Hair
No two hair journeys are the same, but each carries an important message about self love.
The decline may also be attributed to an increase in understanding around the dangers of hair relaxers.
But its important to remember that everyones relationship with these products is unique.
As conversations around relaxers continue to evolve, it seems all discussions lead to one thing: choice.
Remel
The first time I got my hair to relax my hair I was 19.
So having relaxed hair in a short cut has been really handy for me.
And, since having relaxed hair, its actually grown, because it doesnt get damaged as much.
Growing up, I didnt have the best relationship with my hair.
I was told these things.
I now love going to the hairdresser, I love my hairdresser, and were good friends.
Its become a great part of becoming an adult and becoming a woman.
Yasmin
I was about 14 years old when I had my hair relaxed for the first time.
The process burned like HELL though and I had to have a nap when I got home.
I’m back to braids and I’m never going elsewhere.
I wanted to fit in.
I thought [relaxer] would make my hair straight and pretty like my friends.
It wasn’t until I was 21 that I fully began to understand my natural hair.
Now my favourite part about my hair is the volume.
I love that it stands out (and up!)
and I worry less about what people think.
Lauren
I started having my hair relaxed when I was about seven.
About six years ago, I started keratin treatments to relax my hair and they have been amazing.
Naomi
I had my first relaxer in high school, when I was around 13 years old.
My uncle’s partner at the time was a former hairdresser and did it for me.
It wasnt a traumatic experience, though.
If anything, it was a pleasant one.
For me, healthy hair is most important regardless of whether it is natural or chemically treated.
My mums friend from church did it for me and we all thought it would wash out.
Little did we know…
I ended up with hair so long that it ended to my knees.
I felt like Pocahontas until my mom said we had to cut it into a manageable length.
I thought the relaxer would stop the bullying.
My hair also wouldnt grow long because of my damaged scalp.
I also wanted to feel that way about my hair and skin.
I love my hair now and I love everything that I used to hate about it.
Today, I promote self-love and self-expression and my natural hair has helped me become more confident over time.
