by Marva Pearson

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: May 27, 2009

You have finally made the decision to go natural. I made the decision a while ago and I'm never going back to the creamy crack/perm. I finally remember what my natural hair texture is and how I really like it. The transition from perm to natural wasn't that bad. Actually, I transitioned by putting braids in my hair. I committed to hidden braids for a year to be exact. Just so you know, hidden braids are sort of like micro braids. My hair grew but I did spend quite a bit of time in the hairdresser chair every 3 months. I really had to talk myself into sitting for hours at a time. But the real challenge, aside from the marathon sitting while getting my hair braided, was the sitting while taking the braids down. Oh, my aching arms. But it was well worth it. Since that year I've gotten my hair braided 3 more times. But I think I'm going to give my hidden braids a break.

I get my hair pressed with a straightening comb or a flat iron and I really love the look and feel of my hair. It's still natural to me because I haven't put any chemicals in my hair. But I know there are some die hard natural sisters that would say that I'm still conforming to the same standards that caused me to get a perm in the first place. Ok, so what if I want straight hair, it's an option that I choose every few weeks or so.

Exercising has caused a whole new set of issues for me and my hair. To stop feeling like I'm wasting my money going to the salon to have my hair pressed only to have it sweat out, I've decided to just wash'n go. Another huge step for me. I had to get used to wearing all the ringlets. I've always wanted to be brave enough to just let it go and I've done it. Sometimes I put a few cornrows in my hair and them un-braid them and let the waves hang loose. I love that also. I'm really thinking why did I get a perm in the first place? All the money and hours wasted sitting in the salon. Now don't get me wrong I came out with some great hairstyles, but now I have time on my side and I'm exercising more.

Oh there is one snag in my new found freedom - bangs. I really like bangs, more like I need to have bangs, but curly bangs won't do it for me. I have to straighten my bangs. I know somewhere in some fashion do and don't book you shouldn't wear straight and curly hair at the same time, but who cares. I feel like a rebel and I'm comfortable having my bangs straight and the rest of my hair either wavy or curls.

So I'm exercising and looking to run a few 5K's this summer and I can run in the heat and simply wash and go, and of course straighten my bangs.

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