A Black Woman’s Natural Hair Journey – Must Read

Posted under Hair Stuff

Happy Monday! Last Wednesday I had my follow up with my doctor for my surgery.

It didn’t go as well as I thought it should have gone. I had an internal suture rupture which caused some bleeding, so my doctor cauterized the area to see if that would stop the bleeding. I was given specific intersection to NOT DO ANYTHING.

Okay… I’m not going to lie, it’s hard for me to not do anything, but in the spirit of not doing anything I ran across a great 5-minute documentary titled Black Women’s Transitions to Natural Hair.

First let me backtrack and tell you why I was even looking for this. Earlier this year I made a vow to transition to natural hair for at least the next 3 years.

My hair is growing like a weed! It’s thick and the texture is not what I thought it was. I have a very nice curl pattern. :-) I’m so excited, but I’m not going to lie, I did get the itch to cut my hair and relax it the other day… :-) !

So, what did I do? I needed some inspiration so I got on Google and started searching for pictures and stories of natural hair journeys.

In doing my search I ran across an article and documentary by Zina Saro-Wiwa on the New York Times website.

I was so inspired, this is a definitely MUST SEE! You should watch this video even if you’re not transitioning. Check it out and post your story. I would love to have a place to come to for some inspiration.

Black Women’s Transitions to Natural Hair

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  • Litebrowniz

    Marquetta, thank you for sharing his documentary. I went natural over 5 years ago and my daughter and other family members became inspired and did the same. I love my natural hair. I am free to be me. My husband loves it as well.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/ROARTEXVIIJBOEX4Y5QFZRKU4U Suggie B

     Hello Marquetta…I really look forward to you email. I think that they are so inspiring . I hope that you feel better and thank you so much for sharing .

  • Createyoursoulpurpose

    Thanks for sharing Marquetta this was a great documentary. As I watched this I remembered when I decided to go natural and I am still happy that I made this choice. However, I believe that so many women don’t go natural because they feel that perhaps they will be frowned upon and will not be accepted in the workplace or their social circles. I also believe there are women that want to go natural but they haven’t got the first clue about how to do so. So, I am hoping that if you go natural for the next 3 years Marquetta you will make some videos on how to manage natural hair.

  • Trinadonna99

    I think she looked so beautiful when she shaved her head. 

    I have worn braids for years then found wigs and weaves. Then I would do the inevitable  perm which look great for a couple months then the breakage and back to the purchased hair.  I could not go to work or church with my natural hair.  I was actually afraid to deal with my hair. I had thick shoulder length hair which when water touched it, it would try to hide in my scalp, couldn’t get my fingers through it for the tangles and it hurt like hell to braid it through.

    Well, I became very ill and all…. of my hair fell out, felllll out.  I was okay though, I still had the wigs.   But, I started to check the internet for ways to heal myself naturally, types of foods for my body type as well foods not good for my body type.  I also checked out sites for Afrocentric hair growth.  Well I found very good information which I used and my hair  started to grow back YEAH!!! I began to do some other things which have changed my hair texture.  Now mind you I am mixed.  I have 1/4 Caucasian, 1/4 Latina and 1/2 African  – my hair reflects that, different textures which have proved a challenge for stylists along with perm disasters. 

    I started washing my hair using rain water and Ivory soap and rinse with ACV.  My hair has fat CURLS, yesss… CURLS after washing.  I then apply a blend of oils and I can then wrap it in big rollers and it stays straight like I flat ironed it or  if I want  it to have wringlets I do bantu knots before going to bed and undo in the mornring.  Easy styles to get out the house in the morning. I moisturise each night with vegetable glycerine with water added and the oils, can you emagine? I could never do this to my hair in the past, moisture was my enemy we are now best friends????
    .This has been a great outcome  my hair journey.

    I hope this was helpfull.  Thanks for reading

  • Sosflem

    Enjoyed the video.  I have several clients that I would like to see go natural, but I know that going natural means a lot more self maintainence—so that’s NOT HAPPENING!!!.  I don’t know much about natural hair syting and care,  but I am so willing to learn and look forward to hearing about what you learn during the next 3 years.  Wish you the best. 

  • Charleneokonkwo

    Thank you for sharing this documentary.  I have been natural for 3 1/2 years, I love my texture, kinks, coils, curls and all!  This is very inspiring for transitioners or any one condsidering going natural.

  • Adhraines

    This is very interesting and inspiring video, I myself am in the process of transitioning to natural hair. I haven’t had a perm for about two years now.  but I were my hair in braids because I really don’t have any nice cute hairstyles.  After watching this video i got a few ideas i am going to try.  Thank you, Marquetta.

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

     You’re welcome! Good luck…keep us all posted on what you decide…remember do what’s best for you not anyone else! ;-)

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

     Thank you! :-)

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

    Wow! What a great idea! Right now it’s easy for me because I’m wearing sewin’s…once I get some length I’m definitely going to start wearing my natural hair and would love to share some of my styling secrets with all of you!

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

     Me too! In fact I thought she was even more beautiful after she did it.

    Wow your story is so inspiring!

    I’m interested in how you found out about the Rain Water, Ivory Soap and ACV rinse. Sounds interesting.

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

     Thank you! I’m so excited!

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

     You’re welcome! Good for you…I cant wait to say I’ve been natural for 3 years.

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

     You’re welcome! Good for you…the only thing I ask is that you come back to the blog and share some of your pics! I’d love to see your work.

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

     Good for you! My Mom’s sister is also natural and the last time I was home I got so excited about her hair! I just can’t wait to have an afro puff! :-)

  • Tracey Washington

    Hi Marquetta,

    I decided to stop perming when I realized that my hair is always covered with a wig, weave, or twists, so there was no need to keep perming. That was 23 months and 2 days ago. Last month I chopped off the 3 inches of perm that I had left, and now I have a nice big afro puff. I love it! I didn’t think it would be manageable, but I just wash and deep condition and the comb slides through with ease. So glad I did it. Wish I knew how to post a picture.

  • Cynton

    Hello, Marquetta, thank you for this video.  I to have went all natural and I love it.  I have been natural since 2003.  Some times it’s hard and I want to go back to perm but I really love my natural hair.  My husband wants me to cut my hair but still have not gotten there yet.  I hope that you will take it easy and not have anymore set backs.  SIT DOWN!!!  Please we need you to stay in good health.  God Bless!     

  • Ninreg

    GRACE AND PEACE! I AM HOPING AND PRAYING YOU ARE FEELING BETTER. EACH DAY I AM HOPING YOU ARE GETTING AND FEELING STRONGER. GOD BLESS YOUR HUSBAND AND CHILDREN. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST YOUR STAFF MANY BLESSINGS TO THEM. YES I HAVE BEEN WEARING NATURAL HAIR FOR SOME TIME NOW. I WORE DREADS FOR MANY YEARS. JUST RECENTLY LAST YEAR I CUT THEM OFF LIKE THE YOUNG LADY DID IN THIS VIDEO WITH HER BRAIDS. I FELT ALSO SOME OF THE SAME THOUGHTS. WHAT DID I DO. MAYBE I SHOULD NOT HAVE CUT MY LOCKS. BUT I PRAYED FIRST ABOUT MY DECISION. I ALSO HAD SOME BALD SPOTS. AND AREAS MY HAIR JUST WOULD NOT GROW. DEALING WITH THAT. SEEING THE DOCTORS ON TV. I PURCHASED  A HAIRMAX COMB FOR PEOPLE THAT HAD THESE PROBLEMS. I ALSO SEE A SKIN DR. SHE RAN TESTS AND I WAS HEALTHY. SO I ORDERED THE  THE HAIRMAX COMB. BECAUSE I AM MENAPAUSAL AND WANTED TO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM. THE HAIRMAX COMB IS WORKING GREAT. SEEING MY HAIR GROW BACK HEALTHY IS TRULY A BLESSING FOR ME. I ONLY HAVE BEEN USING THE COMB A MONTH. I AM SEEING RESULTS. FDA CLEARED FOR WOMWN AND MEN TO USE AT HOME. SOME SALONS DO THESE TRATMENTS I ALSO NOTICED. I FOUND THE COMB TO  BE AFFORDABLE TO PURCHASE. I NOW CAN ENJOY MY SHORT NATURAL HAIR CUT WHICH WITH YOUR HAIR CUTTING VIDEO I DID THE CUT MYSELF. WITH CONFIDENCE. THANKS FOR SHOWING ME HOW TO DO HAIR. YOUR FAMILY BUISNESS IS A MINISTRY TOO. TAKE CARE LOVE YA!

  • Tammy

    hello…i have been trying to pull up this video for the last h our! for some reason, its not even com ing up on the screen for me to even “click the button at the left side of the box”. is there any other way to watch it? you tube maybe? thanks..looking for you reply

  • QueenSunshyne

    Thank you so much for that video, it came right on time. I recently just gave birth and decided once I took my braids off I will go NATURAL. Well I did but I havent cut off all my perm yet to help keep my length but I am growing it out. It has been about over a year since I had a full perm and almost a year since I had an edge up in the front (sew-in). However, I plan not to put anymore relaxer in my hair. It has only been almost a week since I took my micros out and have discovered my real hair texture. What’s so funny is that for that past six years I’ve been trying to figure out my daughter texture and what works best because it can become so dry and the curls are super tight; not knowing we have the exact same texture. If I was natural back then I would’ve known what to do. Lol. But know as I find the balance for my hair I will finally be able to find it for hers. I’m so excited and happy I made the transition.
    The email and video gave me that extra boost I needed, you have no idea. Again thanks

  • Susan

    Wow! This was so inspiring. Thanks for posting. I am so glad that I have my hair natural. And I plan to stay that way so that I can be an example to my daughter. Thanks again :)

  • Nette

    Hi Marquetta!!  First let me say that I pray that you have a speedy recovery.  I have been in a similar situation and I know what you are going through.  Prayer works.  As far as my hair…..I have been natural for almost a year now.  My story is a little different as to the reason.  I have a condition known as PCOS which is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.  One of the symptoms of PCOS is that it causes thinning at the crown of your head and at the temples.  When I was relaxed…I notice how thin my hair was at the crown and it was way shorter than the rest of my hair.  I mean you could move all of the surrounding hair and see where the breakage was in that one spot.  NOTHING seemed to make that little patch grow.  So I decided that I would get rid of the chemical and see what would happen.  Amazingly….that area of my hair became really thick and it was growing evenly with the rest of my natural hair. I could see the weak ends of permed hair and then there was this thick and healthy looking natural hair.  So in August of 2011 I did my big chop….it wasn’t planned.  I was just tired of the two textures and realized that natural hair was actually a little cheaper to care for.  Now almost a year later….I can’t even tell where that patch was because it is just as thick and healthy as the rest of my hair.  I am loving my natural for the look and most importantly for how much more healthy my hair is now.

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

    Hi Cynton,

    Yes you’re right it is hard sometimes! I cant wait to get some length so I can try out some of these cute styles I’m seeing! :-)

  • http://www.marquettabreslin.com Marquetta Breslin

    I’m very sorry to hear what you’re going through. You are in my prayers as well. Good for you! I’m sure you’re loving the freedom of being Natural! I did my big chop the other day and I’m so excited!

  • Sandy

    Good Afternoon, Marquetta, my name is Sandy, Thanks for the video post…I am in prayer with you…with your surgery, Truly…I pray all went well or indeed will go well for you… I too am working my way back to natural. I will be honest and say i currently have a very very light texturizer in my hair because of a product i used which takes already kinky soft hair and makes it even more stronger and kinky… so i had a true Workout when it came time to do my hair…so ladies I’m not saying its a bad thing to be overly kinky… But! its all the same just like when we put straightening chemicals in our hair we should also watch what products we use when going natural…the product i used…was for someone who has (Straight curly kinky hair) who want their hair alittle more kinky…not for hair that is ( kinky curly) Without the Straight…I should have read the labels and checked into it first…there is a product out there (WITHOUT) alcohol in it …that is a good product for natural kinky hair. I will find out the name and come back and place it here. But ladies we (DO NOT) need any drying alcohol for our kinky curls, we need alot of moisture…Also i have found that old product called Vo5,(it may have alcohol in it… But! it must not be much)… It’s a product from back in the day, has alot of glycerin in it… and it helps too…glycerin for some reason helps my hair. Please read your products before you administer them. I will return with the name of the product that works well on kinky hair a friend of mine used… i just need to catch up with her :o ). Have a beautiful blessed week. And God, Bless You Marquetta. Sincerely, Sandy

  • G. Wilder-Richards

    Hi Marquetta, I did view the video of black women’s transition to natural hair and completely related.
    I have cut all of my hair off two or three times in the past and went natural but the longer my hair grew
    the more frustrated I became because it was hard to put a comb through it and then I started to use
    all the products that people use that have a jeri curl and finally I was able to comb through it and had
    a nice afro but could not put my hair in any nice styles. my need for a nice hair style and a different look drove me back to the creamy crack. .I was surprised to learn of the link between female reproduction issues and perm. It would really be nice if you could develop some nice hair
    styles for natural hair and the products to maintain these styles for black women.