for who I am naturally (curly hair and all!)?
So I let go. I let go of what others think of me. If somebody decides they don’t like me as much just based off of the texture or style of my hair, then I don’t want them in my life. It’s as simple as that.
The people who truly love you won’t care what you look like.
I hope y’all love me because it’s about to be a curly, frizzy mess on my blog for the next month!
