CLAIM MY CROWN

Hey curly queens! I hope you all are doing well. I just want to share a little bit about my natural hair journey with you guys! I hope that this will encourage you to embrace your natural hair, despite your past battles with loving it. KEEP READING:)

Early Memories

At a young age, I learned that beauty was pain lol. My grandma would lay me across the countertop (which I dreaded) and she’d wash, condition, oil & braid my hair. Growing up, I always wore my hair natural. Braids, buns, twists, puff balls, you name it! My mom would always tell me my hair was beautiful while she brushed my curls back. She loved trying new styles & new accessories on my hair. I was always happy with my hair for the most part, but I always felt like my hair wasn’t enough because it wasn’t long. I didn’t realize then that I was insecure about my hair, but I would later find that those insecurities would follow me to my teenage years.

The Cycle of Heat

The older I got, the more I straightened my hair. For every picture day, holiday or special occasion, a hair appointment was set. I became obsessed with the thought of my hair being straight. I didn’t have a routine for my natural hair at all, I just did the basics of washing, conditioning and rarely, styling. In hindsight, the heat slowly erased my curls & took my shrinkage. My hair began to thin out due to the constant use of flat irons. Although I’ve been natural my whole life, the heat was still destroying my natural curls and I didn’t even realize it! I wore my curls less and less, and it started to seem like I was self-conscious any time I wore it. If I didn’t have braids or a bun for a short period of time, it was straight. I felt my best when my hair was down and flowy.

Rock Bottom

This continued for a few years. But to top it all off, I decided to bleach & color my hair my freshman year of high school. I really liked my new look, but it wasn’t long before I realized that my hair was in the worst condition it had ever been in. It was dry, dull & weak; breaking off by the minute. I was horrified, and for the first time in my life, I disliked my hair. I started deeply regretting my decision, but to hide the damaged curls, I CONTINUED to get my hair flat ironed!

A New Start

About three years ago, my color grew out completely & I stopped trimming my hair. This new beginning was hard, but it was so exciting for me! I decided that I was going to cherish my natural hair & take care of it. I began to seek God to see myself the way He sees me, and I have grown to love my hair so much! I can never keep weave or a protective style for too long lol. I still straighten my hair occasionally, but not nearly as much as I used to. My hair is at its longest & my curls are healthy again! I have my days where no style seems to work. I have my moments where I fixate on the thought of having long hair. But I still choose to love myself where I am. Ladies, your hair is your crown! God made you, His masterpiece, and called you worthy of love and confidence!!! So don’t give up! Read your word. Encourage yourself with affirmations. And most importantly, be patient. Anything that is damaged takes time to be repaired. Find what works for you & be consistent!!! Keep taking care of of you, queen. I love guys! Thanks for reading my Ted Talk lol!!!💗💗💗💗👸🏽👸🏽👸🏽👸🏽