I’ve Officially Learned To Brush Off The “Get a Perm" Comments!

You ever just sit back and look at how you’ve grown within your natural hair journey? Not just the length of your hair or the amazing new hacks and routines you’ve mastered, but inner growth and maturity?

Well as I sit here and reflect, I definitely see growth and it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve noticed how strong I’ve become and how I’ve developed a sense of tough skin.

There was once a time where I let the opinions of others dictate how I saw myself or my hair, but not anymore.

I’ve expressed before the fact that my mother was never really fond of my natural hair journey. The person who I wanted acceptance from the most could never give me one compliment. And I ended up ditching my attempt to go natural the first time because she pressured me into getting a relaxer.

When I began my journey again, with the support of my closest friends, I stuck with it and I was so glad I did. I even got my first compliment from my mother towards the end of last year, which was a huge deal for me.

Last weekend I was moving into a new apartment and she came up to DC to visit me and help out. I was wearing my hair in a simple poof because, let’s be honest, who has time to actually do their hair when they’re moving?!

The first thing out of her mouth when she saw me was, “whew, are you going to do anything to that head”. I just smiled and told her I’m in transition right now and will deal with it tomorrow.

Just like that I was able to brush it off.

Further, I had to deal with comments from her about how much easier it would be if I just got a relaxer, pretty much the entire weekend.

It literally did not bother me because I’m not who I used to be. That girl was weak. Who would’ve taken the comments to heart and then spent all night journaling her feelings and frustrations. Not anymore!

Truth is, I’ve grown to love me for me including my sometimes nappy tresses. Here’s to growing and maturing in your natural hair journey!