Five years ago at a professional conference, two ladies were thrown together as roommates. Like newfound friends, the ladies stayed awake all night chatting about life and getting to know one another. In the midst of this late night pow wow, one roommate shared with the other about her natural hair journey and the struggles she was facing during her transition. The next day — still giddy from staying up late — the two ladies hurried to nearest salon, grabbed styling scissors and clipped away the relaxed hair. Before they knew it, the “Big Chop” was complete, the transformation was made, and a new naturalista was born.
This is an unlikely and somewhat humorous natural hair journey story, but the story is true and belongs to Pamela Cooper. Besides being a self-professed Funky Junky, Pamela is an educator, a wife and a mother to three boys.
Pamela’s natural hair journey truly began when she noticed her relaxed hair was thinning. Concerned about the health of her hair, she consulted a stylist and was surprised to find out that the thinning of her hair was the result of her permed hair being over-processed. At that very moment, Pamela decided to stop using relaxers and allow her hair to “grow out” naturally. Slowly, Pamela’s hair began to return back to a healthy state. But because part of her hair was natural and part of it was relaxed, she flat ironed her hair regularly. Still, she found it difficult to maintain her flat ironed hair due to her rigorous daily exercise routine. “My hair became a challenge to deal with. I would sweat during my workout and my roots would just puff up. It wasn’t a cute look and it was difficult to maintain,” said Pamela. So, on a whim and with the encouragement of a newfound friend after a sleepless night at a conference, Pamela decided that she had enough of her transitioning hair. It was time to cut off her relaxed ends, and so she did. “I was very excited to embark on my new path as a naturalista,” she recalls.
Like most natural hair journeys, there are several challenges a naturalista will face along the way. “My hair is extremely coily and I had a very hard time finding a product that would make my hair curl,” said Pamela. “There are many naturalistas in my family who have various hair types. They all tried their best to recommend different products to make my hair curl, but none of the products worked for me.”
While doing an internet search for a natural hair salon, Pamela discovered a Groupon from Uncle Funky’s Daughter Salon that offered a discounted hair service. She quickly scheduled an appointment and hoped that an Uncle Funky’s Daughter stylist could help her with her ongoing hair challenges. “I remember going to the salon and complaining about not being able to find a product that would curl my coily hair and the stylist said, ‘Don’t worry. I have magic in a bottle.’” “Magic it was!” Pamela remembers. Pamela walked out of the salon that day with a stylish haircut and a new love for Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator.
Pamela finds great comfort in being natural, and she expresses that not everyone welcomed her decision. “I remember when I initially transitioned, one of my coworkers made an impolite comment about my natural hair,” she reflected. “At that moment, I thought to myself, any woman who can wear her hair natural is a very confident woman. Being natural means loving yourself regardless of how others feel.” Not only did Pamela encounter a few discouraging comments at her job, but she also experienced a similar reaction within her family. “It was a huge culture shock to my husband and boys. I had to remind them that they should love me for who I am, not what my hair looks like. Five years after transitioning, my family still laughs at the fact that my youngest son compliments me every time my hair is straightened. I think he is trying to send me a subliminal message,” she laughs.
Pamela’s initial love affair with Uncle Funky’s Daughter began with Curly Magic, but her affection grew to include Richee Rich, Squeaky, Extra Butter and Glossy. “I love these products. They have revitalized my hair and have given me the curl definition that I was yearning for,” she said.
Now that Pamela uses products that compliment her coily hair, she loves being natural. “I love the flexibility that natural hair gives me. I am able to continue my exercising routine as well as style my hair when I am going to an After 5 event,” she said. Pamela enjoys her natural hair journey and continues to make discoveries along the way. “I have found a new love and appreciation for my hair and myself, I truly admire India Arie’s song I Am Not My Hair. This song is very encouraging for women who are transitioning and not getting the support they deserve.”
8 comments
Cheers to Pam,
I actually know Pam, but haven’t seen her in a long time. My self discovery as naturalista sista happened after living overseas for a shot time. I came home & took the plung at the UFD salon. In fact I had 2 appointments, the back up in case I lost the nerve. But no turning back & I don’t regret the decision. My family reacted similar because my hair was so short. But it speaks volumes to my 2 daughters because I had been & still do encourage them to love their hair. My mom had relaxed my hair at 5 years old, so prior to that turning point I couldn’t even remember my natural hair. It’s been so liberating in terms of exercising & swimming. While we lived overseas for 3 more years, I did not have to be so concerned with hair care because I did most of my hair care on my own. Thank you Pam for your story.
Morgan, I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my Natural Hair Journey with you! Great article! Funky Junk for Life!
Great article and your hair is beautiful. Love ya P Coop!
I worked with Pam years ago and was lucky enough to call her friend. I was so excited when she started this journey because her natural hair is beautiful! She’s a stunning lady with hair to match!
Pam is a beautiful individual that inspired me to embrace my natural hair. I too was displeased with my natural look. Pam came over one Saturday and used her Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s products on my hair. It was love at first curl! Thanks for being brave and bold, Pam. I’m better because of you.
Pam, is like a sister to me and a role model that I’ve been looking up to for more than a decade. When she told me she was going natural, I groaned inwardly and bit my tongue. Pam’s natural hair has been so stunning that it gave me the confidence I needed to go natural. Thanks for sharing your story with others!! Love ya!!
Pam, your hair looks great! Love the After 5 pic. Your journey was interesting and unbelievable even though we have already talked about it. I love my natural hair also and I’m not going back. Natural Sistas forever…!
Hi Pam, I love your hair and I too think that any woman that can wear her hair natural has (or will eventually get) loads of self confidence. Those that make discouraging comments are usually not in sinc with their hair and their true beautiful self and may have started to let others define them. I have worn natural hair on and off for over 10 years, it has allowed me to save money, time, exercise freely, and to still have edges and healthy hair. Others will never get rich by making me think straight is always the way to go because I will not allow them to define what beautiful hair is for those that do not have straight hair. Thanks for your courage and honesty. Stay blessed! fredy k 03-01-2016