“I could never wear my hair natural, it looks good on other women, but not me.”

“I just don’t think wearing my hair natural is for me.”

“It’s too much work, and I don’t have the time to maintain it.”

Those were the words I’d spoken for years, and I was adamant that I would never wear my hair natural in my adult years. During the time of my determined pledge to myself, I secretly wondered if it would taint my appearance. Was wearing my hair straight the ideal look that society portrays for women of color to look pretty? Was I worried about what others would think if my hair was worn in its natural state? Was I worried that my hair would look “unkempt” or “unacceptable?” Was I worried that I wouldn’t look proper and prim? For years, my thoughts ran rampant.

We’re not conditioned to love our curls in society; it just doesn’t work like that. There’s a stereotypical scope of beauty that once shamed natural hair.

But 3.5 years ago, the night before my mother’s funeral, I relaxed my hair for the last time. I made a choice and vowed to myself that I would embrace and love my hair, just the way it was. If that meant wearing an Afro, kinky or curly, or two-strand twists, that’s what I was going to do. Wear my curly hair in all of its kinky, textured, coiled glory.

Though I’ve worn my natural hair throughout the 3.5 years, I’ve also worn crochet hair, a protective style, A LOT. So, I’ve decided to renew my vows and wear my natural hair more.

Here are the reasons why I learned to love my natural hair:

• Natural hair is healthy hair.
• It’s beautiful and bold!
• It’s mine, and I’m going to enjoy wearing it.
• It’s versatile and edgy.
• I can rock big hair.
• The curls perfectly pop.
• I can inspire other women to wear their natural hair.
• I can break down the barriers to society’s standards.
• Sharing hair ideas with fellow naturalists is fun!
• I’m keeping the roots of my culture alive.

What are you learning to love?