The Big Chop: Why I Chose To Do It

I know it's been a while since I've posted about my hair...or anything in that matter. But a month ago, I decided to finally do something I had been wanting to do since late summer 2014. I chopped it all off!

I've been asked why, and I wish I had some cool spontaneous story about how I was just bored, and just went to the shop, and voila! But, that's not quite how my story went. It's true, I was bored with my hair. But I also was going through a growth rough patch. I didn't think my hair was growing anymore. I consulted with a couple people, my boyfriend being a persuading factor, decided I would give my hair a few more weeks and then think about it again.

Well January 2015 hit, and in pure "new year, new me" fashion, the need for this hair cut was just eating at me. I couldn't shake this feeling, that although, I've never cut my hair nearly as short as what I was going for, I need absolutely needed to this. 

Again, my hair wasn't growing. It was uneven due to infrequent trimmings, and just not straightening my hair at all. Also, my hair didn't feel clean. I wore wash -n- go's, as my scalp is really sensitive and builds up quickly, and no matter whether I cowashed or washed with purifying shampoo, it just didn't feel clean. It was nasty!

So I cut it....

And it's been a month long journey lol. I'm still getting used not being able to hide behind my hair. Not being able to try different styles. I will say, I'm so in love with the low maintenance of it so far. And oddly enough, I get a compliment almost every day. Listen to this, every day! I can't style it. I can only wear wash -n- go's, and somehow my confidence in this cut has gone up day by day.

Have you been contemplating getting the Big Chop? What's holding you back?

Is #TeamNatural Only For The Black Community?

I recently watched a video of a live discussion Huffington Post hosted on whether the Natural Movement is exclusive to only black women. I thought it was a very good discussion including not just black women, but a white woman was on the panel as well.

I personally would not feel comfortable agreeing that the Natural Movement is exclusive to only black women. We praise all women with naturally curly/kinky/coily hair. Many times we praise women of a mixed race on their natural hair state. So is the bigger issue about whether natural hair exclusive to black women, or just not including white women? If we say its exclusive to black women only, then don't we exclude all women of color? That includes any woman that doesn't have the African American/Black heritage. I don't really think that's fair.

My parents are both of mixed race. Hell, if you go down my families ancestry tree, you may find more Caucasian then black. My mom, a Jamaican born woman, has very very light skin and very fine curly hair. Her mom is from a Scottish decent and her dad from an Irish decent. And btw, my mom is not natural. She's still using that creamy crack. But if my mom had decided to stop using chemicals to straighten her hair. She would be embraced right?

I feel like the main purpose for woman going natural is to have healthier hair. If I were to make a poll, I think that would be most women's number 1 reason for going natural. Why can't white women make the same decision and let everyone know they're natural? Their hair would be in a natural state right?

I agree with both sides of the spectrum. We as women of color should have more exclusive safe havens to discuss our own personal beauty issues. But at the same token, why can't we as women just stand together and be a part of the same community for once.

Check out the video for yourself, it's definitely a good watch.




What is your opinion? Do you think The Natural Hair Movement should be exclusive?

Balancing Relationships and Me time

Often in relationships we tend to become very consumed with our significant other. From relationships ups and personal conflicts, we forget about the other important aspects in our life. Signs you may be caught up could come from complaining girlfriends to loss of interest in your own hobbies.  It may be time to catch up on some “me” time.

Go to the Spa.

Nothing says you’re enjoying some me time by planning a day at the spa. All girls like to get pampered. Call up one of your friends and set date. This is a great time to release some of those stressors you’ve been

carrying and catch up on some girl talk.

Pick up a Hobby.

If you’re left wondering what you like doing without your boo; try new things. Maybe there was something you really enjoyed doing before this relationship and you haven’t done it in a while. If you’re looking for some new things, check out sites like Groupon or LivingSocial. Sites like these always have new things in your area for a discounted price. Hey nothing beats a deal!

Create a Workout Regimen.

Working out has been proven to not just improve your health, but improve your mood. Create a workout regimen during the week and stick to it. It’ll lighten your mood and give you some much needed personal time to think and your clear your head.

Create a Girl’s Night.

Try leaving out one night a week that works for you and your friends and do something different. If you’re not a big club person (like me), find something that you all will enjoy doing. Go to the movies, to dinner, or maybe just create a night that’s at a different friend’s house each week.

Hair Care.

Don’t forget that “me” time also includes caring for your hair. Try a new hairstyle or maybe new products. Decide whether the current regimen you are using is working and if not try something else. Maybe it’s time for a trim. Make sure that you are picking at least one day to take care of your hair needs.

Remember, all things need balance. The time spent with your significant other, your friends, and time spent with yourself is important. But without balance, someone’s missing out.