Can you believe it?  Almost three whole years relaxer free?  Me either!  When I announced the news via Twitter, Pegasus Soap‘s owner, Michelle Ortiz, asked how it’s going for me.  My reply was simply that it’s been a unique experience.  But after thinking on it a couple minutes I realized that up until she asked I’d never given much thought.  I mean, I’m aware of my hair every moment of the day in one way or another.  Whether I’m twirling it around my fingers while considering what topics to Blog about or twisting it around itself to help define my natural curls, my hair is a constant consideration.  But in a latent sort of way.  Realistically, while I take relatively good care of my hair and love every kink and coil that comprises it, it is often “background noise” for me as I move through my days.  For the most part, it’s just “there.”  I’m not a natural style maven or avid product experimenter.  I don’t provide tutorials or combine my journey with other elements of fashion or beauty.  I simply live and allow my hair to do the same.

Looking back, despite my “ignoring” it all these years, I can truthfully say that as my hair has grown so have I.  I’ve grown in prospective, understanding and acceptance.  Not just about my hair and myself, but about  the world my hair and I live in as well.  I’ve wrestled insecurities and inner prejudices that I was totally unaware existed.  I can’t say that I’ve conquered them all, but I grow stronger with each victory, no matter how small it may be.  I’ve seen through the hype of natural hair politics and into an appreciation for everyone’s right to wear their hair how they see fit.  I’ve broken myself out of accepted comfort zones and conforming “rituals”, rendered myself vulnerable and finally gotten to a point in life where I feel good about being me on my terms.  I’ve come from up under the impressions of what natural is supposed to be, and into defining what natural IS, from my hair, to my spiritual practices, to my compassions and social involvements.  Although I have never been overly  preoccupied with my hair itself, I have digested its subliminal every day lessons in a way that has been personally fulfilling.  And now here I am off on a new leg, learning my hair as it grows “from the ground up”, which I’m sure will be a even bigger source enrichment.

All in all, I guess my true answer is that my journey has been a wonderful and freeing experience on many levels.  Consciously, it’s helped me to appreciate myself and others as we are.  Subconsciously, it’s helped me to break down certain barriers in my perspective of beauty, be it natural or enhanced.

Here’s to three more years, and then some!

Healthy Hair Wishes,