Going “natural” was something that I thought about for years off and on. I toyed with the idea, but fear is what kept me from taking the plunge.

What would I look like?
Will cutting all my hair off make my head look bigger?
What about the shape of my head, what does it look like under this hair?
What will my husband think of my new look?

These are just some of the questions I asked myself.

It was during the fall of 2010 that I really started to contemplate doing the BIG CHOP. I wanted to embark on a healthier lifestyle and in my opinion, working out and relaxed hair does not mix. After some serious soul-searching and with the OK from my daughter and husband, I made the decision during Christmas 2010. My husband showed his support by driving me to his barber shop where I cut all of my relaxed hair off. The day was December 30, 2010.

Once I cut my hair, I felt as if a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. My life would no longer revolve around the “relaxer schedule” that I had been a slave to since I was 12 years old. It has been almost 2 years and I could not have been happier with my decision! My hair has grown significantly and I am enjoying this phase of my life. My family, friends and colleagues all love the styles that I create – - not that it would matter if they didn’t, but it’s always nice to have a cheering section.

My eyes have been opened to another world that I previously was not privy to. Going natural initiated me into a circle of sisters that promote self-love and I have been fortunate to meet ladies that I would have never have met had I not made this change in my life. I’ve become more active and managed to lose a few pounds; but recently, I have shifted my gears and amped up working out so that I can lose even more weight. I recently started the C25K program and joined Black Girls RUN! and I’m learning how to run and will be entering my first 5K race this October. Again, all of this would not have happened had I not made that decision back in December 2010.

I’m sure there are many ladies out there that are questioning their decision. My advice: just do it! If you don’t like it, you can wear a wig or weave it until your hair grows back. But I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Going natural was the right decision for me. I love my hair and can’t wait to see what the next 18 months holds for the both us!

Kenya is also a lia sophia® jewelry advisor. You can reach her at LiaSophia

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